The fastest way to check your speed
You can measure your internet speed in about 30 seconds using a free website. Open your web browser, go to speedtest.net or fast.com, and click the button to start the test. The site will measure how fast data travels from your internet provider to your device (download speed) and how fast data travels from your device back out (upload speed). Both numbers appear in megabits per second, written as Mbps.
The test works best when you close other programs and browser tabs first, because they use bandwidth and make your speed appear slower than it actually is. If you are streaming video, downloading files, or video calling while the test runs, your results will not show your true speed. Wait until those activities stop, then run the test again.
You will see your results in seconds. Write down the download and upload numbers — you will need them if you contact your internet provider about slow speeds.
Key Takeaways
- Visit speedtest.net or fast.com in your web browser and click the button to start; the test takes about 30 seconds and shows your download and upload speeds in Mbps.
- Close all other programs, browser tabs, and streaming services before testing, because they use bandwidth and make your speed appear lower than it really is.
- Run the test at different times of day, because speeds often drop during evening hours when more people in your area are online.
- Compare your results to the speed your internet provider promised you in your contract or on your bill to see if you are getting what you pay for.
- If your speed is much lower than promised, restart your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds, then test again before calling your provider.
Understanding what the numbers mean
Download speed is how fast you can pull information from the internet — this is what matters most for browsing websites, watching videos, and downloading files. Upload speed is how fast you can send information out — this matters for video calls, uploading photos, and sending large emails. Most people need download speeds of at least 25 Mbps for smooth video streaming and web browsing. If you video call regularly or work from home, you also want upload speed of at least 5 Mbps.
Your results will show a number for ping as well, measured in milliseconds (ms). Ping is how long it takes for a signal to travel to a server and back. Lower ping is better, especially if you play online games or use video calls. Anything under 50 ms is good for most activities. If your ping is over 100 ms, your video calls may lag or online games may feel sluggish.
The speed your internet provider advertises — often called "up to 100 Mbps" — is the maximum speed under ideal conditions. Your actual speed will usually be a bit lower, and that is normal. If your speed is consistently 20 to 30 percent lower than what you pay for, that is worth investigating.
Why your speed changes throughout the day
Internet speeds often drop during evening hours, typically between 6 p.m. and 10 p.m., because more people in your area are online at the same time. Your internet provider's network has limited capacity, and when many people use it at once, everyone's speed slows down. This is the same reason traffic jams happen on highways during rush hour.
Test your speed at different times — morning, afternoon, and evening — to see the pattern. If your speed is fine in the morning but slow at night, the problem is network congestion, not your equipment. If your speed is slow all day long, the problem is more likely with your router, your device, or your internet connection itself.
Weather can also affect speed, especially if you have a wireless connection. Thick walls, metal objects, and distance from your router all reduce signal strength. If you notice speed drops on rainy days or when you move to a different room, your wireless signal is probably weakening.
Testing from different devices and locations
Run the speed test from multiple devices — your phone, tablet, and computer — to see if one device is slower than the others. If your phone shows much slower speeds than your computer, the problem is likely your phone's wireless connection to the router, not your internet service itself. Move your phone closer to the router and test again.
Also test from different rooms in your home. If speed is fast near the router but slow in the bedroom or kitchen, your wireless signal is not reaching those areas well. This is especially common in larger homes or homes with thick walls. Moving your router to a more central location, or buying a second router or mesh system, can improve speeds in distant rooms.
If you test on a wired connection — plugging an ethernet cable directly from your router into your computer — you will see your true internet speed without any wireless interference. If wired speed is much faster than wireless speed, your router needs to be repositioned or replaced.
What to do if your speed is lower than expected
First, restart your router. Unplug it from power for 30 seconds, then plug it back in and wait two minutes for it to fully restart. This clears temporary problems and often improves speed. Run the speed test again after the router restarts.
Next, check how many devices are connected to your router. Every device using your network — phones, tablets, smart TVs, security cameras — shares your bandwidth. If you have 10 devices streaming or downloading at once, your speed will be split among them. Disconnect devices you are not using and test again.
If speed is still much lower than your bill promises, check your internet provider's website to see if there are outages in your area. If there are no outages and your speed has been consistently low for several days, contact your provider and tell them your speed test results. Have your account number and the address where you receive service ready when you call.
Choosing the right speed test website
Speedtest.net and fast.com are the most widely used and reliable options. Speedtest.net is owned by Ookla and has been running speed tests for over 15 years. Fast.com is owned by Netflix and focuses on download speed, which is what matters most for streaming video. Both are free and do not require you to create an account or enter personal information.
Some internet providers offer their own speed test tools on their websites. These can be useful for comparison, but they sometimes show higher speeds than independent tests because they measure only the connection between you and the provider's own servers, not the full internet. Use an independent test like Speedtest.net or fast.com as your main reference.
Avoid speed test websites that ask you to download software or enter personal details. Legitimate speed tests run in your web browser and do not require installation. If a site asks for your email, phone number, or credit card information, close it and use Speedtest.net or fast.com instead.
Keeping track of your speed over time
Write down your speed test results each time you run a test, including the date and time. After a week or two, you will see patterns — whether your speed is consistent, whether it drops at certain times, and whether it matches what your provider promised. This record is valuable if you need to contact your provider about service problems.
If your provider says your speed is normal but you consistently see results that are 30 percent or more below what you pay for, your record of test results gives you evidence to show them. Many providers will investigate or offer to send a technician if you can show a pattern of low speeds over several days.
Some speed test websites let you save your results in an account, but you do not need to create an account to run the test. A simple notebook or phone note with the date, time, download speed, upload speed, and ping is enough to track your connection over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my speed test result different each time I run it?
Speed varies slightly every time you test because network conditions change constantly. Other devices on your network, activity from neighbors on shared infrastructure, and server load all affect results. Run the test three times in a row and average the results for a more accurate picture of your typical speed.
Does it matter which speed test website I use?
Speedtest.net and fast.com are both reliable and will give you similar results. The main difference is that fast.com focuses on download speed, while Speedtest.net shows download, upload, and ping. Pick one and stick with it so you can compare your results over time. Avoid lesser-known speed test sites, as they may not be accurate.
My speed test shows good results, but websites still load slowly. What is wrong?
A fast internet connection does not may provide fast website loading. The website itself might be slow, your device might be running out of storage space, or your browser might have too many extensions. Try clearing your browser cache and closing unused tabs. If websites still load slowly, the problem is likely not your internet speed.
Can I test my speed on my phone the same way as on my computer?
Yes, speedtest.net and fast.com work on phones and tablets. Open your phone's web browser and visit either site. Keep in mind that phone speeds are often lower than computer speeds because phones connect wirelessly and may be farther from the router. For the most accurate test of your internet service, use a computer connected with an ethernet cable.
What should I tell my internet provider if my speed is too low?
Tell them your download speed, upload speed, and ping results from speedtest.net, along with the date and time you ran the test. Tell them the speed you are paying for according to your bill. Ask them to check for outages or line problems. If they cannot find an issue, ask them to send a technician to test the connection at your home.