Wi-Fi technologies

TOP 6 INTERNET SPEED TEST TOOLS & HOW TO USE THEM

Have you ever felt like your internet is slower than a snail on a lazy Sunday? There’s no one on Earth who hasn’t been victimized by the buffering wheel of doom. But don’t you worry, today we are bringing out the unsung heroes, the internet speed test tools, that help you figure out whether your connection is truly high speed or just high-drama. 

We are here to uncover the best internet test speed site and teach you how to use it like a pro! 

The Internet Speed Demystified

Before we get to it, here is a little piece of information that you can add to your knowledge about how the internet works. You can understand better why sometimes your internet feels sluggish or sometimes lightening fast and also because we will be using these terms below. 

Have y’all heard of the word bandwidth? Bandwidth is what allows your data to travel through the internet to make your online activities smoother and faster. The catch here is, the more bandwidth, the merrier!

If you have heard about bandwidth, you are not far from understanding ping or latency. This is the inseparable BFF that helps your internet speed. Consider latency as the time it takes for a text message to reach your friend. The lower the latency, the quicker the communication will be. Latency is very important for gamers and those you video call on a daily basis. 

Similarly, download and upload speeds are equally important. Things like streaming videos or loading websites fall under the category of download speeds. It refers to how quickly you receive data from the internet. Whereas upload speed is all about how fast you send the data from your device to the internet just like when you post photos or videos on Instagram. 

Now let’s get to the point!

1. Speedtest by Ookla

Overview

Speedtest by Ookla is the Usain Bolt of internet speed testing. It’s fast, reliable and globally recognized. It is the go-to tool when you need a quick and accurate read on your internet’s performance and it also is one of the best internet speed test site

How to Use

  • You can head on the Speedtest website or simply download the app.
  • Hit the “Go” button. 
  • Wait for it to measure your ping, download and upload speeds. 
  • Voila! You’ve got your results. Compare the results for your ISP plans and see if you are being delivered what you were promised. 

Why it’s Awesome

  • Known for its precision
  • Easy as pie to use
  • Available on all your favorite gadgets.

2. Fast.com by Netflix

Overview

Fast.com is a Netflix original, I’m sure you figured out why. Streamers this is for you! It’s all about keeping things straight forward and ensuring that your movie nights are a buffer-free zone. 

How to Use

  • Log on to Fast.com
  • Do nothing, the test starts automatically.
  • The download speed will display in front of you. If you click on “show more info” you get to see your latency and upload speed too. 

Why it’s Awesome

  • Simplicity at it’s finest
  • No ads, no fuss.
  • Best for checking out streaming speeds.

3. Google Fiber Speed Test

Overview

Google Fiber Speed Test is by a tech giant, you know who! It is known for its clean interface and reliable results. Anyone who trusts Google’s touch, this is for you. 

How to Use

  • Head to the Google Fiber Speed Test page
  • Click on the “play” button
  • Watch it do it’s magic to measure your internet speed and latency.

Why it’s Awesome

  • Crisp and clean interface
  • Backed by Google’s robust server network
  • Quick and accurate

4. SpeedOf.Me

Overview

SpeedOf.Me is the featherweight champ of speed tests. It’s as fast and efficient as the others and requires no fancy plugins. It’s perfect for testing on the go. 

How to Use

  • Head on to the SpeedOf.Me website
  • Tap on “Start Test”
  • Watch real-time graphs of your upload and download speeds

Why it’s Awesome

  • No Flash or Java needed
  • Can be easily used on cell phones
  • Real-time with detailed results

5. TestMy.net

Overview

TestMy.net gets into the specifics of your internet speed with a suite of comprehensive tests. Data geeks can easily understand what’s going on here.

How to Use

  • Log on to TestMy.net
  • Choose the type of test you want, download, upload or automatic.
  • Click “start” and you will be given a detailed analysis.

Why it’s Awesome

  • Independent testing for unbiased results
  • Detailed comparison with other users
  • Great for pinpointing specific issues

6. Xfinity Speed Test

Overview

Xfinity Speed Test is brought to you by Comcast. It’s a no frill tool that delivers quick and accurate results. You don’t necessarily need to be a Xfinity customer to use it. 

How to Use

  • Visit the Xfinity Speed Test website
  • Click on “start test”
  • Review your latency, download and upload speeds.

Why it’s Awesome

  • It’s quick and straightforward
  • No subscription needed
  • Reliable for a quick speed check

Conclusion

And there you have it, folks! Six of the top internet speed test tools that ensure you are surfing the internet at breakneck speed. You have the simplicity of Fast.com to detailed insight of TestMy.net, there is always something for everyone. 

But how do you determine which one is the best internet speed test site? Well, the answer to this depends upon your needs. Are you a casual streamer or a data driven analyst? Once you figure this out, you will know which one is right for you to help keep your internet in check. 

Word of Advice

It’s always advisable to keep your internet speed test in check on a regular basis. This will help you troubleshoot issues before matters get out of hand and you can also make sure that you are getting the promised speed from your ISP. 

So, the next time your video call lags or your game stutters, whip out one of these trusty tools and take control of your internet experience. Happy surfing, and may your connection be ever speedy!

I'm incredibly satisfied with WaveNet. Their connection has been consistently reliable, with excellent speeds, and their customer support team has been prompt and helpful whenever I've needed assistance. I highly recommend their service

Guy Stevens