In the past 30 days over 12,985,506 people have used speed tests to see their download speeds, upload speeds, and ping. Press 'Start Test' below to get started testing your connection.
To help eliminate these inconsistencies while testing the speed of your internet connection, Wave provides a speed test designed to test your connection within our network. Please note: Most performance issues can be addressed simply by shutting down background internet programs and bypassing additional network equipment. If you are looking for a good measure of your connection's consistency, then Speedof.me is a test you should try. They show you not only the final results but also how consistent your connection is throughout the test, which is crucial if you are testing for purposes related to video calls or online gaming. We built this Website Speed Test to help you analyze your website load speed. The test is designed to help make your site faster by identifying what about a webpage is fast, slow, too big, and so on. We have tried to make it useful both for experts and novices alike.
Oops! Something went wrong and the NDT test didn't load!
If this continues to happen, please contact us.
Average Internet Speed Test Result in the US 2020-2021
In this chart we show the average download speed across all users who ran a speed test in the last 12 months.
Is My Internet Speed Test Result Fast Enough?
Our speed test tool is designed to help you understand how your internet connection performs on a daily basis. As you can see from the data above, internet speeds are improving across the country in 2021. For a more detailed comparison, you can also view average speed test results for internet providers in New York, Denver, Atlanta, and every other city in the U.S. by visiting our dedicated city data pages.
1-2 Mbps
At speeds below 2 Mbps, you will be very limited in terms of what you can do online.
1-2 Mbps is suitable for:
- Basic web browsing
- Checking email
- Single-user homes
2–10 Mbps
Speeds of 2–10 Mbps offer a bit more flexibility than the bottom end, but you'll still be limited if you want to stream HD media or download large files.
2–10 Mbps is suitable for:
- Basic web browsing
- Streaming standard or HD content on one device at a time
- Single or two-user homes
10–25 Mbps
At the 10–25 Mbps level, you should have little to no trouble performing basic tasks online, as well as streaming HD content. Keep in mind that large families or users with many devices may still experience slower-than-expected performance. Using WiFi can also reduce your performance in this range.
10–25 Mbps is suitable for:
- Streaming HD content on one to two devices at a time
- Online gaming
- One to four-user homes
25+ Mbps
Speeds of around 25 Mbps should be sufficient for the average internet user. You can stream HD content on multiple devices, play online games, and handle medium/larger downloads with relative ease.
25+ Mbps speeds are suitable for:
- Streaming HD content on multiple devices or 4K content on one device at a time
- Playing online games and downloading medium-sized files
- Medium-sized families of two to six people
50+ Mbps
Speeds above 50 Mbps should be more than enough for the majority of internet users, regardless of the task at hand. You can stream HD or even 4K content with ease, use multiple devices at once, and download large files without prohibitive download times.
Speeds of 50 Mbps or more are suitable for:
- Heavy streaming or gaming households, 4K content
- Large families of power users
- Frequent large downloads
Why Run An Internet Speed Test?
For one, it could potentially save you some money.
Yes, really. You may be paying for more speed than you actually need, and these additional fees could be costing you month after month. Based on the information above, if you find that your internet speeds are higher than needed, we'd recommend reaching out to your ISP (Internet Service Provider) and switching to a lower-cost plan.
Then there's the flipside; you may be paying for speeds you're not actually getting. Running our internet speed test is the best way to determine if your provider is actually holding up their end of the bargain. If you test your connection multiple times and find that you aren't getting what you're paying for, we recommend reaching out to your ISP for help. This will often solve the issue, but not always.
Keep in mind that using WiFi tends to reduce performance. The speeds advertised by internet providers are based on the speed you get with a device wired directly to the router using an ethernet cable.
How To Run A Speed Test
Before you start the test, there are a few things you can do to ensure you get the most accurate results.
- Be sure to place the laptop, tablet or smartphone you are using as close to your router as possible. Distance, walls, plumbing and other factors can all have an effect on your results.
- Be sure to turn off any other devices that might be clogging your connection. This includes TV's, streaming devices, and other computers around your home.
