Do you want some of the creature comforts of a business internet line, but don't want to pay the ridiculous price most cable companies offer? There may be an. Google Fiber, RCN, and Verizon have the fastest tested internet speeds in the US, according to our fastest internet providers 2020 report, which is based on more than 2.4 million results from our internet speed test. Xfinity also offers fast internet speeds, and it performs well in every tested region in the country. 1.97 Mbps is abysmal by the way. It isn’t a surprise you can’t watch anything on Youtube. If the speed test shows you have much faster speed without the router, then the problem is the router. If the speed test shows basically the same speed when you’ve bypassed the router, it’s your actual Internet. Call up your Internet provider. The test uses the most modern methodology rigorously tested over a number of years of development and has been shown to be accurate from low speed (sub 1 Mbps) through to high speed (over 7 Gigabites Per Second) connections. Any speed test is a 'snapshot' of the speed of the internet connection at the particular time the broadband speed test is. Additional speed may enhance performance. Speeds are based on running one activity at a time. For household broadband needs, use our Household Broadband Guide to compare minimum Mbps needs for light, moderate and high household use with one, two, three or four devices at a time (such as a laptop, tablet or game console).
A fast internet connection is a necessity of modern life. The UN declared a connection a human right. Schools expect students to have one and a fast connection is required to enjoy most of the technological benefits of the last two decades. Yet how fast of a connection do you have?
Your internet speed can determine how much time it takes you to perform vital tasks online and, in some cases, how connected you can remain to the outside world. Your choice of internet plan and provider is perhaps one of the most important ones you'll make for your household. You need to have at least a reasonably fast connection.
Here are a few facts on modern internet usage to showcase the importance of having a solid connection in 2019:
According to Pew Research, 89 percent of U.S. Adults use the internet in some capacity. All but two to three percent of adults aged 18-49 use the internet, and the senior (65+) population is the only outlying group, with only 66 percent of them using the internet in 2018.
Home broadband is common. While the number of broadband users has just about evened out over the past five years (it trends from 65-73 percent, with 65 percent in 2018), it remains a staple of the US household. What should be noted is that there is an increasing number of adults who do not have broadband but do use smartphones (20 percent in 2018).
According to Speedtest.net, fixed broadband download speeds throughout the world on average increased 26.5 percent from 2017-2018. The average download speed is now 46.12 Mbps, and the upload speed is 22.44 Mbps. Companies are basing their services on these metrics even if optimization is important, and you don't want to be left behind. The quick update files of today would take days to download 15 years ago.
You do not need to settle for a slow connection, you do not need to be left behind, and performing a test can help you see if you are above or below bar when it comes to your connection. This is where the speed test site comes in, which does exactly as you might expect: perform a test to see what your download and uploads speeds are so you can use this info as needed.
Below you will find some information regarding how to best test your internet speed as well as our top picks for which site you should use.
How You Should Test Your Internet Speed
You Should Not Be Splitting Up Your Connection: Your connection shouldn't be under heavy use when performing a test. This can apply to anything else in the household as well. This might cause interference one way or another.
You Should be Testing Under Ideal but Normal Working Conditions: What we mean by this is that you shouldn't be deviating from the norm in terms of equipment or activities (downloading a movie in the next room, for example) when determining your internet speed, unless you're experimenting to see if a new setup provides a faster connection.
Perform a Few Tests: A single test shouldn't take long, so we encourage you to perform a few tests to ensure accuracy.
Test Over the Course of the Day: Your current ISP might work great now but it might very well throttle your connection during peak hours of the day. Counteract this potential blind spot by testing over the course of a day a few times and seeing how the results stack up.
What You Should Look for in a Testing Site
Ease-of-Use: You don't want to spend fifteen minutes learning how to test your internet speed.
Accuracy: If a site isn't accurate, there's no point to using it.
Internet Speed Test 2 6 – Get 99 8 Accuracy Test
Commitment to Real-World Testing Conditions: The better a site can accurately simulate common situations (such as streaming or downloading a movie), the more useful the site. Testing under optimized conditions can be helpful for some people, but most users will want a site that's true-to-life.
A Simple Design: A complicated design with any additional tools or ads running in the background can affect your results, especially if you're connection is slow. You want to work with a site that is simple and focused.
A Wide Server Range: If a site only has servers in one region, the results will be skewed by region. Choose a site that has servers across the country to provide you with an accurate reading.
Freedom from Bias: This doesn't mean a company cannot create a test (someone has to make them), but interference is naturally unacceptable to any test, and as such we wanted to make sure that any selection of ours had no noticeable bias.
