The 11 Best Internet Speed Tests

Here are the 11 best internet speed tests that will provide you with the best experience and the most accurate results.

As a network engineer, I perform a lot of speed tests, and after trying what feels like hundreds of tests I have now made a list of the 11 best internet speed tests. 

#1 – Speedtest.net
#2 – Speedof.me
#3 – Google Fiber Speed Test
#4 – Xfinity Speed Test
#5 – Fast.com
#6 – HighSpeedInternet.com
#7 – Netspot
#8 – Speedsmart.net
#9 – Testmy.net
#10 – Speakeasy.net
#11 – Verizon Speed Test

#1 – Speedtest.net

Speedtest Speed Test
Speedtest.net

Speedtest.net is the biggest site on this list. It gets more than a hundred million visitors every month. When performing a speed test on the site, It will automatically choose the best server for you out of 1000 servers across the globe. 

The number of servers will guarantee that you will have a server close to you. This is a big contributing factor to the site’s accuracy. 

The speed test it runs will show your download, upload, ping, and packet loss (how much data gets lost in transmission). 

It also saves previously done speed tests. Which allows for comparisons of internet speed for different setups and time of days. 

Moreover, speedtest.net shows providers which have reported problems with their internet. If you find your ISP there you know it’s not your local network that has a problem but rather the ISP. 

Pros:

  • Saves old results
  • 1000+ servers 
  • Clean interface
  • Accurate

Cons:

  • Ads

#2 – Speedof.me

Speedof.me Internet Speed Test
Speedof.me

Speedof.me is a broadband speed test based on HTML5. This is good because HTML5 is inbuilt into your browser, and the alternatives are Flash or Java. Two plugins you need to have installed already. This makes speedof.me very mobile friendly. 

Speedof.me also saves your previous test results. This allows you to compare your internet speed at different times a day or compare adjustments to your setup. 

Rather than selecting a location, the website will choose the best server for you. Selecting any of its 127 servers across the world. 

The test is good because it strives to simulate real-time web browsing. It uses sample files that increase in size. This allows it to very accurately measure any internet speed. 

As a network engineer, I use this speed test the most. Because of its accuracy and comparison feature. 

Pros:

  • Mobile friendly. 
  • Graph View 
  • Saves old results
  • Very Accurate

Cons:

  • Ads
  • Cluttered

#3 – Google Fiber Speed Test

Google Fiber Internet Speed Test
speedtest.googlefiber.net

Google Fiber Speed Test is the fastest speed test on this list, with a speed test only taking around 10 seconds. It has a slick and simple design, that gives you what you are looking for if you only want to do a speed test. 

Since Google owns the test, there is a possibility that it has a bias. This is because it is in Google’s interest that you get as good a result as possible. 

This did not however seem to be the case, as it was very accurate during my tests. But keep this in mind if you use the test. 

The Google Fiber Speed Test also has a learn more button on the top right corner. There you can learn more about what kind of performance you should expect and what to do to make it better. 

Even if the name is Google Fiber Speed Test you don’t need google fiber to do the test. You can use any internet connection. 

One bad thing about Google Fiber Speed Test is that they don’t save your previous results. This makes it harder to compare your speed at different times of the day.

Pros:

  • Simple and clean design
  • No ads
  • Accurate
  • Fast

Cons:

  • Don’t save old results. 
  • Potential biased

#4 – Xfinity Speed Test

Xfinity Internet Speed Test
speedtest.xfinity.com

The Xfinity Speed Test is good because it allows you to choose between protocol IPV4 and IPV6. Furthermore, like many other services it picks the server it believes will be the best for you. But it also allows you to choose a server if you want to. 

This allows for further testing between speeds on different servers. The bad thing is that you don’t save old results.

Another bad thing is that it only has servers in the U.S. This makes it a bad option if you live outside the U.S. 

Since Comcast owns the test, there is a possibility that it has a bias. This is because it is in their interest that you get as good a result as possible. 

This did not however seem to be the case, as it was pretty accurate during testing. But keep this in mind if you use the test. 

Moreover, You can also find some tips on how to increase your internet speed. These talks about router placement, device capability, and updating operating systems. 

Pros:

  • No ads
  • Can choose protocol
  • Simple interface
  • Pretty accurate

Cons:

  • Don’t save old results. 
  • Only has US server
  • Potential biased

#5 – Fast.com

Fast.com Internet Speed Test
Fast.com

Fast.com is owned and operated by Netflix. The site uses a simple design and starts the speed test automatically when you land on the site. 

Its purpose is to test your internet speed to the Netflix servers. And thus the results might differ a bit from other speed tests. Not because it is inaccurate but rather because it only tests your speed with Netflix. 

The test also offers a selection of different languages to choose from. But will pick the language automatically based on your IP. If you want to learn more about Fast.com you can read Netflix’s article about it

Pros:

  • No ads
  • Extremely simple
  • Many servers across the globe

Cons:

  • Don’t save old results. 
  • No graph view. 