- On the device you are using for testing, be sure that you aren't actively downloading any files or updates before beginning the test.
Understanding Your Internet Speed Test Results
In order to better understand your internet speed test, it is vital to know the difference between upload speed and download speed.
Upload Speed
Upload speed refers to how quickly your connection can send something (data, in this case) from your device to the wider internet. This number is often not the one heavily advertised by service providers online, and this is on purpose. In short, most activities online do not require high upload speeds. Some do, however, including Skype and other video chat services, online gaming, and large cloud storage applications like Dropbox and Google Drive.
Download Speed
Download speed refers to how quickly your connection can retrieve data from a website or server online. Best instagram grid app. Almost all activities require a certain amount of download speed, so this is the main number you'll want to pay attention to when deciding how much internet speed you need. Streaming multiple TV shows or movies at the same time (especially 4K media) and downloading large files are both examples of activities that require higher download speeds than average.
How Much Internet Speed Do I Really Need?
Determining how much internet speed you actually need is really a matter of how you use the internet on a daily basis. For instance, a power user in a large family who all frequently stream movies and shows, play games, and download large files is going to need a higher download speed to accommodate them. Meanwhile, someone living in a one or two-person apartment who just checks email and occasionally watches a show on Netflix will need far less.
For more information, be sure to check out our guide to determining how much internet speed you need.
How Does An Internet Speed Test Work?
Though there are a variety of different internet speed tests available online, they all essentially operate in the same basic way. In essence, when you begin the test, our tool will upload a set of files from your network to the test server nearest your location. It will then perform the same test in reverse, downloading the set of files from the server instead. Throughout the process, our tool measures a variety of data points, including the speeds of both your upload and download.
Despite how useful this information can be, you will find that the speeds you see reported will almost always be a bit lower than you might have expected. These variations are to be expected, and for the most accurate results, we recommend running the test 3-4 times back to back to get a solid average.
Speed Test Terms: How To Understand Your Results
| Bits | Bits are foundational units of measurement for digital data. These are the ones and zeroes that make up binary code. For reference, there are 1,000 bits in a single Kilobit (Kb). There are 1 million bits in a Megabit (Mb). There are 1 billion bits in a Gigabit (Gb). |
| Bytes | A byte is a common unit of measurement for determining how large a particular piece of data is. Each byte contains 8 bits. Since bits are such a small unit of measurement, it makes more sense to use bytes when discussing file sizes. For example, there are 1,000 bytes in a single Kilobyte (KB). There are 1 million bytes in a Megabyte (MB). There are 1 billion bytes in a Gigabyte (GB). |
| Transfer Rate | Simply put, transfer rate refers to how quickly data is transferred between two or more devices. This can be done through the internet, or locally, such as transferring photos between a flash drive and your computer's local storage. Transfer rates are commonly described using a bits-per-second measurement. |
| Kbps | Kilobits per second. Only the slowest connections are measured this way. |
| Mbps | Megabits per second. The most common unit of measurement for modern internet connections. |
| Gbps | Gigabits per second. Faster connections are measured this way. |
| GBps | Gigabytes per second. No currently operating consumer networks utilize this measurement. |
| Bandwidth | You can think of bandwidth as the total capacity a given network has in terms of data. ISP's commonly advertise the best case scenario bandwidth when showing the speeds offered in their internet plans. For example, if a provider lists a download speed of 25 Mbps, this figure is based on the full capacity (bandwidth) of the company's network. During certain times of peak traffic, you may experience slower speeds. |
| Throughput | Throughput is very similar to bandwidth, in that it is a measurement of the amount of data that passes from one point to another within a certain amount of time. Unlike bandwidth, however, this is a measurement of volume, not speed. |
| Ping | Ping simply refers to a signal that is sent from a given device to a server, and back again. You will usually see this represented as a 'ping rate,' which simply measures how much time passes during the process of sending the signal and receiving it again. This measurement is reflected as latency on a network. |
| Latency | Often referred to as 'lag,' latency is a description of the time it takes to send a ping to a given server and receive it back at your local device again. |
Does A Slow Speed Test Mean I'm Being Throttled?