Our Top List:
1) Speedtest.Net
We find Speedtest.net (owned by Ookla), one of the most popular and one of the oldest, to still be a fantastic option for people looking to test their connection, regardless of the platform they're on.
The service has a massive list of servers based throughout the country, allowing you to perform more accurate tests regardless of the distance you are looking for. It also will recommend the closest ones to you when you switch, making the user experience just a bit easier.
We were impressed in particular with the ability for users to keep records and previous data for comparison, as well as use a database to learn about stats regarding connections from across the world. This makes it a great option for professionals or simply curious home users looking to notice trends and patterns. The results are also easily sharable, if that is an important factor for you.
We are a bit concerned, however, with some of the ads that show up on the site and some of the graphics, as they might interfere with getting a precise result, especially for users with an extremely slow connection to start with.
2) Speedof.me
At first glance Speedof.me does not look like other internet speed test sites, and we find that to be a good thing. The test displays itself in a chart over time, allowing you to see not only your total speeds but the consistency of your connection as well, which makes it a great choice for online gaming.
That being said, the downside to this is that it's a bit harder to immediately see and interpret your results than other speed testing apps and sites. We would also like to note that the mobile version was very different in this regard, with more immediately accessible information.
It will work on most devices without the need for an app (making it great for a quick check) and utilizing HTML5 to perform the test, a standout feature when compared to many other test sites.
There aren't as many servers when compared to some other sites on this list, and you can't keep a record (which would be excellent considering how they display information), but many users will find this to be their speed test of choice.
3) TestMy.net
Testmy.net is one of the most comprehensive options we found when reviewing internet speed testing sites, and they have fined-tuned their processes to perfection. It is an independent, trustworthy provider that runs on HTML5 and does exactly what it was created to do without any unnecessary flair or distraction.
For people looking for a comparison, it provides statistics for your speed compared to the averages for your ISP, city, and more. It will tell you exactly where you stand and you won't need to put in much extra effort to do so. You can also create an account to save records and check back to see if adjustments work or if the time of day matters for your connection.
The only downside is that much like Speedof.me, the results aren't always pretty to look at (some would even say hard to read, but most certainly not hard to understand). Once you get used to it you won't mind, but it isn't the fastest test to get a glance of what you're working with in a given area. Professionals and enthusiasts certainly won't mind in the long run, however.
4) Xfinity Speed Test
There isn't much to say about Xfinity Speed Test except for the fact that thankfully there isn't much to say about Xfinity Speed Test. There are no distractions and there are no pop-ups or bits of unnecessary information littering the screen. The design is sleek and easy to read, with modern graphics in both the mobile and desktop versions of the program. You'll get a quick download speed and then you'll get a quick upload speed and that's it.
While it may be produced by Comcast, we didn't detect any bias when using the tool and you don't need to be a subscriber to use it. Readings were accurate and consistent.
There are also a few bonus features such as being able to change the host location if you know you're working with something different on a normal basis. You can also change the protocol if needed. It provides a few tips if you desire to help you get accurate results. From all our estimations, it's a great tool whether you're looking to change your connection or if you're just looking to optimize the one you already have.
It is missing a way to save tests, but for the average user it's one of our top choices.
5) Internet Health Test
Internet Health Test is a much more comprehensive test than most if not all the other choices on this list. For anyone looking for as much information as possible gathered from a complete and multi-step testing process, Internet Health Test is where you want to go.
It will effectively run your connection through an obstacle course of servers, situations, and locations so that you get a set of data that is much closer to a real-world result than some other sites that test under ideal circumstances. It will take a little while compared to the minute-at-most tests other sites use, but you are getting effectively six tests at once.
It also is simplistic in design, offering very few additional features and there aren't too many settings you can change. That being noted, we find that it works best when paired with another service for both comparison and in case you need some of those features. It does, however, allow you to post your results to social media or email them to yourself (or someone else) for future records. This might come in handy for IT professionals.
6) Speedsmart
The HTML5-based speed test Speedsmart is an easy-to-use and universally accessible option for you that provides accurate speeds (they send more data through to create a more fine-tuned test) and also will provide you with ping information, which is great for anyone who needs a low-latency connection such as those who use video chat and gamers.
Speedsmart, like a few others on this list, allows you to create an account and check on your previous tests, even across devices. This allows you to easily check on not only a single device's connection but a network across a home or office.
It has a healthy, but not comprehensive, list of servers to choose from (with a listing of how far each is away from you as a nice touch). It doesn't try to do too much with its homepage, either. It's a great all-around speed testing site for the average user who might want ping information on top of upload and download speeds.