#6 – HighSpeedInternet.com

highspeedinternet Internet Speed Test
Highspeedinternet.com/tools/speed-test

Highspeedinternet.com is an internet speed test that gives your download speed, upload speed, ping, ISP, IP address, and server location. 

It will also give your result a rating compared to other people that have taken their test. Furthermore, they also provide you with what your internet speed is capable of handling and what it could do better if it was faster. 

Highspeedinternet.com also has a lot of useful information about your results and what they mean and how you can improve them. 

The result it gave was also accurate.

Pros:

  • No ads
  • Clean design
  • Many servers across the globe
  • Fun and useful information
  • Accurate 

Cons:

  • Don’t save old results. 
  • No graph view. 

#7 – Netspot

Netspot Internet Speed Test
Netspotapp.com/internet-speed-test.html

Netspot has a very simple but yet pretty accurate speed test. But this is not why they are on this list. Because they offer a lot more than a speed test. 

Netspot is a software tool for wireless networks. It will analyze wireless network coverage, home network security, find dead spots. Furthermore, it will also help you position your network devices for optimal coverage. It does all this as well as much more. 

This is a perfect service if you are looking to improve your internet speed. 

The speed test also has a guide on how to troubleshoot potential issues and how to speed up your internet signal. I have also written such a guide, with 13 ways of boosting Wi-Fi signal and internet speed. 

I would recommend doing a couple of tests to get the most accurate result as there were some outliers.

Pros:

  • No ads
  • Lots of features
  • Free for personal use
  • Lots of information
  • Pretty accurate
  • More than a simple speed test

Cons:

  • Complicated to use
  • More than a simple speed test

#8 – Speedsmart.net

Speedsmart Internet Speed Test
Speedsmart.net

Speedsmart uses HTML5, which means that it requires no plugins like Flash or Java. This makes the speed test work well for any device. 

It also keeps track of your previous results, either across time or different devices. These results are comprehensive with a history list, charts, and stats about your connection. 

If you are in the U.S it also has information about the average speed of each ISP in different regions. Something worth looking into if you want a faster internet speed. 

Speedsmart also has an app if you plan to perform more tests over a period of time on many different devices. They also have plenty of servers across the globe which should allow you to get accurate results wherever you live. 

Pros:

  • No ads
  • Accurate
  • Saves old results
  • Mobile friendly

Cons:

  • Takes some time to perform a test
  • No graph view. 

#9 – Testmy.net

testmy Internet Speed Test
Testmy.net

Testmy.net is an HTML5 test, which makes it mobile-friendly and easy to use. The test offers you the option between only testing for upload, download, ping, or all three. This allows you to choose what you want to test. 

The test also shows more data than most other tests do. It will show how your speed compares to the average in your city, country, and world average. As well as comparing it with the average speed your ISP provides. 

One bad thing is that testmy.net does not disclose how many servers they have and their location. During testing the results were accurate so they probably have plenty of serves, they just don’t disclose where they are. 

The test also saves your results which makes it possible to compare old results with new ones. Moreover, it also has plenty of easy to understand information on the site regarding your score and what it means. 

Pros:

  • Accurate
  • Extra Information
  • Can choose what to test
  • Saves old results
  • Mobile friendly

Cons:

  • Ads
  • Cluttered design
  • Don’t provide server location

#10 – Speakeasy.net

speakeasy Internet Speed Test
Speakeasy.net/speedtest/

Speakeasy is a simple but accurate speed test. It provides the most important data such as download, upload, ISP, and user IP.

it does, however, not show your ping or latency times. Something most other internet speed tests do. It also only has servers in the U.S. This makes its accuracy worse if you live outside the U.S.

A good thing is that it does show previously done speed tests. This makes it easier to compare speed test results with each other.

Furthermore, it also has a table which shows how good an internet connection you need for doing different things on the Web. For example, you only need 2-4Mbps for internet browsing and email. 

Pros:

  • Saves old results
  • Has useful information
  • Accurate 

Cons:

  • Lots of ads
  • Don’t show ping/latency
  • Only U.S based servers

#11 – Verizon Speed Test

Verizon Internet Speed Test
verizon.com/speedtest/

The Verizon speed test is a simple speed test that has an uncluttered design and is easy to use. It will give you your download, upload, ping, and IP address. 

The problem with the Verizon Speed Test is that it wasn’t as accurate as other speed tests. The results varied a lot and much of the time they were wrong. 

This might be because of its servers. But since they don’t disclose any server information it is impossible to know. It also takes longer to run the tests on Verizon, sometimes taking up to 50 seconds. 

It’s also worth noting that the Verizon speed test might have a bias in its testing. 

The reason for this is because they want the result to be as good as possible. This could be achieved by making it more straightforward than browsing the web is. 

