Wi-Fi is convenient, but it is also the main cause of disappointing speeds. Walls, distance, interference and older standards limit real speed. A Wi-Fi speed test measures what your devices actually receive without a cable.
Wi-Fi or Ethernet: what does each test measure?
An Ethernet test measures the connection between your router and your ISP. A Wi-Fi test measures the same connection but adds wireless losses. Both are useful: the first diagnoses the line, the second reflects everyday use.
2.4 GHz, 5 GHz and 6 GHz: which band should you use?
| Band | Speed | Range | Best use |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.4 GHz | Low to medium | High | Smart devices, distant rooms |
| 5 GHz | High | Medium | Streaming, video calls, gaming |
| 6 GHz (Wi-Fi 6E/7) | Very high | Low | Recent devices nearby |
The 5 GHz band usually offers the best speed/range balance. 2.4 GHz penetrates walls better but suffers more interference.
Why is Wi-Fi slower than fiber?
- Distance and walls: every obstacle reduces the signal.
- Interference: neighbours, microwaves, Bluetooth devices.
- Older Wi-Fi standards: Wi-Fi 4 or 5 can cap well below fiber speed.
- Number of devices: bandwidth is shared.
- Crowded channels: a saturated channel slows the whole network.
Wi-Fi standards: theoretical speeds
| Standard | Marketing name | Theoretical speed |
|---|---|---|
| 802.11n | Wi-Fi 4 | Up to 600 Mbps |
| 802.11ac | Wi-Fi 5 | Up to 3.5 Gbps |
| 802.11ax | Wi-Fi 6 / 6E | Up to 9.6 Gbps |
| 802.11be | Wi-Fi 7 | Up to 46 Gbps |
These figures are theoretical. In practice, expect half or less depending on distance and the number of devices.
How to test your Wi-Fi speed properly
- Stand where you actually use your devices.
- Note the band (2.4 or 5 GHz) and the Wi-Fi standard.
- Close downloads and updates.
- Run the test several times at different moments.
- Compare with an Ethernet test at the same time.
How to improve your Wi-Fi speed
Move the router closer to living areas, raise it and avoid thick walls. Use 5 GHz for nearby devices, choose a less crowded channel and update the router firmware. In large homes, a mesh system works better than a simple repeater.
Frequently asked questions
Why is my Wi-Fi speed half of my Ethernet speed?
Wi-Fi adds losses from distance, walls, interference and shared bandwidth. A 30–50% gap is common, especially on 2.4 GHz.
Should I use 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz?
Prefer 5 GHz for nearby devices and demanding uses. 2.4 GHz remains useful for smart devices and distant rooms.
Does a Wi-Fi repeater improve speed?
It extends coverage but can reduce speed because it retransmits the signal. A mesh system is generally more efficient.
How do I know if Wi-Fi is the problem?
Compare an Ethernet test and a Wi-Fi test at the same time. If the cable is much faster, the wireless network is at fault.
Measure your speed in seconds
Free, no signup and no installation. Compare your real speed with the speed advertised by your ISP.
Run the speed test