7) Fast.com
Even more simple than Xfinity's option is Netflix's Fast.com, which is connected to what we expect a lot of people are using it for. Netflix consumes 15 percent of the world's bandwidth, so they have a good reason to provide people with a speed-testing app. They also have a vested interest in letting you know when you're ISP might be throttling your connection, as they have had a long conflict with ISPs regarding this issue. Fast.com uses Netflix servers, making it perfect for making this determination.
Alarm clock pro 12 1 12. When you start it up there isn't even a start button. You get a mostly white screen and some real-times results before it settles on the ultimate estimation of your speed (you also get your upload speed at the end of the test. Yet don't let the first impression fool you, there are still plenty of options such as being able to select several parallel connections and always show all relevant metrics if you're annoyed by the initial startup design.
We wouldn't necessarily recommend it for an overall speed test, but for Netflix? It's exactly what you're looking for.
Additional Notes
By no means is this list exhaustive. There are dozens if not more other sites that you can use in order to test your internet speed, and most of them will work just fine. Yet after testing, we found that our above selections struck the right balance in terms of ease-of-use, accuracy, design clarity, and freedom from bias.
We would also like to note that our top pick might not be the top pick for your needs. Perhaps you need extremely rigorous testing with more detail for professional IT reasons. In that case the more minimalist options might not cut it for you. Consider your needs and make your choice from there.
What Can Cause Slow Speeds?
Once you test your connection, you might find that you aren't getting the speeds you are looking for. After double checking and rerunning your tests, you will want to investigate further. One or more of the following reasons might be the culprit:
Too much usage of the network at once.
An outage in the area caused by maintenance or inclement weather.
Your router or a cable is malfunctioning or overheating.
Your WiFi signal is being partially blocked.
Your ISP is throttling your connection.
Your computer might be infected by malware or viruses.
What to Do Next?
That depends entirely on what the source of the problem is. Sometimes new hardware is the answer, and sometimes you just need to change the location of the router. A cleanup of your system might help as well. If it's the ISPs fault, then you will need to contact them. If this gets you nowhere, then you will need to change providers, which unfortunately can be tiresome without the right resources.
Conclusion
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You need to know if you are getting what you paid for when it comes to your internet connection, and we hope that the above seven sites help you get a handle on what you're looking for, no matter what it is. You may need to try a few options and you will want to control your environment as best as you can, but we promise the information is worth it when making decisions for your office or household.
Internet Speed Test 2 6 – Get 99 8 Accuracy Rifle
We expect to update this list in the future, so we will always be vigilant should a better option arise or one of the above sites no longer be available or meet our exacting standards. We hope that the above information provides you with any information you may require and hope that you find the internet connection you deserve.
Why do I get a “socket error” message? An error may result from having the speed test open in more than one browser tab or window. The test may fail to complete and display the following message: “A socket error occurred during the Upload test. Please try again later.”
To prevent this error, and get the most accurate test results, close all other browser tabs and windows before running.
If you continue to get a socket error message, or another type of error message, please provide feedback by emailing us at [email protected]. Please, include your OS/Browser information.
Why is the location I usually pick missing from the City list? We first complete a latency test to our servers, and if a server does not respond within a specified time frame, it is not included in the City list.
A slow response can be caused by latency or packet-loss between the client and server, or particularly high Internet usage (during peak hours). Do try the test again in a little while.
In which browsers does the Speed Test work best? For best results, use the most recent version of your favorite browser. But at minimum use Firefox 53, Chrome 59, Safari 10, IE 11, or Edge 13 or higher. If you are unable to see Speed Test, though other content appears on the speed test page, check your browser's security setting. Try lowering the setting from High to Medium-High, or even a bit lower, to allow the broadband test application to load.
Why am I receiving “Could not connect to the Internet” errors when I am connected? In some cases, firewall and security software can prevent the test from running and generate a 'could not connect' error. Temporarily lowering the severity should allow the broadband test to run. Be sure to turn it back on before leaving our website.
Why didn’t the test choose the server location nearest me? Our Speed Test automatically detects the optimal server host location for testing, which is not necessarily the closest server host. This is due to real-time network circumstances like number of hops, or current traffic load on each test server. Change the selection using the Change City drop down function directly underneath the Start Test button.
Why is my speed lower than expected? Several factors may slow your connection, resulting in lower-than-expected speeds. Try these simple suggestions below. But if your slower speeds persist, contact your broadband service provider to see if they can determine the issue.
Be sure to stop any downloads or programs that may be using your connection while running the test.
