Why is the router faster?

It is completely normal for the router to sometimes be faster than the phone.

This can be because the router:

  • has better reception where it is placed
  • uses different 4G or 5G frequency bands
  • can combine several frequency bands at the same time
  • has better antennas for the mobile network
  • is connected to a different mobile mast from the phone

Compare in the same place

For a fair comparison, the phone and the router should be tested in roughly the same place and at the same time.

When you test the phone directly over the mobile network, Wi-Fi must be switched off. When you test the router, the phone must be connected to the router’s Wi-Fi.

It is best to run 2–3 speed tests, as the speed can vary between tests.

So it is not unusual for the router to be faster than the phone, and it may simply mean that it has better contact with the mobile network.

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