Not necessarily. There are many reasons why you may not be getting the results you expected from your speed test. Once again, make sure you run the test multiple times to rule out any random dips in speed. Also be sure to double check that no one else is using their device on your network when you run the test. Even a single smartphone can measurably alter your results if it is downloading a large update or streaming content at the same time as your speed test.
If you've ruled out the above and are concerned that you aren't getting the speeds you're paying for, read this: How To Tell If Your Internet Is Being Throttled.
What To Do If Your Speed Test Is Much Slower Than Expected
Our first recommendation is always to contact your service provider directly for help. They will be able to alert you to any network outages or other issues in your area, and can often troubleshoot your individual connection over the phone or via a live chat service.
Beyond this, if you can't get immediate help, try using an ethernet cable to connect your computer to the router directly, if possible. If this doesn't help, there is almost certainly something wrong with your connection on the provider's side. If it does help, you may be experiencing signal issues with your WiFi.
How can I test my internet provider's speed?
You can check the download and upload speeds of your ISP by using their corresponding link below:
Try to imagine not having an internetconnection in the modern world. Chances are you would have difficultiescommunicating with loved ones, working at your most effective, and even payingyour bills. There is a reason that the UN considers it a human right.
Yet, in many cases having a fastinternet connection is just as important as having an internet connection atall. Video calls are becoming the norm, as is streaming content that requiresmore and more bandwidth. The COVID-19 pandemic only showcased the need further,and more of us are adapting to a digital life than ever before. The world ismoving forward under the assumption of faster internet, and your householdbetter keep up by getting a good service.
Therefore, you need to get theinternet speeds you were promised by your ISP and ensure no interference withyour connection. To help you do this, there are speed tests that can help. Yetwhich one (there are countless) should you use, and what are the best ways touse them? Keep on reading to learn everything you need to know.
Why is a speed test so helpful? Peopleuse them for many reasons. The most common reasons you may want to use one are:
·You want to make sure that youare getting precisely what you paid for from your ISP and that you are notbeing throttled in any way.
·To determine whether yourhousehold needs an upgrade. The average internet speed in an American home was5 Mbps in 2009. In 2018 that number grew to 96.25, and it is onlyexpected to continue growing. Every household will need to change their plan;eventually, it is just a matter of when.
·You wonder whether a device orreceiver works properly or whether you might need a fix or a peripheral.
·You are concerned there is toomuch stress currently on the network with the number of devices.
·You need to check on anadditional metric such as upload speed or ping rate, likely for work or gamingpurposes. This can help prevent you from wasting money on devices you cannotget the most out of.
Naturally, there are other reasons anduses for a speed test, and perhaps you have one in mind already. They all boildown to needing more information about your home (or business) internetsituation and what you will need for the future. Information, as long as it'saccurate and you know how to interpret it, will never steer you wrong.
Speed Test Best Practices
How do you make the most of a speedtest? We recommend the following best practices to ensure an accurate readingand to help you more easily determine the cause of a problem if there is one: Winrar x64 download.
·Try a speed test (ideally thesame speed test) from multiple devices in the same general location. This willhelp determine if a problem is device-specific.
·Test under normal workingconditions and ideal conditions. If there are a few devices that will alwaysuse a bit of bandwidth, do not turn them off for your first test, but do turnthem off for another. You may want to know your speed in both conditions,depending on whether you are concerned about your ISP or just whether you haveenough bandwidth to do something.
- Streaming HD content on one to two devices at a time
- Online gaming
- One to four-user homes
25+ Mbps
Speeds of around 25 Mbps should be sufficient for the average internet user. You can stream HD content on multiple devices, play online games, and handle medium/larger downloads with relative ease.
25+ Mbps speeds are suitable for:
- Streaming HD content on multiple devices or 4K content on one device at a time
- Playing online games and downloading medium-sized files
- Medium-sized families of two to six people
50+ Mbps
Speeds above 50 Mbps should be more than enough for the majority of internet users, regardless of the task at hand. You can stream HD or even 4K content with ease, use multiple devices at once, and download large files without prohibitive download times.
