Check My Internet Connection Speed

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Upload Speed: The speed of the connection when uploading data from your computer to another computer somewhere on the Internet. Latency: A synonym for delay, latency is an expression of how much time it takes for a packet of data to get from one designated point to another. Feb 03, 2021 Open a Google search page by going to in a web browser or open the Google app on your device and type internet speed test into the search field. This will bring up an 'Internet speed test' window at the top of the Google search results. You can use this method on a computer, phone, or tablet.

Jan 4, 2021 Share
FAQ, Internet Speed Guides

The internet has come a long way since the 1990s. No more listening to the modem screech and buzz over the phone line. No more watching a JPG slowly inch its way down the screen. Those days are now a distant memory (at least for most people). Nowadays, our thermostats, coffee makers, doorbells, lightbulbs, and refrigerators are all connected to our home networks, and it doesn't even hamper our ability to stream ultra-high definition video . . .

… except when it does.

No one likes endlessly waiting for their video to buffer, but it's not always obvious how to fix the problem. Is it just your browser? Do you need a new router? A new computer? Or do you need to switch to a more reliable internet service provider (ISP)?

Before you do anything else, the first thing you should do is test your internet speed. And, fortunately, we have a tool for that.

Jump to: How do I test my internet speed? | What a speed test measures | What determines internet speed? | Tips for an accurate test | What do my results mean? | Get a better internet plan

Jump to:

How do I test my internet speed?

Testing the speed of your internet connection is easy. Just click on the button below to take our speed test.

This test will give you your download and upload speeds (as well as other information like latency, if you click on the details), which you can compare to your provider's advertised speeds.

But there's more to internet speed than just testing it. We'll walk you through all the ins and outs of measuring your internet speed and what it means for you.

What an internet speed test measures

What does Mbps mean?

Let's start with the basics. Internet speed is measured in bits (a single binary 1 or 0) per second. Internet connections can handle a lot of this data, so we usually talk about speeds in megabits per second (Mbps), which is a million bits per second. When speeds get really fast (1,000 Mbps or faster), we talk about them in gigabits per second (Gbps), which is a billion bits per second. (1,000 Mbps = 1 Gbps)

Download speed vs. upload speed

Both your download speed and your upload speed are measured in Mbps. Download speed refers to how fast information from the internet gets to your device (how fast your Netflix show loads), while upload speed refers to how fast information on your device can be sent to some other destination on the internet (how fast your vacation pictures post to Instagram). For most connections, upload and download speed are usually different, but when you see internet plans advertised by speed, they're usually focusing on just the download speed.

What is latency?

One other important measurement for internet speed is latency, or lag. This refers to the time it takes for a signal to be sent from your computer to your service provider and come back. High latency can lead to more buffering on streaming video, but it's much more disruptive in activities like video chat or online gaming.

What determines your internet speed?

If there's one thing that everyone knows about internet speed, it's that not all connections are created equal. Most ISPs offer multiple plans with different speeds, but often these plans also use different technologies to connect you to the internet. Though some are significantly faster than others, there are also other pros and cons besides just speed.

Dial-up internet is the slowest kind of internet connection and is too slow for uses like streaming video. It can't hit broadband speeds, usually topping out around 50 kbps (only 0.05 Mbps), though depending on the service, it can be much slower. It's usually pretty cheap, but there are much better low-cost options these days.

Satellite internet uses a satellite signal to wirelessly connect to your home. Satellite can give you the broadband speeds necessary to do things like stream video, but it's still a relatively slow and expensive option. Satellite internet speeds range from 5 Mbps to 25 Mbps. Also, since your signal has to reach a satellite in orbit, it has incredibly high latency. The upside is that you can get it almost anywhere in the US, even in remote areas.

DSL, or digital subscriber line, uses existing telephone networks, but it achieves much higher speeds than dial-up, anywhere from 0.5 Mbps to 75 Mbps. It's not much faster than satellite and its speed is affected by the distance to your ISP's central office.

Cable internet uses copper wires, just like cable TV. Cable offers incredibly fast speeds, between 25 Mbps and 1,000 Mbps (1 Gbps), but it also has a few drawbacks. Connections are generally shared between neighbors, which means cable networks get congested during peak hours. Cable also offers much higher download speeds than upload speeds. This isn't an issue with cable TV, since broadcasts go only one direction, but it can be a problem for some online activities on cable internet.

Fiber internet connects you to the web via fiber-optic cables. Fiber is the fastest and most reliable kind of internet service, with speeds ranging from 50 Mbps to 2,000 Mbps (2 Gbps). It also has the benefit of symmetrical upload speeds. In other words, your uploads are just as fast as your downloads.

