How to check your internet speed accurately

A speed test shows how fast data moves between your device and the internet right now. Learn how to run one that is fair, how to read the numbers, and how to tell whether the result is a problem.

What you need

• The device you want to test, and a few minutes.
• Ideally, a network cable and a computer, so you can test without Wi-Fi.
• Your internet plan's speeds, from your bill or your provider's account page. They are usually shown as "up to" a number of Mbps (megabits per second).

What the numbers mean

A speed test usually shows three results.

Run the test

1. Close other things that use the internet. Pause downloads, cloud backups and video streams on every device in the home, and close extra browser tabs on the test device.
2. Switch off any VPN on the test device. A VPN sends your traffic by a longer route and can lower the result.
3. Choose a test. Your internet provider's website often has one, and several well-known independent speed tests exist. Use a test that runs in the browser or an app from your device's official app store. Never download software from a website that offers a speed test, and ignore pop-ups telling you to install something.
4. For the first test, use a computer connected to the router with a network cable. Plug the cable into a LAN port on the router, not the Internet (WAN) port.
5. Start the test and wait for it to finish. Write down the download, upload and ping results.
6. Run it two more times, a minute or two apart. Results can vary, so look at all three.

Test Wi-Fi next

Once you know the wired result, test over Wi-Fi so you can compare the two.

1. Disconnect the cable and connect to Wi-Fi on the same computer or on your phone.
2. Stand close to the router, in the same room, and run the test three times.
3. Then repeat the test in the room where you normally use the device.

Check that it worked

Compare what you wrote down with your plan.

• Wired result is close to your plan: your internet service is delivering close to what you pay for. A slower Wi-Fi result points to the Wi-Fi link: see slow Wi-Fi.
• Wired result is well below your plan, every time: restart the router and modem, then test again. See restarting your router the right way. If it stays low, use the support page on your internet provider's website and give them your results and the times of the tests.
• Wi-Fi in the same room is fast, but another room is slow: the signal is weakening with distance. See router placement, extenders and mesh.

Remember that a plan speed is a maximum. Results can be lower, and a single low result at a busy time is not proof of a fault.

If something goes wrong

• The test will not start or fails: your device may not be online. Check Wi-Fi connected but no internet.
• A wired test is stuck at a low figure on a fast plan: the cable or the router's port may be older and slower. Try another cable and port, and check the router's manual for the port speed. See also wired Ethernet not working.
• A phone is slower than a laptop: some phones and older devices support only some Wi-Fi bands. See Wi-Fi bands explained.
• The result changes a lot between tests: test servers, other users and the time of day all change results. Keep a short log of the times and results over a few days.

Frequently asked questions