Server location: The location of the server you connect to in order to run the speed test.Įveryone has different Wi-Fi speed needs.IP address: Internet protocol address-the unique numerical code that identifies an internet-connected device and its geographic location.Lower latency means your connection has a better response time for activities like gaming and livestreams. Latency (Ping): The time (measured in milliseconds) it takes for a signal to travel from your device to an internet server and back.Upload speed: The speed at which your device sends data to the internet, usually measured in Mbps or Gbps.Download speed: The speed at which your device pulls data from the internet, usually measured in Mbps or Gbps.Here are some key terms to help you understand how a speed test works: Meanwhile, the speed test calculates the time it takes to send a message to the server and receive a reply, giving you a measure of your latency (or ping rate). Speed tests measure upload and download speeds by connecting to a nearby server and sending chunks of sample data back and forth to see how long the transfers take. Similar to Ookla, keeps track of all the tests you run, letting you spot trends over time and identify potential weaknesses in your connection.Ī speed test is an online tool that measures your internet connection’s download speed, upload speed, and latency (ping rate). Unlike the other tests on this list, this one measures your connection’s consistency in addition to your speeds-color-coded graphs track fluctuation in your download and upload speeds throughout the test. It’s not exactly scientific, and we wish there was a browser version, but still-who knew a speed test could be this fun?! A yellow meteor thing that flies across the screen in different directions when the test runs, and a smiling, Clippy-style virtual assistant you can tap on to let you know how good your speeds are. This app-only test from data analytics company Opensignal does the same thing every other speed test does, but the graphics can’t be beaten. (That’s how made its speed test.) The main drawback is it doesn’t have the advanced features you see on Ookla or ’s tests, like the ability to choose a test server or track multiple tests over time. You can even use M-Lab’s source code to make your own testing platform. This open-source test, designed by Google-backed Measurement Lab, archives all its data and makes it available online for public perusal. You can run a test instantly without even going to a website. Type “internet speed test” or “Wi-Fi speed test” into Google, and this one pops up. The app comes with a free VPN, and you can buy a premium, ad-free Ookla app for a dollar, which may be worth the investment, considering both the app and browser version can get cluttered with banner ads.

You can keep a record of all the tests you take if you sign up for an account, and the desktop browser version lets you change test servers to come up with more nuanced diagnostics.

Ookla’s test is reliable and packed with useful information. Ookla’s speed test is the industry standard-fitting for a brand whose homepage is literally. We also have an app that gives you a simplified readout of your download and upload speeds. You can’t choose a test server like you can on Ookla’s test, but if you’re shopping for internet, you can take a look at a detailed list of internet providers serving your area to see what other plans and speeds are available. Drop-down FAQs give you insights into how the speed test works and how your internet’s performance compares with other users in your same state and with your same internet provider. Obviously we’re biased, but we love our test because it’s easy to use and full of helpful info.

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