Home internet can be expensive, and prices keep climbing. According to a recent CNET broadband survey, 63% of U.S. adults with home internet reported a price increase last year. With costs rising, many people end up paying for internet speeds they don’t actually need, often locked into long-term contracts. So, how can you make sure you’re getting the speed you’re paying for? One simple solution: take an internet speed test.
Speed tests are quick, easy, and free — everything you want when it comes to checking your internet performance. Many of us have had that moment of realization: we’re paying for faster speeds than we use. Avoiding this mistake can save you hundreds of dollars on your internet bill.
Whether you’re dealing with lag during gaming, buffering while streaming, dropped Zoom calls, or just curious about your actual internet speed, a speed test can give you clarity in minutes. It measures your connection’s download and upload speeds in megabits per second (Mbps), helping you understand how efficiently your internet is performing.
There are plenty of speed tests available, each with unique features to provide a clearer picture of your connection strength. Each test provides a snapshot of how your internet performs in real-world conditions. And if you’re experiencing deeper connectivity issues—like port restrictions or unreachable services—some users may benefit from understanding how their ISP routes traffic, especially if a CGNAT solution is in use. By using a speed test, you can ensure you’re not overpaying for speeds you don’t need and take control of your internet costs.
What’s the best internet speed test overall?
CNET’s top choice for the best internet speed test is Ookla, a trusted tool used for years to measure broadband performance. (Disclosure: Ookla is owned by Ziff Davis, CNET’s parent company.)
Even with FCC-mandated broadband labels, the speeds we experience often don’t match what ISPs advertise. As CNET broadband expert Amanda Kooser explains, slow speeds aren’t always your provider’s fault. Factors like network congestion, outdated equipment, or too many connected devices can all play a role.
The first step to addressing slow internet is checking your current speeds. This can help you decide if it’s time to switch providers or upgrade your plan. With over 55 billion tests conducted, Ookla is reliable, user-friendly, and shows detailed speed reports for your address. It also provides national and global averages for broader insights.
To find the best speed test for different needs, we evaluated tools based on speed, consistency, accessibility, and browser compatibility. Here are our top picks.
Best internet speed tests
Need to check your internet connection quickly and accurately? Whether you’re troubleshooting performance issues, preparing for gaming or streaming, or just curious about your speeds, these tools offer reliable ways to measure download, upload, and ping rates. Here’s a detailed look at the most dependable speed test options available today.
Ookla – Best overall internet speed test
Ookla’s speed test is a reliable and widely trusted tool for measuring internet speeds, offering customizable features like server selection and test history tracking. Available on multiple platforms, including mobile, desktop, and Apple TV, it also caters to gamers with latency tests and supports streaming performance with a video-specific speed test. Additional features include a built-in VPN test. While the free version includes ads, it remains a top choice for millions worldwide, with over 55 billion tests conducted.
Fast.com – Best for streamers
Fast.com, created by Netflix, is an ad-free, simple speed test focused on measuring download speeds for streaming. It’s easy to use and ideal for checking if your connection supports HD or Ultra HD streaming. However, it lacks features like upload speed, ping rate measurements, and server selection, making it less suitable for a full connection analysis.
M-Lab Internet Speed Test – Simplest to use
M-Lab’s Internet Speed Test is a free, simple, ad-free tool supported by Google that measures download/upload speeds and latency. It’s easy to use but has drawbacks, including automatic publication of test data (including IP addresses), no server selection, and limited accuracy for gigabit speeds. While great for basic testing, users with high-speed connections or privacy concerns may prefer alternatives like Ookla or Fast.com.