❓ Frequently Asked Questions

An internet speed test measures how fast data travels between your device and the internet. It tests three key metrics:

• Download Speed: How fast you can receive data (streaming, browsing, downloading files)
• Upload Speed: How fast you can send data (video calls, uploading files, live streaming)
• Ping/Latency: How quickly your connection responds (gaming, video calls)
• Jitter: Consistency of your ping (stability for real-time apps)

Our speed test is highly accurate because we:

• Use multiple simultaneous streams (6 download, 3 upload) to max out your connection
• Test from geographically distributed servers
• Measure real-world HTTP/HTTPS transfer speeds
• Average multiple samples to reduce variance

Results are typically within 5-10% of your actual speeds. Factors like WiFi signal, device performance, and network congestion can affect results.

We recommend testing:

• Weekly: To monitor if you're getting what you pay for
• When experiencing issues: Slow loading, buffering, lag
• After router/modem changes: To verify improvements
• Different times of day: To identify peak congestion periods
• Before/after ISP plan changes: To confirm speed upgrades

Create an account to track your speed history over time!

Speed requirements vary by activity:

• 1-5 Mbps: Email, browsing, social media
• 5-25 Mbps: HD video streaming (Netflix, YouTube)
• 25-50 Mbps: 4K streaming, video calls, light gaming
• 50-100 Mbps: Multiple devices, work from home, gaming
• 100-500 Mbps: Large households, 4K streaming on multiple devices
• 500+ Mbps: Power users, large file transfers, professional streaming

See our Speed Guide for detailed recommendations.

Mbps (Megabits per second) and MBps (Megabytes per second) are different:

• Mbps: Used for internet speeds (lowercase 'b' = bits)
• MBps: Used for file sizes and download speeds (uppercase 'B' = bytes)
• Conversion: 1 MBps = 8 Mbps

Example: If you have 100 Mbps internet, your max download speed is about 12.5 MBps.

• 0-20ms: Excellent - Professional gaming level
• 20-50ms: Good - Smooth gaming experience
• 50-100ms: Fair - Noticeable lag in fast-paced games
• 100ms+: Poor - Significant lag, difficult to play competitively

Jitter under 10ms is also important for consistent gameplay.

Common reasons for slower speeds:

• WiFi vs Ethernet: WiFi is typically 30-50% slower than wired
• Network Congestion: More users = slower speeds (peak hours)
• Distance from Router: WiFi weakens with distance and walls
• Old Equipment: Outdated routers/modems can bottleneck speeds
• Background Apps: Updates, cloud backups using bandwidth
• ISP Throttling: Some ISPs slow certain types of traffic

See our Troubleshooting Guide for solutions.

Try these tips:

• Use Ethernet: Wired connections are faster and more stable
• Move Closer to Router: Or add WiFi extenders/mesh system
• Restart Router/Modem: Power cycle monthly
• Update Firmware: Keep router software current
• Change WiFi Channel: Reduce interference from neighbors
• Upgrade Router: WiFi 6 routers offer better performance
• Close Background Apps: Stop bandwidth-heavy programs
• Contact ISP: May need plan upgrade or line repair

Speed variations are normal due to:

• Network Congestion: Other users on your network or ISP's network
• Server Load: Different test servers may be busier
• Time of Day: Peak hours (6-10pm) are typically slower
• WiFi Interference: Microwaves, cordless phones, neighbors' networks
• Background Activity: Apps syncing, updates downloading

Take multiple tests at different times for the best average. Track trends over time with a free account.

Yes - speed tests transfer data and count toward your data cap if you have one.

• A typical test uses 100-500 MB of data
• Testing on mobile data will use your cellular data allowance
• Most home internet plans have unlimited data or very high caps

If you have limited data, test sparingly or only on WiFi.

Yes! Our test works on 4G, 5G, and all mobile networks. Tips:

• Disable WiFi to test cellular data only
• Test in different locations to find signal dead zones
• 5G speeds can exceed 500 Mbps in good coverage
• LTE typically ranges 10-100 Mbps
• Remember: mobile tests use your data allowance

• WiFi 5 (802.11ac): Max ~1300 Mbps, released 2013
• WiFi 6 (802.11ax): Max ~9600 Mbps, released 2019

WiFi 6 Benefits:

• Faster speeds (up to 40% improvement)
• Better performance with many devices
• Improved battery life for devices
• Better performance in crowded areas

No! You can test your speed anonymously without creating an account.

Benefits of creating a free account:

• Track your speed history over time
• View charts showing speed trends
• Download results as PDF or CSV
• Share test results with support teams
• Set up speed alerts

Sign up free - only takes 30 seconds!

We collect minimal data:

• Without Account: Only test results (anonymous, 90 days)
• With Account: Email + test history
• We NEVER collect: Browsing history, passwords, personal files
• We NEVER sell your data

Full details in our Privacy Policy. You can download or delete all your data anytime.

Yes - your ISP can see you're using our website and transferring data, but:

• We use HTTPS encryption for all connections
• ISPs cannot see the actual test results
• Some ISPs prioritize speed test traffic (not representative of real-world speeds)
• ISPs cannot block speed tests (net neutrality protection)