How to Test Your Internet Speed Properly
Getting an Accurate Reading
Before You Test: The Preparation Checklist
Running a speed test on your phone while someone streams 4K TV in the next room will give you a very inaccurate result. To get a true reading of the speed coming into your home, you need to prepare your network.
- Use a Wired Connection: This is the most important step. Wi-Fi is less reliable and almost always slower. Plug your computer directly into your router using an Ethernet cable.
- Close Other Apps & Tabs: Stop all other downloads, video streams, and close all other browser tabs and applications that use the internet.
- Disconnect Other Devices: Pause or disconnect other phones, tablets, smart TVs, and game consoles from your network. You want your test computer to be the *only* thing using the internet.
- Reboot Your Router: A quick restart (unplug for 30 seconds) can clear your router's cache and often solves simple slowdowns.
How to Run the Test
Once you've completed the prep checklist, the test itself is simple. Go to a reliable speed test website. We recommend using the one from Ofcom (the UK regulator) or a globally recognised one like Ookla.
Click the "Go" or "Start" button and let the test run. It will usually take 30-60 seconds. It will test three key metrics, in order: Ping, Download Speed, and Upload Speed.
Understanding the Results: Download, Upload & Ping
The test will give you three main numbers. Here’s what they mean and what they're "good" for.
| Metric | What It Measures | Why It Matters (Good For...) |
|---|---|---|
| Download (Mbps) | How fast you can pull data *from* the internet, measured in Megabits per second. | Streaming movies, loading websites, downloading games, browsing social media. This is the main "headline" speed. |
| Upload (Mbps) | How fast you can send data *to* the internet, also in Megabits per second. | Video calls (Zoom, Teams), posting photos/videos, online gaming, working from home, cloud backups. |
| Ping / Latency (ms) | The 'reaction time' of your connection, measured in milliseconds. | Crucial for online gaming and real-time video calls. A *low* number is better here. |
What's a 'Good' Internet Speed?
This depends entirely on your needs. A "good" speed for a single person is different from a "good" speed for a 5-person household.
- 10-30 Mbps Download: Fine for a single person. Handles HD streaming, browsing, and some video calls.
- 50-100 Mbps Download: A great all-rounder for small families or couples. Comfortably handles 4K streaming and multiple users.
- 100+ Mbps Download: Ideal for busy households, serious gamers downloading large files, and homes with many smart devices.
- 10+ Mbps Upload: A good target for smooth, high-quality video calls and working from home.
- Under 40ms Ping: Excellent for competitive online gaming. Under 100ms is acceptable for most casual use.
A Checklist of Common Speed Test Mistakes
If your speed looks low, make sure you're not making one of these common mistakes. This "timeline" shows the most frequent errors.
Mistake 1: Testing on Wi-Fi
This is the #1 error. Wi-Fi is slower and less stable. Your test is measuring your Wi-Fi signal, not your *internet speed*. Always use a wired Ethernet cable.
Mistake 2: Forgetting Other Devices
If someone else is streaming Netflix or downloading a game in another room, your test result will be low. Make sure all other devices are disconnected.
Mistake 3: Testing on a Slow Device
Your 8-year-old laptop or old phone might not have a fast enough network card to handle your full internet speed. Test on a modern, capable computer.
Mistake 4: Testing During Peak Hours
Running a test at 8 PM, when everyone on your street is streaming, may show a slower speed (network congestion). Test at an off-peak time (like 8 AM) to see your true best-case speed.
What to Do if Your Speed is Slow
If you followed all the prep steps, used a wired connection, and your speed is *still* much lower than what your plan promises, it's time to act.
- Run the test 2-3 times to confirm the result.
- Check your provider's website or social media for any known local outages.
- Contact your provider's technical support. Tell them the exact steps you've taken (e.g., "I tested on a wired connection with no other devices") and give them your speed test results.
- If the problem persists, you may be entitled to leave your contract. Check Ofcom's rules on broadband speeds.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between download and upload speed?
Download speed is how fast your device can pull data from the internet (e.g., streaming a movie, loading a webpage). Upload speed is how fast your device can send data to the internet (e.g., in a video call, posting photos). For most plans, your download speed will be much higher than your upload speed.
What is ping (or latency)?
Ping, or latency, is the reaction time of your connection, measured in milliseconds (ms). It's how long it takes for a 'ping' to travel to a server and back. A low ping (e.g., under 40ms) is crucial for responsive online gaming and fluid video calls. A high ping causes 'lag'.
Why is my Wi-Fi speed test result lower than my plan's speed?
This is very common and normal. Wi-Fi is almost always slower than a direct wired (Ethernet) connection. This is due to signal interference from walls or other devices, distance from the router, and the limitations of your device. Always use a wired connection for the most accurate test of the speed your provider is giving you.