Speeds of 50 Mbps or more are suitable for:
- Heavy streaming or gaming households, 4K content
- Large families of power users
- Frequent large downloads
Why Run An Internet Speed Test?
For one, it could potentially save you some money.
Yes, really. You may be paying for more speed than you actually need, and these additional fees could be costing you month after month. Based on the information above, if you find that your internet speeds are higher than needed, we'd recommend reaching out to your ISP (Internet Service Provider) and switching to a lower-cost plan.
Then there's the flipside; you may be paying for speeds you're not actually getting. Running our internet speed test is the best way to determine if your provider is actually holding up their end of the bargain. If you test your connection multiple times and find that you aren't getting what you're paying for, we recommend reaching out to your ISP for help. This will often solve the issue, but not always.
Keep in mind that using WiFi tends to reduce performance. The speeds advertised by internet providers are based on the speed you get with a device wired directly to the router using an ethernet cable.
How To Run A Speed Test
Before you start the test, there are a few things you can do to ensure you get the most accurate results.
- Be sure to place the laptop, tablet or smartphone you are using as close to your router as possible. Distance, walls, plumbing and other factors can all have an effect on your results.
- Be sure to turn off any other devices that might be clogging your connection. This includes TV's, streaming devices, and other computers around your home.
- On the device you are using for testing, be sure that you aren't actively downloading any files or updates before beginning the test.
Understanding Your Internet Speed Test Results
In order to better understand your internet speed test, it is vital to know the difference between upload speed and download speed.
Upload Speed
Upload speed refers to how quickly your connection can send something (data, in this case) from your device to the wider internet. This number is often not the one heavily advertised by service providers online, and this is on purpose. In short, most activities online do not require high upload speeds. Some do, however, including Skype and other video chat services, online gaming, and large cloud storage applications like Dropbox and Google Drive.
Download Speed
Download speed refers to how quickly your connection can retrieve data from a website or server online. Best instagram grid app. Almost all activities require a certain amount of download speed, so this is the main number you'll want to pay attention to when deciding how much internet speed you need. Streaming multiple TV shows or movies at the same time (especially 4K media) and downloading large files are both examples of activities that require higher download speeds than average.
How Much Internet Speed Do I Really Need?
Determining how much internet speed you actually need is really a matter of how you use the internet on a daily basis. For instance, a power user in a large family who all frequently stream movies and shows, play games, and download large files is going to need a higher download speed to accommodate them. Meanwhile, someone living in a one or two-person apartment who just checks email and occasionally watches a show on Netflix will need far less.
For more information, be sure to check out our guide to determining how much internet speed you need.
How Does An Internet Speed Test Work?
Though there are a variety of different internet speed tests available online, they all essentially operate in the same basic way. In essence, when you begin the test, our tool will upload a set of files from your network to the test server nearest your location. It will then perform the same test in reverse, downloading the set of files from the server instead. Throughout the process, our tool measures a variety of data points, including the speeds of both your upload and download.
Despite how useful this information can be, you will find that the speeds you see reported will almost always be a bit lower than you might have expected. These variations are to be expected, and for the most accurate results, we recommend running the test 3-4 times back to back to get a solid average.
