Most “slow internet” is actually slow WiFi. Before blaming your provider, test wired versus WiFi — eight times out of ten the router or its placement is the real bottleneck.
Step 1: test wired vs WiFi
Plug a laptop into the router with Ethernet and run the test. If wired is fast but WiFi is slow, the fix is your router or its placement, not your plan.
Step 2: fix router placement
Lift it off the floor, out of cabinets and away from metal and microwaves. Central and high beats tucked in a corner.
Step 3: rule out congestion and VPNs
Test at peak evening hours and again late at night. A big gap points to ISP congestion. Test with any VPN off, too — it can cost 20–40%.
Step 4: when to call your ISP
If wired speed at a quiet time is still far below your plan, that is an ISP issue worth reporting. Bring your wired test numbers and times of day.