Are you happy with your Internet service?
About the author
Rosslyn Elliott
Rosslyn Elliott has over a decade of experience as a writer, editor, and in-house journalist. She earned a B.A. in English from Yale University and has written professionally in many fields including technology and IT. She has won kudos for her work helping tech startups establish their brands. Having lived all over the USA, Rosslyn has first-hand knowledge of the strengths and quirks of top internet service providers. She now writes on all things internet, including Wi-Fi technology, fiber infrastructure, satellite internet, and the digital divide. As a TV fan, she also enjoys reviewing channel choices and cool gadgets for satellite TV and streaming services. Her personal experience as a researcher, career changer, and remote worker inspires her to guide others to their own online opportunities. After work, she likes to kick back with a good craft beer and speculate about A.I. with friends.
Which speed do I need?
Tell us what you use Internet for
How many users?
Online Gaming
Smart Home Devices
Streaming Video
Browsing & Email
Target speed: 50 Mbps
With multiple users in the house, you need a little wiggle room in your bandwidth. 50 Mbps will support all your web browsing and social media.
Your current Internet speed:
Find 50 Mbps Internet speed near you
How to Know If You Have Fast Internet
Did your internet provider promise you fast speeds, but now your connection seems slow or glitchy? Or maybe you haven’t seen obvious problems, but you still want to know the actual internet speed you’re getting for your money.
How do you know if your internet connection works at the speed you’re paying for? This guide will walk you through testing your internet speed, understanding the results, and ensuring you have the speed you need.
Why Internet Speed Matters
There’s a reason internet speed comes up in every single ad you see from an internet provider. Your speed determines whether you can have a smooth experience with your online activities. If your speed isn’t fast enough, you can have problems with streaming, gaming, remote work, or using several devices at once [1].
Streaming Quality
Streaming services like Netflix and Hulu require different speeds for different quality levels. For example, Netflix recommends at least 5 Mbps for HD streaming and 25 Mbps for 4K Ultra HD [2]. Those speeds are for each device, so you need more speed for multiple devices on your network [3]. If your connection is too slow, you’ll face endless buffering and poor video quality.
Online Gaming Performance
Gamers need fast, stable connections to enjoy lag-free gameplay. Slow speeds can lead to frustrating delays and disconnections, especially in fast-paced games like Fortnite or Overwatch.
Work From Home Efficiency
With more people working remotely, a fast internet connection is vital for video calls, file transfers, and accessing cloud-based applications. Slow speeds can hamper productivity and lead to communication issues.
Multiple Device Usage
Remember, your internet speed is shared across all connected devices in your home. The more devices using the internet simultaneously, the faster connection you’ll need to maintain smooth performance for everyone.
Understanding Internet Speed Measurements
To effectively test your internet speed, you need to understand what the numbers mean.
Download Speed
Download speed measures how quickly data travels from the internet to your device. It’s crucial for activities like streaming videos, downloading files, and browsing websites.
Upload Speed
Upload speed determines how fast you can send data from your device to the internet. It’s important for activities like video calls, uploading files to cloud storage, or live streaming.
Latency (Ping)
Measured in milliseconds (ms), latency is the time it takes for a signal to travel from your device to the internet and back. Lower latency means a more responsive connection, which is especially important for online gaming and video calls.
How to Test Your Internet Speed
Now that you understand the basics, you can test your internet speed:
Step 1: Prepare Your Device
For the most accurate results:
- Connect your computer directly to your router using an Ethernet cable if possible.
- Close all unnecessary programs and browser tabs.
- Pause any downloads or uploads.
- Temporarily disable your VPN if you’re using one.
Step 2: Use Our Speed Test Tool
We have a speed test tool that will show you your upload speed, download speed, and latency.
This tool will test your current internet connection with the click of a button. Use the speed test to discover your real internet speed.
Step 3: Run the Test
Click the “Go" or “Start" button on the test. The test typically takes less than a minute to complete.
Step 4: Interpret the Results
The test will display your download and upload speeds in Mbps (megabits per second), as well as your ping. Compare these results to the speeds promised by your internet service provider (ISP).
Step 5: Test Multiple Times
Internet speeds can fluctuate throughout the day. For a more accurate picture, run tests at different times and calculate the average.
What’s a Good Internet Speed?
