Internet Speed Test

What is a good internet speed?

A good internet speed is at least 25Mbps download and 3Mbps upload. These internet speeds are the bare minimum for a broadband connection as defined by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). But you’ll get better results with an internet plan that supports download speeds between 40–100Mbps.

That said, no one wants to overpay for internet speed. You can use our How Much Speed Do You Need? Tool to generate a personalized internet speed recommendation based on how your household uses the internet. Find that sweet spot of sufficient download speed without overpaying for speed you won’t use.

Find Your Ideal Internet Speed

How much internet speed do I need?

You need at least 25Mbps download speeds and 3Mbps upload speeds to effectively stream, game, download, and Zoom online with minimal slowdowns and buffering. But if you live with three or more people, you’ll be better off with 100Mbps download speeds and 10Mbps upload speeds to support more users and bandwidth-heavy tasks.

Use our quick tool to test how much bandwidth you need for your home Wi-Fi network.

What is the fastest type of internet?

Fiber internet is the fastest type of internet connection. It uses cables made of bundled fiber-optic strands to transmit large amounts of data with light signals. Most fiber internet plans give you 1,000Mbps speeds, although some providers can get you speeds of up to 2,000Mbps or even 5,000Mbps. Fiber is also the only type of internet that gives you symmetrical upload speeds—so your uploads will be just as fast as your downloads.

View Fiber Internet Providers

Why is my internet so slow?

Your internet can be slow for many reasons. Your internet plan may be too slow for your needs, your modem or router may be out of date, your router may be on the fritz, or you might have too many people using your Wi-Fi at the same time. We can help you identify where the problem is and how to fix it.

How to Fix Slow Internet

How can I improve my internet speed?

You can improve your internet speed by upgrading to a faster plan, updating your equipment, or taking simpler measures like closing out apps and browser windows. We can walk you through 10 steps to improve your internet speed in just 15 minutes.

10 Steps to a Faster Wi-Fi Connection

Do I need a faster router?

You need a faster router if your current router is using outdated Wi-Fi standards. Anything older than Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) or Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) doesn’t get you appropriate speeds equal to what’s capable on most high-speed internet connections.

Even a router that’s just a few years old might not meet appropriate speed standards, depending on your connection. Look into your router’s spects to see its Wi-Fi standards and max speeds and get a new router if it’s an older model. We have more information on when and how to replace an outdated router.

How to Replace Your Outdated Router

How do I get faster internet?

You can get faster internet by upgrading your internet plan. If you can’t upgrade your current speeds and feel stuck with bad service, you can also switch to a new provider.

Who are the fastest internet providers?

The fastest internet providers are Google Fiber, Verizon Fios, Xfinity, Metronet, and Cox. All of those internet providers offer fiber or cable internet plans with gigabit speeds. See our report on the Fastest Internet Providers.

View Fastest Internet Providers

What is a good upload and download speed?

A download speed of 25Mbps and an upload of 3Mbps is good for most people. That’s enough to let one or two Wi-Fi users play online games, stream video in HD, and attend Zoom meetings with minimal slowdowns or buffering. You will likely want a faster speed if you live in a larger household or do more activities online.

Not sure how much speed you need, exactly? Use our quick tool to test how much bandwidth you need for your home Wi-Fi network.

Why doesn’t my internet speed match my plan?

You likely won’t ever see the maximum speed advertised by your provider in the speed test, but your speed test results should come close. The speeds promised by your internet plan are the max speeds you can expect. Most of the time, your internet speeds will fluctuate within a small range of that max speed. What you see on the speed test is simply where your internet speeds are currently.

Internet providers will state “up to” when advertising maximum speeds because many variables can prevent you from hitting that top speed. You may even see disclaimers like “wireless speeds may vary” because Wi-Fi speeds are always inconsistent no matter what provider you choose—it’s just how Wi-Fi works.

For example, there may be issues with the provider’s service area, like faulty connections somewhere within the neighborhood. Speed may be slow because you’re using the internet at peak times, or your router may be outdated. Roots may be growing into the cable buried in your yard.

What to do if your internet speed is slower than expected

There are several reasons why your speed test results might not be as fast as you expected. Try these tips to see if you can get a more accurate reading:

• Temporarily disable your firewall (but don’t forget to turn it back on afterward) and rerun the test.
• Reboot your modem and router, and rerun the test.
• Unplug your router from the modem, plug a desktop or laptop into the modem’s Ethernet port, and rerun the test.
• If you have a wireless gateway rather than a separate modem and router, plug a desktop or laptop into one of the Ethernet ports, and rerun the test.

If you see inconsistent results, there might be a bottleneck on your end. You can troubleshoot poor internet speeds with our guide on how to fix slow internet. But your internet connection may just be slow either from your plan or your internet type.

If nothing helps, call your internet provider or look for a new one.

How to make sense of your speed test results

Here’s a brief overview of what your speed test results mean and how they affect your internet’s performance. For more in-depth information, check out our consumer’s guide to internet speed.