WiFi speed test: find out what is slowing you down.

1. Get a reliable baseline

Before testing, pause downloads, cloud backups and streaming on other devices when possible. Stand close to your WiFi router and run a browser-based bandwidth test. Note download, upload and ping. Repeat it two or three times; short-term congestion can make one result misleading.

2. Compare WiFi with an Ethernet connection

If your device supports Ethernet, plug it into the router and test again. A much better wired result suggests the WiFi link itself is a limiting factor. If both wired and wireless are slow, investigate your internet service, router performance and the test server before changing WiFi settings.

3. Check signal, distance and interference

Walls, thick floors and distance weaken the signal. Microwaves, Bluetooth devices and neighboring networks may contribute to interference, especially on crowded 2.4 GHz channels. Try a different room, move closer to the router and compare your results. Avoid placing the router inside a cabinet or behind large metal objects.

4. Compare 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz and 6 GHz

When supported by your router and device, 5 GHz and 6 GHz bands can offer higher throughput at shorter range, while 2.4 GHz generally reaches farther but is often more congested. The best choice depends on your device and local environment, so measure rather than assuming.

5. Check the slowest component

An older laptop, congested router, weak WiFi adapter or limited internet plan may become the bottleneck. Device power-saving settings and active VPNs can also change results. Updating router firmware and network drivers can help, but follow your device manufacturer's instructions and back up important router settings before changing them.

6. Test at different times

If performance drops mainly at busy evening hours, there may be network congestion beyond your home. Record a few comparable results from morning and evening tests, then discuss the pattern with your internet provider.