There are so many things that can affect your internet speeds, from server distance to traffic load. So, if you’re looking for an accurate reading, you want to use the best speed test tools.
Find out more below.
Best Speed Test Tools for Accurate Results
Options are always good, right? So, we’ve compiled a list of speed test tools for you to choose from, based on your situation and needs.
Ookla: Best All-Around Speed Test Tool
Ookla is probably the “go-to” speed test – or at least the most popular – around the web. But that popularity is warranted.
Probably its biggest advantage is the fact that it lets you pick your server. Why does that matter? Because speed tests are actually measuring your internet speed between two points.
So, the further that point is from you, the less accurate the reading will be compared to your base internet speed. By changing the server you’re testing with, you have the flexibility to try a variety of different readings, giving you more accuracy.
Cloudflare: Most Comprehensive Speed Test Tool
If you want to nerd out a bit with even more detailed results, then Cloudflare’s speed test tool is your best bet.
While most tools just focus on raw download/upload speeds and maybe stuff like latency/ping, Cloudflare gets into the nitty gritty with things like packet loss, upload latency vs. download latency, how file size affects download speeds, and more.
This can come in handy, whether you’re wondering if your connection is dropping packets or trying to fix slow torrents.
Fast.com: Best Speed Test Tool for Streaming Speeds
Fast is a speed test tool provided by Netflix, and it’s a very straightforward service, with its main advantage being its streaming focus.
So, for instance, if you’re interested in testing or troubleshooting your Netflix streaming speeds in particular, this is a good option.
ISP Speed Tests: Best for ISP-Specific Troubleshooting
If you’re dealing with an internet speed-related problem, it can be useful to use a speed test offered by your internet service provider, since their staff and technicians may view these as more “reliable”.
Of course, which one you should use will depend on which ISP you use, but you’ll find speed tests for a few popular providers below:
Best Speed Test Tools: Wrap-Up
Alright, now you have a few different options to choose from, depending on what you’re looking for. In general, if you’re just trying to get a quick, accurate reading, go with Ookla, but the other options are great when you need more detail or something more specific.
Which speed test tool do you use? Let us know in the comments.