How to Run a WiFi Speed Test: A Beginner’s Guide

A slow or unstable WiFi connection can affect everything from video calls and online work to streaming and cloud applications. This is why knowing how to run a WiFi speed test is an essential skill for both home users and businesses. A speed test helps you understand how well your wireless network is actually performing compared to what your internet plan promises.

Did you know that one in three users experience WiFi speeds that are significantly lower than their subscribed internet plan, often due to poor wireless setup rather than the ISP itself? Understanding your WiFi speed test results is the first step toward fixing these issues.

Businesses and organizations need WiFi networks that deliver consistent, measurable performance. Below, you’ll learn how to run a speed test, discover why your internet may be slow, and explore tips to boost your network performance.

What Is a WiFi Speed Test?

A WiFi internet speed test determines the speed of data flowing between your device and the internet via your wireless network. A WiFi speed test is different from wired tests in that it shows the actual conditions that exist in a particular location, such as the quality of the signal, the presence of noise, the position of the access point, and the number of devices connected.

The test typically displays three primary indicators: download speed, upload speed, and latency (or ping). Download speed can affect streaming and browsing, upload speed has an effect on video calls and file transfer, and latency determines the responsiveness of the connection.

Why Running a WiFi Speed Test Matters

WiFi performance tests can help determine what is causing slow performance: an internet service provider, a router, or the wireless environment. For business enterprises, regular testing is critical, as WiFi issues might hit their productivity, interrupt cloud services, and also affect customer experience.

Over 70% of WiFi performance issues are caused by local network problems, such as poor positioning of the wireless access point, outdated hardware, or overcrowded channels, rather than the Internet itself.

How to Run a WiFi Speed Test (Step by Step)

Here’s a simple step-by-step guide for how to run a WiFi speed test:

1. Choose a Speed Test Tool: Select any one of the many online speed-testing services available, such as Ookla's Speedtest, Fast.com, or Google Speed Test. You can access their services through a browser or download their mobile apps.

2. Connect to Your WiFi Network: Ensure that you have a connection with the WiFi network you plan to test on your device; it's best to avoid using mobile data for the test if possible.

3. Close Unnecessary Apps and Devices: Turn off any services that are currently using the Internet heavily, such as streaming videos, and begin the testing.

4. Run the Speed Test: Open the speed test tool and click “Go” or “Start.” The test will measure your download speed, upload speed, and ping/latency.

5. Analyze the Results

• Download Speed—How fast data comes to your device.
• Upload Speed—How fast your device sends data.
• Ping/Latency – The delay in sending data; lower is better for gaming or video calls.

6. Repeat at Different Times: Internet speeds on a WiFi network will vary depending on the time of day when the test is made, whether slow at night or fast during peak hours.

7. Troubleshoot if Needed: If you're not getting the speed you want, you should move the router, restart it, or keep an eye out for other devices that might be interfering.

Understanding Your WiFi Speed Test Results

A WiFi speed test that is closer to the speeds promised by the ISP means that the network is working well. However, if there is a difference between the speed billed by the service provider and the WiFi speed, the problem likely lies in your wireless setup.

A download speed of above 50 Mbps is enough for most users and would allow businesses that host multiple users, leverage cloud tools, and use video conferencing to require higher speeds. For most applications, latency under 50 ms is considered good, although higher values may well give rise to noticeable hang-ups.

What Is a Good Internet Speed?

A good internet speed depends on what the user is using the internet for and how many devices are connected. For simple browsing, emailing, and social media, a download speed of 5–10 Mbps is enough. For HD video streaming or online gaming, one should aim for speeds of 25–50 Mbps.

Should several people and devices be streaming 4K video at the same time, or videoconferencing and downloading stuff, a speed of 100 Mbps will  ensure that everything runs smoothly. For activities like video calls or uploading large files, upload speed is important, and at least 5–10 Mbps is ideal  for most users.

Do I Need a Faster Router? 

If your current router is unable to handle your internet plan efficiently, fails to cover your entire house or office space, or drops speed when multiple devices get connected, you need a more powerful router. 

