Run a speed test on any device in under a minute

A speed test measures how fast data moves to and from your device over your internet connection. You visit a website, click a button, and within 30 to 60 seconds you get three numbers: download speed, upload speed, and ping (the delay between your device and the server). These numbers tell you whether your connection matches what your internet provider promised and whether your setup can handle what you're trying to do.

The most common speed test is Speedtest by Ookla, which works on any device with a web browser. You can also use Fast.com (made by Netflix), Google's built-in speed test, or your internet provider's own tool. All of them are free and require no account or download.

Key Takeaways

  • Visit Speedtest.net or Fast.com in your web browser, click the button, and wait 30 to 60 seconds for your download speed, upload speed, and ping.
  • Run the test on the device you use most often, connected the same way it normally is (Wi-Fi or wired), to get a realistic picture of your actual speeds.
  • Compare your results to the speeds your internet provider promised in your contract or on your bill to see if you're getting what you paid for.
  • If speeds are much lower than promised, restart your modem and router, then test again before contacting your provider.

Using Speedtest.net

Go to Speedtest.net in any web browser on the device you want to test. The page loads a map with a server location highlighted nearby. Click the large circular "Go" button in the center of the screen. The test will start automatically and show a progress bar as it runs.

The test first measures download speed (how fast you receive data), then upload speed (how fast you send data), then ping (measured in milliseconds, or ms). When it finishes, you see all three numbers on the results screen. Speedtest also shows your internet provider's name and the server location it tested against. You can save your result by creating a free account, which lets you track your speeds over time.

Using Fast.com

Fast.com is simpler and faster than Speedtest. Go to Fast.com in your browser and the test starts immediately — you don't click anything. Within 10 to 30 seconds, you see your download speed in large text. Click "Show more info" at the bottom to see your upload speed and ping as well.

Fast.com is made by Netflix and focuses on download speed because that's what matters most for streaming video. It doesn't save your results unless you take a screenshot, so it's best for a quick one-time check. If you want to track speeds over weeks or months, Speedtest is the better choice.

Testing on Wi-Fi versus a wired connection

Wi-Fi is slower than a wired ethernet connection because radio signals are weaker and more easily blocked. If you're testing on Wi-Fi, move your device close to the router and away from walls, metal objects, and other electronics that can interfere. If you're testing a wired connection, plug an ethernet cable directly from your modem or router into your device.

Test the way you actually use the internet most of the time. If you mostly use Wi-Fi on your phone or laptop, test on Wi-Fi. If you want to know your maximum possible speed, test with an ethernet cable connected to your modem. Both numbers are useful — they tell you different things about your setup.

What your results mean

Download speed is measured in megabits per second (Mbps). For basic web browsing and email, 10 Mbps is enough. For streaming video in standard definition, you need about 3 to 5 Mbps per stream. For 4K video, you need 15 to 25 Mbps. If multiple people are using the internet at the same time, add their needs together.

Upload speed matters if you video call, upload photos to the cloud, or work from home. Most people need 1 to 5 Mbps for upload. Ping is the delay in milliseconds — lower is better. For web browsing and streaming, anything under 100 ms is fine. For online gaming or video calls, you want under 50 ms.

Compare your results to the speeds listed in your internet contract or on your provider's website. Most providers promise a range, like "up to 100 Mbps". You may not hit the top of that range, especially on Wi-Fi, but you should get close to it on a wired connection during off-peak hours (early morning or late night).

Why your speed might be lower than expected

Wi-Fi signal strength is the most common reason. Move closer to your router or test with an ethernet cable. Background activity on your network also slows things down — if someone else is streaming video or downloading files while you test, your results will be lower. Ask others to pause their activity, then test again.

Your modem or router may need a restart. Unplug the modem for 30 seconds, plug it back in, wait two minutes for it to fully restart, then run the test again. If speeds are still much lower than promised, restart your router the same way. If the problem persists, contact your internet provider — they can check the signal quality on their end and may need to send a technician.

Testing multiple times for accuracy

Run the test at least twice, preferably at different times of day. Internet speeds vary depending on how many people in your area are using the network. Test once during the day and once in the evening to see the difference. If you're troubleshooting a problem, test before and after restarting your modem to see if it made a difference.

Keep a record of your results if you plan to contact your provider about slow speeds. Take a screenshot of each test result showing the date, time, and speeds. If you've run multiple tests over several days and they're all below what you're paying for, you have evidence to show your provider.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which speed test should I use?

Speedtest.net and Fast.com are both reliable and free. Speedtest is better if you want to save and track results over time. Fast.com is simpler and faster if you just want a quick check. Your internet provider may also have its own speed test tool on their website, which can be useful for troubleshooting.

Why is my Wi-Fi speed so much slower than my wired speed?

Wi-Fi is always slower than a wired connection because radio signals weaken over distance and through walls. Move closer to your router, reduce interference from other electronics, or test with an ethernet cable to see your maximum possible speed. If your wired speed is also low, the problem is your internet connection, not your Wi-Fi.

What speed do I need for streaming video?

Standard definition streaming needs about 3 to 5 Mbps per stream. High definition needs 5 to 10 Mbps. 4K needs 15 to 25 Mbps. If you're streaming on multiple devices at the same time, add the speeds together. If your download speed is lower than what you need, contact your provider about upgrading your plan.

Should I test on my phone or my computer?

Test on the device you use most often for internet activity. If you mostly use your phone, test on your phone. If you mostly use a computer, test on a computer. This gives you a realistic picture of the speeds you actually experience. You can test on multiple devices to see if one is slower than the others.

How often should I run a speed test?

Run a speed test once a month to track whether your speeds stay consistent, or whenever you notice your internet feels slow. If you're troubleshooting a problem, test multiple times over a few days to see if the issue is constant or occasional. Keep records of your results so you can show your provider if speeds drop significantly.