Best online connection speed test
Speedtest will measure the ping time, download speed and upload speed of your internet connection. Ping measures how fast you get a response back from the test server. A fast ping means a more responsive connection.
As for uploading and downloading, measurements are given in bits per second. Higher numbers are better. Download speeds will typically be much faster than upload speeds.
You can compare these numbers against the speeds that your internet service provider promises you. Be sure to run multiple tests over several days at different times. This will give you an overall picture of your connection speed. You also might find specific periods when it’s slow.
Download instructions for Ping
Before you test your speed, close any other browser tabs. Also, stop any downloads you may have in progress. You will also want to use a wired Ethernet connection instead of Wi-Fi. A spotty Wi-Fi signal can affect the results.
To test your download speed, click the link we’ve provided below in the blue boxes for either Windows or Mac. The link will take you to Speedtest.net, then click the yellow “Go” button in the middle of the screen to begin the test. It will automatically detect test servers near your location.
Note: If you click on anything other than “Begin Test,” it is most likely an ad. This is a free test, and will not ask for your payment information, nor will it install anything to your computer. If any of these things happen, you have clicked the wrong link. Follow the instructions above to get the correct link.
For the first test, use the server it chooses. Afterward, you can try other servers in the area if you want to see different connections.
If your internet speed turns out to be lower than expected, there are ways to improve it. Click here to learn how to double your internet speed.