There’s a reason why Ookla’s speed test is our top choice, we’re big fans of the consistency it delivers and has been recognized as one of the very first speed tests to hit the web.
Ookla offers everything you need in a speed test: accuracy, access to your speed test history (with an account), a wide selection of servers to connect to and a convenient app for testing speeds on your Android or iOS device. Ookla’s speed test is also what we rely on to test Wi-Fi routers.
Things to look out for: Ookla displays banner ads while you run basic speed tests. This is minor, although it might slightly impact your results, depending on the strength of your connection at the time of the test.
Screenshot by Ry Crist/CNET
What makes Fast.com so great? Well, to start, it’s program is very simple to use. If your household loves to stream your favorite shows and movies, this speed test could prove to be useful. Netflix owns it, making this test check to see if your connection has the capacity to stream Netflix in maximum resolution without any disruptions. Ever better, you don’t need to be subscribed to Netflix to utilize its features. Unlike Ookla, the interface is free of ads, so you don’t have to worry about those pesky pop-ups interrupting your speed test.
Remember when I said that the interface is very simple to use, that makes Fast.com is a great tool for some, but it won’t be useful for those that are looking for comprehensive testing. The basic features is easy to use but lacks some advanced settings and metrics you’ll find with most speed tests.
Similar to Fast.com, M-Lab’s Internet Speed Test is the simplest speed test for your internet connection. However, unlike Fast.com, M-Lab leads with simplicity but without taking out important info you need to know. After agreeing to the data policy, simply click the “Begin” button to see your download speed, upload speed and latency within seconds. There are no ads and the information is simplified.
Things to look out for: M-Lab collects and publishes your data (the IP address used during the test), which some users may prefer to keep private. In addition, M-Lab doesn’t let you pick which server you’ll use during the test and is designed for internet speeds of only up to 700Mbps. You’ll need to turn elsewhere if you’re trying to speed-test a gigabit connection.
Screenshot by Ry Crist/CNET
If you’re looking for a test that looks at speed and consistency, Speedof.me is the way to go. Like Ookla, the test interface shows fluctuations in your upload and download speeds. Over time, that can make it easier to spot when something is amiss with your connection, especially since Speedof.me lets you compare your results with previous tests. Its mobile-friendly website is also great for running tests on your phone, allowing you to do a quick speed test on the go without downloading an app.
Speedof.me is far from perfect. For starters, there’s no option to manually select which server you connect with. If home networking isn’t your forte, the visualized data might seem more confusing or overwhelming than something like Fast.com, which gives you a number.
Screenshot by Ry Crist/CNET
Did you know you can also run an internet speed test for your browser? Testmy.net will be your best bet for that. What we like: it runs entirely on HTML5 and PHP, meaning it doesn’t require third-party software like Java or Flash to run your test, which can produce more accurate results. That also makes it a useful tool for comparing performance between different browsers. You can also create an account to track your internet speed for future reference or comparison.
If you can get past it’s not so aesthetically pleasing design, Testmy.net can provide the accurate results you seek for your browser’s internet speed.
Things to look out for: It’s not the most user-friendly tool, with an overwhelming amount of in-depth data and individualized tests for your download speeds, uploads and latency. In other words, you’ll have a lot of confusing information to look through that might not be relevant to you. In addition, it takes a few clicks before you begin a test, which isn’t as streamlined as other speed tests that feature big “Go” buttons as soon as you load the page.
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Test using both Ethernet and Wi-Fi connections. Because of how Wi-Fi works, a wired Ethernet connection is almost always faster since you’re directly connected to your router and not subject to interference. Testing over an Ethernet connection will give you a better look at the actual speeds you’re getting from your provider and you can often run such tests straight through your equipment via the router’s accompanying app. Test the speed difference connected wirelessly through Wi-Fi and then compare it to the speed of your Ethernet connection. If your speeds over Wi-Fi are considerably slower, you can optimize your Wi-Fi connection with a few simple steps.
Test at varying distances from your router. The further away you are from your router, the slower your Wi-Fi speeds will be. Try running a few speed tests at varying distances from the router and in different rooms to gauge the router’s range and identify any dead zones. Note that Wi-Fi extenders and mesh Wi-Fi systems are great ways to improve connectivity around the house.
Test using different devices. You can run a speed test on your computer, phone, smart TV, gaming console, etc. If speeds drastically differ between devices, you may need to adjust device or router settings to improve performance across all devices.
Test at different times of the day. Depending on your internet connection type, peak usage times (typically weeknight evenings when everyone is streaming simultaneously) can hinder your speeds. Try running a few speed tests throughout the day for an idea of when your connection is at its peak performance. Keep those times in mind when you’re scheduling downloads of large files like video games or movies.
What are the four different internet test types?
There are many types of speed tests that can help you better understand your internet speed.
Download and upload speed tests refer to how quickly you can receive and send data to the internet. Surfing the web or streaming videos uses download speed while sending emails or uploading photos and videos online uses upload speed. To learn more, read our guide on download vs. upload speeds.
A ping or latency speed test shows how long it takes for your device to receive a response after sending a signal to the server. Think of it this way: When you press a button on a video game controller, you trigger an action on the screen. A ping test measures the time between the command and the outcome, so a higher latency speed means a slower reaction time. Here’s how you can lower your ping for a smooth gaming experience.
Jitter speed tests describe how data flows between all network devices. Data is transmitted between devices at a set interval, but the connection can become laggy as a network becomes more congested — this is jitter.
Streaming speed tests check if your internet connection is strong enough to stream in maximum resolution with little to no buffering. Since streaming videos requires more bandwidth, the download speed must be high enough to support the action. Check out our top picks of the best ISPs for streaming.
How CNET chose these internet speed tests
For over 20 years, we have used respectable sources, expert opinions and a hands-on approach to review data. We strive to personally test products and services to give insight to readers and offer them multiple options for what they’re looking for. Our team has approved these internet speed tests through several factors, including speed, consistency, accessibility and browser compatibility. Ookla’s speed test is the one we use when testing Wi-Fi routers, so we know from firsthand experience that it’s reliable.
Internet speed test FAQs
What’s a good internet speed?
Why are my internet speeds so slow?
Do some ISPs offer their own speed tests?
Both internet speed tests are good options to determine your connection’s strength, but each has pros and cons. Since Fast.com is owned and operated by Netflix, it’s a great test for online streamers relying on decent bandwidth. It’s not as in-depth as Speedtest.net for providing analytics and doesn’t let users specify which server they’d like to connect with. Ookla, on the other hand, has a strong reputation for consistency, but it has banner ads that may slightly affect its test results.
No, speed tests won’t do anything to change the speed of your home’s Wi-Fi network. They’re simply a diagnostic tool, a quick way to check how your network performs in various spots around your home.
The best way to put speed tests to use is to run them on your phone or laptop in various rooms throughout your house. If you find a dead zone where speeds come crashing down, you might want to consider putting a range extender in the closest room to that dead zone where speeds are strong. CNET’s Trisha Jandoc tested by troubleshooting her lagging gigabit speeds at home. From there, it’ll rebroadcast your Wi-Fi signal and potentially speed things up.
If you find multiple dead zones in places where you’d like to connect, it might be time to upgrade your router. For the best whole-home Wi-Fi coverage, consider going with a mesh router that uses multiple devices. Finally, upgrading your plan is also an option, but if you want to avoid paying more, you can negotiate with your ISP for a lower monthly cost.
