iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
Internet speed can vary by device because devices have different Wi-Fi hardware, may connect on different bands or from different locations, and may use different speed-test routes. Compare devices with the same test, server, location, and network conditions; a wired test can help show whether Wi-Fi is the bottleneck.
Why do different devices show different internet speeds?
A speed test measures a path between endpoints, not an abstract speed belonging to your internet plan. A router-side test and a phone-side test can measure different paths: Google says its Home app test runs from the router or primary Wi-Fi point to Google’s servers, while many online tests run from a personal device to a selected test server. Server location and the device’s connection both affect the result. Google explains how its router test differs from device-based tests.
That means results from different test apps, servers, or endpoints are useful clues, but they are not necessarily directly comparable. A fast router test does not prove that every device has a fast Wi-Fi connection, and a slow result on one phone does not by itself prove that your internet plan is underperforming.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
What can make one device slower than another?
Device hardware and software
Phones, computers, TVs, tablets, and streaming devices have different network adapters, antennas, supported Wi-Fi standards, processors, operating systems, and ports. Google notes that phones may not reach computer speeds and that a device’s model or version can affect its result. Google’s speed-test guidance therefore cautions against assuming that every client can deliver the same throughput.
#1 Best Overall
- DUAL-BAND WIFI 6 ROUTER: Wi-Fi 6(802.11ax) technology achieves faster speeds, greater capacity and reduced network congestion compared to the previous gen. All WiFi routers require a separate modem. Dual-Band WiFi routers do not support the 6 GHz band.
- AX1800: Enjoy smoother and more stable streaming, gaming, downloading with 1.8 Gbps total bandwidth (up to 1200 Mbps on 5 GHz and up to 574 Mbps on 2.4 GHz). Performance varies by conditions, distance to devices, and obstacles such as walls.
- CONNECT MORE DEVICES: Wi-Fi 6 technology communicates more data to more devices simultaneously using revolutionary OFDMA technology
- EXTENSIVE COVERAGE: Achieve the strong, reliable WiFi coverage with Archer AX1800 as it focuses signal strength to your devices far away using Beamforming technology, 4 high-gain antennas and an advanced front-end module (FEM) chipset
- OUR CYBERSECURITY COMMITMENT: TP-Link is a signatory of the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency’s (CISA) Secure-by-Design pledge. This device is designed, built, and maintained, with advanced security as a core requirement.
Wired connections have their own limits: the Ethernet adapter or port, cable, USB port, and device software can constrain a result, especially when testing a multi-gigabit connection. Google Fiber lists common wired-device limitations.
Wi-Fi band, distance, and obstacles
Two devices in different rooms do not share the same radio path. Distance, walls, furniture, and other obstructions can weaken a signal. Devices may also connect on different Wi-Fi bands: 2.4 GHz generally has broader reach, while 5 GHz may offer faster speeds when signal conditions and equipment allow. On compatible Wi-Fi 6E equipment, 6 GHz can perform well near the router, but both the router and client must support it. Google describes band and distance effects, and Microsoft explains Wi-Fi band and location considerations.
Rank #2
- Dual-band Wi-Fi with 5 GHz speeds up to 867 Mbps and 2.4 GHz speeds up to 300 Mbps, delivering 1200 Mbps of total bandwidth¹. Dual-band routers do not support 6 GHz. Performance varies by conditions, distance to devices, and obstacles such as walls.
- Covers up to 1,000 sq. ft. with four external antennas for stable wireless connections and optimal coverage.
- Supports IGMP Proxy/Snooping, Bridge and Tag VLAN to optimize IPTV streaming
- Access Point Mode - Supports AP Mode to transform your wired connection into wireless network, an ideal wireless router for home
- Advanced Security with WPA3 - The latest Wi-Fi security protocol, WPA3, brings new capabilities to improve cybersecurity in personal networks
Nearby wireless networks and household electronics can add interference. Every active device also shares available Wi-Fi capacity, so a download, cloud backup, video call, or stream elsewhere in the home can change a test result. The FCC’s household broadband guide covers factors that affect home broadband performance.
Recommended Free Tools
Test server and test method
A test on a phone includes the phone’s Wi-Fi link; a router test may not. Different services can choose different test servers, and a nearer server can produce a different result from a farther one. Browser, app, and device limitations can matter too. Use one service and keep its server selection consistent where possible.
Rank #3
- NIGHTHAWK WIFI 6 ROUTER FOR YOUR WHOLE HOME: Delivers fast, reliable WiFi across every room of your apartment or small home for streaming, gaming, video calls, and smart home devices, all running at the same time without slowing each other down.
- WORKS WITH YOUR EXISTING INTERNET SERVICE: Pairs with your existing modem or gateway via ethernet. Compatible with most cable, fiber, DSL, and satellite providers. Some gateways and modem router combos may require bridge mode. No coax needed.
- SET UP AND MANAGE YOUR NETWORK WITH THE NIGHTHAWK APP: Download the free Nighthawk app on iOS or Android for guided setup. Manage WiFi, run speed tests, pause devices, and set up guest networks from anywhere. Active internet required.
- READY FOR THE DEVICES YOU ALREADY OWN: Your phones, laptops, and TVs work right out of the box. WiFi 6 delivers speeds up to 1.8 Gbps across 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands. Backward compatible with WiFi 5 and earlier.
