Speed Test
Wondering how fast your internet connection is, then you have come to the right place. You can find our internet speed test below. Along with an explanation of what the results mean for you. Take part in our interactive quiz to find out what is bugging other internet users. If you are unhappy with the speed of your internet check out our list of tips (Reading time 8 minutes) to help you get your connection back up to speed!
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Take a look below to find out what your result actually means:
Download Speed: This measures how quickly data is transferred from the internet to your device. It’s usually shown in megabits per second (Mbps). Higher download speeds mean you can stream videos, browse the web, and download files faster.
Upload Speed: This measures how quickly data is sent from your device to the internet. It’s also shown in Mbps. Higher upload speeds are important for activities like video calls, uploading videos, or sending large emails.
Ping: Ping, measured in milliseconds (ms), indicates the reaction time of your connection. It’s the time it takes for data to travel to a server and back. A lower ping means a more responsive connection, which is crucial for online gaming and video conferencing.
Jitter: Jitter measures the variability in ping over time, also in milliseconds. Lower jitter means a more stable connection, which is important for maintaining a smooth and consistent experience during online activities like gaming or video calls.
What's the biggest factor affecting your internet speed?
In-depth Guide to improving your speed
1) Check your current Internet services plan with your ISP, are you getting what you pay for?
When it comes to your internet connection, the first thing to consider is whether the service you’re receiving matches what you’re paying for. It’s not uncommon to experience slower-than-expected speeds, and the cause might be as simple as a mismatch between your expectations and what your internet plan actually offers.
Start by digging into the details of your current internet plan. You might find this information on your monthly bill or by logging into your ISP’s online portal. Look for the specifics of your plan—what download and upload speeds are you supposed to get? These speeds are typically listed in Mbps (Megabits per second), and they form the basis of how fast your internet should be. Keep in mind, though, that ISPs often advertise “up to” speeds, which represent the maximum potential speed under ideal conditions, not necessarily the speed you’ll always experience.
Once you have a clear understanding of your plan, it’s time to test your actual internet speed. There are many online tools available for this purpose, including our own Internet Speed Test Calculator, which provides a quick and easy way to measure your download and upload speeds, as well as your ping (latency). It’s a good idea to test your speed at different times of the day—morning, afternoon, and evening—to get a fuller picture of your average speed. This is important because your internet speed can vary throughout the day due to network congestion or other factors.
If you primarily use Wi-Fi, consider running the speed test while connected directly to your router with an Ethernet cable as well. This comparison can reveal whether the issue lies with your Wi-Fi network rather than your internet service itself. It’s also wise to ensure no one else in your household is streaming videos or downloading large files while you’re running the test, as these activities can significantly impact your results.
After running your speed tests, compare the results with the speeds your ISP promised. If you find that your actual speeds are consistently lower than expected, it could be a sign of a problem that needs addressing. But before jumping to conclusions, consider some external factors. For instance, the time of day can affect speeds due to peak usage, especially if you’re in a densely populated area. The condition of your router and modem also plays a role—older equipment may not be able to handle higher speeds, even if your ISP provides them.
If, after all this, your speeds are still not up to par, it’s time to contact your ISP. Customer service should be able to help you troubleshoot the issue. Be sure to provide them with the results of your speed tests and any other relevant information. Sometimes, the solution might be as simple as resetting your connection on their end, but in other cases, they might need to send a technician to check your home’s wiring or provide updated equipment.
In some instances, the issue might be related to data caps imposed by your ISP, which can throttle your speed after you reach a certain amount of data usage. If you suspect this is the case, it’s worth discussing your options with your ISP—whether that means switching to a plan with a higher data cap or, ideally, one with unlimited data.
And don’t forget, you have some leverage here. If your speeds have been consistently below what you’re paying for, it’s reasonable to ask for a discount or an upgrade. Many ISPs have promotions or better plans available, especially if they know you’re considering other providers.
2) Optimize Your Wi-Fi Network: Strengthening Your Connection
After ensuring that your internet plan matches your needs, the next step in boosting your internet speed is optimizing your Wi-Fi network. While Wi-Fi offers the convenience of wireless connectivity, it’s also more susceptible to interference and signal degradation, which can lead to slower speeds. Fortunately, there are several ways to enhance your Wi-Fi performance, ensuring a stronger and more reliable connection throughout your home.
