Many ISPs run a version of Speedtest on their own servers for testing customer connections. To compare your speeds with the rest of the world, go to the Speedtest Global Index (Opens in a new window), which offers average throughput for mobile and fixed broadband connections across the globe. Speedtest also has native apps for Windows, Mac, Google Chrome browser, even the Apple TV. Use the Speedtest mobile apps to test on your smartphone ( iOS, (Opens in a new window) Android (Opens in a new window)) which includes an integrated VPN option that costs $4.99 per month. If you used more than one connection (say you went from a hotspot to home and ran tests in both locations on the same PC), or used more than one connection server, click 'Filter Results' to narrow down which tests/servers you want to see. To put those numbers in context, click the 'Results' link to compare your results to global average speeds. You can view your entire test history to see how your internet connection changes over time. With that, you can change settings, like picking a server for testing, and make it permanent so it's saved for every time you visit. The real benefit in using comes with creating an account. We use the data it gathers to determine the Fastest ISPs in the US and Canada, as well as the Best Gaming ISPs.

We have a PCMag Speed Test (Opens in a new window), which you can use any time, even on a mobile device. The conditions on your internet connection can be very different at different times of day. Skip testing at peak hours, like in the evening when everyone at home, or in the whole neighborhood, is streaming music or movies. You'll have a lot less network overhead than you would with a Wi-Fi connection. Log out of your VPN software for the duration of the test it adds a lot of overhead to the connection.įor real accuracy, plug your PC directly into the router via Ethernet. That includes streaming media or live video meetings. Turn off any downloads or uploads you have going on your system. Stick with a third-party test tool.īefore you run any of these tests, be sure to: If it's your own ISP, you can't know for sure that the connection between you and the ISP servers won't be optimized for better speeds. Most ISPs also offer a speed test, usually a variation of something you'll see below. Is your ISP delivering the data speeds you were promised? Is there even a way to find out? Should you just take their word for it? The answer to these questions, respectively, are 'we'll see,' 'Yep!,' and 'HELL NO!' We can say that because you have access to free tools that will clock your own personal connection. How to Set Up Two-Factor Authentication.How to Record the Screen on Your Windows PC or Mac.How to Convert YouTube Videos to MP3 Files.How to Save Money on Your Cell Phone Bill.How to Free Up Space on Your iPhone or iPad.How to Block Robotexts and Spam Messages.

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