Slow internet can be the bane of our lives when it comes to meeting deadlines or working from home
15:01, 21 Aug 2025Updated 15:06, 21 Aug 2025
Certain objects in your home could be slowing down your internet’s performance(Image: Getty)
There is nothing more frustrating than struggling with slow internet. Whether you’re desperately trying to research an essay that is due in a few hours, or trying to video call with colleagues, a lagging connection is a major setback.
We might want to immediately throw our toys out the pram and contact our broadband provider with a lengthy list of complaints. However, your broadband provider might not be the real villain.
According to a connectivity expert, everyday household gadgets are the hidden ‘WiFi killers’ wrecking home broadband. They may be unassuming and be in your home for a very good reason, but the point still stands.
From Ring doorbells and smart TVs to baby monitors, microwaves and even fish tanks, these surprising culprits could be the reason your Netflix keeps buffering or your WhatsApp calls keep dropping.
“Most households blame their provider, but the real WiFi killers are often inside the home,” said Robert O’Donnell, Connectivity Expert at Spacelink Installations.
“Smart devices, kitchen appliances and even mirrors can interfere with your signal, cutting speeds in half without you realising. The good news is, a few simple fixes can restore your internet speed instantly.”
Top WiFi killers in your home
Homeowners will be looking for ways to get the most out of their WiFi signal(Image: Getty)Smart gadgets
Ring doorbells, Nest cameras and smart TVs constantly stream or stay online, quietly draining bandwidth.
Kitchen appliances
Microwaves and fridges emit signals or create barriers that clash with WiFi.
Baby monitors and cordless phones
Many run on the same 2.4GHz band as WiFi, causing heavy interference.
Bluetooth devices
Headphones, speakers and even smart watches can clash with routers.
Fish tanks and mirrors
Water absorbs WiFi signals, while reflective surfaces bounce them away, creating dead zones.
How to beat WiFi killers
Slow WiFi is one of the biggest household frustrations(Image: Getty)
There are a number of things you can do to try and improve your coverage. Some of them may take a bit more planning (or investing) but others are quick fixes that can help you get back to streaming in 30 seconds or less.
Move your router
Keep it high up, central, and away from appliances or cupboards. Keep it away from the microwave too.
Switch frequency
Use the faster 5GHz band for streaming, gaming, and work devices, leaving 2.4GHz for smart gadgets like Ring or Alexa.
Segment your devices
Put Ring cameras, Smart TVs or always-on smart devices on a guest network to stop them hogging bandwidth.
Upgrade your kit
Older routers struggle with multiple gadgets. A WiFi 6 or mesh system can supercharge coverage as soon as you upgrade.
Ring doorbells, Smart TVs and even microwaves are secretly acting as ‘Wi-Fi killers’ in homes(Image: Getty)Tidy up your network
Disconnect devices you don’t use and check for software updates.
Why it matters
With households juggling remote work, online learning, streaming and gaming all at once, WiFi strain has never been higher. Tackling these hidden killers is the fastest, cheapest way to reclaim reliable speeds, without paying for a costly broadband upgrade.