When using a wireless connection, there may be wireless interference. Try using a wired Ethernet connection instead.
Try rebooting your modem or router and then running the test again.
What is “Throughput” and what factors affect my results? There are many factors that impact your speed test results. Throughput problems in your local area network, IP or access overhead, and network design all play a role. Please read the definitions and examples below to learn more about these factors.
Download Download is a measure of how fast your connection delivers content to your computer or local area network.
Upload Upload is the measure of how fast content is delivered from your computer or local area network to others on the Internet. For businesses or power-users, download and upload speed should match or at least be very close. This is important for applications like VoIP, on-line gaming and other interactive programs. Upload speed is even more important if you are operating a server at your location. If achieving optimal upload speed is a concern, consider Ethernet or T1 services.
Kbps Kbps transfer rate = kilobit per second transfer rate. There are 8 bits in a byte, so we would divide kbps by 8 to get KB/sec transfer rate.
Mbps Mbps transfer rate = megabits per second transfer rate. 1000 kilobits equals one megabit. One megabit per second equals 1 million bits per second. Mbps is the industry-standard used by ISPs.
MBps MegaBytes per second. There are 8 megabits in one megabyte.
Transfer Rate
Transfer rate is speed at which data can be transmitted between devices. As files to download become increasingly larger, the highest data transfer rate is most desirable.
Throughput Throughput is the maximum amount of communication or messaging that can be transmitted through a communication channel during an elementary unit of time, usually, in a second. Depending on the type of channel, the addressing mechanism used in that channel, the type of messages are being transmitted and how secure the transmission needs to be—along with physical attributes like temperature, humidity and signal-to-noise ratios—actual measured throughput will vary.
An Example of Throughput You have Ethernet 8.0 Mbps service and need to transmit an email which is exactly 1MB in size You may expect it will take exactly 1 second to transmit that message. But it will actually take longer as the total information that needs to be transmitted is more than 1MB. The total information is called Payload. The channel needs to not only transmit the payload but also some addressing details like where it is coming from and where it is destined to.
The device that sends this email will break down the message into smaller pieces and package them into what are called IP Packets. The size of these packets is usually determined by your Local Area Network. Some have smaller size, so the message will take more IP Packets to transmit; while others may have larger size which needs fewer IP Packets. Each IP Packet also contains an IP Header. This is where the information like the source IP Address, the destination IP Address and additional information about the payload is included. IP Header is usually 20 Bytes (160 Bits) long.
Assuming that this customer uses 100 Byte payload, each IP Packet will now be 120 Bytes long. And that 1MB message will have to be broken down into 10,000 payload pieces. That means to transmit the whole message the channel really needs to transmit about 1,200,000 Bytes or 1.2 MB or 9,600,000 bits. It will take at least 1.2 seconds to transmit all these bytes on this 8 Mbps service assuming that all these IP packets with the payload arrive without any errors and not needing re-transmission. This is called IP Overhead.
Actual Throughput will always be less than line rate of the access service that is communicated by your provider—and this is all based on IP Overhead only. Ethernet services also have a Layer 2 or Ethernet Overhead. Other services may have ATM, Frame Relay or other kinds of Overhead depending on the design. All of this may contribute to a slower bandwidth throughput than what you are expecting.
Other frequent factors influencing throughput:
The number of devices sharing the access circuit and the activity the other devices are generating while the test is running
A rogue LAN port that is clogging the LAN with transmission
A leaky LAN port which degrades LAN performance
LAN signaling issues which create a lot of packet re-transmission for the devices on the LAN
LAN Router with performance issues, low processing power or Deep Packet Inspection and advanced security features like URL blocking enabled
Wireless Access Points on the LAN side
Distance (both geographical as well as number of hops) between the speed testing client and the server
Why do I see a license expiration notice? This notice is in place to protect our test from being stolen and run, mirrored, or framed into another website.
To remove this notice:
Make sure you are going to https://www.speakeasy.net/speedtest/. We have software in place to block the test from being used in any other domain.
Also, you may have an older version of the test cached in your browser. Clearing your cache and Fusion Connect cookies should make the license expiration notice disappear.
How does security software and firewalls impact the test? Our internet broadband test sends packets of empty data back and forth to your computer in order to test your line speed. Since we are a third-party sending a receiving a tiny data packet from your computer to perform the test, some ad block or security services interpret this as an attack and act accordingly. Temporarily lowering the severity should allow the speed test to work. Be sure to turn it back on before leaving our website.
How do I save my bandwidth test results? Your most recent speed test results are saved in your Results History when tested on desktop or tablet.