How To Fix If Ethernet Is Slower Than WiFi?

Are you tired of having a slower internet connection? The wireless connection, commonly known as WiFi, is taken by all of us as it is very convenient. But opting for an ethernet cable is always best to ensure you have the fastest internet. 

But what if you experience a slower ethernet connection? Do you know why is my ethernet slower than WiFi? And we know how frustrating the scenario is! So here is the dedicated post covering why is my ethernet slower than WiFi and how to fix the ethernet is slower than the WiFi issue even by yourself. 

So let us get started with the reasons first. 

Go For A Speed Test

Doing a speed test is much easier than before; you can test your internet speed by visiting online websites. For instance, in your google search, type speed test, and you will note many results showing you several websites to test your speed. 

Perform a speed test using multiple cables and devices, as it will help you identify whether the issue is with cables. 

Suppose you are unaware of the troubleshooting methods when you face my ethernet is slower than WiFi issue, here are the quick fixes. 

Change Your Ethernet Ports.

The solutions might seem simple in some situations, but they could be a great fix. Switching your ports may increase your internet speed, as the port you use may be defective. Also, compare your speeds before and after changing the ports. 

Use Antivirus 

Try running an antivirus scan or program that could eliminate the issue in seconds. Use different antivirus programs in case running a program is not helpful. Alternatively, a virus may not be detected by a program. 

Avoid Using VPNs

When you face this, my ethernet is slower than WiFi problem; a must-try solution is turning off your VPN. Suppose your issue is not resolved; you can switch ON your VPN. Because in some instances, the VPN is not the reason, and even turning it OFF might reduce the internet speed. 

Check Your Network Settings.

A small change in the settings may make your experience that my ethernet is slower than WiFi. So cross-check your settings to see whether you have changed or updated anything recently or else something has been left un-updated for a long time. This is a practical solution, so try opting for different steps and check whether your issue is resolved. 

Update Occasionally

Here is a constant reminder for you, my dear, update your drivers often or whenever you get a notification. Updating your windows makes them function more effectively; sometimes, even the auto-update is missed! 

To ensure you are up to date with the drivers, navigate to the device manager, right-click on the driver, and choose the option update. If there are any updates, install them now. 

Contact Your ISP (Internet Service Provider)

At last, when you are fed up and don’t know what to do to resolve my ethernet is slower than WiFi issue, you have to check with your internet service provider. 

You will have a slow internet connection due to a router’s defect, or it could be because of an ISP problem outside of your home. Getting help from the technical team will help you sort it out. Or else the team will help you upgrade your internet connection. 

Why Is My Ethernet Slower Than WiFi?

Even though ethernet has many pros compared to wireless networks, it also has a few limitations. 

Considerations For Cable Length

First and foremost, you have to pay attention to the length of your cable. The length should be 328 feet or 100 m for a cat5 cable. However, if the length is more than the standard size, try to shorten the length. 

Dealing With Interference: Tips To Improve Ethernet Speed

Another common problem with having ethernet is slower than WiFi is interference. Many external sources, such as speakers, microwave ovens, and fluorescent lights, act as a source of interference. 

Hence it is essential to move these items away from your cables. Moving ten feet away from your ethernet cables, especially the microwave ovens, is recommended. 

Detecting And Removing Malware

Check that your ethernet is slower than WiFi because of a virus, malware, or spyware. Ensure that your computer or laptop is not affected by any virus. Spyware collects all your information and hacks your system even without your knowledge. 

Choosing The Right Ethernet Cable

One important reason why is my ethernet connection slower than WiFi is the choice of choosing your cables. A bad cable can lead to various issues and sometimes a slow internet connection. If you use the wrong cable, crimped cables, or loose connections, be ready to face a slower internet connection. The standard cable, which offers a fast connection, is cat5e. 

Check For ISP Issues

Before proceeding with any fixes on your own, make sure that the issue of why is my ethernet connection slower than WiFi is on the internet service provider’s side. A few causes of ISP problems may be underground or over-the-ground cable connections. The cables may be damaged or outdated. 

Power Supply and Device Connection

Ensure that all your devices are connected to the ports and have a sufficient power supply. 

Updating Drivers And Checking Device Settings

Sometimes the reason behind your why is my ethernet connection is slower than the WiFi issue is using traditional drivers. You can update your drivers simply by clicking on the update option on your system. 

Few devices, like consoles, have limitations in the settings, which decreases the internet speed. So check your console settings to see whether you have selected the option to reduce the internet speed. 

The issue may also be due to the network interface card that helps you connect to your internet. And trust me, most of the problems in the network interface card are resolved by a simple reset. 

• Head towards settings
• Then choose network and internet
• Click on change adapter options
• Choose your ethernet adapter and right-click on it
• Now click on disable
• Wait for a minute
• Finally, click on enable

Still, if you are having internet issues, navigate to the device manager, select the driver, and reinstall it again. 

Router Configuration Issues

There are times your router may be misconfigured, or sometimes you might encounter, Like your laptop or desktop, the router runs on software that periodically needs a restart. So try rebooting your network hardware and test your connection speed. 

The next thing to check on your router is the configuration settings. If you have made any changes recently, undo them and check if your issues are resolved. If it is not decided, try factory resetting. 

Impact Of VPN On Ethernet Speed

Are you a person who likes to use VPNs daily? A Virtual Private Network provides a secure connection by using a technique called tunneling. Besides, the VPN helps many people working from home access various corporate networks. But on the other hand, it slows down the network connection. 

Understanding The Impact On Connection Speed

Are you having different sources for using WiFi and ethernet? If so, your WiFi will be fast and sometimes faster than the wired connection. 

Assume you have a Digital Subscriber Line for accessing the internet in your home, but you have subscribed for a 5G WiFi hotspot. DSL can connect at around 100 Mbps of maximum speed; in contrast, 5G offers faster speeds. 

Check For Damaged Ports & Hardware Issues

Damaged ports can be a reason why is my ethernet connection slower than WiFi. We say about two kinds of ports—the one on your router side and the one on your PC side. 

Try connecting your ethernet cables to another laptop or PC and ports in the router if you are experiencing slow internet. If your issue is resolved, the problem is with your old ports (which may have deteriorated). 

WiFi Is Slow, But Ethernet Is Fast. Is It So?

It is not easy to compare WiFi and ethernet or say WiFi is slow, but Ethernet is fast because each has its unique drawbacks. So make a smart decision before you go. 

It seems like WiFi wins the match in case of data transfer; ethernet provides 1000 Mbps or 1 Gbps, while the latest WiFi offers 1.3 Gbps or 1300 Mbps. But in reality, ethernet is reliable in delivering speed. 

Ethernet tops when it comes to radio waves. Radio waves, in general, are absorbed by thick walls in your room, and as a result, WiFi loses its internet speed during transmission. Large metallic objects easily block WiFi.  

In terms of latency, WiFi is also slower than an ethernet cable. Latency is considered the time taken for a request to send from your PC and the reply from a server to you. This is not an issue if you are a normal user. If you use your PC for competitive exams or any sensitive applications, you will face the problem of slow internet. 

WiFi steals your heart in case of accessibility. Yes, you only need a smartphone to connect to a wireless network. In contrast, an ethernet requires a particular device (with an ethernet port) and proper connection of cables and ports. 

Bottom Line For Ethernet Is Slower Than WiFi

Ethernet cables are smarter and stronger than you know, but slow internet speeds are always annoying. So it becomes crucial to understand why is my ethernet connection slower than WiFi. 

Furthermore, try troubleshooting your issue with each solution mentioned above and make sure not to settle for a slower ethernet connection. Thanks for reading!