How to run a WOW speed test
- Connect your computer to the WOW! modem or router with an Ethernet cable for the most accurate result. On WiFi, stay close to the router.
- Pause streaming, downloads, cloud backups and video calls on other devices.
- Press START above to measure your download, upload, ping and jitter.
- Compare the result with your WOW! plan, and test again at a busy time such as 8–10 pm.
What speed should you get from WOW?
WOW! (WideOpenWest) mainly runs a cable network in parts of the Midwest and Southeast, and is building fiber in some newer areas. Plans change over time and depend on your address, but they typically look like this:
| Connection | Typical download | Typical upload |
|---|---|---|
| WOW! cable | about 100 Mbps – 1 Gbps or more | about 10–50 Mbps |
| WOW! fiber (select areas) | about 500 Mbps – multi-gig | Usually the same as download |
On a wired connection you should usually get close to your plan’s download speed. If WiFi results are much lower, the bottleneck is most likely your WiFi, not the WOW! line.
Why is my WOW internet slow?
- WiFi coverage – distance and walls between your device and the router.
- Older modem or router – may not support your plan’s full speed.
- Evening congestion – cable bandwidth is shared, so peak hours can be slower.
- Background usage – updates, backups and streaming on other devices.
- Coax problems – loose connectors, damaged cables or unnecessary splitters.
How to fix slow WOW internet
- Restart the modem and router – unplug both for 60 seconds, plug in the modem first, then the router.
- Test wired vs WiFi – if wired is fast, improve your WiFi. Start with our guide to fix slow WiFi.
- Check coax cables and remove splitters you don’t need.
- Check your ping with our ping test if games or video calls lag.
- Ask about a newer modem if yours is several years old.
- Contact WOW! with your wired test results if speeds stay well below your plan.
Wondering if your plan is fast enough? See what a good internet speed is.
Frequently asked questions
Why is my WOW upload speed so much lower than download?
That’s normal on cable internet: upload is usually 10–30 times lower than download. Fiber plans, where available, offer much faster upload.
How fast should WOW WiFi be?
Close to a modern router, many devices reach 300–600 Mbps over WiFi. Farther away or through walls, 100–200 Mbps is common. For full gig speeds, use Ethernet.
Is this an official WOW speed test?
No. WiFiTest is independent and not affiliated with WOW! or WideOpenWest. It measures your connection to the nearest Cloudflare server, which reflects your real-world internet speed.