How to Test and Improve Your Internet Speed

How to Test Your Speed Accurately

An accurate speed test requires eliminating variables. Connect your computer directly to your modem or router with an Ethernet cable. Close all other applications, browser tabs, and streaming services. Pause any downloads or cloud sync services. This wired, isolated test shows your connection's true performance without Wi-Fi degradation.

Use multiple testing services for a complete picture. Speedtest.net by Ookla is the most widely used and lets you select specific test servers. Fast.com by Netflix tests your speed against Netflix's servers, which is useful if streaming is your primary concern. Google's built-in speed test (search "speed test") provides a quick third data point.

Test at different times: early morning, midday, early evening (peak hours around 7–9 PM), and late night. If speeds drop significantly during evening hours, you may be experiencing network congestion on a cable network, which is common in densely populated neighborhoods.

Record your results. If speeds consistently fall below 70–80 percent of your plan's advertised rate, you have grounds to contact your provider for troubleshooting or a plan adjustment.

Common Causes of Slow Internet

Wi-Fi interference is the most common culprit. Walls, floors, metal appliances, microwaves, and competing networks from neighbors all degrade wireless signals. The 2.4 GHz band is particularly susceptible to interference in dense environments.

Outdated equipment bottlenecks your connection. A Wi-Fi 4 or Wi-Fi 5 router cannot deliver the full speed of a gigabit plan. Similarly, an old modem may not support your plan's top tier. Check whether your equipment supports the speeds you are paying for.

Network congestion on cable networks can reduce speeds during peak evening hours when many neighbors stream simultaneously. This is a structural limitation of shared cable infrastructure.

Too many connected devices competing for bandwidth can slow each one. The average household has over 15 connected devices, and older routers struggle to manage traffic across all of them efficiently.

Background processes on your devices — automatic updates, cloud syncs, backup services — can consume bandwidth without your knowledge, especially if several devices update simultaneously.

Quick Fixes That Cost Nothing

Restart your modem and router by unplugging them for 30 seconds, then plugging in the modem first and waiting for it to fully connect before powering on the router. This clears cached data and refreshes your connection.

Reposition your router to a central, elevated location in your home. Remove it from closets, cabinets, and behind furniture. Every wall and floor between the router and your device reduces signal strength.

Switch your primary devices to the 5 GHz or 6 GHz band for faster speeds. Reserve the 2.4 GHz band for distant devices that need range over speed, like smart home sensors.

Disconnect unused devices from Wi-Fi. Smart devices you no longer use may still be consuming bandwidth and router resources.

Update your router's firmware through its admin panel or app. Firmware updates often include performance improvements and security patches.

When It's Time to Upgrade

If quick fixes do not resolve your speed issues, consider upgrading your equipment first before upgrading your plan. A new Wi-Fi 6 or 6E router may resolve the bottleneck at lower cost than a plan upgrade. If your modem is more than three years old, replacing it with a DOCSIS 3.1 model (for cable) may unlock speeds your old hardware could not deliver.

If equipment upgrades do not help and speed tests consistently show poor performance, contact your provider. They may be able to diagnose line issues, reset your connection remotely, or offer a plan that better suits your needs.