Internet Speed Test Tool

What constitutes a "good" internet speed depends on your online activities:

- Basic browsing and email: 5-10 Mbps
- HD video streaming: 15-25 Mbps
- 4K video streaming: 25-50 Mbps
- Online gaming: 10-25 Mbps (with low ping)
- Video conferencing: 10-20 Mbps
- Large file downloads/uploads: 50+ Mbps
- Multiple users/devices simultaneously: 50-100+ Mbps

For most households with multiple devices and mixed usage, 100 Mbps or more provides a comfortable experience. Upload speeds typically matter most for video calls, live streaming, and file sharing.

Multiple factors can influence your speed test results:

- Time of day (peak hours typically show slower speeds)
- Other devices using your network concurrently
- Wi-Fi signal strength and interference
- Distance from your router
- Your router's age and capabilities
- Type of connection (fiber, cable, DSL, etc.)
- ISP network congestion
- Your computer's processing power and memory
- Browser extensions or background programs
- VPN usage (usually slows connections)

For the most accurate results, try testing with other devices turned off, using a wired connection if possible, and testing at different times of day.

There are several reasons why your measured speed might differ from your ISP's advertised speed:

- ISPs typically advertise speeds as "up to" a certain level, not guaranteed minimums
- Most ISP plans are sold with asymmetric speeds (faster download than upload)
- Network congestion during peak hours
- Limitations of your home networking equipment
- Wi-Fi versus wired connections
- The "overhead" required for internet protocols
- Distance from your ISP's infrastructure

If you consistently get less than 70-80% of your advertised speed when testing under optimal conditions, it may be worth contacting your ISP to investigate potential issues.

Ping (measured in milliseconds) is the reaction time of your connection—how quickly your device gets a response after sending a request. A fast ping means a more responsive connection, which is particularly important for activities requiring real-time interaction.

Ping ratings:
- Less than 20ms: Excellent (ideal for competitive online gaming)
- 20-50ms: Good (suitable for most online activities including video calls and gaming)
- 50-100ms: Average (acceptable for most activities but may cause slight delays)
- 100-150ms: Below average (may cause noticeable lag in gaming and video calls)
- Above 150ms: Poor (will cause significant delays in real-time applications)

While download and upload speeds affect how quickly data transfers, ping affects how quickly the transfer begins—making it crucial for online gaming, video calls, and real-time applications.

If you're experiencing slow internet speeds, try these troubleshooting tips:

- Restart your modem and router
- Move closer to your Wi-Fi router or use a wired connection
- Reposition your router to a central location, away from walls and interference
- Update your router's firmware
- Secure your Wi-Fi network to prevent unauthorized users
- Close unused applications and limit bandwidth-heavy activities
- Scan for malware and viruses
- Consider a router upgrade if yours is older than 3-5 years
- Add Wi-Fi extenders or mesh networks for larger spaces
- Contact your ISP if issues persist, as there might be a service problem
- Consider upgrading your internet plan if your usage demands higher speeds