Internet Speed Test: How To Check Your Mobile & Wi-Fi Speed?

By Aprajita

Telecom Expert: Mobile | DTH| Internet | OTT

Aprajita is a contributing Telecom expert at Selectra. With interest in the Telecom sector, she helps users navigate to the best plans and packages offered by Indian Internet, Broadband and DTH providers. Aprajita has spent a decade in content creation, SEO and other digital marketing areas. She focuses more on improving user experience, quality and trust.

No doubt, having fast internet is super important, whether it's for our homes or offices. We're always connecting new gadgets like smartphones, laptops, and gaming devices to our Wi-Fi networks. Discover the best ways to check your internet speed with expert insights on internet speed tests. Learn about network speed test tools like Speedtest Ookla, Fast.com, Google speed tests and SpeedCheck for accurate results.

Internet Speed Test

Before getting into the actual tests, it's important to understand the basics of internet speed. Your internet speed determines how quickly data travels between your device and the internet. By knowing your speed, you can identify potential issues, ensure you're getting what you pay for from your internet service provider, and troubleshoot any slowdowns in your connection.

Internet speed is the rate at which data is transferred from Worldwide Web to your mobile, laptop or other devices. Internet speed is determined by the (allocated) bandwidth. It is typically measured in **megabits per second (Mbps)**. This metric represents the rate at which data is transferred over the internet connection. Higher Mbps values indicate faster speeds, which means quicker downloads, smoother streaming, and faster webpage loading times.

What is Bandwidth?

Bandwidth is the amount of data that is transmitted to you in a given amount of time, normally calculated in seconds. 5 Mbps, for instance, means that you can download up to 5 megabits of data every second.

You pay for a certain amount of Mbps (megabits) per second of upload and download speed; checking your actual upload and download speed will give you an approximate idea of how close you are to the advertised speed

Testing Different Networks for Speed Test

There are majorly two types of networks that are generally being tested for speed, which are as follows:

1. Mobile Network Speed Tests

   With the increasing reliance on mobile devices, testing your **mobile network speed** is essential. Many speed test apps, including Speedtest Ookla and SpeedCheck, offer dedicated features for measuring the speed of your mobile data connection. These tests ensure that your mobile internet performs optimally, whether you're browsing the web or using data-intensive applications.

2. Wi-Fi Network Speed Test

   For users with home or office Wi-Fi networks, it's crucial to assess the **wifi network speed**. Speed tests conducted on Wi-Fi networks can identify potential issues such as signal interference or router limitations. Tools like Fast.com and Google Speed test provide specific options for testing wifi speeds, helping users optimize their home network for seamless connectivity.

Top 5 Internet Speed Test Tools

Various mobile operators give their consumers a free Wi-Fi network speed test. The test demonstrates the download and upload speed of the broadband connection in real-time. At various times, you will get various results, so you can do the speed test a few more times at various hours.

• What Is Kbps, Mbps and Gbps?
• Kbps: Kilobits per second. This is utilized when speaking about dial-up (56k for instance) also low-speed DSL.
• Mbps: Megabits per second. Many people mix this with megabytes. This is the most popular unit of speed utilized.
• Gbps: Gigabits per second. Gigabits are rarely utilized for internet packages, and the prices make them impractical for households and small companies.

There are several tools available for conducting **internet speed tests**. Among the most popular are **Speedtest Ookla**, **fast.com speed test**, **speedcheck** and **Google Internet Speed Test**. Each tool provides a user-friendly interface, allowing you to measure your internet speed with just a few clicks. Here are the top mobile and Wi-Fi speed tests available online:

Speedtest Ookla

With more than 50 billion Speedtest results, the global averages for mobile and fixed broadband download speeds stand at 47.81 Mbps and 85.06 Mbps, respectively in the year 2023. The Ookla Speedtest is available for free on the internet, iOS, Linux, macOS, Windows, Google Chrome, and Apple TV. It is undoubtedly one of the greatest internet speed test app around, and you would most likely need it.

