Check Broadband Speed

The most accurate way to check your broadband Internet speed is to use a site like Fast.com or Speedtest.net from a computer with a wired Internet connection. Learn how to connect your computer to a modem to run a speed test, use your smartphone to check the speed of your data or Wi-Fi connection, and interpret all of the results. It’s also possible to get accurate speed test results over Wi-Fi (using a computer or smartphone), but wireless interference will sometimes skew the results!

Steps

Using a Smartphone

1. Install the Speedtest.net app from the App Store (iPhone or iPad) or Play Store (Android). The Speedtest.net app can be used to test the speed of both cellular data and Wi-Fi connections. Speedtest.net is one of the most commonly recommended apps for broadband speed testing.
2. Disconnect all other devices from the Wi-Fi network you’re testing. You can skip this step if you’re just checking the speed of your cellular data network. Your smartphone should be the only device connected to the wireless network while the test is run.
3. Turn off Wi-Fi if you want to test your cellular data speed. You can skip this step if you’re testing the speed over Wi-Fi.
   • Android: Drag down the quick settings menu, tap “Wi-Fi”, then flip the switch to the off position.
   • iPhone: In the Settings app, tap “Wi-Fi”, then flip the switch to the off position.
4. Launch the Speedtest.net app and tap “Begin Test”. The app will perform a series of tests by sending and receiving from a nearby server.
5. Compare your speed test results to what’s promised by your ISP (internet service provider) or cellular provider. When the test has completed, . If the results don’t match up with what you’re promised by your data/network provider, give them a call to discuss the results of your test.
   • Your ISP’s website should show the purported speeds for your particular plan.

Using a Computer

1. Disconnect from your VPN (if you use one). VPNs route all of your web traffic through a remote location and are typically used by tech employees who work remotely. If you use a VPN to access the web, disconnect from it to accurately test your broadband speed. If you don’t use a VPN, skip this step.
   • Mac: Click the VPN Status icon at the top right corner of the screen (a rectangle with several vertical lines inside), then click “Disconnect from [your network].”
   • Windows: Click your network connection in the bottom right corner of the screen, then click “Network Settings” or “Network Connections.” Right-click the VPN connection icon and select “Disconnect.”
2. Disconnect this computer from the Wi-Fi network. The most accurate way to test broadband speed is through a wired Ethernet connection directly to the modem. Temporarily turn off your computer’s Wi-Fi feature to make sure it doesn’t automatically connect to an access point.
   • Mac: Hold down the ⌥ Option key as you click the Wi-Fi symbol at the top right corner of the screen. In the menu, click “Turn Wi-Fi off.”
   • Windows: Click the Wi-Fi symbol on the bottom right corner of the screen, then click “Network Settings.” Move the slider at the top to the “Off” position.
3. Disconnect all other devices from the Wi-Fi network. If other devices are using the Wi-Fi feature of your modem, such as a smartphone or other computer, disconnect it from the Wi-Fi as well. Keeping other devices connected to Wi-Fi could negatively impact the test results.
4. Plug one end of an Ethernet cable into one of your modem’s Ethernet ports. An Ethernet cable is the networking cable that came with your modem. It looks like a thicker telephone cable, is often either blue or yellow, and is sometimes referred to as a “networking cable” or “cat 5 cable.”
5. Plug the other end of the Ethernet cable into your computer’s Ethernet port.
6. Unplug the power cable from your broadband modem. Leave the modem unpowered for at least 60 seconds.
7. Plug in your broadband modem and turn it back on. Some modems will turn on automatically. If you see any lights on the modem, it’s on and powering up.
8. Close any open programs that access the Internet. Having other programs open while you do the speed test can skew your results, especially streaming applications and websites like Spotify and YouTube.
9. Visit a speed test website in a web browser. Two popular options are Fast.com and Speedtest.net.
   • Fast.com is a new site by Netflix that has one function: to report your download speed. These speeds affect your ability to stream media and download web content. All you need to do to run this test is launch the site in a web browser.
   • Speedtest.net has been the go-to site for broadband speed testing for a long time. It reports download and upload speeds, as well as ping times. If you broadcast live media from your computer (such as a podcast or video blog) or do a lot of online gaming, you’ll want this extra data. Launch the site and click “Begin Test.”
   • You can also use the speed testing site of your ISP. Verizon, Xfinity and CenturyLink all have their own speed tests.
10. Compare the results with your Internet Service Provider's promises. Once the test has completed, . If you're not receiving the download or upload speeds you're paying for, there might be a technical problem or honest mistake that can be corrected.
    • You might also be able to leverage the error for a discount with your ISP.

Interpreting the Results

1. Check the Download speed. Once you’ve completed a broadband speed test, you’ll want to compare the results to promises made by your ISP/data provider. Since slow download speeds are most noticeable, start there.
   • Download speeds affect things like streaming media (such as Spotify or Youtube), downloading documents, and browsing the web.
   • Cheaper broadband packages for basic Internet access usually include 1.5-3mbps. This should be good enough for basic web use, but you’ll want at least 5mbps to stream high-quality video.
   • Most mid-grade home user packages are closer to 10-20 mbps, which is better equipped to handle HD streaming on more than one computer. Check with your ISP to find out what you have.
2. Check the Upload speed. The upload speed results reflect the speed of data you send out, such as when you attach files to an email, upload photos or videos to the web, use video conferencing, or share files using a service like BitTorrent.
   • Some apps and sites, like Fast.com, won’t report an upload speed. This is because most users tend to be more concerned with download speeds as they affect media streaming and web browsing.
   • 1-4mbps should be fine for users who don’t share a lot of large files or use video conferencing. It’s not common for a home user to have a 10mbps or more upload rate.
3. Note the Ping results: This number (shown in milliseconds) represents the response time to the test server. Higher ping times (such as 100ms or more) indicate network trouble between your modem and the server.
   • ISPs don’t guarantee certain ping results, as such results can be affected by outside networks.

Tips

• Sharing an Internet connection with others can drastically affect your Internet speeds.

Related Articles

• Measure Your Download Speed
• Check Internet Speed

Sources and Citations

See also

• Tag People in a Discord Chat on a PC or Mac
• Use Your Own Router With Verizon FiOS
• Install a Modem
• Set up a Private Network
• Connect Two Computers
• Block Your IP Address
• Find Your IP Address on a Mac
• Connect Two Computers Using USB
• Connect to a VPN
• Set Up Port Forwarding on a Router

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