Test your internet speed in 2023: Best home internet speeds tests
Matthew Harrington
November 13, 2024
Are you looking for the best way to test your internet speed in 2023? If so, you've come to the right place. Here at HomeLinkd, we offer the widest selection of network speed tests and comparisons to make sure you're getting the best possible service.
What does "home internet speed" mean?
Network speed is the rate at which data can be transferred between two points. It's typically measured in bits per second (bps). The higher the number, the faster the connection.
The benefits of testing my network speed
There are several benefits of testing your network speed. First, it can help you identify any areas where your internet connection may be slower than it should be. Second, it can help you find the best internet provider for your needs. And third, it can help you troubleshoot any issues you may be having with your internet connection.
The different types of internet speed tests
There are two main types of network speed tests: synthetic and real-world. Synthetic tests are generally considered to be more accurate, but they can be more expensive. Real-world tests are less accurate but are often cheaper.
How to choose the right network speed test
The type of network speed test you choose will depend on your needs. If you're looking for a general idea of your internet speeds, a real-world test may be sufficient. However, if you're troubleshooting an issue or trying to get the most accurate results possible, a synthetic test may be a better option.
How to test your internet speed
Once you've decided which type of network speed test you want to use, the next step is to actually test your speeds. There are a few different ways to do this, but the most common method is to use an online speed test. To use an online speed test, simply visit a website that offers this service and follow the instructions. Most tests will require you to enter your zip code so that they can find the best server for you to use. Once you start the test, the site will measure your download and upload speeds and give you a report.
The results of your network speed test will typically be given in two units: megabits per second (Mbps) and kilobits per second (kbps). Mbps is the unit most commonly used to measure network speed. It represents the number of megabits (1,000,000 bits) that can be transferred in one second. kbps is a smaller unit and is typically only used to measure lower speeds. The results of your test will also include a "ping" value. Ping is the amount of time it takes for a data packet to travel from your computer to a server and back again. It's measured in milliseconds (ms). A lower ping value is better because it means there is less delay between when you send a request and when you receive a response. Finally, the results of your test may also include a "jitter" value. Jitter is the variation in ping over time. A higher jitter value means that there is more variance in ping, which can indicate an unstable connection. To learn more about the topic, visit our blog "Test your internet speed in 2023: Best home internet speeds tests".
Common results after running a speed test
Here are some example network speed test results and what they mean:
Download speed: 25 Mbps
This is considered a good download speed. Most people will be able to do all of the things they want to do online without any issues.
Upload speed: 10 Mbps
This is a good upload speed. You should be able to upload photos and videos without any problem.
Ping: 20 ms
This is a good ping value. There should be very little delay between when you send a request and when you receive a response.
Jitter: 5 ms
This is a good jitter value. There is very little variation in ping, which indicates a stable connection.
Check your internet service on any device
You can use a network speed test on any device that has an internet connection. This includes computers, laptops, smartphones, and tablets.
Tips to improve your internet speed
There are a few things you can do to try to improve your network speed:
Check your internet package: Make sure you're on the right internet package for your needs. If you're not sure, contact your internet provider and ask for help.
Optimize your network: Run a network optimization tool to help improve your network performance.
Use a wired connection: Wireless connections can be slower and less reliable than wired ones. If you have the option, plug your computer directly into your router with an Ethernet cable.
Move your equipment: If you're getting slow speeds, try moving your router to a different location. Sometimes the problem is with your home's layout, not your internet connection.
Upgrade your wifi modem and router to get faster internet
Modem and router performance can affect your internet speed, but it's not the only factor. Other things that can impact your speeds include:
- The type of internet you have (fiber, cable, DSL, etc.)
- The number of people using your network
- The number of devices connected to your network
- The time of day (internet usage is typically highest in the evening)
- Whether you're using a wired or wireless connection
The difference between upload and download speeds
Your network speed test results will include two values: download speed and upload speed. Download speed is the rate at which data is transferred from the internet to your computer, while upload speed is the rate at which data is transferred from your computer to the internet.
In general, you need a higher download speed than upload speed because most of the things you do online involve downloading data. For example, when you load a website, your computer is downloading the HTML file, images, and other resources from the server. When you download a file from the internet, your computer is again downloading data from the server. However, there are some activities that require a high upload speed. For example, if you're uploading a video to YouTube, your computer has to send a lot of data to the server. Similarly, if you're using video chat or voice chat, your computer has to send your voice data to the other person's computer in real-time.
How bandwidth affects internet speed
Bandwidth is the amount of data that can be transferred in a given time period. It's usually measured in bits per second (bps). The higher the bandwidth, the more data can be transferred in a given time period.
How latency affects internet speeds
Latency is the amount of time it takes for a data packet to travel from your computer to a server and back again. It's measured in milliseconds (ms). A lower latency value is better because it means there is less delay between when you send a request and when you receive a response.
Internet providers with the fastest speeds
- Google Fiber: Google Fiber offers internet speeds up to 1,000 Mbps.
- Verizon FiOS: Verizon FiOS offers internet speeds up to 500 Mbps.
- Comcast Xfinity: Comcast Xfinity offers internet speeds up to 250 Mbps.
- AT&T U-verse: AT&T U-verse offers internet speeds up to 100 Mbps.
Fastest internet plans available
The type of internet connection you have will also affect your speed. Here are some of the most common types of internet and their typical speeds:
Dial-up: This is the slowest type of internet, with speeds around 56 kbps. It's not widely used anymore because it's so slow.
DSL: This is a type of broadband internet that uses your home's existing phone line. speeds can vary depending on your provider and package, but they typically range from around 2 Mbps to 20 Mbps.
Cable: This is another type of broadband internet that uses your home's existing TV cable. Speeds can again vary depending on your provider and package, but they typically range from around 2 Mbps to 100 Mbps.
Fiber: This is the fastest type of internet, with speeds typically ranging from 50 Mbps to 1000 Mbps. It's not as widely available as other types of internet, but it's growing in popularity.
If you're not getting the speed you want, contact your internet provider and ask for help. They may be able to troubleshoot the issue or recommend a different package that's better for your needs.
Connection speed that's fast enough for gaming and streaming
The minimum internet speed for gaming is 3 Mbps. For streaming, you'll need at least 5 Mbps. But if you want a smooth, lag-free experience, you'll need speeds of at least 25 Mbps.
Improve my internet with HomeLinkd
There's nothing more frustrating then the internet lagging while you're using your smartphone, desktop or laptop. Many people using the internet rely on a reliable, high-speed speed in order to do their job or study. Whether you're transferring large files or streaming your favorite program, you want to be able to rely on an internet connection that doesn't fluctuate. By testing your internet speed, you can find out if the speeds you're receiving are fast enough to fulfil all your daily internet activities. If not, you can either contact your provider or shop around to find out what the other ISPs are offering.
Written by:
Matthew Harrington
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.
Discover the Best Plans for You
We have a wide selection of plans to choose from, so you can find and select the perfect one to suit your needs.
There's a deal for with fast, reliable and secure internet. With dozens of plans and bundle offer to choose from, you'll be spoilt for choice.
CenturyLink is your trusted provider of internet, home phone, and TV services. Whether you're at home or on the go, CenturyLink offer fast and reliable internet.
AT&T offer you a variety of options to get the high-quality services you require, including DSL, fiber optic and fixed wireless networks, streaming and satellite TV services, and extensive 5G coverage.