By understanding what kind of internet connection you have, you should have a good idea of how fast your connection should be. The question, though, is how much speed you're actually getting from your connection.

Tips to get the most accurate speed

Testing your speed is easy, but how do you get the most accurate measurement of your internet connection? Here are a few things you can do to get the most accurate results:

Pause automatic downloads.

First, make sure you're not downloading any large files in the background. You can check the Task Manager on Windows or the Activity Monitor on macOS to see if any programs are trying to download updates or other large files. Close or quit all apps on your computer. You might still have some background processes using the internet but nothing that would make a big impact.

Get rid of freeloaders.

Next, make sure that no one else on your home network is using a chunk of your bandwidth. You're not going to get very accurate results if you have people streaming Netflix in three different rooms of your house while you test. If you suspect you might have someone stealing your Wi-Fi or some other freeloaders on your network, you can also change your network password.

Check for wireless router issues.

Many people argue that you should always plug your computer directly into your router with an Ethernet cable before you test your internet speed. While this does give you a more accurate measure of what your ISP is giving you, it doesn't help much if you're still getting slow speeds where you normally use your devices.

We suggest that you check your internet speed where you most often use your computer. If the speed is less than what you expect, try plugging it into your router. If you get a dramatic increase in speed, it might be time to get a better router.

So, what do my results mean?

Once you know exactly how many Mbps you're getting over your internet connection, what do you do next? First off, you need to make sure you can interpret your results. There's no need to make an angry call to your ISP because you're paying for gigabit internet but only getting upload speeds of 30 Mbps. If you have a cable connection, that's perfectly normal, and it probably still has plenty of upload speed for your needs.

Interpreting download speeds

The most important number from your speed test is your download speed. That's what's going to determine how fast files download, how many devices your network can support, and how high the quality of your video can be.

If you have DSL, you should expect your speed to be a bit lower than advertised due to your distance from the central hub, but there's also no way to improve it unless you move your whole house closer (or switch to a different type of connection).

Check My Internet Connection Speed Suddenlink

If you have cable internet and your result is low, you're probably experiencing congestion from the other homes in your area. Try testing your speed at another time when your neighbors are less likely to be online. If you're hitting the proper download speeds outside of peak-use times, there's nothing wrong with your connection. That's just how cable works.

Checking your latency

If you play online games or watch live video, you also want to pay attention to your latency. If your latency is down below 20 milliseconds (ms), your experience should be perfectly smooth. If your latency is above 150 ms, you're going to have some significant issues with lag. Some lag issues can't be fixed because that would mean changing the laws of physics. Even going at near the speed of light, it takes time for a signal to reach a server in South Korea.

Other sources of lag can be dealt with. Replacing an old router can reduce latency. Connecting directly to your router via Ethernet cable instead of over Wi-Fi will make a huge difference in preventing lag. Finally, you can upgrade to a type of connection with naturally lower latency, like fiber.

Diagnosing problems

If you've done everything you can to get the most accurate speed test and your download speeds are still way below what your ISP promised, it could mean a few different things.

Malware—You might have malware on your device. Network worms and other malicious software hijack part of your bandwidth, but this is often the least of your worries. Run antivirus software to check for and remove malware.

Outdated hardware—You might have outdated hardware that's incompatible with your provider's requirements. For example, Xfinity's gigabit services require a DOCSIS 3.1 modem. Although DOCSIS 3.0 equipment can technically get up to gigabit speeds, Xfinity doesn't support it.

ISP issues—There might be a problem with your provider's infrastructure. Sometimes these are just network interruptions caused by your ISP upgrading part of their network or simply doing maintenance. It could also be a more serious problem that can be fixed only by your provider. If you've explored the other options and are still having issues, call your ISP's customer service.

Malfunctioning equipment—If your speed is lower than expected, but there are no problems with your ISP, there might be a problem with your equipment. Reset your modem and router by turning them off, waiting for a minute or two, then turning them back on. Try connecting to your router using an Ethernet cable instead of over Wi-Fi. If you're already using a wired connection, try swapping out your Ethernet cable for a different one. You can also try running the speed test from a different device to see if you get the same results.

Get a better internet plan

If, after all this, your internet speed is still not enough to meet your needs, it might be time to upgrade to a faster plan, or simply find a better ISP.

To see what other options are available in your area, type your ZIP code below.

Author - Peter Christiansen

Peter Christiansen holds a PhD in Communication from the University of Utah and has been working in tech for over 15 years, working as a computer programmer, game developer, filmmaker, and writer. His writing has been praised by outlets like Wired, Digital Humanities Now, and the New Statesman.

