If your internet feels slower than what you’re paying for, running a proper speed test is the first step to figuring out whether the problem is your plan, your router, or something else entirely.
Use a reliable speed test tool and run it multiple times throughout the day, since results can vary based on network congestion. Testing both with a wired ethernet connection and over Wi-Fi helps you determine whether the slowdown is specific to your wireless setup.
Compare your results against the plan you’re actually paying for. If you’re consistently getting less than 70-80% of your advertised speed, it’s worth contacting your provider, since this can indicate a line issue or outdated equipment on their end.
If wired speeds are fine but Wi-Fi speeds are poor, the issue is almost certainly your router or its placement rather than your internet connection itself. Consider the router positioning tips mentioned in our Wi-Fi guide, or look into mesh Wi-Fi systems for larger homes.
Running speed tests during peak evening hours versus early morning can also reveal whether your provider is throttling speeds during high-demand periods, which is a common but rarely advertised practice among some internet service providers.
Testing It Right
For an accurate speed test, connect your laptop directly to the router with an ethernet cable if possible, close background apps that use bandwidth like cloud backups or streaming, and run the test two or three times at different times of day. Wi-Fi speed tests can vary significantly from wired ones, so if you’re troubleshooting a specific slow device, always compare both to isolate whether the issue is your internet plan or your Wi-Fi signal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What speed do I actually need? For most households with a few devices, 100-300 Mbps is comfortable; heavy 4K streaming and gaming households benefit from 500 Mbps or more.
Why is my speed slower at night? Evenings see peak usage across your whole neighborhood, which can slow shared cable connections during high-traffic hours.