Speed Test FAQ

Several factors can cause this difference: WiFi interference, network congestion during peak hours, distance from router, older equipment, or your device's capabilities. For the most accurate test, use a wired Ethernet connection and test during off-peak hours. Also note that ISPs advertise 'up to' speeds, which represent the maximum possible, not guaranteed speeds.

We recommend testing at least once a week to monitor your connection quality. Test more frequently if you notice issues, after making changes to your network setup, or when troubleshooting problems. Running tests at different times of day helps identify peak hour slowdowns.

Results can vary based on: the test server's location, server capacity, testing methodology, and current network conditions. Each speed test service uses different servers and algorithms. For consistency, use the same test service and run multiple tests to get an average.

Mbps (Megabits per second) measures internet speed - this is what ISPs advertise. MBps (Megabytes per second) measures file download sizes. There are 8 bits in a byte, so divide your Mbps by 8 to get MBps. For example, 100 Mbps = 12.5 MBps maximum download speed.

Most residential internet plans are 'asymmetric' - designed with faster download speeds because typical users download more than they upload. Cable and DSL connections often have upload speeds that are 10-20% of download speeds. Fiber connections typically offer symmetric speeds.

For regular browsing, email, and streaming, ping doesn't matter much. However, it's crucial for real-time activities like online gaming, video calls, and live streaming. Gamers should aim for ping under 50ms, and under 20ms for competitive gaming.

This is called 'peak hour congestion.' When more people in your neighborhood are online (typically 7-11 PM), you're sharing bandwidth with more users. This is more common with cable internet than fiber. If this significantly impacts you, consider fiber or a higher-tier plan.

Yes! An older router may not support the speeds your ISP provides. If you're paying for 500 Mbps but have an old WiFi 4 router, you won't achieve those speeds. Check your router's specifications and consider upgrading to WiFi 6 if needed.

Use 5 GHz when you're close to your router for faster speeds with less interference. Use 2.4 GHz for better range or when you need to pass through walls. Many modern devices can automatically choose the best band.

Ethernet cables provide a direct, interference-free connection to your router. WiFi signals weaken with distance, are affected by walls and obstacles, and can suffer from interference from other wireless devices. Wired connections are always more consistent.

VPNs add encryption overhead and route traffic through remote servers, which can reduce speeds. The impact varies from 10-50% depending on the VPN provider, server location, and encryption level. Premium VPNs typically have less speed impact than free ones.

For remote work with video conferencing, aim for at least 25-50 Mbps download and 10+ Mbps upload. If multiple people work from home simultaneously, scale up accordingly. Also ensure your ping is under 100ms for smooth video calls.

Some ISPs may throttle speeds for specific activities (like streaming or torrenting) or after you exceed data caps. If you suspect throttling, run speed tests at different times, use a VPN to see if speeds improve, and check your ISP's terms of service.

Jitter measures the variation in ping over time. High jitter means inconsistent connection quality, causing stuttering in video calls and 'rubber-banding' in games. Ideally, jitter should be under 30ms. High jitter often indicates network congestion or instability.

Netflix recommends 25 Mbps for 4K streaming. However, for consistent quality without buffering, aim for 50+ Mbps per 4K stream. Remember that other devices and activities share your bandwidth, so account for total household usage.