How to Run a Speed Test
You do not need to install any software. The easiest speed tests run directly in your web browser.
- 1Open a web browser on your computer, phone, or tablet
- 2Go to fast.com (Netflix's speed test — simple and fast) or speedtest.net (more detailed results)
- 3Click Go or the start button — the test runs automatically and takes about 30 seconds
- 4Write down your download speed, upload speed, and ping (latency)
- 5For the most accurate results, run the test while connected to Wi-Fi and again while plugged directly into your router with an ethernet cable
Tip: Close other browser tabs and pause any streaming or downloads before running the test. Other activity on your network will pull bandwidth away from the test and give you a lower reading than your actual speed.
What the Numbers Mean
Speed test results show three main measurements. Here is what each one means in plain English.
- Download speed (Mbps): How fast data comes to your device — this is what matters most for streaming, browsing, and video calls. Higher is better.
- Upload speed (Mbps): How fast data goes from your device to the internet — matters for video calls, sending large files, and backing up to the cloud. Often lower than download speed.
- Ping / Latency (ms): How long it takes for a signal to travel from your device to a server and back. Lower is better. High ping causes lag in video calls and online gaming.
Tip: Mbps stands for megabits per second. It is a measure of data transfer speed. Do not confuse it with MB (megabytes) — there are 8 megabits in one megabyte. A 100 Mbps connection downloads about 12 megabytes per second.
How Much Speed Do You Actually Need?
More speed is not always necessary. Here is a practical guide to how much download speed different activities require.
- Basic web browsing and email: 5–10 Mbps is plenty
- HD video streaming (Netflix, YouTube): 5–15 Mbps per stream
- 4K video streaming: 25 Mbps per stream
- Video calls (Zoom, FaceTime): 3–5 Mbps per call
- Working from home with video calls and file sharing: 25–50 Mbps
- Multiple people streaming and working simultaneously: 100–200 Mbps or more
- Online gaming: 25–50 Mbps download, but low ping matters more than raw speed
Comparing Your Results to What You Are Paying For
Your speed test results should be compared to the plan you are paying for.
- 1Find your plan speed on your internet bill or by logging into your provider's account portal
- 2Compare it to your wired speed test result (plugged directly into the router)
- 3A wired result within 80–90% of your plan speed is normal and acceptable
- 4A wired result consistently below 50% of your plan speed is worth a call to your provider
- 5If your wired speed is fine but your Wi-Fi speed is much lower, the problem is your Wi-Fi setup, not your internet service
Warning: Internet providers advertise speeds as "up to" a certain number. This means the speed under ideal conditions — not a guaranteed minimum. Speeds during peak evening hours (7–10 PM) are often lower than speeds during the day.
What to Do If Your Speed Test Shows a Problem
Once you know where the problem is, you can take the right action.
- Wired speed is fine, Wi-Fi is slow: The problem is your Wi-Fi setup. Try repositioning your router, restarting it, or upgrading to a mesh system.
- Both wired and Wi-Fi are slow: The problem is your internet service. Restart your modem, then call your provider if the problem persists.
- Speed is fine but video calls are choppy: Check your ping/latency. High latency (above 100 ms) causes call quality issues even when speeds look adequate.
- Speed varies dramatically throughout the day: This is often a congestion issue with your provider or your neighborhood. Consider upgrading your plan or switching providers.