Xfinity speed test: check your speed and fix it
Xfinity has its own speed test and can check speeds at the gateway in its app. Here's how to get a result you can trust, and what to do if it's low.
Test on a computer wired to the Xfinity gateway, three times, and compare the middle result with your plan. Use Xfinity's test and a third-party test such as our speed test. If wired is close to your plan and Wi-Fi isn't, the fix is in your home Wi-Fi.
Why Xfinity upload speeds are lower
Xfinity runs over a cable network, which has traditionally given far less capacity to uploads than downloads. A plan with fast downloads may list upload speeds that are a small fraction of that, so a low upload result isn't a fault on its own. Compare it with the upload speed on your plan's broadband facts label rather than with your download number.
Upload matters most for video calls, cloud backups, streaming your games and sending large files. If those are slow while downloads are fine, check what your plan includes before troubleshooting. Some areas are getting network upgrades with faster uploads; Xfinity support can tell you whether your address qualifies.
How to run an accurate Xfinity speed test
- Plug a laptop or desktop into the router with an Ethernet cable. Wi-Fi results mostly measure your Wi-Fi.
- Pause downloads, streaming, cloud backups and game updates on every device.
- Close other browser tabs and apps on the test device.
- Run the test three times, a few minutes apart, and use the middle result.
- Test once in the evening (7 to 11 p.m.) too; that is when networks are busiest.
Xfinity's own speed test vs. other tests
Xfinity's speed test, speedtest.xfinity.com, measures to a server on Xfinity's network. Third-party tests such as Ookla Speedtest, Cloudflare and Fast.com can use servers outside it. Provider tests can read a little higher because the data never leaves Xfinity's network. If both show low wired results, the problem is the connection; if only one does, try a different server.
Test the gateway, not just your device
The Xfinity app can check the speed coming into your gateway and, on newer gateways, show connected devices. If the gateway speed is close to your plan but your device is slow, the problem is Wi-Fi or the device. If the gateway speed is low too, restart it and contact Xfinity.
Many Xfinity customers use the provider's gateway, a modem and router in one box. Newer gateways support Wi-Fi 6 or 6E, while older ones may limit Wi-Fi speeds on fast plans. If a wired test is close to your plan but Wi-Fi is far below it, the gateway's Wi-Fi or its placement is the likely cause.
Moving the gateway to a central, open spot helps more than most people expect. If your home is large or has several floors, adding mesh Wi-Fi or switching the gateway to modem-only mode with your own router can fix weak rooms. Test your Wi-Fi room by room to find them first, and see mesh vs. extender for which fix suits your home.
What a good result looks like
| Measure | Good result |
|---|---|
| Download (wired) | Close to your plan, often 90% or more |
| Download (Wi-Fi, same room) | Often 50% to 80% of the plan, depending on router and device |
| Upload | Close to the upload speed listed for your plan |
| Ping | Under 30 ms is good; under 50 ms is fine for most uses |
Wi-Fi results vary with the router, the device's Wi-Fi version, distance and walls.
Evening slowdowns
Cable is shared with nearby homes, so speeds can dip in the evening when more people are streaming. A small drop is normal. A large, repeatable drop at the same time every night points to congestion on Xfinity's side. Test wired at the same time for a week and keep the screenshots; that record is what support needs to open a network ticket.
Using your own modem
You can usually replace a rented Xfinity gateway with your own modem from Xfinity's approved list, which can lower your bill. The modem needs to support your plan's speed; for gig plans, look for a DOCSIS 3.1 model with a multi-gig Ethernet port. See approved modems by provider and stop renting your modem.
If your speeds are low
- Restart the modem or gateway: unplug for 60 seconds, then wait 5 minutes.
- Test wired. If wired is fast and Wi-Fi is slow, see how to boost your Wi-Fi or mesh vs. extender.
- Check the router can handle your plan: what router speed your plan needs.
- Check for an outage in The Xfinity app.
- If wired results stay low, contact support with your results. See why is my internet slow?.
Renting a gateway? Some Xfinity plans include equipment; others charge for it. See stop renting your modem and Xfinity customer service.
Signs that the issue isn't in your home: wired results are low at every time of day, the connection drops repeatedly, or the gateway restarts on its own. Check for an outage first, then restart the gateway and test again wired. If results stay low, contact Xfinity with your test history. See how to reach a person at Xfinity and is Xfinity down?.
If your speed problem lasts and you're paying for a faster plan than you get, ask for a credit or a move to a plan that matches what your line delivers. See how to negotiate your bill.
Questions
Is the Xfinity speed test accurate?
It measures to Xfinity's network, so it shows what Xfinity delivers to your home. Run it on a wired device and compare it with a third-party test.
Why is my Xfinity speed slower than my plan?
Usually Wi-Fi, an older device, or evening congestion. Test wired at the gateway first; if wired is low too, restart the gateway and contact Xfinity.
Why is my Xfinity upload speed so slow?
Cable plans have much lower upload than download speeds. Compare your result with the upload speed listed on your plan, not the download speed.
Does Xfinity slow down at night?
Speeds can dip when many nearby homes are online. A large drop at the same time every evening is worth reporting to Xfinity with your test history.
Can I use my own modem with Xfinity?
Usually, yes. Pick one from Xfinity's approved list that supports your plan's speed.