One of the most impactful things you can do to improve your Wi-Fi speed is to reposition your router. The location of your router plays a significant role in how well the signal reaches different parts of your home. Ideally, your router should be placed in a central location, away from walls, large metal objects, and other electronics that could interfere with the signal. Elevating the router—placing it on a shelf or mounting it high on a wall—can also help spread the signal more evenly. Avoid hiding your router in a closet or behind furniture, as this can obstruct the signal and reduce its strength.
Updating your router’s firmware is another crucial step. Just like any other piece of technology, routers receive software updates that can improve performance, fix bugs, and enhance security. These updates aren’t always automatic, so it’s worth logging into your router’s settings (usually accessible through a web browser by entering the router’s IP address) and checking if there’s an update available. Regularly updating your router ensures it’s running optimally and can handle the demands of modern internet usage.
If you have a dual-band router, consider switching to the 5 GHz frequency band, especially if you live in an area with a lot of Wi-Fi networks or electronic devices. The 5 GHz band is less crowded and offers faster speeds than the more commonly used 2.4 GHz band, although its range is slightly shorter. This band is particularly useful for activities like HD streaming, online gaming, or any other tasks that require high bandwidth.
Interference from other electronics can also be a significant issue, particularly if your router is placed near devices like microwaves, cordless phones, or baby monitors. These devices can disrupt the Wi-Fi signal, causing slower speeds or drops in connectivity. To minimize this interference, try to keep your router away from these potential disruptors.
For those who have large homes or areas where the Wi-Fi signal is weak or non-existent, investing in a Wi-Fi extender or a mesh network system can make a world of difference. Wi-Fi extenders help by amplifying the signal to reach further areas of your home, eliminating dead zones. On the other hand, mesh network systems consist of multiple devices that work together to blanket your entire home in Wi-Fi, ensuring consistent coverage and speed, even in the farthest corners.
It’s also important to consider the number of devices connected to your network. Every device that’s connected to your Wi-Fi consumes a portion of your bandwidth, which can slow down your internet if too many devices are in use simultaneously. If you have smart home devices, smartphones, computers, and streaming services all connected at once, you may experience slower speeds. Disconnect any devices that aren’t in use, or consider upgrading to a plan with higher bandwidth to accommodate your household’s needs.
If all else fails, and you’re still experiencing slow Wi-Fi, it might be time to consider upgrading your router. Like all technology, routers age, and as they do, their performance can decline. If your router is several years old, it may not support the latest Wi-Fi standards or be able to handle the speeds provided by your ISP. Upgrading to a newer model can not only improve your speed but also provide better security features and more advanced options for managing your network.
3) Wired vs. Wireless: Choosing the Best Connection for Speed
When it comes to optimizing your internet speed, the type of connection you use can make a significant difference. While Wi-Fi offers unparalleled convenience by allowing you to connect devices wirelessly, a wired Ethernet connection often delivers superior speed and reliability. Understanding when to use each type of connection—and how to get the most out of both—can help you achieve the best possible internet performance in your home.
Wi-Fi is undoubtedly convenient, letting you move freely around your home with your laptop, tablet, or smartphone. However, this convenience can come at the cost of speed and stability. Wi-Fi signals are subject to interference from physical obstacles, other electronic devices, and even other Wi-Fi networks in your vicinity. This interference can lead to slower speeds, dropped connections, and increased latency, particularly in areas of your home that are farther from the router.
In contrast, a wired Ethernet connection provides a direct link between your device and the router, bypassing many of the issues that can plague Wi-Fi. With Ethernet, you’re likely to experience the maximum speed your internet plan offers, as well as lower latency—crucial for activities like online gaming, video conferencing, or streaming high-definition content. If you’re performing tasks that require a consistent and fast connection, such as large file downloads or streaming in 4K, connecting your device directly to the router with an Ethernet cable is often the best choice.
Setting up a wired connection is straightforward. Most routers come equipped with multiple Ethernet ports, allowing you to connect several devices directly. Simply plug one end of the Ethernet cable into your device and the other into the router. For devices like desktop computers, gaming consoles, or smart TVs that remain stationary, a wired connection is a great way to ensure they always receive the fastest and most stable connection possible.
