How to Check Internet Speed? Don’t just rely on your ISP’s word. Test your connection with the many available options to ensure you’re getting what you pay for.
Are you getting the data speeds from your Internet Service Provider (ISP) as promised? Do you know how to verify this claim? It’s not advisable to take their word for it. However, you can use free tools to test your connection speed and monitor the performance of your ISP.
Most ISPs provide a speed test, but it’s not recommended to use it. If you use your ISP’s speed test, you may get inaccurate results because the connection between you and the ISP servers might be optimized for better speeds. For accurate results, use a third-party test tool.
Before you run any of these tests, make sure to:
- Turn off any downloads or uploads on your system, including streaming media or live video meetings. Rebooting the system is a good idea.
- Log out of your VPN software during the test since it adds a lot of overhead to the connection.
- For the best accuracy, connect your PC directly to the router via Ethernet. You’ll have less network overhead than you would with a Wi-Fi connection.
- Avoid testing at peak hours, especially in the evening when everyone at home or in the neighborhood is streaming music or movies.
- Run multiple tests since the conditions of your internet connection can vary at different times of the day. The more data you have, the better.
1. Ookla Speedtest
Ookla Speedtest measures how long it takes for data to travel between your computer and a remote server via your local ISP connection. The test determines your location and connects you to a nearby Speedtest server.
Once you click the “Go” button, the entire process should take less than a minute to complete. You can watch the test results in real time on your screen. If you run the test multiple times by clicking the “Go” button repeatedly, you will notice fluctuations in the data speed. These fluctuations are due to network congestion at different times.
Creating an account on Speedtest.net offers several benefits. You can customize your settings, such as selecting a server for testing, and save your preferences for future use. Your entire test history is also accessible, allowing you to track changes in your internet connectivity over time. Additionally, by clicking on the “Results” link, you can compare your results to global average speeds to gain context. If you’ve used multiple connections or servers, use the “Filter Results” option to narrow down the tests you want to see.
To test your internet speed on your smartphone, you can download the Speedtest mobile app for iOS or Android. The app includes an integrated VPN option that costs $4.99 per month. If you prefer an ad-free experience, you can go for the $0.99 option. Speedtest also offers native apps for Windows, Mac, Google Chrome browser, and even Apple TV.
2. Fast.com
Netflix has a vested interest in ensuring that its customers enjoy lightning-fast internet speeds. To achieve this, the company has developed its speed test. To test your internet speed, visit Fast.com. The test will begin immediately without requiring you to click any buttons. In addition to download speed, you can also view results for latency and upload speed. You can even share your results on Facebook or Twitter instantly. However, with Fast.com, you cannot choose the server to test against. If you prefer using an app, the FAST Speed Test app is also available for both iOS and Android.