Wi‑Fi Speed Test
Wi‑Fi speed is how quickly your device can send and receive data over your wireless network. It is usually lower and more variable than a wired (Ethernet) connection because radio signals have to share the air with interference, distance, and obstacles. Use the tool on this page to measure your Wi‑Fi performance, then apply the steps below to improve it.
What is WiFi speed?
Wi‑Fi speed is the download and upload rate you get over your wireless connection. Wired internet speed is the capacity your ISP provides through the modem. Wi‑Fi sits on top of that: even if your plan is fast, weak signal or interference can make Wi‑Fi slower than a direct cable. Examples:
- Browsing: Images and pages load faster when Wi‑Fi speed is close to your plan speed.
- Streaming: Stable Wi‑Fi speed prevents buffering and resolution drops in video.
- Downloads and updates: Higher Wi‑Fi speed shortens app, game, and OS downloads.
What is a good WiFi speed?
| Activity | Comfortable Wi‑Fi speed | How it compares to wired |
|---|---|---|
| Browsing/email | 5–10 Mbps | Often similar to wired if signal is strong |
| HD streaming (1080p) | 15–25 Mbps per stream | Typically reachable on 5/6 GHz; wired is more consistent |
| 4K streaming | 40–80 Mbps per stream | Easier on wired; Wi‑Fi needs strong signal and clear channel |
| Multi‑device home (3–5 users) | 50–200 Mbps shared | Wired handles peaks better; Wi‑Fi may fluctuate |
Wi‑Fi usually trails wired speeds because of signal loss and shared airtime. Aim for a strong connection so your Wi‑Fi results get close to your plan’s wired baseline.
Why WiFi speed is often slower
- Radio signals weaken with distance and walls.
- Wi‑Fi shares the air with neighbors’ routers, Bluetooth, and appliances.
- Devices take turns talking; more devices mean more waiting.
- Older routers or client radios may cap the maximum speed.
- Interference forces retries, which cuts usable throughput.
Common causes of slow WiFi
- Router placed in a corner, cabinet, or on the floor, blocking signal.
- Using 2.4 GHz only; it is crowded and slower than 5/6 GHz.
- Congested channels from nearby networks in apartments.
- Thick walls, metal appliances, or mirrors between you and the router.
- Background traffic: cloud backups, game updates, or streams on other devices.
- Old firmware or outdated routers that struggle with many devices.
- VPNs or security filters on the router/device adding overhead.
How to improve WiFi speed
- Move closer and elevate the router: place it high and central, away from obstructions.
- Use the faster band: pick 5 GHz or 6 GHz for capable devices; keep 2.4 GHz for long-range or IoT.
- Pick a cleaner channel: on 2.4 GHz use 1/6/11; on 5 GHz choose a channel with fewer neighbors.
- Reduce channel width in crowded areas: try 40 MHz on 5 GHz if 80 MHz is unstable.
- Limit background uploads/downloads: pause cloud sync, game updates, and large transfers during calls or streaming.
- Update firmware and device drivers: newer software often improves stability and throughput.
- Reboot equipment occasionally: clears stuck processes and resets radio conditions.
- For mesh, position nodes with good line-of-sight and avoid stacking them too close together.
Test your WiFi speed
Use the tool on this page while connected to your Wi‑Fi. For a clear result:
- Stand in the same room as the router and use 5/6 GHz if available.
- Close heavy apps and pause backups on all devices.
- Turn off VPNs or proxies during the test.
- Run a second test at another time of day to see how congestion changes results. Compare with a wired test if you can. If Ethernet is much faster, focus on Wi‑Fi placement, band selection, and channel choice.
WiFi speed vs wired speed
- Wired: Uses Ethernet, usually reaches the full plan speed with low latency and minimal interference.
- Wi‑Fi: Wireless and shared, more sensitive to distance and noise. It may peak lower than wired and can vary during the day.
To understand your full connection, check download performance with the Download Speed Test and responsiveness with the Ping Test. Wired tests set your baseline; Wi‑Fi tests show how much the wireless layer is adding delay or reducing speed.