The fastest way to check your speed

Open a web browser on your PC and go to speedtest.net or fast.com. Both sites run a speed test automatically when you land on them — no sign-up needed. The test takes 30 to 60 seconds and shows your download speed, upload speed, and ping (the delay between your computer and the server). Write down these three numbers if you plan to compare them later or show them to your internet provider.

If speedtest.net asks you to choose a server location, pick the one closest to you geographically. The results will be more accurate. Both sites are free and work on any browser — Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Safari.

Run the test at least twice, a few minutes apart. Internet speed fluctuates throughout the day depending on how many people are using your network and your provider's network. If you get very different results, the second or third test is usually more reliable than the first.

Key Takeaways

  • Speedtest.net and fast.com are the two most common free tools and require no account or download.
  • Download speed, upload speed, and ping are the three numbers that matter — write them down if you need to contact your provider.
  • Run the test multiple times a few minutes apart, because speed varies depending on network traffic at that moment.
  • Close other programs and browser tabs before testing so they do not use bandwidth and skew your results lower.
  • If your speed is much lower than what your provider promised, restart your router and test again before calling them.

What each number means

Download speed is how fast data comes to your PC from the internet. This is what matters most for streaming video, browsing websites, and downloading files. It is measured in megabits per second, written as Mbps.

Upload speed is how fast data leaves your PC and goes to the internet. You need this for video calls, uploading photos to cloud storage, or sending large email attachments. Upload speed is almost always lower than download speed, and that is normal.

Ping (also called latency) is the time it takes for your computer to send a signal to a server and get a response back. It is measured in milliseconds, written as ms. Ping matters most if you play online games or use video conferencing — lower is better. For everyday browsing and streaming, ping does not matter much.

Why your test results might be lower than expected

Your speed test shows what is actually reaching your PC right now, not what your internet plan promises. Several things can slow it down. Other devices on your home network — phones, tablets, smart TVs, security cameras — are using bandwidth at the same time. Close or pause any downloads, streaming, or video calls on other devices before you test.

Your router might be far from your PC or blocked by walls. If you are on Wi-Fi, move closer to the router or test with an ethernet cable plugged directly into your PC. A wired connection is always faster and more stable than Wi-Fi because there is no radio interference.

Your browser or computer might be running background tasks. Close unnecessary browser tabs and programs. On Windows, open Task Manager (press Ctrl + Shift + Esc), click the Performance tab, and look at the Network column — if it shows high activity, something is using your internet in the background.

Testing with an ethernet cable versus Wi-Fi

If you have an ethernet cable, plug one end into your router and the other into your PC's network port. Run the speed test again. You will almost certainly see higher numbers. This is your PC's true maximum speed — what your internet plan actually delivers.

If your Wi-Fi speed is much lower than your wired speed, your router is the problem, not your internet provider. You might need to move the router to a more central location, away from walls and metal objects, or replace it with a newer model. If your wired speed is also much lower than your plan promises, contact your provider.

Most people use Wi-Fi, so it is worth testing both ways. Write down both numbers so you know what to expect in each situation.

Other speed test tools worth knowing about

Ookla Speedtest (the full name for speedtest.net) is the most widely used. It has a downloadable app for Windows if you prefer not to use the website, though the website works just as well.

Fast.com is made by Netflix and focuses on download speed only. It is simpler and faster than Speedtest if you just want one number. It does not show upload speed or ping.

Google Speed Test appears if you search "speed test" in Google. It is basic but reliable. It shows download and upload speed but not ping.

All three give you accurate results. Pick whichever you prefer — the numbers will be similar across all of them if you run them at the same time on the same device.

When to test your speed and what to do with the results

Test your speed when you first set up your internet service, so you know what normal looks like for you. Test again if your internet feels slower than usual — this gives you real numbers to show your provider instead of just saying "it is slow."

If your speed is consistently lower than your plan promises, restart your router first. Unplug it for 30 seconds, plug it back in, wait two minutes for it to fully restart, then test again. This fixes many speed problems.

If restarting does not help and your wired speed is still low, contact your provider with your test results. Tell them your plan speed, your actual speed, and whether you tested with an ethernet cable. Providers take this seriously because it is measurable proof.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my download speed much faster than my upload speed?

Most internet plans are designed this way. Providers assume you download far more than you upload — streaming video, browsing, downloading files. Upload speed is usually 5 to 20 times lower than download speed, and that is normal. If you need faster uploads for work, you may need a different plan.

What is a good internet speed?

It depends on what you do. For basic browsing and email, 10 Mbps is enough. For streaming video in HD, you need 5 to 10 Mbps. For 4K video or multiple people streaming at once, aim for 25 Mbps or higher. For online gaming, download speed matters less than ping — aim for ping under 100 ms.

Should I test on Wi-Fi or with an ethernet cable?

Test both if you can. Your wired speed shows what your internet plan actually delivers. Your Wi-Fi speed shows what you get in real use. If they are very different, your router needs improvement. If both are low, your provider is the issue.

How often should I test my speed?

Once when you set up service, then only if something feels wrong. Testing once a month is overkill unless you are troubleshooting a problem. Speed varies throughout the day, so one test does not tell you much.

Do I need to download an app to test my speed?

No. Speedtest.net and fast.com work in any browser without downloading anything. Ookla offers a downloadable app, but the website is just as good. Avoid downloading speed test apps from sources other than the official websites — some are malware.