However, the quality of the Ethernet cable you use can also impact your speed. Not all cables are created equal; older cables, such as Cat 5, might not support the higher speeds offered by modern internet plans. If you’re aiming for gigabit speeds (1,000 Mbps or higher), upgrading to a Cat 6 or Cat 7 cable can make a noticeable difference. These cables are designed to handle faster data transfer rates and reduce signal interference, ensuring that your connection is as fast and reliable as possible.
Of course, it’s not always practical to use a wired connection, especially if you have multiple devices spread throughout your home or if running cables across rooms is inconvenient. In these cases, it’s worth optimizing your Wi-Fi setup, as discussed earlier. But for key devices that benefit most from a stable connection—like your work computer or gaming setup—Ethernet is the way to go.
For those who need the flexibility of Wi-Fi but still want the reliability of a wired connection, consider using powerline adapters. These devices use your home’s electrical wiring to transmit internet data, effectively turning any power outlet into an Ethernet port. This solution is particularly useful for extending a wired connection to rooms that are far from your router without the hassle of running long cables.
Another option is a hybrid approach, where you use a wired connection for devices that demand high speed and stability, and Wi-Fi for mobile devices like phones and tablets. This way, you can ensure that your most critical devices are getting the best possible connection while still enjoying the convenience of wireless access for everything else.
4) Optimize Your Devices: Ensuring They Aren’t Slowing You Down
After optimizing your internet plan and connection, it’s time to look at the devices you use every day. Even with a strong internet connection, your online experience can be slowed down if your devices aren’t optimized. From background applications hogging bandwidth to malware infections, various factors can impact your internet speed. Here’s how to make sure your devices are running at their best.
First, consider what might be running in the background on your device. Computers, smartphones, and tablets often have multiple applications running simultaneously, even when you’re not actively using them. These background processes can consume significant bandwidth, especially if they’re updating, syncing files, or downloading data. For example, cloud storage services like Google Drive, Dropbox, or iCloud can continuously upload and download files, while streaming apps might still be buffering data even when paused.
To optimize your device, start by closing any applications or browser tabs that you aren’t actively using. On a computer, you can check your task manager (Windows) or activity monitor (Mac) to see which processes are consuming the most bandwidth. On smartphones and tablets, make sure to close apps running in the background, particularly those that require constant internet access. By freeing up bandwidth, you’ll notice a more responsive browsing experience and faster load times.
Another critical aspect to consider is malware. Malicious software can severely impact your device’s performance, including internet speed. Malware often uses your bandwidth for malicious activities, such as sending spam emails or participating in distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks, without your knowledge. This can leave you with a sluggish connection and compromised security. Regularly scanning your devices with a trusted antivirus or anti-malware program is essential. These tools can detect and remove infections, helping to restore your device to full speed and protect your personal information.
In addition to keeping your device clean from malware, it’s also important to clear your browser’s cache and cookies periodically. Over time, web browsers accumulate a lot of data—such as images, scripts, and cookies—from the sites you visit. While this data can help websites load faster on return visits, it can also slow down your browsing experience if it becomes too cluttered. Clearing your cache and cookies regularly can help improve your browser’s performance, especially if you notice websites taking longer than usual to load.
Device performance isn’t just about what’s running; it’s also about how well your hardware is handling your tasks. If your device is older, it might struggle with the demands of modern internet usage, even if your connection is fast. For example, older computers might have slower processors or limited memory (RAM), which can cause delays when loading web pages or streaming videos. Similarly, older smartphones might not support the latest Wi-Fi standards, resulting in slower speeds even on a fast network.
To ensure your device isn’t a bottleneck, consider upgrading its hardware if possible. On a computer, adding more RAM or switching to a solid-state drive (SSD) can significantly speed up performance. For smartphones and tablets, make sure your device’s operating system is up to date, as software updates often include performance improvements and bug fixes. However, if your device is several years old and struggling to keep up with basic tasks, it might be time to consider investing in a new one that can better handle your internet activities.
Restarting your devices regularly is another simple yet effective way to keep them running smoothly. A restart can clear out temporary files, reset network connections, and close any processes that might be consuming resources unnecessarily. It’s a quick fix that can often resolve minor performance issues without the need for more drastic measures.
Lastly, if you’re experiencing persistent slowdowns, consider resetting your device’s network settings. This can resolve issues caused by corrupted settings or conflicts between different network configurations. Just keep in mind that resetting network settings will erase all saved Wi-Fi passwords, so you’ll need to reconnect to your networks afterward.
