Whether it's a remote issue or a strictly local conflict, the first step to checking your internet speed is to measure its parameters accurately. Your provider might offer its own system, but it's best to take a step back and use alternatives that are more "detached" from the ISP. Today we'll take a quick look at six of them.
How Fast Can You Really Browse?
The answer is much more complex than we think. We know well that internet connections have days of absolute brilliance and days when it's basically not worth turning on the modem. The rise of streaming, high-quality video, and video conferencing only adds extra pressure, and at the end of the day, users end up drowning in frustration.
If internet speed is a recurring problem, the first thing we should do is identify it, and our main weapons are online tests, benchmarks that evaluate downloads, uploads, and latency in special cases. The audience changes, so it's not a bad idea to recommend six of those benchmarks again, which work directly in the browser.
Internet Speed: Six Online Tests
TestMy.Net
In general terms, TestMy.Net is not one of the most well-known services, but its users swear by the accuracy of the results it presents. Another very interesting aspect is that it allows the evaluation of downloads, uploads, and latency separately, and the use of a dozen different mirrors.
Bandwidth Place
A simple interface, dozens of servers in nine different regions, IP detection, provider identification, and ping calculation define Bandwidth Place. Its standard configuration chooses the server automatically, but don't hesitate to explore the stability of your connection with other options.
SpeedOf.Me
The most complete benchmark when it comes to interface. Its graph helps us easily recognize each test and the maximum speed peaks. The upload is represented in yellow, followed by latency and our IP number. Unfortunately, we cannot change the server.
Ookla Speedtest
A classic at this point, and recommended by many providers as their go-to benchmark. Speedtest prioritizes the use of multiple connections and local servers (a "too ideal" combination) but we can modify that behavior with a couple of clicks. Also available as an app.
Netflix Fast
Fast and straightforward. Unless you request additional data, Netflix's Fast benchmark will only report download speed, the dominant factor for streaming. Secondary tests focus on latency for both directions and upload speed. Its advanced configuration controls parallel connections and duration.
The simplest for last: Type "speed test" in the Mountain View search engine, and click the Run Speed Test button. Google's benchmark numbers are a bit more conservative compared to other platforms, but that's not a flaw. If your connection is above 700 Mbps, we recommend using another system.
In Summary
With one of these benchmarks, it should be more than enough to check your internet speed and detect potential problems. However, I believe it's good practice to use them all for comparison. The whole process will take less than five minutes, and the data will be much more solid in the end. Remember to "clear" any load on the connection before starting, and good luck!