Features of Speedtest Ookla

Some of the most important features are:

1. Speedtest is known for its accuracy in measuring internet speeds. It provides reliable results, allowing users to assess the real-world performance of their internet connection.
2. The results include not only download and upload speeds but also latency (ping).
3. It allows users to create an account and log in, enabling them to track their internet speed history over time. This can be useful for identifying patterns, monitoring changes, and troubleshooting connectivity issues.
4. It offers a vast network of servers worldwide. This helps in providing a more accurate representation of your internet speed by connecting to a server that is geographically closer to you.

Fast.com

Fast.com is an online speed test tool that measures the download speed of your internet connection. It is a service provided by Netflix and is designed to give users a quick and straightforward way to check their internet speed, particularly for streaming purposes.

Features of Fast.com

Some of the most important features are:

1. As a service from Netflix, Fast.com is particularly focused on measuring download speed for streaming content. Users can check if their internet connection is sufficient for high-quality video streaming.
2. Additional information such as latency, upload speed, user location, and server by clicking the ‘Show more data' button.
3. It is mobile-friendly, allowing users to easily check their internet speed on smartphones and tablets.

Google Internet Speed Test

Google does not have a dedicated internet speed test tool like Speedtest by Ookla or Fast.com. However, you can use the Google search engine to perform a quick speed test without visiting a specific website. To make that happen, Google has collaborated with Measurement Lab (M-Lab).

Understanding Your Internet Speed Test

Conducting a speed test essentially tells you three main internet terminologies :

How To Get Accurate Results From Your Network Speed Test?

Your speed tests will be correct at a point. However, running several checks is the easiest way to measure internet speed. For example :

• Conduct a fast speed test over several networks – Performing a speed test over Wi-Fi, which is usually a slower network since it is broadcast over the internet, would show different outcomes than running a test across an Ethernet cable. You should also test bandwidth of your internet connection to
• Perform a test for one or more devices – The number of devices attached to the network can influence the speeds. Conduct one fiber speed test with only one device linked to the network, then the other with several devices linked to the network.
• Perform tests at various times of the day – Speeds can also differ during the day, specifically for cable internet customers who share latency with other consumers in their zone. Your tests can show that your internet speeds are slower during peak times but good during off-peak times.
• Conduct speed checks in various rooms – If you step away from your modem, the power of your wireless signal can diminish. Conduct a download speed test in the same space as your modem and in others far apart to see whether and how far the results differ.
• Conduct a speed test when doing various activities – Performing a internet speed test when doing different things (like listening to songs vs. watching a TV show vs. playing an online video game) will help you decide if the slower speeds are caused by the content. You can test connection speeds for all your smart devices at home for maximum efficiency.
• How Much Internet Speed Do I Need?
• Stream 4K content, play online games, and download large files: 200+ Mbps minimum
• Stream 4K content and play competitive online games: 40 – 100 Mbps minimum
• Stream HD content: 15 – 25 Mbps minimum
• Check email and browse the web: 2 – 5 Mbps minimum

What’s the Difference Between Upload and Download Speed?

Your internet speed result may show you the result like this: 5/1 Mbps

What exactly does this mean? That implies the internet package has a download speed of 5 Mbps as well as an upload speed of 1 Mbps. The upload and download speeds of any network will vary. This implies that the bandwidth is different in one direction than the other.

Download Speed (↓): This refers to the speed at which your internet connection can fetch data from the internet. It determines how swiftly you can load webpages, stream videos, or access adorable cat photos online.

For Example:

• Streaming music and videos
• Viewing an article and a blog post
• Scrolling by your social media feed
• Downloading files

Upload Speed (↑): This is the measure of how fast your internet connection can send data from your devices to the internet. It comes into play when you're uploading videos to platforms like YouTube or engaging in video conferencing on platforms such as Zoom.

Need a Fast Internet Speed Test?

Absolutely! A fast internet speed test is crucial for assessing and optimizing your online connection, ensuring smooth and seamless experiences while browsing, streaming, or gaming.

What is a Fast Internet Speed?

