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Troubleshooting

How to Test Your Internet Speed (and What the Results Mean)

A speed test takes 30 seconds and tells you exactly what you're getting from your ISP. Here's how to run one properly and what download, upload and ping actually mean.

Updated 2026

  1. 1

    Use a reliable speed test tool

    Go to fast.com (Netflix's tool) or speedtest.net (Ookla). Both are free and accurate. Avoid random speed test sites with lots of ads.

  2. 2

    Test on a wired connection first

    Plug a laptop directly into the router with Ethernet before testing. This gives your true line speed, removing WiFi as a variable.

  3. 3

    Run the test at different times

    Run it in the morning and again in the evening. A big difference points to ISP congestion at peak hours.

  4. 4

    Understand the numbers

    Download — how fast data comes to you (streaming, browsing). Upload — how fast you send data (video calls, gaming). Ping — how quickly the server responds (gaming, calls).

  5. 5

    Compare to your plan

    Your result should be 80–95% of your advertised plan speed on a wired connection. Significantly lower means something is wrong — contact your ISP.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my speed test slower than my plan?
On WiFi, walls and distance reduce speeds. On a wired connection, a slow result means either ISP congestion, a faulty line, or router issues. Try rebooting the router first.
Is 100Mbps fast enough?
For most households, yes. 100Mbps comfortably handles 4K streaming, video calls and gaming simultaneously. Larger households with many devices benefit from 200–500Mbps.