Improve Internet Speed at Home: Tips for Faster Browsing

With our lives filled with remote work, HD streaming and online gaming, a fast and reliable internet connection is more than a luxury – it’s an absolute necessity. Whether you’re working from home, bingeing your favourite shows on Netflix, or dominating your latest Fortnite battle, lag and buffering can quickly ruin the experience. But there’s good news: you don’t have to settle for slow speeds. With a few adjustments and some insider knowledge, you can optimise your internet speed at home and get the most out of your connection.

Understanding Your Internet Plan

Your journey to faster internet speed at home starts with understanding your current broadband plan (we are all on broadband, right? This is 2025 after all). Many people unknowingly pay for a service that doesn’t meet their needs when they sign up for an internet package. Internet service providers (ISPs) typically offer a range of different plans with varying speeds, measured in Mbps (megabits per second). For general browsing and streaming, 25 Mbps might suffice, but households with multiple users or gamers should aim for higher speeds, such as 100 Mbps or more. That will allow your internet to manage the demands of multiple devices all operating at the same time.

If your connection feels sluggish despite paying for a high-speed plan, check if your ISP is delivering the speeds they promised. it may sound surprising, but it is often the case that internet speed at home doesn’t match or even get close to the speed advertised. Websites like Speedtest.net allow you to measure your actual download and upload speeds. If there’s a significant gap between your actual internet speed at home and the advertised speed, it might be time to contact your ISP  to address the issue. if they can’t resolve the problem, you will only improve your internet speed at home by switching providers.

Choose the Right Router

Your router plays a vital role in your internet speed at home and stability of your internet connection. Many people stick with the basic routers provided by their ISP, but these are often outdated and lack the features needed for modern internet usage. Because of this, upgrading to a high-quality router can dramatically improve your home network.

But what should you look for in a router? When choosing a router, look for one that supports the latest Wi-Fi standards, such as Wi-Fi 6. This standard offers faster speeds, better performance in crowded areas, and enhanced support for multiple devices. Additionally, routers with dual-band or tri-band functionality can reduce congestion by allowing devices to connect on different frequency bands (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz). Finally, you should make sure that the router you want to buy is compatible with your ISP’s services.

Placement matters, too. Position your router in a central location, away from walls and obstructions, to ensure even coverage throughout your home. Avoid placing it near appliances like microwaves or cordless phones, as these can interfere with your Wi-Fi signal.

Optimise Router Settings

Once you’ve got the right router, it’s time to tweak its settings for maximum performance and faster internet speed at home. Start by ensuring your firmware is up to date. Manufacturers frequently release updates to improve performance and patch security vulnerabilities, so it’s worth checking regularly. if you’re not sure how to do this, the internet is your friend. Search your model number and look for guides on how to update firmware – you’ll get up to speed in no time.

Another important step is choosing the right Wi-Fi channel. Routers broadcast signals on different channels, and overcrowded channels can lead to interference and slower speeds. Use tools like Wi-Fi Analyzer (available as an app) to identify the least congested channel in your area and manually set your router to use it.

For families or shared households, enabling Quality of Service (QoS) settings can prioritise bandwidth for certain activities or devices. For example, you can ensure that your work-from-home laptop gets priority over someone streaming a movie in another room. Your kids might not like that, but it will definitely keep your boss happy.

Manage Connected Devices

The more devices connected to your network, the more strain it puts on your bandwidth. Smartphones, tablets, laptops, smart TVs, gaming consoles, and even smart home devices like cameras and thermostats can all slow down your internet speed at home if too many are active at once.

Start by identifying devices that don’t need to be connected to Wi-Fi all the time and disconnect them. For smart devices that are always online, consider whether they need constant updates or notifications and adjust their settings accordingly.

Guest networks are another helpful feature. Setting up a separate network for visitors ensures they don’t bog down your primary connection, especially if they’re streaming or downloading large files.

Deal With ISP Limitations

Even with the best equipment and setup, your ISP might still be a bottleneck. Throttling – when your ISP deliberately slows your connection after you’ve used a certain amount of data – is a common issue. If you suspect throttling, use a VPN (virtual private network) to mask your online activity. This can prevent your ISP from monitoring and limiting your bandwidth.

Data caps are another potential hurdle. Some ISPs impose limits on how much data you can use each month, which can result in slower speeds once you hit the cap. Check your plan’s fine print and, if necessary, upgrade to one with unlimited data.

If you’re in a rural area with limited options, satellite internet might be your only choice. While satellite connections tend to have higher latency, newer services like Starlink are improving speeds and reliability for remote users.

Wired vs Wireless Connections

While Wi-Fi is convenient, it’s not always the fastest option. Wired Ethernet connections are generally faster and more stable, making them ideal for activities like gaming, video conferencing, or downloading large files. If possible, connect devices like desktop PCs or gaming consoles directly to your router using an Ethernet cable.

If running cables isn’t practical, consider using powerline adaptors. These devices use your home’s electrical wiring to transmit data, offering a faster alternative to Wi-Fi in areas with weak signals.

Boost Your Wi-Fi Signal

Dead zones – areas where your Wi-Fi signal is weak or nonexistent – are a common problem in larger homes. To combat this, invest in a Wi-Fi extender or mesh network system. Wi-Fi extenders amplify your router’s signal, while mesh networks use multiple nodes to create a seamless connection across your home.

When setting up a mesh network, ensure the nodes are placed strategically for optimal coverage. If you place the nodes too far from the main router it can weaken the signal and negate the impact of the mesh network.

Streaming and Gaming Tips

Streaming and gaming are some of the most bandwidth-intensive activities, so optimising these can make a big difference to your internet speed at home. For streaming, reduce the resolution if your connection is struggling. A lot of platforms will automatically drop you to a lower resolution but you can also adjust them manually, switching from 4K to HD or SD, for example.

For gaming, you should check the latency or ping in addition to download speeds. Low latency is crucial for online gaming, as it reduces the delay between your actions and the game’s response. Although wireless options are popular, use a wired connection whenever possible and ensure no other devices are hogging bandwidth during gameplay.

Improving Internet Speed at Home

Improving your internet speed at home doesn’t always require an expensive upgrade. Often, a few strategic changes to your setup and habits can make a world of difference. From choosing the right broadband plan to optimising your router and managing connected devices, each step brings you closer to a smoother, faster internet experience. By taking control of your home network, you can enjoy uninterrupted streaming, gaming, and browsing – just the way it’s meant to be.