Pros:

  • No ads
  • Easy to use

Cons:

  • Not very accurate
  • Only works in the U.S.
  • The test takes longer to run
  • Potential biased

How To Perform an Internet Speed Test

When performing a speed test there are a couple of things you should think about to get as accurate results as possible. These are:

  1. Make sure your internet isn’t under heavy usages during the test. Stop any file downloads and make sure no one is watching Netflix or Youtube during the speed test. 
  1. Perform more than one test. Take the average result of a couple to get a more accurate estimation of your internet speed. 
  1. Test during different hours. Your ISP might work great under some hours but not others. This is especially probable if you have cable internet. 
  1. Turn off your VPN (if you have one). This will give you a more accurate result. The reason for this is because the VPN might interfere with the test. As well as the fact that most tests online choose a server based on your location. If you have a VPN the test believes you are somewhere you are not, and will thus pick a bad server for the test. 

What Speed Tests Measure

There are a couple of main factors to consider when talking about internet speed. These are download speed, upload speed, and latency (ping) 

You use your download speed when you watch any video or movie on the internet and when you download files. 

You use your upload speed when you upload files to the web or send messages. You use both when you play online games, and use teams or any other video chat program. 

Latency or ping has nothing to do with your download and upload speed. It only looks at how long it takes for your request to the server to get answered. [1

Generally, ISP offers a faster download speed than upload speed. This is because most internet users need more download speed than upload speed. 

As a rule, fiber optics cables have the fastest internet speed, while cable is the second-best, and DSL is the slowest type of internet service.

But your speed also depends on the plan you have, how many people use it, and the hardware you use. 

What is a Good Internet Speed

Download speed under 5 Mbps is considered slow. With these speeds, you will experience buffering when watching movies and videos. You also have problems connecting many devices to your internet and use them efficiently online.

A normal download speed is between 5 Mbps and 75 Mbps. These speeds will be able to watch videos and movies without any buffering in decent quality. It should also be able to manage a couple of devices using the internet at the same time. 

Download speeds above 75 Mbps are considered high-speed internet connections. They can handle high-quality movies and videos as well as many devices using the internet at the same time. 

When it comes to uploading speeds it is generally divided the download speed by 10. So a bad upload speed is below 0,5 Mbps while a normal one is between 0,5-7,5 Mbps. While a good upload speed is anything above 7,5 Mbps. [2]

Latency

Latency (ping) below 20 is considered good. While anything between 20 and 80 is considered normal and anything over 80 is bad. [3]

Latency is important for video calls and gaming. As it is the speed it takes for you to receive your request from the server. 

How Accurate Are These Tests

The internet tests in this list are all pretty accurate. This is because I performed tests on them with different simulated internet speed.

However, the test’s accuracy does depend on a couple of factors. Some have a link to the speed test. While others are factors outside the control of the test itself. These are: 

  • How close the servers are to you. The closer the server is the more accurate the test will be
  • How good the tests are designed. Some speed tests work under perfect conditions. These will always show a better result than what you have in reality. 
  • How many people use your internet at the time of the test. If your entire family is watching Netflix your result will suffer. 

Speed tests are not a science but rather should be seen as an indicator of your internet performance at any given time. 

To get the best accuracy you should try some different speed tests many times during different times a day.

What to do About a Slow Internet Speed

There are plenty of things you can do about a slow internet speed. 

Here are 13 ways to increase your internet speed: 

  1. Know Your Internet Plan
  2. Restart Your Router
  3. Reposition Your Router
  4. Update the Router Firmware
  5. Change Signal Frequency
  6. Change Router Channel
  7. Get Rid Of Intruders
  8. Disconnect Unused Devices
  9. Priorities Data With QoS
  10. Change Your DNS
  11. Get a Newer/Better Router
  12. Buy a Wi-Fi Extender
  13. Contact Your ISP

Go to 13 ways of boosting your Wi-Fi signal and internet speed and learn more about any point. 

How I Ranked the Speed Tests. 

When compiling this list there were a couple of things I was looking at. These were:

  1. Accuracy – The most important aspect of a speed test is that it is accurate.
  2. Easy to use – I didn’t want the test to be complicated to use.
  3. The amount of server – This is very important for accuracy across the world.
  4. Design – I wanted a nice and simple design. Preferably without ads. 
  5. Not Biased – I want the test to have as little reason as possible to be biased.
  6. Saves previous results – sites that allow you to compare old results with new ones are preferred. 
  7. Useful information regarding the result – I looked for tests that did not only give you a result but also told you how good it was and what you can do to make it better. 
  8. Mobile friendly – All tests on the list work on mobile, some are just more mobile-friendly than others. 
  9. How long the test takes to run – Most tests take approximately the same time to run. But there were some outliers that either took longer or shorter.
  10. How the results got displayed – Here I mostly looked for graph views, which visualize the result much better. 

What To Do Next

If you want to improve your internet speed to get a better result. Then check out my guide on 13 ways to boost Wi-fi signal and internet speed. 

Was this post helpful?

Leave a Comment