Internet speed test websites vs apps: Which is better for you?

How many times have you groaned in frustration at your internet speed? Too many to remember? Not at all? Well, here's how and where to check how fast or slow your internet speed is.  

In today's fast-paced digital world, having a reliable and fast internet connection is no longer nice to have but a necessity. It keeps you connected to the world and up to speed with the latest. If the world around us was a dance, a fast internet speed would be the beat: the two complement each other.

Whether you work from home, stream content for fun, or simply browse the web, you want an internet speed that can keep up with you, especially because slow internet speeds can be frustrating and negatively impact your productivity and entertainment experience.  

How do you determine whether you have the right internet speed for what you're using the internet for? Enter: internet speed test website and apps. These come in handy when you want to run a test to see the speed of your internet, duh. In the grander scheme of things, it can help you make important decisions like upgrading your service, calling your internet service provider to inquire about the internet speed you're getting or getting up from your current (possibly very comfy) position to reboot your router.

Let's get into what an internet speed test is, the best internet speed test websites and apps, and tips on choosing the best tool for you.

What is internet speed?

So, what is it? An internet speed test website is a tool that allows you to measure the speed and quality of your internet connection. Internet speed test websites use a variety of techniques to measure the speed of your internet connection, including uploading and downloading files, pinging servers, and measuring latency.

Essentially, they'll show you how fast you can download and upload content onto the internet, how fast your internet can transmit data from your device to your internet server and the time it takes. Some websites will give you this info literally for free. And it could save you so many dollars on internet!

Running an internet speed test on websites

Top 5 internet speed test websites

1. Speedtest.net - a well-known and trusted website that provides accurate and detailed results.

2. Fast.com - a simple and straightforward website that provides basic speed test results.

3. Google Fiber Speed Test - a website that was specifically designed for Google Fiber users but can be used by anyone to test their internet speeds.

4. AT&T Internet Speed Test - a website designed specifically for AT&T users but can be used by anyone to test their internet speeds.

5. Ookla Speedtest - a popular and widely used website that provides accurate and detailed results for any internet user.

How to use an internet speed test website  

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At this point, you know which are the best internet speed test websites. Now what's left to do is run an internet speed test. But how?

Using an internet speed test website is easy and straightforward. Simply visit the website of your choice, click on the "Go" or "Start Test" button, and wait for the test to complete while you grab a cuppa.  

In a few minutes, possibly even less, your test will be completed, and you'll have a detailed report of your internet speed, including download and upload speeds, latency, and jitter.  

Internet speed test apps and how to use them

Aside from an online website, you also have the option of getting an internet speed test app. It's a tool that does precisely what internet speed test websites help you do: measure the speed and quality of your internet connection using your smartphone or tablet. These apps are usually free, easy to use and can provide accurate and detailed results with a simple tap.

Top 5 internet speed test apps

1. Speedtest by Ookla - a popular and widely used app that provides accurate and detailed results.

2. FAST Speed Test - a simple, straightforward app that provides basic speed test results.

3. Internet Speed Test - a free app that provides accurate and detailed results.

4. Wi-Fi Analyzer - an app that analyses your Wi-Fi network and identifies potential problems.

5. Meteor Speed Test and Wi-Fi Analyzer - an app that provides accurate and detailed results and allows you to analyse your Wi-Fi network.

How to use an internet speed test app  

Like internet speed website testers, an internet speed test app is, by design, super easy to use and straightforward. So, you really have nothing to worry about.  

All that's required from your end is to download the app of your choice from your device's app store, launch the app and click on the "Go" or "Start Test" button. Once that's done, you can sit back and relax while the test runs. In no time, and we do mean practically no time, you'll have a detailed report of your internet speed, including download and upload speeds, latency, and jitter.

How to choose the best internet speed test tool for you  

Every person has different needs, preferences and considerations when making a choice. It's no different for choosing an internet speed test tool. In fact, many factors should come into play when choosing which tool to go for. These include the accuracy, speed and responsiveness, user-friendliness, and additional features of the test tool.

Let's dig deeper.

Accuracy

When choosing a tool, you want to look for one that uses multiple techniques to measure your internet speed. Generally, these tools will provide a more accurate and detailed test result.

You'll also want to look at the speed and responsiveness of it – how quickly and easily it is to test your internet speed with this tool.

User-friendliness

Nothing is worse than trying to figure out a new tool that's just not designed with a good user experience in mind. When choosing a tool, ensure it is a) easy to use and navigate and b) does not require too much effort. Life should be easy, and tech makes it that way.

Additional features  

Some internet speed test tools offer additional features that go beyond simply measuring your internet speed. For example, some may even provide information on your internet connection's stability, latency, and packet loss. Others may allow you to test your connection's upload speed, which can be important if you frequently upload large files or use video conferencing tools.

Another feature that some internet speed test tools offer is the ability to compare your results to others in your area. This can be helpful if you're experiencing slow internet speeds and want to see if it's a widespread issue in your region or just affecting your home.

If you want to take your internet speed test a step further, choose a tool with the features most important to you and your specific needs. While they're all great features to have, you might only have a need for some of them. Choose one that's relevant to you and run with it.  

Internet speed test websites vs apps

Both internet speed test websites and apps serve the same primary purpose of measuring your internet speed. However, some key differences between the two may make one more appealing to you than the other.

Internet speed test websites are typically accessed through a web browser and do not require any additional downloads or installations. They can be accessed from any device with an internet connection, including smartphones, tablets, and desktop computers. On top of that, many internet speed test websites are free to use.

On the other hand, internet speed test apps are typically downloaded and installed on your smartphone or tablet. They may offer additional features and functionality not available on internet speed test websites, such as the ability to test your upload speed or compare your results to others in your area. However, they may also come at a price.

Overall, the choice between an internet speed test website and an app comes down to personal preference and convenience. If you're looking for a quick and easy way to test your internet speed, an internet speed test website may be the best option. However, if you're interested in additional features and functionality that go into more detail than an internet speed test on web, an internet speed test app may be more suitable.

To wrap up…

You're living in the digital age, and what a time to be alive! Not only can you connect to anyone anywhere in the world, but you can do it from the comfort of your home or better yet, your couch. It goes without saying that having fast and reliable internet connectivity is essential for many aspects of daily life, from streaming movies and TV shows to working remotely.  

However, it can be challenging to know whether you're getting the internet speeds you're paying for or if your internet speed is fast enough for you. That's where internet speed test tools come in.

Internet speed test tools provide a quick and easy way to measure your internet speed and ensure you get the speeds you need. By following the step-by-step guides and using the top internet speed test websites and apps provided, you can accurately measure your internet speed and understand what the results mean.

Remember, when choosing an internet speed test tool, consider factors such as accuracy, speed and responsiveness, user-friendliness, and additional features. By selecting the best internet speed test tool for your specific needs, you can ensure you get the internet speeds you need to enjoy the activities that matter most to you. So go ahead and test your internet speed today.