WiFi speed tests are generally accurate, but many factors can affect WiFi speed test results.
Speed test results might vary depending on factors like where your mobile device is in relation to your router or mesh system and how many connected devices are actively using bandwidth. If the device performing the speed test is close to your router or mesh system and there are no other devices using bandwidth, you will get better results than if you are far away and other devices are using network resources.
Your results can also vary depending on the server your device is using to perform the speed test. Your distance from the speed test company’s server and how much traffic the speed test company’s server is receiving affect your speed test results. For example, if you live in San Francisco, your speed test results using a server in San Francisco will differ from your results using a server in Los Angeles, and the amount of traffic each server gets might also change the results.
If your speeds are still below your expectations, you might be experiencing a problem with your Internet service provider (ISP) or the service line entering your home. Contact your ISP to continue troubleshooting.
For more information:
- How do I check my Internet speed?
- How do I run a speed test using the Nighthawk app?
- How do I run a speed test using the Orbi app?
- How do I troubleshoot slow Internet connections when I'm connected to my NETGEAR router?