Internet Speed Test - Check Your Broadband Speed
Speedtest is a global broadband speed test on Speedtest.net that measures download speed, upload speed, and latency to help you understand connection performance.
People use Speedtest for quick checks, for deeper troubleshooting, and for tracking performance across days. A single run offers a snapshot. Repeated runs at the same times of day reveal patterns such as evening congestion, weak Wi-Fi coverage, or unstable latency during video calls.
Speedtest by Ookla measures performance between your device and a nearby test server. The test reports three primary numbers.
Speedtest runs in a web browser and also runs through dedicated apps across major platforms. Results depend on server selection, your local network, and activity on your connection during the test.
Ookla launched Speedtest in 2006 and expanded the service alongside global broadband growth. Early browser tests relied on Flash. Later releases shifted toward HTML5 as browsers moved away from Flash-based tooling, which improved compatibility and stability for many users.
Over time, Speedtest added richer reporting across platforms and increased server coverage through partnerships with network operators and hosting providers. This growth supported faster server selection and improved test availability across regions.
Speedtest helps you separate local Wi-Fi issues from ISP line issues. An Ethernet test near the router gives a baseline. A Wi-Fi test in a problem room shows the impact of distance, walls, and interference.
Download speed matters for streaming and large downloads. Upload speed matters for video calls and sending files. Latency matters for responsiveness, especially in multiplayer games and real-time meetings.
One measurement helps, yet patterns help more. Testing at consistent times for several days exposes peak-hour slowdowns and intermittent instability. A simple log with date, time, and location in your home provides strong evidence when you contact an ISP.
| Service | Best use | Typical outputs | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Speedtest.net | General broadband and mobile checks | Download, upload, latency | Large server coverage and wide platform support |
| Fast.com | Streaming-focused download checks | Download, plus optional upload and latency | Simple interface, useful for quick streaming context checks |
| Cloudflare Speed Test | Stability and responsiveness checks | Download, upload, latency, jitter, packet loss detail | Helpful when calls stutter or online games lag |
| M-Lab NDT test | Diagnostic measurement view | Upload, download, latency metrics | Research-oriented framing and diagnostics |
Several alternatives provide speed measurements with different server networks and reporting focus.
The following summaries reflect typical themes found in public reviews. Each quote block lists the named author as shown on the review source.
Al Hernandez: Speed readings appear higher than results from other tests, and perceived performance does not match the reported numbers.
Paul Gregory: Speedtest.net is not presented as the scam, yet phone scammers sometimes reference speed test results to build trust during a call.
Ookla release notes (App listing): Ongoing updates focus on diagnosis support and performance improvements across app versions.
Upload speed and latency matter most. Low upload speed or unstable latency often leads to choppy audio, frozen video, and delayed responses.
Different tests use different server networks and different routing paths. Server distance, server load, and peering between networks all influence results.
Test two or three times per day for three days, such as morning, evening peak, and late night. Keep a log with date, time, device, and connection type.
Start with an Ethernet test to set a baseline. Next, run Wi-Fi tests near the router and in problem rooms. A large gap points to Wi-Fi coverage, interference, or router limits.
Restart modem and router, retest by Ethernet, then retest on Wi-Fi. Switch Wi-Fi band, reduce background downloads, and update router firmware. If issues persist, share time-stamped results with your ISP.
Jitter describes how much latency changes from moment to moment. High jitter often shows up as stutter during calls and inconsistent responsiveness in online games.