Speed Test Terms: How To Understand Your Results
| Bits | Bits are foundational units of measurement for digital data. These are the ones and zeroes that make up binary code. For reference, there are 1,000 bits in a single Kilobit (Kb). There are 1 million bits in a Megabit (Mb). There are 1 billion bits in a Gigabit (Gb). |
| Bytes | A byte is a common unit of measurement for determining how large a particular piece of data is. Each byte contains 8 bits. Since bits are such a small unit of measurement, it makes more sense to use bytes when discussing file sizes. For example, there are 1,000 bytes in a single Kilobyte (KB). There are 1 million bytes in a Megabyte (MB). There are 1 billion bytes in a Gigabyte (GB). |
| Transfer Rate | Simply put, transfer rate refers to how quickly data is transferred between two or more devices. This can be done through the internet, or locally, such as transferring photos between a flash drive and your computer's local storage. Transfer rates are commonly described using a bits-per-second measurement. |
| Kbps | Kilobits per second. Only the slowest connections are measured this way. |
| Mbps | Megabits per second. The most common unit of measurement for modern internet connections. |
| Gbps | Gigabits per second. Faster connections are measured this way. |
| GBps | Gigabytes per second. No currently operating consumer networks utilize this measurement. |
| Bandwidth | You can think of bandwidth as the total capacity a given network has in terms of data. ISP's commonly advertise the best case scenario bandwidth when showing the speeds offered in their internet plans. For example, if a provider lists a download speed of 25 Mbps, this figure is based on the full capacity (bandwidth) of the company's network. During certain times of peak traffic, you may experience slower speeds. |
| Throughput | Throughput is very similar to bandwidth, in that it is a measurement of the amount of data that passes from one point to another within a certain amount of time. Unlike bandwidth, however, this is a measurement of volume, not speed. |
| Ping | Ping simply refers to a signal that is sent from a given device to a server, and back again. You will usually see this represented as a 'ping rate,' which simply measures how much time passes during the process of sending the signal and receiving it again. This measurement is reflected as latency on a network. |
| Latency | Often referred to as 'lag,' latency is a description of the time it takes to send a ping to a given server and receive it back at your local device again. |
Does A Slow Speed Test Mean I'm Being Throttled?
Not necessarily. There are many reasons why you may not be getting the results you expected from your speed test. Once again, make sure you run the test multiple times to rule out any random dips in speed. Also be sure to double check that no one else is using their device on your network when you run the test. Even a single smartphone can measurably alter your results if it is downloading a large update or streaming content at the same time as your speed test.
If you've ruled out the above and are concerned that you aren't getting the speeds you're paying for, read this: How To Tell If Your Internet Is Being Throttled.
What To Do If Your Speed Test Is Much Slower Than Expected
Our first recommendation is always to contact your service provider directly for help. They will be able to alert you to any network outages or other issues in your area, and can often troubleshoot your individual connection over the phone or via a live chat service.
Beyond this, if you can't get immediate help, try using an ethernet cable to connect your computer to the router directly, if possible. If this doesn't help, there is almost certainly something wrong with your connection on the provider's side. If it does help, you may be experiencing signal issues with your WiFi.
How can I test my internet provider's speed?
You can check the download and upload speeds of your ISP by using their corresponding link below:
Try to imagine not having an internetconnection in the modern world. Chances are you would have difficultiescommunicating with loved ones, working at your most effective, and even payingyour bills. There is a reason that the UN considers it a human right.
Yet, in many cases having a fastinternet connection is just as important as having an internet connection atall. Video calls are becoming the norm, as is streaming content that requiresmore and more bandwidth. The COVID-19 pandemic only showcased the need further,and more of us are adapting to a digital life than ever before. The world ismoving forward under the assumption of faster internet, and your householdbetter keep up by getting a good service.
Therefore, you need to get theinternet speeds you were promised by your ISP and ensure no interference withyour connection. To help you do this, there are speed tests that can help. Yetwhich one (there are countless) should you use, and what are the best ways touse them? Keep on reading to learn everything you need to know.
Why is a speed test so helpful? Peopleuse them for many reasons. The most common reasons you may want to use one are:
·You want to make sure that youare getting precisely what you paid for from your ISP and that you are notbeing throttled in any way.
·To determine whether yourhousehold needs an upgrade. The average internet speed in an American home was5 Mbps in 2009. In 2018 that number grew to 96.25, and it is onlyexpected to continue growing. Every household will need to change their plan;eventually, it is just a matter of when.
·You wonder whether a device orreceiver works properly or whether you might need a fix or a peripheral.
·You are concerned there is toomuch stress currently on the network with the number of devices.
