Does your Internet Provider measure up? Run an Internet speed test now and see if you’re getting your money’s worth!
When it comes to your Internet Speeds I always want the fastest plan I can get for the price. I want good service, hardware, and reliability that is the most bang for the buck. But overall, with streaming movies, gaming, and other online technology, speed is paramount. However, the last time I ran a Internet speed test on my connection I wasn’t getting the highest speed offered by my ISP. And, for the price I was paying there were several others who could give me much faster downloads.
That’s why it’s important to run a speed test once in a while to see what you’re getting. Then, check with all the available carriers in your area to see if it’s worth switching.
Here the best websites to run your Internet Speed Test. We’ve only listed who we think are the top 5 most outstanding Internet Speed Test websites. I’ve seen other sites showing 10 or more, but how many do you need?
peedOf.Me is designed to replicate real-world browsing and downloading conditions by requesting a series of files of increasing sizes and recording the speed at which they’re downloaded. Not only does the site display a graph of speeds achieved in real time, but it also allows you to track your results against previous tests.
If you’re looking for a test that offers more data than the average speed test, TestMy.net runs a series of tests and provides a lot of useful comparison data. When it’s done, the results rate your speed compared to other recent users, giving you a good idea of the quality of your Internet connection. You’ll know if you need to think of shopping for another ISP in your area.
Fast and easy to use – just click the “Go” button for your Internet speed test. It picks a nearby server (out of a list of more than 1,000), runs a full test, and returns information on upload and download speed, latency, and packet loss. You quickly know if you’re getting what you pay for and can start comparing with other Internet Service Providers.
Fast.com is a simple site run by Netflix – probably the simplest of all. The site automatically launches a speed test and brings up a giant number to show you just what your Mbps look like. This will easily tell you if you’re able to stream Netflix through your laptop. If not, time to talk to your ISP.
Ping Test is not considered among the best internet speed test sites, but it has probably the best graphics. You will get an accurate speed test, but without too many complications. It is quite simple to use.
Finished with your Internet Speed Test?
Now, the question is how the test went. Did you get what you expect, or were the results not up to your expectations? If you’re not even sure what to expect let us help you.
If you’re results were…
25/2 Mbps
If the results of your Internet Speed Test were under 50 Mbps download you may be on DSL, satellite Internet, or even dialup internet. For those speeds you should check with the local DSL carriers in your area and make sure you’re paying not more than about $40 per month. At these speeds you’re unlikely to have a good experience when downloading music, or streaming videos. However, you should be able to adequately send email and download work files. If you’re at this speed and you’re on cable – you’re probably paying too much or need to call your carrier to upgrade.
100/20 Mbps
The first step on the Ultra-Fast Broadband ladder, a broadband plan speed of 100/20 Mbps, will blow you away after switching from a DSL connection. DSL and Cable Internet that has around 50Mbs is still very good (and can be a bargain), but you’ll see a huge difference when upgrading to 100Mbps speeds. Downloading a 5 GB HD movie will only take 6 minutes, and downloading 100 songs at 5 MB each (500 MB altogether) takes less than 30 seconds. When it comes to streaming or downloading multiple HD simultaneously, this speed is more than enough for 3-5 users. These speeds are available with both cable internet, and optical fiber internet. For speeds this fast you should be paying not more than $70 per month, and your local Cable Internet Providers can easily provide these speeds.
200/20 Mbps
If your speed test was 200 mbps downloads or higher you’re likely on cable internet or Fiber. Fiber broadband with speeds of up to 200/20 Mbps is perfect for a large tech family or household. Download speeds are phenomenal – downloading 100 songs at 5MB each in only 12 seconds, and downloading an HD movie at 5GB in approximately 3 minutes. Although you won’t notice much of a difference in terms of day-to-day online activities, this speed is ideal for many concurrent users who are often streaming and downloading. Doubling download speeds should keep your household and work techies more than happy, with little extra cost per month.
XFinity offers a plan with speeds up to 250Mbps for $59/mo. which is a great bargain.
950/500 Mbps
With speeds over 900Mbps you’re going big now! Otherwise known as gigabit plans, these plans have ground-breaking speeds of 950/500 Mbps or possibly higher. Once used exclusively for business connections, and only dreamed of being used for your home, it’s available now in many cities by Att, and Verizon FIOS Internet plans. It’s Want to download that HD movie again? That’s 40 seconds. 100 songs? 2 seconds. That’s information basically available at your fingertips.
When upgrading your contract to a higher speed, be sure to check out customer service ratings as well. And, if you’re adding speed you may need to update your router and other equipment.
