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How to check your wifi's real speed and whether it matches your plan

Updated in 2026 · 5 min read

A lot of the time we think wifi is "slow" when what's actually happening is that we're not measuring it correctly. In this article we explain how to check your connection's real speed, why wifi never performs exactly the same as your contracted line, and when that difference really is a reason to call your provider.

In this article:

  1. Always measure by ethernet cable if you can
  2. Use reliable tools to measure
  3. Run several tests at different times
  4. What "up to X Mbps" means and when to complain

1. Always measure by ethernet cable if you can

The first step to knowing if your speed is correct is measuring it under the best possible conditions. That means connecting a computer directly to the router with an ethernet cable, without going through wifi.

It's important to understand that wifi always delivers less speed than the contracted line, and that's completely normal, not a fault. The wireless signal loses performance due to the distance to the router, walls and obstacles in the home, other nearby wifi networks that interfere, and the limitations of the device itself (phone, laptop, smart TV, etc.).

2. Use reliable tools to measure speed

Not all websites and apps that measure speed give equally reliable results. For a solid reference, rely on:

Comparing the result from several tools gives you a more realistic picture than relying on a single isolated measurement.

3. Run several tests at different times of day

A single measurement isn't enough to draw conclusions. Your connection's speed can vary depending on the time, so it's worth repeating the test at several moments:

  1. In the morning or at midday, when there are usually fewer people connected.
  2. In the evening, which is when the network gets most congested overall and it's common to notice somewhat less speed.
  3. On different days, to rule out a one-off issue.
Speed dropping a bit at night doesn't mean something is wrong: it's expected behavior due to the increase in overall network use during those hours.

4. What "up to X Mbps" means and when it's worth complaining

When you sign up for a plan, the speed shown usually comes preceded by the words "up to" (for example, "up to 600 Mbps"). That indicates a theoretical maximum, not a speed guaranteed at all times and under any condition.

That said, there is a reasonable limit beyond which it's worth complaining. It makes sense to contact your provider when, measuring by cable, under optimal conditions and repeating the test several times, you consistently get a speed well below what you contracted, for example less than half.

If the problem only appears when measuring over wifi, it's more likely that the cause lies in your internal network's coverage (router location, obstacles, interference) and not in the contracted line.

✔ With these steps you'll be able to know for sure whether your real speed is within the expected range or whether there's a real reason to complain.
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Frequently asked questions

Is it normal for wifi to be slower than the contracted speed?

Yes. A wifi connection always loses some speed compared to the contracted line, since it depends on the distance to the router, obstacles, other nearby networks and the device itself. That's why, to know your line's real speed, the correct way is to measure it with an ethernet cable.

Why does speed drop at night?

During peak hours, when more people are connected at the same time in your area, it's common for overall speed to drop a bit due to network congestion. It's normal behavior and doesn't necessarily mean there's a fault.

When should I complain to my provider about speed?

It makes sense to complain when, measuring by cable, under optimal conditions and repeating the test several times, you consistently get a speed well below what you contracted, for example less than half. If the problem only appears over wifi, it's more likely due to your internal network's coverage than to the contracted line.

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