Guide · Updated Apr 2026
Check your internet speed with our free speed test. Test my internet speed, find my speed, or check my internet speed — all in one place.
Need to check your internet speed? Running a speed test is the only way to know your actual internet speed. Your ISP advertises maximum speeds, but your actual speed depends on your plan, connection type, network conditions, and time of day.
Checking your internet speed takes under 30 seconds:
Tip: For the most accurate check, use Ethernet instead of WiFi, close other apps, and run tests at different times.
Your internet speed is measured by three metrics:
| Activity | Download needed | Ping needed |
|---|---|---|
| Web browsing | 1 Mbps | Any |
| HD video (1080p) | 5 Mbps | <100 ms |
| 4K streaming | 25 Mbps | <100 ms |
| Online gaming | 3–25 Mbps | <20 ms |
| Video calls | 2–5 Mbps | <150 ms |
| Working from home | 25–100 Mbps | <50 ms |
To find your speed, run a speed test. The test sends data to a nearby server and measures how long it takes to travel there and back. Your result is a snapshot — run multiple tests at different times to establish a pattern.
You should check your internet speed when:
If your speed test shows significantly below your plan speed, here are common causes:
The average US fixed broadband delivers 242 Mbps download (FCC, 2024). If your result is 70–90% of your plan, your connection is normal. Below 50% indicates a problem.
To check your internet speed, run a speed test — it measures ping, download, and upload. Your result tells you exactly how fast your connection is right now. Run multiple tests to establish a baseline. If your speed is consistently below 50% of your plan, investigate WiFi interference, router limitations, or contact your ISP.
Run a free speed test — no signup, results in under 30 seconds.
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