Internet Speed Test & Broadband Tools
Test your real download speed and compare it to FCC broadband benchmarks. No signup required.
Test Your Download Speed
Our speed test downloads data to your browser and measures real throughput. For the most accurate results, use a wired ethernet connection and close other applications.
How the Speed Test Works
1. Download Test Data
We download a 5 MB test file from our CDN to your browser, measuring the total transfer time.
2. Multiple Iterations
The test runs 3 times and averages the results, reducing the impact of momentary fluctuations.
3. Compare to Benchmarks
Results are compared against the FCC broadband benchmark (100 Mbps) and rated from Excellent to Very Slow.
How Much Speed Do You Need?
| Activity | Min Speed | Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| Email, browsing | 5 Mbps | 25 Mbps |
| HD video streaming | 10 Mbps | 25 Mbps |
| 4K video streaming | 25 Mbps | 50 Mbps |
| Video calls (Zoom) | 3 Mbps | 10 Mbps |
| Online gaming | 10 Mbps | 50 Mbps |
| Remote work (VPN) | 25 Mbps | 100 Mbps |
| Large file downloads | 50 Mbps | 200+ Mbps |
| Household (4+ users) | 100 Mbps | 300-500 Mbps |
Tips for Accurate Results
- 01Use a wired connection. Ethernet eliminates Wi-Fi overhead and shows your true ISP speed.
- 02Close other applications. Background downloads, streaming, and cloud sync consume bandwidth.
- 03Test at different times. Peak hours (7-11 PM) typically show slower speeds on cable connections.
- 04Restart your modem. A quick reboot can resolve temporary performance issues.
- 05Try multiple tests. Use our test, Fast.com, and Speedtest.net to compare results.
More Broadband Tools
Speed Test FAQ
How accurate is this speed test?
Our speed test measures real download throughput by transferring data to your browser and timing how fast it arrives. Results are most accurate on a wired ethernet connection with other applications closed. Wi-Fi testing will show lower speeds due to wireless overhead. We run multiple iterations and average the results to reduce variance.
Why is my speed test result different from other sites?
Speed test results vary because different services use different test servers, methodologies, and data sizes. Our test uses multi-iteration averaging and measures from your browser to our CDN. Ookla Speedtest connects to a nearby ISP-peered server. Netflix Fast.com tests from Netflix servers. No single test is definitive — run several for a complete picture.
What is a good download speed?
The FCC defines broadband as 100 Mbps download. For a single user streaming in 4K, 25 Mbps is sufficient. A household of 4 with multiple streamers and remote workers should aim for 200-500 Mbps. Gigabit (1,000 Mbps) plans provide headroom for heavy use but most activities do not require it.
Why is my Wi-Fi slower than my internet plan?
Your router is likely the bottleneck. Wi-Fi 5 routers max out around 400-800 Mbps in practice. Walls, distance, and interference further reduce speed. Test with an ethernet cable plugged directly into your modem — if wired speed matches your plan, the issue is your router or Wi-Fi environment, not your ISP.
How often should I test my speed?
Test at different times of day to understand peak vs. off-peak performance. Cable internet often slows 20-40% during evening hours (7-11 PM). If you consistently get less than 80% of your plan speed on a wired connection, contact your ISP. Speed tests after a modem restart can also reveal equipment issues.
Broadband Guides
Step-by-step guide to getting reliable speed test results. Wired vs. wireless, peak hours, and what the numbers mean.
Detailed comparison of internet technologies with speed, reliability, and cost data.
Practical fixes for slow Wi-Fi: router placement, channel optimization, mesh systems, and when to upgrade.
What speed, latency, and upload you need for video calls, VPN, cloud tools, and multi-person households.
How we calculate grades, what each factor means, and why competition matters as much as speed.