- COVERAGE IN EVERY ROOM: Covers up to 1,500 sq. ft. for up to 20 connected devices. Walls, floors, and interference can reduce range. Larger or multi-story homes may benefit from a NETGEAR Orbi mesh WiFi system.
Shared traffic or changing provider conditions
Household activity can compete for capacity, and internet-provider congestion may vary by time and location. If results fluctuate, repeat them at different times instead of attributing every change to a device defect. Google lists ISP congestion among possible causes of varying speed-test results.
How to compare devices fairly
- Choose a consistent test. Use the same speed-test service and, when possible, the same server selection on every device.
- Reduce competing network use. Pause large downloads, backups, streaming, and other heavy activity during the comparison.
- Test close together in time. Run several tests per device and record download speed, upload speed, latency if shown, device, location, Wi-Fi band, and whether the connection is wired or wireless.
- Control for location. Test the slower device near the router, then at its usual spot. When practical, test the faster device in those same locations. Repeat after changing one condition at a time.
- Compare Wi-Fi with Ethernet if possible. Use a compatible port or adapter and check that the cable and connection support the speed you expect. A wired result helps isolate the Wi-Fi portion of the path.
- Look for a pattern. If moving closer or using a different supported band improves the slower device, investigate coverage, interference, placement, or device/router compatibility. If several devices remain slow near the router or on Ethernet, check for a service issue.
Microsoft recommends testing in different locations, recording results, and repeating tests after network changes. Its Wi-Fi troubleshooting guidance provides that approach.
Rank #4
- 𝐅𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞-𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐨𝐟 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐇𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐖𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐖𝐢-𝐅𝐢 𝟕: Powered by Wi-Fi 7 technology, enjoy faster speeds with Multi-Link Operation, increased reliability with Multi-RUs, and more data capacity with 4K-QAM, delivering enhanced performance for all your devices.
- 𝐁𝐄𝟑𝟔𝟎𝟎 𝐃𝐮𝐚𝐥-𝐁𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐖𝐢-𝐅𝐢 𝟕 𝐑𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐞𝐫: Delivers up to 2882 Mbps (5 GHz), and 688 Mbps (2.4 GHz) speeds for 4K/8K streaming, AR/VR gaming & more. Dual-band routers do not support 6 GHz. Performance varies by conditions, distance, and obstacles like walls.
- 𝐔𝐧𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐡 𝐌𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐢-𝐆𝐢𝐠 𝐒𝐩𝐞𝐞𝐝𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐃𝐮𝐚𝐥 𝟐.𝟓 𝐆𝐛𝐩𝐬 𝐏𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝟑×𝟏𝐆𝐛𝐩𝐬 𝐋𝐀𝐍 𝐏𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐬: Maximize Gigabitplus internet with one 2.5G WAN/LAN port, one 2.5 Gbps LAN port, plus three additional 1 Gbps LAN ports. Break the 1G barrier for seamless, high-speed connectivity from the internet to multiple LAN devices for enhanced performance.
- 𝐍𝐞𝐱𝐭-𝐆𝐞𝐧 𝟐.𝟎 𝐆𝐇𝐳 𝐐𝐮𝐚𝐝-𝐂𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐨𝐫: Experience power and precision with a state-of-the-art processor that effortlessly manages high throughput. Eliminate lag and enjoy fast connections with minimal latency, even during heavy data transmissions.
- 𝐂𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐂𝐨𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐫 - Covers up to 2,000 sq. ft. for up to 60 devices at a time. 4 internal antennas and beamforming technology focus Wi-Fi signals toward hard-to-reach areas. Seamlessly connect phones, TVs, and gaming consoles.
What to try when one device is slow
- Move the device nearer to the router or mesh point and reduce obstructions between them.
- Check which band the device is using. Confirm that both it and the router support the faster band or Wi-Fi standard; not every device supports 5 GHz or 6 GHz.
- Reduce other network activity and repeat tests under similar conditions.
- Place the router or mesh point in an open, central location. If using a mesh point or extender, make sure it has a strong connection to the main router and is positioned appropriately.
- For a wired comparison, check the Ethernet cable, adapter, network port, USB port, and device software if throughput is unexpectedly low.
- Restart networking equipment as a basic troubleshooting step. If repeated tests remain poor across multiple devices, check provider service status and contact the ISP with your measurements.
Google Fiber says Ethernet provides the best connection; a wired test is a diagnostic, not a fix for weak Wi-Fi on other devices.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsWhen is the ISP likely to be the problem?
If only one device is slow, first suspect that device’s capabilities, Wi-Fi band, location, or test method. If several devices are slow, test close to the router and, where feasible, compare with Ethernet. When the wired result is also below expectations, or multiple devices remain slow even near the router, check for an outage or service issue and ask the ISP to investigate. Share repeated results, including when and how each test was run, rather than relying on one reading.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Dual band router upgrades to 1200 Mbps high speed internet (300mbps for 2.4GHz plus 900Mbps for 5GHz), reducing buffering and ideal for 4K stream
- Full Gigabit Ports - Gigabit Router with 4 Gigabit LAN ports, ideal for any internet plan and allow you to directly connect your wired devices
- Boosted Coverage - Four external antennas equipped with Beamforming technology extend and concentrate the Wi-Fi signals
- MU-MIMO technology - (5GHz band) allows high speeds for multiple devices simultaneously
- Access Point Mode - Supports AP Mode to transform your wired connection into wireless network, an ideal wireless router for home
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