Fast internet refers to a high-speed and reliable internet connection that allows for quick data transfer between devices and the internet. The term "fast internet" typically implies a connection with sufficient bandwidth and low latency, enabling users to perform online activities such as browsing, streaming, downloading, and gaming without experiencing delays or interruptions. 

The launch of 5G networks, without a question, is the best news in the field of high-speed broadband these days. 5G networks, which are more than 25 significantly faster than today's 4G networks, are supposed to transform the way users communicate at home and on the go by offering unparalleled speeds and bandwidth.

In reality, networks like Airtel Xstream Fiber now offer wireless internet with ultra-fast speeds of 300 Mbps and, varying on region, maximum speeds of up to 1 Gbps. Keep an eye out as the world explores the true range of 5G.

Why Should We Prioritize Fast Internet Speed Tests?

1. Performance Assessment

   Fast internet speed tests allow users to assess the performance of their internet connections, ensuring they meet the desired speed standards.

2. Optimizing Activities

   Conducting regular network speed tests helps in optimizing online activities such as streaming, video conferencing, and online gaming, ensuring a smooth and lag-free experience.

3. Identifying Issues

   Internet Speed tests help identify potential issues like network congestion, broadband hardware limitations, or interference, allowing users to troubleshoot and enhance their internet connection.

4. ISP Accountability

   By regularly testing internet speed, users can hold their Internet Service Providers (ISPs) accountable for delivering the promised speeds, prompting necessary actions if there are discrepancies.

5. Preventing Buffering

   Fast internet speed tests assist in preventing buffering during video streaming by ensuring a consistent and high-speed connection.

6. Data Plan Management

   Users can gauge if their data plans are sufficient for their online activities and avoid exceeding data limits, which may result in speed throttling.

7. Device Optimization

   Identifying slow internet speeds can prompt users to optimize their devices, update software, or replace outdated hardware for improved performance.

8. Online Productivity

   Fast internet speeds contribute to increased online productivity, reducing waiting times for webpage loads, file downloads, and other data-intensive tasks.

9. Remote Work Efficiency

   With the rise of remote work, fast internet speed tests are crucial for ensuring a reliable and efficient connection for virtual meetings, file sharing, and other work-related tasks.

10. User Satisfaction

    Ultimately, regular fast internet speed tests lead to higher user satisfaction by providing a seamless and enjoyable online experience.

What Is An Internet Health Test?

It is essential that you conduct an Internet Health Test from time to time. Why is this so important? The internet health test helps to measure the different metrics which are essential to give you a hassle-free, smooth internet experience. Like the internet speed test, you can utilize this online tool to keep your internet connection completely healthy.

How To Test Your Internet Connection Speed

Here is how to run your Internet Health Test:

1. Go to http://internethealthtest.org/
2. Click Go
3. Wait for a few moments and you will see the results.

Your Internet service provider may assure you that you would get 100 MB speed, however, there are certain aspects that they can control. Some of the factors that may ruin your internet browsing are:-

1. Paid Prioritization
2. Data Caps
3. Network Congestion

Benefits of Internet Health Test

While conducting a WiFi speed test online, you will be able to find out only how slow your internet connection is. With an Internet Health Test, you get additional benefits like mentioned below:

1. You will be able to spot whether you are getting the internet speed your ISP has promised.
2. If your internet connection is being throttled, the test results will reveal how extensively your ISP is controlling your connection.
3. The Internet Health test also helps you compare your internet performance with others.
4. The data gathered from all the internet health tests will be sent to a common database where user experiences can be studied.
5. ISPs will be forced to improve their performance when more users take the Internet Health Test.

By Aprajita

Telecom Expert: Mobile | DTH| Internet | OTT

Aprajita is a contributing Telecom expert at Selectra. With interest in the Telecom sector, she helps users navigate to the best plans and packages offered by Indian Internet, Broadband and DTH providers. Aprajita has spent a decade in content creation, SEO and other digital marketing areas. She focuses more on improving user experience, quality and trust.