Why Is WiFi Faster Than Ethernet?
Ethernet has long been the gold standard for high-speed, stable internet. But in some cases, WiFi seems to outperform wired connections—why does this happen? If you’ve noticed that your WiFi speed is higher than Ethernet, you’re not alone. Let’s explore the reasons behind this and how you can ensure your wired connection is as fast as possible.
Can WiFi Be Faster Than Ethernet? Yes—Here’s Why
1. WiFi 6 & 6E Are Faster Than Older Ethernet Standards
Modern routers use WiFi 6 (802.11ax) and WiFi 6E, delivering speeds of 1.2 Gbps to 9.6 Gbps under ideal conditions.
- If your Ethernet port supports only 100 Mbps (Fast Ethernet) or 1 Gbps (Gigabit Ethernet), your WiFi may appear faster.
- Solution: Upgrade to a 2.5 Gbps or 10 Gbps Ethernet port to match or exceed high-speed WiFi performance.
2. Your ISP Might Prioritize WiFi Over Wired Connections
Some Internet Service Providers (ISPs) optimize WiFi networks to boost speed test results. If Ethernet appears slower:
- The ISP may have limited the Ethernet connection in certain routers.
- A speed test via WiFi might be optimized by ISP firmware to boost numbers artificially.
- Solution: Run a speed test on both WiFi and Ethernet, ensuring the wired connection bypasses VPNs, firewalls, and background downloads.
3. Old Ethernet Cables & Ports Can Limit Speed
If your Ethernet connection isn’t reaching expected speeds, outdated hardware could be the problem:
| Ethernet Cable | Max Speed | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Cat5 | 100 Mbps | Outdated, replace immediately |
| Cat5e | 1 Gbps | Suitable for most home networks |
| Cat6 | 10 Gbps (short distances) | Ideal for gaming & streaming |
| Cat7/Cat8 | 10-40 Gbps | Best for future-proofing |
Solution:
- Upgrade to Cat6 or Cat7 Ethernet cables to maximize speed.
- Check if your router and PC’s Ethernet ports support 1 Gbps or more.
4. Device Limitations: Some Laptops & PCs Have Slower Ethernet Ports
Many modern laptops prioritize WiFi and come with:
✔ Gigabit WiFi cards (supporting high speeds like 1.2 Gbps or more)
✖ But only 100 Mbps Ethernet ports!
Solution:
- Check your device’s Ethernet port speed in network settings.
- If your PC lacks a Gigabit Ethernet port, use a USB-to-Gigabit Ethernet adapter.
5. WiFi Optimization & Channel Bonding
Newer WiFi routers use advanced features to boost speeds beyond 1 Gbps:
✅ Dual-band & tri-band WiFi (2.4GHz, 5GHz, and 6GHz) provide multiple fast connections.
✅ MIMO technology (Multiple Input Multiple Output) speeds up data transfer.
✅ Channel bonding combines multiple WiFi channels, allowing for higher throughput than a single Gigabit Ethernet port.
Solution: If you want to stick with Ethernet, consider using a multi-gigabit router or a 10 Gbps Ethernet switch.
How to Make Sure Ethernet Is Faster Than WiFi
If you want the fastest, most stable internet connection, here’s what to do:
✔ Use Cat6 or higher Ethernet cables for speeds up to 10 Gbps.
✔ Upgrade to a Gigabit (or 10 Gbps) router and switch.
✔ Disable power-saving mode for Ethernet in device settings (this can throttle speeds).
✔ Plug into the router’s fastest Ethernet port—some ports may be limited to 100 Mbps.
✔ Avoid daisy-chaining too many devices through network switches.
Final Thoughts
While Ethernet is still the best choice for gaming, streaming, and professional tasks, modern WiFi technology is catching up—and in some cases, surpassing outdated wired connections. If your WiFi seems faster than Ethernet, it’s likely due to hardware limitations, ISP settings, or network congestion.
To truly unlock your fastest internet speeds, make sure your Ethernet setup is up to date, and you’ll never have to wonder why WiFi feels quicker again!