·You need to check on anadditional metric such as upload speed or ping rate, likely for work or gamingpurposes. This can help prevent you from wasting money on devices you cannotget the most out of.
Naturally, there are other reasons anduses for a speed test, and perhaps you have one in mind already. They all boildown to needing more information about your home (or business) internetsituation and what you will need for the future. Information, as long as it'saccurate and you know how to interpret it, will never steer you wrong.
Speed Test Best Practices
How do you make the most of a speedtest? We recommend the following best practices to ensure an accurate readingand to help you more easily determine the cause of a problem if there is one: Winrar x64 download.
·Try a speed test (ideally thesame speed test) from multiple devices in the same general location. This willhelp determine if a problem is device-specific.
·Test under normal workingconditions and ideal conditions. If there are a few devices that will alwaysuse a bit of bandwidth, do not turn them off for your first test, but do turnthem off for another. You may want to know your speed in both conditions,depending on whether you are concerned about your ISP or just whether you haveenough bandwidth to do something.
·Double-check ahead of time whatyour download and upload speeds should actually be. Make sure there are nomisunderstandings about your plan.
·Perform several tests over theday. Depending on your internet service type, there will be hours where yourinternet is not as fast due to usage elsewhere in your neighborhood. Thisshould be measured and taken into account when making decisions.
What We Look for in a Test
While we will shortly be talking aboutthe best options, first you should know what is essential in a speed test, withall the key facets listed below:
Accuracy: If a speed test is not as accurate as possible, what is the point inusing it?
Ease-of-Use: A speed test site should never confuse the user. At most, you shouldneed to input a few bits of information and press the start button, perhapswith some options available on the side for specialized use.
Information Provided: While the download speed is probably most important to most users,there are other metrics (particularly upload speed and ping rate) that are importantas well0014the more information, the better, as long as it is presented clearlyand concisely.
Ability to Simulate Real WorldConditions: The way a speed test is conducted canaffect the results. While some tests might be best for a neutral measurement ofthe data, most people use their internet for a few things, such as streamingmovies, video calls, and playing games online. The more a speed test cansimulate these kinds of situations, the better.
Good Design: A well-designed speed test site should showcase all the informationeasily, be easy to read and understand, and be well-organized. Anythingsuperfluous is a detriment to the test. Complicated designs and setups from asite can potentially interfere with results.
Servers in Multiple Areas: Ideally, you should be using a speed test with servers near yourarea. Otherwise, the results (especially your ping rate) will be affected byyour region. The best speed test sites have servers across the country (or theworld) to allow for the most accurate readings.
Freedom from Bias: Many speed tests are run by ISPs, but can you be certain that thosetests do not have an agenda? Surely they would want to make their own serviceslook good, and others look lacking. While certain ISPs would not engage in thistype of behavior, the question is necessary, and potential biases are noted.
The 7 Best Speed Test Sites
Without further wait, here are our topchoices. Please read each selection to make sure you pick out the best test foryour needs to get the best results.
1. Speedtest.net
Our top choice is Ookla'sSpeedtest.net, which happens to be one of the oldest and most popular speedtests on the market. Despite its age (or more likely in part due to it), wefind that it is the best test for most people and one you should try first.
It has practically everything youcould want in a speed test, with all of the basic information readily availableand a vast list of servers across the country, ensuring an accurate reading nomatter where you are.
Furthermore, if you make an account,you can keep records of your previous tests. This can be particularly helpfulif you want to measure changes, keep different devices in mind, or trackimprovements after changing plans or making changes to your setup. It allowsfor optimization with less effort on your end.
The main downside we found with thesite is the fact that ads appear. While we understand that the site needs tosupport itself, the ads could potentially interfere with the measurements,depending on the nature of the ads and your connection.
2. Speedof.me Adobe photoshop 5 download free.
If you are looking for a good measureof your connection's consistency, then Speedof.me is a test you should try.They show you not only the final results but also how consistent yourconnection is throughout the test, which is crucial if you are testing forpurposes related to video calls or online gaming.
