Run a speed test from your computer or phone

The fastest way to check your network speed is to visit Speedtest.net or Fast.com in any web browser. Both are free and take about 30 seconds. Click the button to start, and the test will measure how fast data travels from your device to a server on the internet and back. You'll get three numbers: read speed (how fast you receive data), upload speed (how fast you send data), and ping (how long the trip takes in milliseconds).

read speed is what matters most for everyday use — streaming video, loading web pages, video calls. Upload speed matters if you work from home, stream to Twitch, or send large files regularly. Ping matters mainly for online gaming and video calls; anything under 50 milliseconds is fine for both.

Run the test from the room where you actually use the internet, not from right next to the router. This shows you the real speed you experience. If you're on WiFi, move away from the router to see how distance affects your connection. If you're on ethernet (a cable plugged directly into the router), you'll see your true maximum speed.

Key Takeaways

  • Speedtest.net and Fast.com are free tools that measure read speed, upload speed, and ping in about 30 seconds.
  • read speed is what you notice most — it controls how fast pages load and videos stream.
  • Run the test from where you actually use the internet, not next to the router, to see real-world performance.
  • Compare your results to what your internet provider promised you in your contract to spot problems early.
  • Slow speeds on WiFi but normal speeds on ethernet means your router placement or WiFi strength is the issue, not your internet service.

Understand what speed numbers mean for your actual use

Internet speed is measured in megabits per second (Mbps). The number you need depends on what you do. A single person browsing and checking email needs about 10 Mbps read. Video streaming on one device needs 5 to 25 Mbps depending on quality. A household with two people streaming video at once and one person in a video call needs 50 to 100 Mbps. If four people are all using the internet heavily at the same time, 200 Mbps is safer.

Upload speed matters less for most people. 5 to 10 Mbps is enough for video calls and sending files. You only need 25 Mbps or higher if you regularly upload large videos or work from home doing video streaming.

Ping is measured in milliseconds. Under 50 is good for everything. 50 to 100 is acceptable. Over 100 will make video calls feel sluggish and online games unplayable. If your ping is high, the problem is usually your internet service itself, not your WiFi.

Compare your results to your internet plan

Find your internet contract or bill and look for the promised read speed. Most providers list it as "up to" a certain number — for example, "up to 300 Mbps". Your actual speed will usually be lower than the "up to" number, but it should be at least 80 percent of what you're paying for. If you're getting 50 Mbps and paying for 300 Mbps, something is wrong.

Run the speed test multiple times over a few days at different times of day. Internet speed can vary slightly depending on how busy the network is. If you consistently get 80 percent or more of your promised speed, your service is working as it should. If you're regularly getting less than 50 percent, contact your provider and ask them to check your line.

When you call, have your speed test results ready. Tell them the read speed you measured, the upload speed, and the ping. They may ask you to run the test again while on the phone, or they may send a technician to check the line from the street to your house.

Diagnose whether the problem is WiFi or your internet service

If your speed test shows slow speeds, you need to know whether the problem is your WiFi or your actual internet connection. Plug your computer directly into the router with an ethernet cable and run the speed test again. If the speed jumps up significantly, your WiFi is the problem. If the speed stays the same, your internet service itself is slow.

WiFi problems usually come from distance, obstacles, or interference. Move closer to the router and test again. If speed improves, you need to move the router to a more central location or add a WiFi extender. If speed stays slow even right next to the router, the router itself may be failing or your internet service is the issue.

If ethernet speed is normal but WiFi is slow, check that your router is not in a closet, cabinet, or corner. Routers work best in an open, central location in your home. Walls, metal objects, and microwaves can block the signal. Moving the router often fixes slow WiFi without any other changes.

Use speed tests to monitor your connection over time

Run a speed test once a month and write down the results. This helps you spot problems early. If your speed gradually drops over weeks or months, something is degrading — it could be a failing router, a problem with your line, or interference from a new device. If your speed suddenly drops, it's usually a temporary network problem that will fix itself, or something new is using bandwidth.

Some routers have built-in speed test tools in their settings pages. If yours does, you can run tests without leaving your network. Check your router's manual or log into its admin page (usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 in your browser) to see if this option is available.

Keep records especially if you're having problems and planning to contact your provider. A month of speed test results showing you're getting 40 percent of your promised speed is much more convincing than saying "it feels slow".

Understand why your speed might be lower than expected

Your speed test result is only as fast as the slowest part of the path from your device to the internet. If your router is old, it may not be able to handle the speed your internet service provides. Routers older than five years often max out at speeds much lower than modern service. If you upgraded your internet but your router is still the one from five years ago, the router is the bottleneck.

Background programs and downloads also affect speed tests. Close web browsers, streaming apps, and anything else using the internet before you test. One device downloading updates in the background can make your speed test show half the real speed.

WiFi congestion from neighbors' networks can slow you down, especially in apartments. Speed tests usually find the fastest server available, so they may not show the real slowdown you experience on congested channels. If you notice slow speeds mainly in evenings or weekends, WiFi interference is likely the cause. Switching your router to a less crowded WiFi channel can help.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between Speedtest.net and Fast.com?

Both measure the same thing and give similar results. Speedtest.net shows more detail and lets you see a history of past tests. Fast.com is simpler and faster. Use whichever you prefer — the numbers will be nearly identical.

Why is my WiFi speed so much slower than my ethernet speed?

WiFi is always slower than ethernet because radio signals are weaker than a direct cable. The farther you are from the router, the slower it gets. Move closer to the router, or move the router to a more central location. If you're right next to the router and still slow, the router may be failing or set to an old WiFi standard.

Should I worry if my speed is 10 percent lower than my plan promises?

No. Internet providers promise "up to" a speed, and real-world results are always slightly lower. Anything between 80 and 100 percent of your promised speed is normal. Below 80 percent means something is wrong.

Can I speed up my internet by changing settings?

Not much. Speed is set by your internet provider and your equipment. You can improve WiFi speed by moving the router, switching WiFi channels, or replacing an old router. You cannot make your internet service faster without upgrading your plan or switching providers.

How often should I run a speed test?

Once a month is enough to spot trends. If you're troubleshooting a problem, run tests multiple times a day at different times to see if the issue is constant or comes and goes.