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Laptop Wi-Fi Speed Test: Top Performer Varies by Band
1 Oct
Summary
- Different laptops excel on distinct Wi-Fi bands, impacting real-world performance.
- MacBook Pro M5 led 2.4 GHz; Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon excelled overall.
- Testing involved raw throughput across distances and interference on three bands.
Real-world Wi-Fi performance can differ greatly between laptops, particularly when encountering varied network conditions. A recent comparative analysis tested seven laptops across the 2.4 GHz, 5.0 GHz, and 6.0 GHz Wi-Fi bands, measuring raw throughput, distance capability, and interference resilience.
The 2.4 GHz band, known for its range, saw the MacBook Pro M5 deliver the best throughput, suggesting better performance on less-than-ideal networks like those found in coffee shops or airports. However, this model lagged on the faster 5.0 GHz band.
In contrast, the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon (Gen 14) achieved the highest average throughput across all tested bands. This modular laptop, however, performed notably worse on the 2.4 GHz band compared to others, nearly halving the MacBook Pro's score.
Other devices like the Microsoft Surface Laptop for Business and Dell XPS 16 also demonstrated strong connectivity. The MSI Prestige AI 16 stood out for exceptional speed on the highest-end band, making it suitable for environments with strong, stable Wi-Fi over shorter distances.
Testing utilized automated scripts and iPerf3 with a Netgear Nighthawk RS700S router in a controlled lab environment, isolating the network from internet service provider variables to focus purely on device-specific Wi-Fi capabilities.