The ideal internet speed depends on your household’s needs:
- For basic browsing and email: 5-10 Mbps
- For HD video streaming on one device: 15-25 Mbps
- For 4K streaming and online gaming: 40-100 Mbps
- For large households with multiple devices: 200+ Mbps
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) defines broadband internet as having a minimum of 100 Mbps download and 20 Mbps upload speeds.
Troubleshooting Slow Internet Speeds
If your speed test results are consistently lower than the speed you’re paying for, you have options. Try these steps:
- Restart your modem and router.
- Check for signal interference from other devices or walls and furniture [4].
- Update your router’s firmware.
- Consider upgrading to a newer router that supports faster speeds.
- Contact your ISP to ensure there are no issues on their end.
Advanced Tips for Optimizing Your Internet Speed
Use a Wired Connection
While Wi-Fi is convenient, a wired Ethernet connection often provides faster and more stable speeds.
Upgrade Your Equipment
Outdated modems and routers can bottleneck your connection. Make sure your equipment can handle the speeds you’re paying for.
Consider a Mesh Network
For larger homes, a mesh network system can provide better coverage and consistent speeds throughout your space.
Monitor Your Network
Use apps like WiFi Analyzer to check which wireless channels are less crowded in your area and adjust your router settings accordingly [5].
When to Contact Your ISP
If you’ve tried all the troubleshooting steps and your speeds are still significantly lower than advertised, it’s time to contact your internet service provider. They may need to:
- Reset your connection remotely
- Send a technician to check for issues with your line
- Upgrade your plan if your needs have outgrown your current package
Remember, you’re paying for a service, and you deserve to get what you’re paying for. Don’t hesitate to advocate for yourself if you’re not getting the speeds you were promised.
FAQs: Do I Have Fast Internet?
How can I get faster internet service?
If you are thinking of changing internet providers, enter your zip code for a complete list of providers and plans in your area.
What factors can affect my internet speed?
Factors include the number of connected devices, time of day, outdated equipment, signal interference, and your internet service provider’s network conditions.
What is a good internet speed?
A good internet speed depends on your needs. The FCC defines broadband as minimum 100 Mbps download and 20 Mbps upload [6]. For basic browsing, 5-10 Mbps is enough, while 4K streaming and gaming may require 40-100 Mbps or more.
Why is my internet slower than the speed I’m paying for?
Potential reasons for a slow connection include network congestion, outdated equipment, signal interference, or issues with your ISP’s service. Try troubleshooting steps like restarting your router or contacting your ISP.
How can I improve my internet speed?
Try restarting your modem and router, using a wired connection, upgrading your equipment, or considering a mesh network for better coverage.
What should I do if my speed test results are low?
If troubleshooting doesn’t help, contact your ISP. They may need to reset your connection, send a technician, or upgrade your plan to meet your needs.
Which internet type is fastest?
Fiber internet technology will give you the fastest upload and download speeds, plus low latency.
Sources
[1] PCMag.com. “How to Check Your Internet Speed."
[2] Wired.com. “How to Test Wi-Fi Speed."
[3] CNBC.com. “How to Check Your Internet Speed."
[4] PopularMechanics.com. “Test Your Wi-Fi Speed."
Do you want to leave a review for AT&T Internet?
About the author
Rosslyn Elliott
Rosslyn Elliott has over a decade of experience as a writer, editor, and in-house journalist. She earned a B.A. in English from Yale University and has written professionally in many fields including technology and IT. She has won kudos for her work helping tech startups establish their brands. Having lived all over the USA, Rosslyn has first-hand knowledge of the strengths and quirks of top internet service providers. She now writes on all things internet, including Wi-Fi technology, fiber infrastructure, satellite internet, and the digital divide. As a TV fan, she also enjoys reviewing channel choices and cool gadgets for satellite TV and streaming services. Her personal experience as a researcher, career changer, and remote worker inspires her to guide others to their own online opportunities. After work, she likes to kick back with a good craft beer and speculate about A.I. with friends.
Which speed do I need?
Tell us what you use Internet for
How many users?
Online Gaming
Smart Home Devices
Streaming Video
Browsing & Email
Target speed: 50 Mbps
With multiple users in the house, you need a little wiggle room in your bandwidth. 50 Mbps will support all your web browsing and social media.
Your current Internet speed:
Find 50 Mbps Internet speed near you