However, more data can mean that saiddata is a bit harder to interpret. You might need to spend a little more timeanalyzing the results, which is not ideal if you need to do a test right awayor in a hurry.
The test is also different betweenmobile and desktop. The mobile version is a bit more accessible (without evenneeding to use an app), and for that reason, speedof.me can be a great choicefor mobile users of all sorts.
3. TestMy.net
A comprehensive option people lookingfor accuracy (and everyone should be) will love, TestMy.net is a test that runson HTML5 and is independent of any sources of bias. It focuses on functionabove all else, and it functions wonderfully.
It can be a little harder to look atcompared to the other testing sites, and you might have to click through a fewmore pages. Still, they provide some of the most in-depth data available from aspeed test and allow you to compare your results to the averages of your city,your host, and more.
Like some other speed test sites, youcan create an account to track results over time. This, combined with a widearray of data provided, is an excellent combination.
4. Xfinity Speed Test
Simple and easy to use, the XfinitySpeed Test is not flashy by any means, but that is precisely what some people arelooking for. It provides you with the standard information, is reliable, andhas a nice if somewhat cluttered on some devices, design to it.
What is different about Xfinity isthat it provides contextual information about your internet speed, making it ahelpful tool for those who might not know what all the numbers mean. Forexample, the speed test will provide some bullet points on what you can do withyour current download speed and provide a few tips about making sure the testruns as accurately as possible. This makes it one of the most user-friendlytests for those who do not use technology too often.
Xfinity provides this speed test.While we consider that a point of concern, there was no bias we could detect inthe test, you do not need to be a subscriber of any kind to their services, andreadings were accurate compared with other tests. There is no way to savetests, and the screen might feel too cluttered for some, but we are generallyhappy with what it can provide people.
5. Internet Health Test
From what we can determine, this is avariation of Ookla's Speedtest.net. Internet Health test is a great way toquickly get more data than you would from the other 'fast' testingsites available. Yet it is not only fast and simple but a bit more versatilethan the competition as well. You can select your host from a range of places,allowing you to tailor your test. You get to see how stable the connection isover time, letting you know if consistency will be an issue. All of the basicinformation is there.
We did not find some of the datalogging features found in other speed tests, but you can share your results onsocial media (although why would you), and you can email them to yourself forrecord-keeping.
Overall, we recommend this service tothose looking for more information on how their connection would work invarious situations and for those looking for a secondary test to act as a pointof comparison.
Speedtest Web Version
6. Speedsmart
Our next recommendation is Speedsmart,which is easy to use, based on HTML5, and accessible from a wide variety ofdevices. They put great effort into making sure that you get the most accuratereadings possible, allowing for more data to be sent and received to ensurequality results, including ping results for those who need them.
If you need to access records ofprevious tests and none of the other options look acceptable to you, thenSpeedsmart has you covered, no matter what device you are using. You can use anaccount to keep track of everything and let yourself compare the data, whetherfor a network or a location.
There are a few extra bits ofinformation on the testing page, and we would like to see some more servers(although this is not a dealbreaker in their case.) Speedsmart is a strongoption for people obsessed with accuracy.
7. Fast.com
When you first load Fast.com, all youwill see is a large and simple display of your download speed, easy to readwith no confusion. If that is all you are looking for, then fast.com will allowyou to get the info and get out. After a few seconds, you will also be able todetermine your ping rate and your upload speed in simple terms. There isn'teven a start button; it just goes.
What is interesting about Fast.com isthat the site is owned by Netflix, which utilizes a massive amount of internetbandwidth around the world. They have a vested interest in knowing how muchdata they are using and making sure their customers can use their serviceeffectively. The investment makes sense for them, given the company's historyof dealing with throttled connections.
There are not many additionalsettings, which makes us hesitant to recommend it for general purposes or getthe most specific readings, but content streamers can and should come toFast.com first.
One last note is that while we didrank these and think some will help more people than others, everyone hasdifferent priorities. Which one of these is best for you will depend on whatyou are looking for. Think about your needs and before settling with one, ortry out several (it will not cost you anything)
What Causes Slow Internet?
