Free benchmark tools, like those popular internet speed tests and bandwidth testing smartphone apps, are the two most common ways, but there are others, like service-specific tests, ping and latency tests, DNS speed tests, and more.
Why Would You Test Your Internet Speed?
One common reason to test your internet speed is to make sure that you’re getting whatever Mbps or Gbps level bandwidth you’re paying your ISP for. If your tests show a regularly sluggish connection, your ISP might have an issue, and you may have a refund in your future. Below are the three most common scenarios for testing internet speed, each of which requires a different testing method:
You suspect that your Internet Service Provider (ISP) or wireless provider isn’t giving you the bandwidth you’re paying for, either on purpose or because something is wrong.You’re very happy (or very sad) with the state of your high-speed internet, and you want to tell the world about it!You want to check the internet speed between your device and a service you’re paying for, like Netflix, HBO, etc.
Just scroll down until you find the section that you’re after. Choosing the right way to test your internet speed is the first, and easiest, step to make sure the results are as accurate as possible.
How to Test Your Internet Speed When You’re Sure It’s Too Slow
Are most web pages taking forever to load? Are those cat videos buffering so much that you can’t even enjoy them? If so, especially if this is new behavior, then it’s definitely time to check your internet speed. Here’s how to test your internet speed when you suspect that your fiber, cable, or DSL provider isn’t providing you with the bandwidth you’re paying for. This is also the method to take with your mobile computer as well when you think your wireless or hotspot internet connection is slower than it should be: If you find that your internet speed is consistently slower than you’re paying for, it’s time to take this data to your internet service provider and ask for service to improve your connection. Bandwidth that varies a lot at different times per day, sometimes meeting or exceeding what you’re paying for, may have more to do with bandwidth throttling or capacity issues with your ISP than an actual problem. Regardless, it might be time to negotiate the price of your high-speed plan or get a discount on an upgrade.
How to Test Your Internet Speed for Fun
Generally curious about your internet speed? If so, an internet speed test site or smartphone app is a great choice. These tools are easy to use and understand, and are great for bragging to your friends about that new super-fast connection you just signed up for. Here’s how to test your internet speed when you have no specific concern or goal, other than a little gloating or maybe sympathy: Testing your internet speed and sharing the results is especially fun after upgrading. Be the envy of your friends and family everywhere with your 1,245 Mbps download speed you’re getting on your new fiber connection!
How to Test Your Internet Speed for a Specific Service
With so many streaming services, and each on a wide variety of devices, all of which are being constantly updated, it’d be impossible to give you a simple speed test how-to that covers everything. That said, there is a lot we can talk about it, some of which is very specific to the various popular streaming movie and video services out there. A basic internet speed test is a good place to start. Even though it’s not a true test between your connected television (or tablet, or Roku, or PC, etc.) and the Netflix or Hulu (or wherever) servers, any of the better internet speed test sites should give you a decent idea of what to expect. Check the device you’re using for a built-in connection test. Most smart TVs and other dedicated streaming devices include built-in internet speed tests. These tests, usually located in the Network or Wireless menu areas, are going to be the most accurate way to figure out how much bandwidth is available for their apps. Here are some more specific internet speed testing and troubleshooting advice for some of the more popular streaming services:
