Checking WiFi speed helps diagnose slow wireless connections, identify dead zones, and verify your router is performing adequately. Testing wireless speed differs from testing wired connections and requires understanding WiFi-specific factors that affect performance.
Ensure your device is connected to WiFi, not ethernet. Check your network settings to confirm wireless connection is active.
Open a web browser and navigate to CyberSpeedTest.com. The test automatically detects your WiFi connection.
Click Start Test and wait 30 seconds. Don't move your device or use internet during testing. Results show your WiFi performance including download, upload, ping, and jitter.
WiFi is always slower than ethernet due to wireless interference, signal degradation, and distance limitations. These speed reductions are normal and expected.
Download speed: How fast you receive data wirelessly. Used for streaming, browsing, and downloads.
Upload speed: How fast you send data wirelessly. Important for video calls and file uploads.
Ping: Wireless response time. WiFi adds 10-30ms compared to ethernet. Under 50ms is good.
Jitter: WiFi connection stability. Under 30ms is good. High jitter causes choppy performance.
Example: On a 200 Mbps internet plan, getting 120-160 Mbps on WiFi in the same room as router is excellent. Getting 40-80 Mbps two rooms away is normal.
To map your WiFi coverage, test from multiple locations:
Testing from multiple locations reveals where your WiFi is strong and where it needs help. Document results to identify patterns and problem areas.
To understand how much WiFi impacts your speed, compare wired and wireless performance:
WiFi should deliver 50-80% of ethernet speed in same location. If WiFi is significantly slower (under 40% of ethernet), your wireless network needs optimization or your router needs upgrading.
WiFi signal weakens with distance. Every foot farther from router reduces speed. Closer is always faster.
Physical barriers block WiFi signal. Each wall between you and router reduces speed by 20-40%. Concrete, brick, and metal are worst. Drywall and wood are less impactful.
Other WiFi networks, Bluetooth devices, microwaves, and cordless phones all create interference that slows WiFi. Apartment buildings with many networks suffer most.
Every device shares WiFi bandwidth. More devices means less speed per device. Disconnect unused devices for better performance.
2.4GHz has longer range but slower speeds and more interference. 5GHz is much faster but shorter range. Use 5GHz when close to router.
Old routers (5+ years) can't handle modern speeds. WiFi 6 routers provide significantly better performance than older WiFi 5 models.
Cause: Poor WiFi signal or interference
Solution: Move closer to router, switch to 5GHz band, or test ethernet to confirm internet speed is adequate
Cause: WiFi interference or network congestion
Solution: Test multiple times, change WiFi channel, disconnect other devices
Cause: Inadequate WiFi coverage
Solution: Reposition router centrally, add mesh WiFi system, or use WiFi extenders
Cause: Device WiFi adapter limitations
Solution: Update device WiFi drivers, check device supports 5GHz, or accept device limitations
Cause: High jitter or packet loss, not slow speed
Solution: Check ping and jitter in test results, reduce interference, use ethernet for critical activities
You don't always need maximum WiFi speed. These activities work fine with moderate WiFi:
Focus WiFi improvements on areas where you do bandwidth-intensive activities like 4K streaming, gaming, or video conferencing. Other locations can have slower WiFi without impacting experience.
WiFi performance varies by time due to network congestion and interference:
Typically fastest. Fewer devices active, less neighborhood WiFi interference.
Good speeds if you're only user. Can slow if family members are home.
Slowest period. Everyone home using internet, maximum interference from neighbors' WiFi.
Fast again as usage decreases. Good time for large downloads.
Test during peak evening hours to see worst-case WiFi performance. If speeds are acceptable then, they'll be good all day.
Checking WiFi speed is simple: connect to WiFi, visit CyberSpeedTest.com, and run a test. Test from multiple locations to map coverage and identify dead zones. WiFi should deliver 50-80% of your internet plan speed near the router, decreasing with distance and obstacles.
If WiFi is significantly slower than expected, reposition your router, switch to 5GHz band, reduce interference, or consider upgrading to a WiFi 6 router or mesh system. Test regularly to ensure adequate wireless performance throughout your home.