5) Upgrade Your Hardware: Modernizing for Maximum Speed
Even with the best internet plan and an optimized Wi-Fi network, outdated or underperforming hardware can still hold you back. The router, modem, and cables you use are the backbone of your internet connection, and if they’re not up to par, they can become bottlenecks that slow everything down. Upgrading your hardware is often one of the most effective ways to ensure you’re getting the fastest speeds possible from your internet service.
Let’s start with your router, the heart of your home network. Routers are responsible for managing the data traffic between your devices and the internet. Over time, however, router technology evolves, and older models might not be able to keep up with modern demands. If your router is more than a few years old, it may not support the latest Wi-Fi standards, such as Wi-Fi 6, which offers faster speeds, better range, and the ability to handle more devices simultaneously without slowing down.
Upgrading to a newer router can dramatically improve your internet experience, especially in households with multiple connected devices. Wi-Fi 6 routers, for instance, are designed to provide faster connections and improved efficiency, making them ideal for busy homes where several people might be streaming videos, gaming, and working online at the same time. Additionally, these routers often come with better security features, helping to protect your network from potential threats.
Another critical piece of hardware is your modem, which connects your home network to your ISP’s infrastructure. Just like routers, modems have their own specifications and capabilities, and an outdated modem might not be able to handle the higher speeds that newer internet plans offer. If you’re renting a modem from your ISP, it might be a basic model that’s not optimized for performance. Purchasing your own modem can be a smart investment, as it allows you to choose a model that matches your internet plan’s speed and reduces your monthly rental fees. When selecting a modem, ensure it’s compatible with your ISP and supports the maximum speeds your plan offers.
Ethernet cables might seem like a minor detail, but they can also influence your internet speed, especially for wired connections. Older Ethernet cables, such as Cat 5, might not support the higher speeds available today. If you’re aiming for gigabit speeds or faster, it’s worth upgrading to Cat 6 or Cat 7 cables, which are designed to handle more data and reduce signal interference. This is particularly important if you rely on a wired connection for high-bandwidth activities like online gaming, video streaming, or large file transfers.
For those who live in larger homes or have several floors, a single router might not provide adequate coverage, leading to weak signals or dead zones in certain areas. In this case, upgrading to a mesh network system could be the solution. Mesh networks consist of multiple nodes that work together to blanket your entire home in Wi-Fi, ensuring strong and consistent coverage everywhere. This setup is particularly useful if you have areas in your home that are far from the router or if you frequently experience drops in connection.
If running Ethernet cables throughout your home isn’t practical, powerline adapters can be a convenient alternative. These devices use your home’s electrical wiring to transmit internet data, allowing you to extend a wired connection to any room with a power outlet. Powerline adapters are especially useful in homes where Wi-Fi signals struggle to reach certain areas, or where thick walls or floors interfere with wireless signals.
Upgrading your hardware isn’t just about improving speed; it’s also about future-proofing your home network. As more devices connect to the internet—from smart home gadgets to streaming services—having robust, modern hardware ensures that your network can handle the increased load without slowing down. It also provides better security, with newer routers and modems offering more advanced features to protect your network from unauthorized access.
Before making any upgrades, take stock of your current setup. Check the age and specifications of your router, modem, and cables, and compare them to the demands of your household’s internet usage. If you notice that your hardware is outdated or underperforming, consider investing in upgrades that will help you get the most out of your internet plan. While it might involve some upfront cost, the improvements in speed, reliability, and security are well worth it.
By upgrading your hardware, you’re not just enhancing your current internet experience—you’re also ensuring that your network is ready to handle the demands of the future, keeping you connected at the speeds you need for years to come.
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Useful Links for Further Reading
Understanding Internet Speed: A Detailed Guide
Learn more about what internet speed means and how it affects your online experience.
Improving Wi-Fi Performance: Tips and Tricks
Explore various strategies to optimize your Wi-Fi network for better performance.
How to Test Your Internet Speed (And Why It Matters)
A step-by-step guide on how to accurately test your internet speed and what the results mean.
Choosing the Right Internet Plan for Your Needs
Tips on selecting an internet plan that fits your household’s needs.
Guide to Upgrading Your Home Network Hardware
Reviews and recommendations for the best routers and modems to boost your home network.