Editor - Cara Haynes

Cara Haynes has edited for HighSpeedInternet.com for three years, working with smart writers to revise everything from internet reviews to reports on your state's favorite Netflix show. She believes no one should feel lost in internet land and that a good internet connection significantly extends your life span (buffering kills). With a degree in English and editing and five years working with online content, it's safe to say she likes words on the internet. She is most likely to be seen wearing Birkenstocks and hanging out with a bouncy goldendoodle named Dobby, who is a literal fur angel sent to Earth.

Check My Internet Connection Speed At&t

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.

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.

This test will give you your download and upload speeds (as well as other information like latency, if you click on the details), which you can compare to your provider's advertised speeds.

But there's more to internet speed than just testing it. We'll walk you through all the ins and outs of measuring your internet speed and what it means for you.

What an internet speed test measures

What does Mbps mean?

Let's start with the basics. Internet speed is measured in bits (a single binary 1 or 0) per second. Internet connections can handle a lot of this data, so we usually talk about speeds in megabits per second (Mbps), which is a million bits per second. When speeds get really fast (1,000 Mbps or faster), we talk about them in gigabits per second (Gbps), which is a billion bits per second. (1,000 Mbps = 1 Gbps)

Download speed vs. upload speed

Both your download speed and your upload speed are measured in Mbps. Download speed refers to how fast information from the internet gets to your device (how fast your Netflix show loads), while upload speed refers to how fast information on your device can be sent to some other destination on the internet (how fast your vacation pictures post to Instagram). For most connections, upload and download speed are usually different, but when you see internet plans advertised by speed, they're usually focusing on just the download speed.

What is latency?

One other important measurement for internet speed is latency, or lag. This refers to the time it takes for a signal to be sent from your computer to your service provider and come back. High latency can lead to more buffering on streaming video, but it's much more disruptive in activities like video chat or online gaming.

What determines your internet speed?

If there's one thing that everyone knows about internet speed, it's that not all connections are created equal. Most ISPs offer multiple plans with different speeds, but often these plans also use different technologies to connect you to the internet. Though some are significantly faster than others, there are also other pros and cons besides just speed.

Dial-up internet is the slowest kind of internet connection and is too slow for uses like streaming video. It can't hit broadband speeds, usually topping out around 50 kbps (only 0.05 Mbps), though depending on the service, it can be much slower. It's usually pretty cheap, but there are much better low-cost options these days.

Satellite internet uses a satellite signal to wirelessly connect to your home. Satellite can give you the broadband speeds necessary to do things like stream video, but it's still a relatively slow and expensive option. Satellite internet speeds range from 5 Mbps to 25 Mbps. Also, since your signal has to reach a satellite in orbit, it has incredibly high latency. The upside is that you can get it almost anywhere in the US, even in remote areas.

DSL, or digital subscriber line, uses existing telephone networks, but it achieves much higher speeds than dial-up, anywhere from 0.5 Mbps to 75 Mbps. It's not much faster than satellite and its speed is affected by the distance to your ISP's central office.

Cable internet uses copper wires, just like cable TV. Cable offers incredibly fast speeds, between 25 Mbps and 1,000 Mbps (1 Gbps), but it also has a few drawbacks. Connections are generally shared between neighbors, which means cable networks get congested during peak hours. Cable also offers much higher download speeds than upload speeds. This isn't an issue with cable TV, since broadcasts go only one direction, but it can be a problem for some online activities on cable internet.

Fiber internet connects you to the web via fiber-optic cables. Fiber is the fastest and most reliable kind of internet service, with speeds ranging from 50 Mbps to 2,000 Mbps (2 Gbps). It also has the benefit of symmetrical upload speeds. In other words, your uploads are just as fast as your downloads.

By understanding what kind of internet connection you have, you should have a good idea of how fast your connection should be. The question, though, is how much speed you're actually getting from your connection.

Tips to get the most accurate speed

Testing your speed is easy, but how do you get the most accurate measurement of your internet connection? Here are a few things you can do to get the most accurate results:

Pause automatic downloads.

First, make sure you're not downloading any large files in the background. You can check the Task Manager on Windows or the Activity Monitor on macOS to see if any programs are trying to download updates or other large files. Close or quit all apps on your computer. You might still have some background processes using the internet but nothing that would make a big impact.

Get rid of freeloaders.

Next, make sure that no one else on your home network is using a chunk of your bandwidth. You're not going to get very accurate results if you have people streaming Netflix in three different rooms of your house while you test. If you suspect you might have someone stealing your Wi-Fi or some other freeloaders on your network, you can also change your network password.

