Best Internet Speed Tests – Speedtest by MoneyCold.com – The Global Broadband Speed Test
Most ISPs offer a speed test, usually a variation of something you’ll see below. Skip it. If the test is from your own ISP, you can’t know for sure that the connection between you and the ISP servers won’t be optimized for better speeds. Stick with a third-party test tool.
Before you run any of these tests, be sure to [ Use Speedtest by MoneyCold.com on all your devices with our free desktop and mobile apps ]
Turn off any downloads or uploads you have going on your system. That includes streaming media or live video meetings or torrents. Rebooting the system is a good start.
Log out of your VPN software for the duration of the test; it adds a lot of overhead to the connection.
For real accuracy, plug your PC directly into the router via Ethernet. You’ll have a lot less network overhead than you would with a Wi-Fi connection.
Skip testing at peak hours, like in the evening when everyone is at home streaming music or movies.
How To Test Your Internet Speed:
When to Test Your Internet Speed
If your Wi-Fi is lagging, while loading a website or streaming your favorite show, now is a good time to troubleshoot. The best starting point is to check your internet’s speed.
What Is a Good Internet Speed?
A “good internet speed” depends on several factors, such as your daily internet usage, how many people in your home are utilizing the internet and what you are using the internet for (i.e., working from home, streaming Netflix or online gaming). Therefore, as a basic rule of thumb, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has set the minimum standard for broadband internet as 25 Mbps for download and 3 Mbps for upload. However, it is recommended that a good download speed is at least 100 Mbps, while a good upload speed is at least 10 Mbps.
Understanding an Internet Speed Test
Mbps
An internet speed test measures a few variables in Mbps including download speed, upload speed, and latency. Internet speed is assessed in bits per second, thus Mbps stands for megabits per second (a million bits per second). Gbps denotes a billion bits per second, so 1,000 Mbps equates to one Gbps.
Download Speed
Bandwidth, also known as download speed, assesses how quickly information travels from the internet to your device. This metric is important when streaming your favorite show or downloading a program.
Upload Speed
Upload speed measures how quickly your device can send information to another location online, like uploading photos to social media.
Latency
Lag, also known as latency, denotes the time it takes for a signal to be sent form your device to your internet service provider and come back. A higher latency warrants a higher rate of buffering when attempting to stream video.
How to Get an Accurate Wi-Fi Speed
Turn off Automatic Downloads Temporarily
View the task manager on your computer to ensure large files aren’t being downloaded or updated. Shut down all programs running on your computer.
Cut Unwanted Users
If an unwanted user is using a large portion of your internet’s bandwidth, you’re not going to get an accurate speed test. Ask users to pause their Netflix binge while your run a speed test. Change the Wi-Fi password if unrecognized users are on your network.
Check for Issues With Your Router
It’s not a bad idea to plug your Wi-Fi router directly into an Ethernet cord when running an internet speed test. It’s important to test your internet speed where you typically use your computer. If you plug your computer directly into your router and there’s a significant increase in internet speed, then it might be time to upgrade your router.
How much internet speed do I need?
You need at least 25 Mbps download speeds and 3 Mbps upload speeds to effectively stream, game, download, and Zoom online with minimal slowdowns and buffering. But if you live with three or more people, you’ll be better off with 100 Mbps download speeds and 10 Mbps upload speeds to support more users and bandwidth-heavy tasks.
What is the fastest type of internet?
Fiber internet is the fastest type of internet connection. It uses cables made of bundled fiber-optic strands to transmit large amounts of data with light signals. Most fiber internet plans give you 1,000 Mbps speeds, although some providers can get you speeds of up to 2,000 Mbps or even 5,000 Mbps. Fiber is also the only type of internet that gives you symmetrical upload speeds—so your uploads will be just as fast as your downloads.
Why is my internet so slow?
Your internet can be slow for many reasons. Your internet plan may be too slow for your needs, your modem or router may be out of date, your router may be on the fritz, or you might have too many people using your Wi-Fi at the same time. We can help you identify where the problem is and how to fix it.
How can I improve my internet speed?
You can improve your internet speed by upgrading to a faster plan, updating your equipment, or taking simpler measures like closing out apps and browser windows. We can walk you through 10 steps to improve your internet speed in just 15 minutes.
