Internet speed guides

Plain-language guides to reading your speed test, fixing slow internet and choosing the right plan.

Fixes

WiFi Connected but No Internet? 10 Fixes That Work

Wi-Fi shows connected but nothing loads? Work through 10 fixes that solve it most often: router restarts, captive portals, DNS, IP conflicts and VPNs.

7 min read Wi-Fi

2.4 GHz vs 5 GHz vs 6 GHz Wi-Fi: Which to Use

2.4 GHz reaches further, 5 GHz and 6 GHz are much faster at short range. Learn which Wi-Fi band to use for each device and room.

5 min read Wi-Fi

Best Router Placement for Faster Wi-Fi

Where you put your router can make a big difference. Follow these placement rules to get stronger Wi-Fi across your home for free.

5 min read ISPs & plans

Fiber vs Cable vs DSL vs 5G Home Internet

Compare fiber, cable, DSL and 5G home internet: typical speeds, upload, latency and reliability, and how to choose what's available to you.

5 min read Streaming

How Much Internet Speed Do You Need for Streaming?

Netflix recommends 5 Mbps for Full HD and 15 Mbps for 4K per stream. See how much speed your household needs, and how to stop buffering.

4 min read Wi-Fi

How to Improve Wi-Fi Speed: 10 Practical Fixes

Ten practical ways to make your Wi-Fi faster, from router placement and band choice to firmware updates and mesh systems.

5 min read Gaming

How to Lower Ping in Games: 9 Fixes

Lower your ping and stop lag spikes in online games: wired connection, server choice, stopping background traffic, SQM and more.

5 min read Fixes

How to Speed Up Internet on a Windows PC

Internet slow on your Windows PC only? Find background apps using bandwidth, update network drivers, check VPNs and fix Wi-Fi settings.

5 min read ISPs & plans

How to Tell If Your ISP Is Throttling You

Signs your provider may be slowing certain traffic, how to test for throttling with and without a VPN, and what to do about it.

5 min read Speed basics

How to Test Your Internet Speed Accurately

Get a speed test result you can trust: what to switch off, why a cable matters, when to test, and how to compare results with your plan.

4 min read Streaming

Internet Speed for Working From Home and Video Calls

Video calls need upload speed and steady ping more than download. See Zoom's recommendations and what a remote-working household needs.

4 min read ISPs & plans

Is 1 Gbps Internet Worth It? Who Needs Gigabit

Gigabit internet downloads a 50 GB game in under 7 minutes, but most homes won't notice it day to day. See who benefits and what limits it.

5 min read