Testing guide
How to Test Internet Speed Accurately
A repeatable testing method gives more useful evidence than one isolated result.
Before the Test
- Pause large downloads, cloud backup and streaming.
- Disconnect a VPN when you want to measure the direct ISP connection.
- Use a modern browser and keep only the test tab active.
- For Wi-Fi, stand near the router and record whether you use 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz or 6 GHz.
- For the cleanest comparison, connect by Ethernet.
Run a Repeatable Test
Run two or three tests about one minute apart. Record download, upload and latency. Repeat at a busy evening time and a quieter time. Use the same device and location when comparing results across days.
Interpret the Difference
- Wired fast, Wi-Fi slow: investigate signal, band, channel and router placement.
- Wired and Wi-Fi slow: investigate plan, modem or ONT, port speed and ISP.
- Only one device slow: investigate that device, adapter, driver or background software.
- Good speed, poor calls: investigate upload, latency, jitter and packet loss.
Avoid Misleading Results
Do not test while another device is downloading a game update. Do not compare a VPN test with a direct test as if they are the same route. Remember that Mbps and MB/s are different units: eight megabits equal one megabyte.