Outdated routers may not support the latest standards like WiFi 6, which is faster, has a longer range, and could enhance performance in a variety of devices.

If you want to get minimal speed from the internet plan you buy, then you may opt for a new router, which will eliminate slowdowns or connectivity issues.

Common Reasons for Slow WiFi Speed Test Results

Many WiFi issues are caused by physical and environmental factors. Distance from the router or access point can weaken signal strength, while walls, floors, and electronic devices can introduce interference.

Network congestion is another major issue. When multiple devices are connected to the same access point, bandwidth is shared, resulting in reduced individual speed. Older routers that do not support modern WiFi standards may also struggle to deliver consistent performance.

How to Improve Your WiFi Speed After Testing

Here’s how you can improve your WiFi for maximum performance:

1. Reposition Your Router

It's also important to put your router somewhere central and elevated, away from any walls, metal items, or electronics that could block the signal.

2. Reduce Interference

You should limit the number of devices connected at the same time and avoid placing the router near microwaves, cordless phones, or other WiFi networks that may cause signal interference.

3. Update Firmware and Devices

Make sure your router’s firmware is up to date, and update the WiFi drivers on your devices for optimal performance.

4. Change WiFi Channels

Switching to a less crowded channel can reduce interference from nearby networks, especially on the 2.4 GHz band.

5. Use a Wired Connection When Possible

For devices that need maximum speed and stability, use an Ethernet cable instead of WiFi.

6. Upgrade Your Equipment

If your router is outdated, consider upgrading to a modern router that supports higher speeds and the latest WiFi standards like WiFi 6.

7. Use a WiFi Extender or Mesh Network

If your home or office is large, adding an extender or mesh system can help you eliminate dead zones and improve overall coverage.

8. Limit Bandwidth-Heavy Activities

You should prioritize important tasks by limiting streaming, downloads, or online gaming on multiple devices simultaneously.

Why Is Your Internet Speed Slow?

There could be multiple reasons why the internet becomes slow. First, there can be too many devices on the same bandwidth using it at the same time. Old routers, weak signals, and very poor placement may also slow the speed.

The interference from another electronic device or neighboring Wi-Fi network can disrupt the signal and a data plan different from what you currently use can also interfere with the signals.

Running a speed test will help you identify the problem of your connection so you can take steps to improve your connection.

How Omada Networks Helps Optimize WiFi Performance

Omada Networks offers centralized WiFi solutions designed for consistent speed, reliability, and scalability. With Omada SDN, businesses can monitor real-time WiFi performance, manage access points from a single dashboard, and quickly identify issues affecting speed test results.

They are perfect for offices, retail spaces, schools, and hospitality environments for their clutter-free management while delivering the matching performance of enterprise-grade Wi-Fi.

Final Thoughts

When it comes to understanding and improving your wireless connection, running a WiFi speed test is probably the easiest and most effective technique you'll ever get to use. However, it is essential to use the correct method of running the test and interpreting the results so users and businesses can detect any problems in the early stages and make informed decisions regarding improvements and optimizations.

With Omada Networks Philippines, organizations can go beyond basic testing and gain full visibility and control over their WiFi performance—ensuring fast, reliable connectivity where it matters most.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I run a WiFi speed test?

It is important to run Wi-Fi speed tests whenever you experience slow performance or experience network changes or even just to keep an eye on consistency.

Is a WiFi speed test different from a wired speed test?

Yes. Speed tests carried out over wire measure your internet connection directly, while WiFi speed tests show end-to-wireless conditions such as signal strength and interference.

Why is my WiFi slower than my internet plan?

This usually happens because of router limitations, distance from the access point, interference, or overloading by too many connected devices.

Why should I run a WiFi speed test?

A speed test will allow you to tell if your connection is getting the speed you were told you would, and it can also give you an impression of some delays in speed and some connectivity issues.

When is the best time to run a speed test?

You can check the internet speed of Wi-Fi in your home at different times of the day to see if usage affects speeds; peak times are usually early mornings or late evenings, taking speed into consideration.

Which devices can I use to test WiFi speed?

You can use a computer, smartphone, or tablet to test the speed. Just make sure the devices are connected to the network you wish to test.