Hardwired Speed Test for Bottlenecks

Before you start

• Turn off any VPN before running the speed test
• Check that the computer shows it is connected at the bottom-right of the screen
• If possible, turn off Wi‑Fi on the computer during the hardwired test
• Close streaming, downloads, or other heavy internet activity before testing

Important before you test

A hardwired speed test will almost always be higher and more stable than Wi‑Fi.

The device you test on matters a lot. If you pay for a 1.5GB package, the device being used to test needs to be able to read 1.5GB or more.

That is why older computers, older phones, and some basic adapters often seem stuck around common thresholds like 350 Mbps, 600 Mbps, or about 1 Gbps.

• Wi‑Fi loses speed over distance
• Walls, floors, and other building materials weaken signal
• Other nearby Wi‑Fi networks can cause interference
• Phones, tablets, and older devices may have weaker Wi‑Fi radios than a wired PC
• Ethernet gives a cleaner, more direct connection with less interference

Best ways to test, from best to worst

1. Laptop or phone with an Ethernet dongle capable of reading your full speed, connected directly to the modem
2. Hardwired PC or laptop that can handle the full speed you pay for
3. If you use a mesh system, some brands have an app option to run a speed test from the main mesh gateway. This can help show what speed is reaching the main unit directly
4. Wi‑Fi testing is the least reliable way to check your true internet speed

Wi‑Fi is the worst way to run a speed test because there are so many factors that affect the result, and some of them are not obvious. Your result can change based on where the router is compared to the device, whether the mesh system is hardwired or wireless, whether the router placement is good for the home, whether the home needs more Wi‑Fi coverage, and even what materials are inside the walls. In some homes, signal drops heavily the moment you leave a room.