Check for wireless router issues.

Many people argue that you should always plug your computer directly into your router with an Ethernet cable before you test your internet speed. While this does give you a more accurate measure of what your ISP is giving you, it doesn't help much if you're still getting slow speeds where you normally use your devices.

We suggest that you check your internet speed where you most often use your computer. If the speed is less than what you expect, try plugging it into your router. If you get a dramatic increase in speed, it might be time to get a better router.

So, what do my results mean?

Once you know exactly how many Mbps you're getting over your internet connection, what do you do next? First off, you need to make sure you can interpret your results. There's no need to make an angry call to your ISP because you're paying for gigabit internet but only getting upload speeds of 30 Mbps. If you have a cable connection, that's perfectly normal, and it probably still has plenty of upload speed for your needs.

Interpreting download speeds

The most important number from your speed test is your download speed. That's what's going to determine how fast files download, how many devices your network can support, and how high the quality of your video can be.

If you have DSL, you should expect your speed to be a bit lower than advertised due to your distance from the central hub, but there's also no way to improve it unless you move your whole house closer (or switch to a different type of connection).

Check My Internet Connection Speed Suddenlink

If you have cable internet and your result is low, you're probably experiencing congestion from the other homes in your area. Try testing your speed at another time when your neighbors are less likely to be online. If you're hitting the proper download speeds outside of peak-use times, there's nothing wrong with your connection. That's just how cable works.

Checking your latency

If you play online games or watch live video, you also want to pay attention to your latency. If your latency is down below 20 milliseconds (ms), your experience should be perfectly smooth. If your latency is above 150 ms, you're going to have some significant issues with lag. Some lag issues can't be fixed because that would mean changing the laws of physics. Even going at near the speed of light, it takes time for a signal to reach a server in South Korea.

Other sources of lag can be dealt with. Replacing an old router can reduce latency. Connecting directly to your router via Ethernet cable instead of over Wi-Fi will make a huge difference in preventing lag. Finally, you can upgrade to a type of connection with naturally lower latency, like fiber.

Diagnosing problems

If you've done everything you can to get the most accurate speed test and your download speeds are still way below what your ISP promised, it could mean a few different things.

Malware—You might have malware on your device. Network worms and other malicious software hijack part of your bandwidth, but this is often the least of your worries. Run antivirus software to check for and remove malware.

Outdated hardware—You might have outdated hardware that's incompatible with your provider's requirements. For example, Xfinity's gigabit services require a DOCSIS 3.1 modem. Although DOCSIS 3.0 equipment can technically get up to gigabit speeds, Xfinity doesn't support it.

ISP issues—There might be a problem with your provider's infrastructure. Sometimes these are just network interruptions caused by your ISP upgrading part of their network or simply doing maintenance. It could also be a more serious problem that can be fixed only by your provider. If you've explored the other options and are still having issues, call your ISP's customer service.

Malfunctioning equipment—If your speed is lower than expected, but there are no problems with your ISP, there might be a problem with your equipment. Reset your modem and router by turning them off, waiting for a minute or two, then turning them back on. Try connecting to your router using an Ethernet cable instead of over Wi-Fi. If you're already using a wired connection, try swapping out your Ethernet cable for a different one. You can also try running the speed test from a different device to see if you get the same results.

Get a better internet plan

If, after all this, your internet speed is still not enough to meet your needs, it might be time to upgrade to a faster plan, or simply find a better ISP.

To see what other options are available in your area, type your ZIP code below.

Author - Peter Christiansen

Peter Christiansen holds a PhD in Communication from the University of Utah and has been working in tech for over 15 years, working as a computer programmer, game developer, filmmaker, and writer. His writing has been praised by outlets like Wired, Digital Humanities Now, and the New Statesman.

Editor - Cara Haynes

Cara Haynes has edited for HighSpeedInternet.com for three years, working with smart writers to revise everything from internet reviews to reports on your state's favorite Netflix show. She believes no one should feel lost in internet land and that a good internet connection significantly extends your life span (buffering kills). With a degree in English and editing and five years working with online content, it's safe to say she likes words on the internet. She is most likely to be seen wearing Birkenstocks and hanging out with a bouncy goldendoodle named Dobby, who is a literal fur angel sent to Earth.

Check My Internet Connection Speed At&t

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.

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. 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.

Check My Internet Speed Service Electric

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

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 To Check My Internet Connection Speed

How can I test my internet provider's speed?

Check My Internet Connection Speed Test

You can check the download and upload speeds of your ISP by using their corresponding link below: