Everything you need to know before taking an internet speed test
Matthew Harrington
November 13, 2024
Thinking about the speed of your internet to your devices may be an arbitrary concept. However, if your online activities like working remotely or competitive gaming require fast connection speeds, you may need to check your speed. An internet speed test tool can help you understand your connection in a simple way, offering an accurate reading regarding your mobile and desktop speed.
HomeLinkd not only offers an internet speed test, but a helpful guide on choosing fast internet plans from Spectrum, Frontier, CenturyLink, AT&T and more.
Why should I test my internet speed?
There are many reasons why you might want to test your internet speed. Maybe you're having trouble loading web pages, streaming video, or your online gaming sessions are jumpy and slow. Perhaps you're unable to download large files or you're constantly needing to reset your modem or router due to slow speeds.
Testing your speed can help you determine whether your internet service provider is giving you the speeds they promised, and it can also help you identify and troubleshoot problems with your connection.
What is a good internet speed?
Generally, a good internet speed is typically around 25Mbps. However, multiple people and multiple devices simultaneously sharing the wifi requires more broadband. 25Mbps is ideal for 1-2 people sharing the bandwidth, but a family of 3-5 will need at least 50Mbps.
What is ping or high latency?
Ping is a measure of the time it takes for a message to travel from one computer to another. A signal travels to a server and back and if you have a slow ping speed, then this means the signal that travels between your device and a server is slow. A term that is similar to "slow ping" is "high latency", however, they mean the same thing.
A high latency rate means your internet connection experiences long delays. If your internet's performance is slacking, it may be because of slow ping or high latency.
What is upload and download speed?
Upload speed is the rate at which data is sent from your device to the internet. Download speed is the rate at which data is received from the internet to your device.
Does a slow speed test mean I’m being throttled?
Possibly. A slow speed test result may mean you are being throttled, but not always. It could also be a result of a technical issue with your internet service, your computer, or the website you’re testing to.
Is 5mbps fast enough for Netflix?
Netflix recommends at least 5Mbps for HD quality and 25Mbps for Ultra HD or 4K quality. And while 25Mbps might be enough for watching Netflix, remember that that’s only recommended. To watch Netflix in 4K, you need 25 megabits per second (Mbps) of broadband speed from your internet service provider (ISP).
Your online guide to high-speed internet plans and providers in the United States
High-speed internet plans and providers in the United States are at the click of a button with HomeLinkd. Find the best fibre, cable, DSL and ADSL plan for your home.
I’m Matthew, your go-to tech enthusiast who loves diving deep into the ‘how’ and ‘why’ of all things technology. My day job? Breaking down complex systems so you don’t have to! When I’m not geeking out over the latest gadgets, you’ll find me exploring new coding languages or reading about future tech trends. I believe every technical problem has a solution, and I’m here to guide you through them, step by step.
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