What is a Good WiFi Speed? Here's the Quick Answer

UPDATED: OCT 16, 2023


What is a Good WiFi Speed

We all suffer from slow WiFi speeds now and then, but we also have some great time streaming the internet with good WiFi speed

Some may ask: what is a good WiFi speed? How do you know that?

Keep scrolling, and you will find different ranges of WiFi speeds for diverse activities, learn how to test your WiFi speed and know why your WiFi speed is slow.

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What is a Good WiFi Speed?

A good WiFi speed is one that is fast enough to support the activities you want to do, so that you can have a seamless visual and user experience. 

For example, if you want to stream movies or TV shows, you'll need a faster speed than if you only want to browse the web. The minimum speed for streaming HD video is 3 Mbps, but 5-10 Mbps is better. For general web browsing, you can get by with speeds as slow as 0.5 Mbps, but 1-3 Mbps is better. To figure out what speeds you need, look at your internet activities and find out what the minimum requirements are. You can usually find this information on the website of the service you're using. Once you know the minimum speeds you need, add a cushion of at least 25% to account for variability in your connection. So, if you need 3 Mbps for HD streaming, aim for a speed of at least 4 Mbps.

Different Speed Ranges for Different Activities

Here is a chart showing different speed data suitable for various daily activities, which you can refer to.

Speed Range Chart


Not everyone needs breakneck WiFi speed, you can locate your speed range according to the right column of the above chart and adjust your home's WiFi speed to an acceptable range. After all, the faster the speed range you choose, the more you will pay for the network operator or other auxiliary equipment.

Once you've matched a specific WiFi range, you can test your home's WiFi range.

Let's dig deeper to see how to test WiFi speed.

 How to Test WiFi Speed

How to Test Your WiFi Speed?

To have a good WiFi speed, the very first thing you need to do is to test the WiFi speed in your home. Take a look at the following three methods, and you will figure it out in minutes.

1. Download a large file from a server near your location. This can give you a good idea of your download speed. On the flip side, you can also upload a large file to a server, giving you a good idea of your upload speed.

2. Use an online speed test. Simply go to a website and follow the operation tips. In a like manner, downloading a wifi-speed testing app has the same functions. Usually, the test takes less than two minutes to complete and will show you download and upload speeds.

3. Utilize a tool like iPerf. This tool is geared toward more technical users but can give you accurate information about your speeds.

That's it! These are just 3 quick methods you can use to test your WiFi speed and promote a good WiFi speed. By following the tips above, you should be able to get a good idea of your current speeds and what, if anything, you can do to have a good WiFi speed.

Why Is Your Home's WiFi Speed So Slow?

You bought a whole WiFi package that met your daily needs, but as time passed, you realized you would need more. 

Why?

Why is your home's WiFi speed so slow?

Why does it never satisfy your real needs?

Well, there are three main factors affecting WiFi speed.

1. WiFi router. The key factor that affects WiFi speed is your router. If you have an aged or cheap router, chances are your WiFi speed will be slower than it could be. Buy yourself a powerful WiFi router is essential if you want a good WiFi speed.

2. The number of devices connected. Another factor that affects your WiFi speed is the number of devices connected to the network. The more connected devices you have, your WiFi speed will be slower. Turning off less-frequently used devices may help you reach a good WiFi speed.

3. Distance between devices and the router. Yes, the distance between your devices and your router can affect WiFi speed. If devices are far from your router, your WiFi speed will be slower. Keep your devices close to the router; so the WiFi speed can rise. Or you can add a WiFi extender to help boost the WiFi signal and extend the WiFi coverage of your router.

Lonny Norris
5/5
Written By: Lonny Norris

Lonny is head of Network & Communications technology at WebEx. His experience spans over 18 years and he has worked as an advisor for major telecommunications companies across the United States.