To diagnose your slow internet or knowwhether you have the issue in the first place, you will need to know some ofthe causes. While there are longer guides on the subject, if you have acomplicated problem or need to get into the nuts and bolts of the matter, youcan start by looking into the following potential causes:
·Network Interference: Is there anything that might be interfering with the network?Additional abnormal signals? Some radio frequencies can cause problems. If youremove or turn off these devices and your internet speed picks up, you havefound the culprit.
·Inadequate Equipment: How old is your equipment, and is it capable of handling yourinternet plan? While generally not an issue for those renting equipment, it'sstill a problem for many households. Ensure that you check for these issuesboth in terms of your modem/router and any receivers you use. If your routercan transmit gigabit internet speeds, but your USB receiver can only handle 100Mbps, that is a considerable drop-off.
·Poor Equipment Placement: Alternatively, your equipment might be working just fine; it is justthat it is in a place where the signal cannot be transmitted or receivedeasily. Ensure that devices are close enough to a router (or just connected viaethernet cable) and in a place where they can send signals effectively.
·Background Programs: Sometimes, you can have many programs or apps running in thebackground, eating up bandwidth without you even knowing it. Depending on yourusage habits, you might be able to turn some off without any difference in youronline life. Check for default apps and programs that might be running in thebackground.
Speedtest Web Page
·Too Many Users: Your internet connection can seem slow if there are too many userson the network, or more specifically, too many devices jockeying for bandwidth.If you have many devices going at once, you may want to consider turning someoff, upgrading your plan, or upgrading your equipment.
·Network Outage or Overuse: There might be a storm outside, or a traffic accident could haveinvolved a telephone pole. Depending on your service type, lines may be damagedor downed, which can cause problems (either a complete outage or a slowdown asthe information gets rerouted).
·ISP Throttling: If your speeds are slower than anticipated and there is no otherobvious answer, your ISP might be throttling your connection. They might dothis in response to a perceived slight, going over your monthly data limit (ifthere is one), or another reason. Check to see why this may happen and if thethrottling is fair.
·Computer Issues or Malware: Malware can also cause slow internet speeds. Make sure that you arepracticing good cybersecurity and perform a scan at regular intervals. Adamaged device might also lead to a poor connection and will likely have othersymptoms as well.
There are other causes, but one of theabove will likely be the culprit if your speed test shows a slower speed thanusual or anticipated. Be sure to check every once in a while, as new issues andcauses for slow internet can come up regularly.
What to Do with the Speed Test Information
Now that you have your findings, youmight have some decisions to make. If you have tested your connection multipletimes and even with a few different tests, and things are not as you wouldlike, you should not hesitate to take one of the following actions:
·If you find that your ISP isnot performing as promised, call them and see if they can explain the problem.While most ISPs have a range where they might dip below their advertised rates,any significant deviations should be noted and not be tolerated, especially ifthere is a solid competitor in your area. However, there might be a temporaryproblem due to damaged equipment, which you can expect to be solved shortly.
·You may want to upgrade yourplan or change providers. This can be costly, so make sure to do your researchahead of time, but you can also likely get a good deal or have your new ISP buyout your old contract. Make sure to read all the fine print.
·You may want to use the testresults as a negotiating chip. If you appearto have done your research, your provider will take your threats to switch moreseriously.
Xfinity Speed Test
·You may wish to change yourinternet set up in your home, mostly regarding the equipment you use and itsplacement. A wired connection is always better than a wireless one and keepyour router away from devices or places that might cause interference.Alternatively, you may wish to invest in a range extender.
·You can move forward with yourplans that you performed the speed test for in the first place. For example,smart home upgrades can be costly and require constant bandwidth, but they canbe worth it if you can rely on your connection.
Conclusion
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Performing an occasional speed test onyour connection is a great way to ensure that you are getting the services youare paying for and can help you figure out the source of any interference. Wehope that one of the above speed test sites can help you learn what you need toand get an accurate reading. Whatever you wind up doing, we wish you the bestof luck and a swift resolution to any problems.
