⚡ Internet Speed Test

Our speed test uses Fast.com (powered by Netflix's CDN) for reliable results. However, browser-based tests have inherent limitations: they typically show only 10-30% of your actual speed on connections over 50 Mbps due to JavaScript constraints, CORS security restrictions, and single-threaded downloads. For the most accurate results on fast connections (100+ Mbps), we recommend using dedicated speed test applications like Speedtest by Ookla or using your ISP's official speed test tool.

"Good" speed depends on your usage: 25-50 Mbps is sufficient for basic household use (browsing, HD streaming, video calls). 100-200 Mbps is ideal for families with multiple users and devices. 500+ Mbps is recommended for power users, 4K streaming on multiple devices, large file transfers, and future-proofing. For gaming, speed matters less than ping (aim for <20ms) and stability.

ISPs advertise "up to" speeds, not guaranteed minimums. Common causes: Network congestion during peak hours (7-11 PM), Wi-Fi limitations (use Ethernet for testing), outdated equipment (router/modem older than 3-5 years), too many connected devices, background downloads, or ISP throttling. Your actual speed should be at least 80% of advertised speeds on wired connection during off-peak hours. If consistently lower, contact your ISP.

Ping measures latency—the time (in milliseconds) for data to travel to a server and back. Lower is better: <20ms is excellent for competitive gaming, 20-50ms is good for most uses, 50-100ms is average for browsing/streaming, >100ms may cause noticeable lag in real-time applications. Ping is more important than download speed for gaming, video calls, and interactive applications. Satellite internet typically has 500-700ms ping, making it poor for gaming despite decent download speeds.

Mbps (megabits per second) measures internet connection speed, while MBps (megabytes per second) measures actual data transfer/download speeds. The relationship: 1 MBps = 8 Mbps. So a 100 Mbps connection can download at approximately 12.5 MBps. ISPs advertise in Mbps (looks bigger), while file downloads show progress in MBps. Example: A 100 MB file on a 100 Mbps connection takes about 8 seconds to download.

Quick fixes: Restart router/modem, use Ethernet instead of Wi-Fi, close background apps, test during off-peak hours, move closer to router. Medium-term: Update router firmware, change Wi-Fi channel, optimize router placement (central, elevated), update network drivers, configure QoS settings. Long-term: Upgrade to Wi-Fi 6 router ($150-300), install mesh network for large homes ($200-500), upgrade to fiber internet if available, or upgrade your plan. Always test on wired connection to rule out Wi-Fi issues first.

Test on Ethernet for accuracy when diagnosing internet issues or verifying you're getting advertised speeds. Ethernet eliminates Wi-Fi variables (interference, distance, obstacles) that can reduce speeds by 30-50%. Test on Wi-Fi to measure your real-world performance if that's how you typically use the internet. If Ethernet shows full speeds but Wi-Fi is slow, your internet is fine—you need to optimize Wi-Fi (upgrade router, change position, reduce interference).

Different speed tests use different server locations, testing methodologies, and infrastructure. Fast.com (Netflix CDN) tests streaming performance. Speedtest.net (Ookla) uses closest server for maximum speed. Cloudflare focuses on privacy and global performance. Results vary by 10-30% due to server distance, routing, time of day, and ISP peering agreements. For best assessment, test with multiple services and average the results. Consistent results across services indicate accurate measurement.