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 must optimise your environment.
- 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 a Cat6 or Cat7 Ethernet cable. Old Cat5 cables may throttle your speed.
- Disable Your VPN: Virtual Private Networks encrypt traffic but can significantly slow down your connection. Turn off your VPN to test your raw internet speed.
- 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 have completed the prep checklist, the test itself is simple. Go to a reliable speed test website. The tool you choose depends on your region:
- For UK Users: We recommend the Ofcom Mobile and Broadband Checker.
- For USA Users: The FCC Speed Test is the standard for checking if your ISP is delivering promised speeds.
- Global Standard: Services like Ookla or Fast.com are also recognised worldwide for accuracy.
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
The test will give you three main numbers, plus potentially 'Jitter'. Here is what they mean.
| 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 4K movies, loading websites, downloading games. 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. |
| 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. |
| Jitter (ms) | The variation in your ping over time. | Consistency. High jitter causes "lag spikes" in gaming or choppy voice audio. |
What's a 'Good' Internet Speed in 2026?
This depends entirely on your needs. A "good" speed for a single person is different from a "good" speed for a 5-person household in 2026.
- 30-50 Mbps Download: Fine for a single person. Handles HD streaming, browsing, and some video calls.
- 100-300 Mbps Download: A great all-rounder for small families. Comfortably handles multiple 4K streams and multiple users.
- 500+ Mbps Download: Ideal for busy households, serious gamers downloading large files (100GB+), and homes with many smart devices.
- 20+ Mbps Upload: A good target for smooth, high-quality video calls and working from home.
- Under 20ms Ping: Excellent for competitive online gaming. Under 50ms is acceptable for most casual use.
A Checklist of Common Speed Test Mistakes
If your speed looks low, ensure you are 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: Leaving the VPN On
If you use a VPN for work or privacy, remember to turn it off before testing. Routing your traffic through another country will artificially lower your result.
Mistake 3: Testing on a Slow Device
Your old laptop might not have a fast enough network card to handle your full internet speed, especially if you have Gigabit fibre. Test on a modern, capable computer.
Mistake 4: Testing During Peak Hours
Running a test at 8 PM, when everyone 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 is 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 have taken (e.g., "I tested on a wired connection with no other devices").
- If the problem persists, you may be entitled to leave your contract. Check Ofcom's rules on broadband speeds (UK) or file a complaint with the FCC (USA).
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 is 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.
Why is my Wi-Fi speed test result lower than my plan's speed?
This is very common. Wi-Fi is almost always slower than a direct wired (Ethernet) connection due to signal interference, distance from the router, and the limitations of your device. Always use a wired connection for the most accurate test of your provider's speed.