How do I check my internet speed?

To check your internet speed: 1) Go to ScanPings.net or another speed test site, 2) Click "Start Test", 3) Wait 30-60 seconds, 4) Review your download speed, upload speed, ping, and jitter results. Use ethernet instead of WiFi for most accurate results.

Which internet speed test is most accurate?

ScanPings, Fast.com (by Netflix), and Speedtest.net (by Ookla) are all accurate. ScanPings uses Cloudflare's global network for precise measurements. Fast.com tests your speed to Netflix servers. For best results, test with multiple services and use ethernet.

Why is my speed test different from what I pay for?

Speed tests may differ from advertised speeds due to: WiFi vs ethernet (WiFi is slower), network congestion, router limitations, device limitations, or ISP throttling. ISPs advertise "up to" speeds, not guaranteed speeds. Use ethernet for accurate testing.

Should I use WiFi or ethernet for speed tests?

Always use ethernet (wired connection) for accurate speed tests. WiFi adds variable latency and can reduce speeds by 30-50% depending on signal strength, interference, and router quality. Ethernet tests your true internet connection, not your WiFi performance.

How to Check Internet Speed in 2025 (Step-by-Step Guide)

How do you check your internet speed? It takes 2 minutes. This guide shows you exactly how to test your connection, which tools to use, and how to interpret the results to see if you're getting what you pay for.

⚡ Quick Answer

1. Go to ScanPings.net
2. Click "Start Test"
3. Wait 30-60 seconds for results
4. Compare results to your ISP plan

Method 1: Test with ScanPings (Recommended)

ScanPings uses Cloudflare's global edge network to give you the most accurate speed measurement. Unlike single-server tests, ScanPings tests against the closest server to you for real-world performance.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Close background apps: Windows Update, Steam downloads, and browser tabs with video can skew results.
Connect via Ethernet: WiFi adds 20-50ms latency and reduces bandwidth. For accurate testing, plug in directly.
Visit ScanPings.net: Open your browser and go to the homepage.
Click "Start Test": The test automatically measures:
- Download Speed: How fast you receive data (watching videos, browsing)
- Upload Speed: How fast you send data (video calls, cloud backups)
- Ping (Latency): Response time in milliseconds (critical for gaming)
- Jitter: Ping stability over time (causes lag spikes)
Review Results: Compare your results to your ISP plan and the FCC 2024 standard (100/20 Mbps).

Method 2: Test with Fast.com (Netflix)

Fast.com is Netflix's speed test. It's simple, clean, and tests your connection specifically to Netflix servers. However, it only measures download speed by default.

Pros: Extremely simple, no ads, shows Netflix-specific performance
Cons: Doesn't show ping or jitter, limited metrics

Method 3: Test with Speedtest.net (Ookla)

Speedtest.net by Ookla is the most popular speed test. It's been around since 2006 and has servers worldwide.

Pros: Huge server network, detailed history, mobile apps
Cons: Ads, requires app download for best features

How to Interpret Your Results

Metric	What It Measures	Good Value
Download Speed	Receiving data (streaming, browsing)	100+ Mbps
Upload Speed	Sending data (video calls, uploads)	20+ Mbps
Ping (Latency)	Response time	< 30ms
Jitter	Ping stability (variation)	< 20ms

Why Results Vary

Different speed tests can show different results because they test to different server locations, use different measurement methods, and may be affected by ISP traffic shaping. Always test multiple times and compare averages.

Common Speed Test Mistakes

Testing Over WiFi: WiFi is slower and less stable than ethernet. Always test wired for accuracy.
Testing Once: Network performance varies throughout the day. Test at different times.
Not Closing Apps: Background downloads and updates consume bandwidth.
Using Old Devices: Older computers/phones may not support gigabit speeds.
Router Bottlenecks: Old routers (pre-2018) may cap speeds at 100 Mbps.