Free Internet Speed Test

How Speed Tests Work

An internet speed test measures your connection's download speed, upload speed, and latency by transferring data between your browser and a test server. Download and upload throughput are calculated from the bytes transferred per second, while latency is measured by timing server responses to small requests.

What Is a Good Internet Speed?

The speed you need depends on how you use the internet. Below is a guide to recommended speeds for common activities:

If your results are slower than expected, you can diagnose slow network paths with our Traceroute tool to pinpoint where latency is introduced along the route.

Understanding Bandwidth vs Latency

Bandwidth and latency are two fundamentally different aspects of your internet connection, and understanding both is essential. Bandwidth (measured in Mbps) is the maximum amount of data that can flow through your connection at once — think of it as the width of a highway. Latency (measured in milliseconds) is the time it takes for a single packet of data to travel from your device to the server and back — think of it as the length of that highway. A connection can have high bandwidth but high latency (lots of data capacity but slow response times), which is common with satellite internet. Conversely, a fiber connection typically offers both high bandwidth and low latency. For everyday browsing and streaming, bandwidth matters most. For gaming, video calls, and real-time applications, low latency is critical.

What Affects Your Internet Speed

Many factors can influence your measured internet speed:

• ISP plan limits -- Your plan sets the upper limit, but advertised speeds are often "up to" maximums, not guarantees.
• Wi-Fi vs Ethernet -- Wi-Fi is typically slower than a wired connection due to signal interference, distance from the router, and shared spectrum with neighboring networks.
• Network congestion -- Peak usage hours (evenings and weekends) can reduce speeds as more users share the same infrastructure.
• Hardware age and quality -- Older modems and routers may not support your plan's full speeds. Upgrading equipment can make a noticeable difference.
• Server distance -- Connecting to a geographically closer test server yields better results. Check DNS resolution with our DNS Lookup tool to verify your domain is resolving to a nearby server.
• Background activity -- Downloads, cloud syncing, streaming on other devices, and software updates consume bandwidth and affect test results.

For the most accurate measurement, test over a wired Ethernet connection with other devices and applications idle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my internet speed slower than what I pay for?

ISPs advertise "up to" speeds, meaning the listed rate is a maximum, not a guarantee. Actual speeds are affected by Wi-Fi overhead (which can reduce throughput by 30-50%), network congestion during peak hours, the number of devices sharing your connection, and distance from your router. Testing over a wired Ethernet connection gives you the most accurate comparison to your plan's advertised speed.

Is 100 Mbps fast?

Yes, 100 Mbps is fast enough for most households. It can comfortably support multiple simultaneous HD streams, video calls, online gaming, and general browsing. A family of 3-4 people can typically share a 100 Mbps connection without noticeable slowdowns. For 4K streaming on multiple screens or heavy file transfers, consider 200 Mbps or higher.

How often should I run a speed test?

Run a speed test whenever you experience noticeably slow performance, after changing your ISP plan or equipment, and periodically (weekly or monthly) to monitor your connection over time. Consistent testing helps you spot trends, identify peak congestion hours, and have data to share with your ISP if you need to report performance issues.