How to Test Your Internet Speed? (And What Your Results Actually Mean)

Running a speed test is easy — but getting accurate internet speed results is a different story. Between WiFi vs Ethernet, browser limitations, and your device's hardware, several hidden factors can affect what you see.

In this guide, you'll learn how to get the most accurate speed test results and why KUB Fiber's ultra-fast connection delivers the performance your home needs.

Wired vs Wireless Speed Test Results

That old-school cord-and-plug is simply more reliable than WiFi (wireless) connectivity. Even those super-fast 1 Gbps connections, now widely available across the country, won’t test out at higher than 500 to 700 Mbps when tested over WiFi. For the most accurate speed test result, you must test with a hard-wired device.

Why? Because there are nearly endless variables that can negatively affect a WiFi signal. Everything from nearby construction, the wireless printer in your office, a baby monitor, and even your microwave in use in the home. Keep in mind that one limitation with a hard-wired connection is testing with a device that has a 100 Mbps NIC (Network Interface Card). This can cause you to consistently receive speed test results at 90–98 Mbps.

Common Reasons for Slow Internet Speeds

Slow internet speeds are sometimes caused by malware such as adware and viruses. There are several free and inexpensive programs and apps to deal with these threats, and they’re important to use for many reasons.

This also sounds obvious, but it’s very easy to overlook any ongoing downloads or programs like video chat that may be turned on while you’re conducting a speed test on your device. Close these applications, reboot your device, and test again.

Even the browser you use — Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Microsoft’s new Edge, etc. — can affect your test speed. Try different browsers to see if that’s the case on your system.

If you have a WiFi extender, make sure you turn it off before you run a speed test, or your computer may test the wrong connection.

This brings us to a final point about equipment. Technology advances constantly, and many older routers and computers simply cannot take full advantage of the blazing speed and bandwidth of today’s fiber broadband connectivity.

Before You Run a Speed Test, Check These:

✅ Close all apps or programs using internet

✅ Restart your device

✅ Scan for malware or adware

✅ Try a different browser

✅ Disable WiFi extenders to avoid testing the wrong connection

Tired of unreliable WiFi and confusing speed test results? KUB Fiber delivers true gig-speed performance, whether you're gaming, streaming, or working from home.