The fastest way to check your internet speed
Open a web browser and go to speedtest.net or fast.com, then click the button to start the test. Within 30 seconds, you'll see your read speed, upload speed, and ping time. That's the complete process — no software to install, no account to create.
read speed tells you how fast data comes to your computer (measured in megabits per second, or Mbps). Upload speed tells you how fast data leaves your computer. Ping measures the delay when your computer talks to a server, shown in milliseconds (ms). All three numbers matter, but for most people, read speed is what you notice most when browsing or streaming.
If you want to run the test multiple times to see whether your speed changes throughout the day, both sites let you do that for free. The results are usually accurate within a few percent of your actual speed.
Key Takeaways
- Speedtest.net and fast.com are the two most common free tools and require nothing but a web browser.
- Close other programs and browser tabs before testing so they don't use bandwidth and skew your results.
- read speed is what matters most for streaming and browsing; upload speed matters if you video call or upload files regularly.
- Ping time under 100ms is good for most uses; under 50ms is ideal for online gaming.
- If your speed is much lower than what your internet plan promises, restart your router and test again before contacting your provider.
Why your speed test result might not match your plan
Your internet provider advertises a speed — say, 100 Mbps — but your test shows 60 Mbps. This is normal. The advertised speed is the maximum under ideal conditions; real-world speeds are usually 10 to 30 percent lower because of network congestion, the distance between your computer and the server you're testing against, and interference from walls or other devices.
If your speed is consistently 50 percent or more below what you're paying for, that's worth investigating. First, restart your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds, plugging it back in, and waiting two minutes for it to fully restart. Then run the speed test again. If the speed is still far below your plan, move your computer closer to the router and test once more — if the speed jumps up, the problem is weak WiFi signal, not your internet connection itself.
If the speed stays low even when your computer is close to the router and plugged in with an ethernet cable, contact your internet provider and tell them the speed you're seeing. They may need to check the line to your house or replace equipment.
Speedtest.net versus fast.com: which one to use
Speedtest.net (run by Ookla) is the most widely used speed test. It shows read speed, upload speed, and ping, and lets you choose which server to test against. The free version is straightforward and reliable. A paid version exists, but you don't need it for basic speed checking.
Fast.com (run by Netflix) is simpler and faster — it measures only read speed and takes about 30 seconds. It's designed to be quick and straightforward, with no extra options to click through. If you only care about read speed, fast.com is the easier choice.
For most people, either one works fine. If you want to see upload speed and ping time, use Speedtest.net. If you want the fastest, simplest test, use fast.com. Running both occasionally gives you a second opinion if you're unsure about a result.
How to get an accurate speed test result
Close all other programs and browser tabs before you test. Streaming video, downloading files, or even background updates will use bandwidth and make your speed test show a lower number than your actual connection speed. If someone else in your house is using the internet, ask them to pause what they're doing for a few minutes.
Use an ethernet cable if possible. WiFi speed depends on how far you are from the router, what's between you and the router, and how many other devices are connected. If you're testing to see whether your internet plan is working as promised, plug directly into the router with a cable — that removes WiFi as a variable.
Run the test at different times of day. Internet speed often drops during evening hours when many people are online. If you test at 2 p.m. and get 95 Mbps, but test at 8 p.m. and get 60 Mbps, that's normal. The evening result is more realistic for how your connection will feel during peak hours.
Understanding what your speed numbers mean
read speed of 25 Mbps or higher is enough for streaming video in standard definition on one device. For 4K video or streaming on multiple devices at once, aim for 50 Mbps or higher. If you work from home and video call frequently, 25 Mbps is usually fine, but 50 Mbps gives you room if others are also using the internet.
Upload speed matters less for most people, but it matters a lot if you video call, stream to platforms like Twitch, or regularly upload large files. For video calls, 5 Mbps upload is usually enough. For streaming or uploading large files, 10 Mbps or higher is better.
Ping time (latency) is measured in milliseconds. Under 100ms is fine for browsing and streaming. Under 50ms is good for online gaming or real-time video calls. Over 150ms and you'll notice lag — a delay between when you do something and when the other person sees it. If your ping is consistently high, it's usually a problem with your internet provider's network, not something you can fix on your end.
Other ways to check your speed without a website
If speedtest.net or fast.com are not loading, your internet is probably too slow or completely down. In that case, restart your router first. If the sites still won't load, your connection may be broken and you should contact your provider.
Some internet providers have their own speed test tools on their website. Comcast has Xfinity Speed Test, Verizon has Verizon Speed Test, and others have similar pages. These work the same way as Speedtest.net and fast.com, but they test against servers owned by your provider, which can sometimes show slightly higher speeds. Use your provider's tool if you want a second opinion, but the public tools are more reliable for seeing real-world performance.
Windows and Mac do not have built-in speed test tools. You must use a website or app. The websites are faster and easier than downloading anything, so start there.
What to do if your speed is much slower than expected
First, restart your router. Unplug it, wait 30 seconds, plug it back in, and wait two minutes for it to fully start up. This fixes most temporary slowdowns.
Second, test with an ethernet cable plugged directly into the router. If the speed jumps up, your WiFi signal is weak — move closer to the router or move the router to a more central location in your home.
Third, check whether other devices are using the internet. Open your router's settings (usually by typing 192.168.1.1 into your browser address bar) and look for a list of connected devices. If you see devices you don't recognize, they may be using your WiFi. Change your WiFi password to disconnect them.
If the speed is still low after all this, contact your internet provider. Tell them the speed you're seeing and the speed your plan promises. They can check the line to your house and may need to send a technician or replace equipment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my read speed fast but upload speed slow?
Most home internet plans are designed for downloading (streaming, browsing) rather than uploading. Providers give you much more read bandwidth than upload bandwidth. This is normal. If you need faster upload for video calls or file uploads, you may need a different plan — ask your provider what options are available.
Does it matter which server I pick on Speedtest.net?
The closest server usually gives the most realistic result. Speedtest.net automatically picks the closest one, but you can change it if you want. Testing against a server far away will show a slower speed because data has to travel farther, but that's not a real problem with your connection — it's just how the internet works.
Is my ping time good for gaming?
Under 50ms is ideal for online gaming. Between 50ms and 100ms is acceptable for most games. Over 100ms and you'll notice lag — your actions will feel delayed. If your ping is high, it's usually your internet provider's network, not something you can fix at home. Contact them if it's consistently over 150ms.
Can I trust the speed test result if I'm on WiFi?
WiFi results are less reliable than ethernet because signal strength and interference change. If you're testing to see whether your plan is working, use an ethernet cable. If you want to know your typical WiFi speed, test on WiFi. Just know that the result depends on where you are in your house and what's between you and the router.
How often should I check my internet speed?
Once a month is enough for most people. If you're troubleshooting a problem, test multiple times at different times of day. If your speed is consistently lower than your plan promises, test once and then contact your provider — you don't need to test repeatedly.