Best Tools to Test Speed

  • fast.com (by Netflix) — dead simple, one number, great for a quick check
  • speedtest.net (by Ookla) — the most widely used, shows download, upload and ping, lets you choose test servers
  • nperf.com — tests download, upload, ping, jitter and packet loss with a detailed report
  • Google speed test — search "internet speed test" on Google and click Run Speed Test

How to Get an Accurate Result

  1. 1

    Connect via ethernet, not WiFi

    A cable connection directly to your router eliminates WiFi variables and gives your true ISP speed. If you only have WiFi, stand as close to the router as possible and minimise interference.

  2. 2

    Close all other apps and pause background activity

    Streaming, cloud sync, Windows Update and downloads all consume bandwidth during the test. Close everything or pause them. On Windows, check Task Manager → Network column to see what is using bandwidth.

  3. 3

    Run the test and note the results

    Click Go or Run. The test takes 30–60 seconds. Note the download speed, upload speed and ping.

  4. 4

    Run it 2–3 times and average

    A single test can be skewed. Run 2–3 tests and take the average for a more reliable reading. Also test at different times of day — evening peak hours are often slower than morning.

Understanding Your Results

  • Download speed: How fast data comes to you. Most important for streaming, browsing and downloading. Netflix 4K needs 25 Mbps. Video calls need 5–10 Mbps. General browsing: 10 Mbps is comfortable.
  • Upload speed: How fast you send data. Important for video calls, uploading files and cloud backup. Often much lower than download on NBN plans.
  • Ping (latency): Response time in milliseconds. Under 20ms is excellent. Under 50ms is good for gaming. Over 100ms causes noticeable lag. Low ping matters most for gaming and video calls.
  • Jitter: Variation in ping. Low jitter (under 10ms) means a stable connection. High jitter causes choppy video calls even when average ping is acceptable.
Comparing to your plan speedYour measured speed will typically be 80–95% of your plan speed — some variance is normal. If consistently getting less than 60% of your plan speed during off-peak hours, contact your ISP with your speed test results as evidence.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common causes: testing over WiFi instead of ethernet (biggest factor), peak hour congestion on your ISP's network (6–11pm), other devices using the connection simultaneously, router performance limitations, or an issue with your ISP's local infrastructure. Test via ethernet during off-peak hours for your true plan speed. If still far below plan speed, contact your ISP.
For a single person working from home: 25 Mbps download is comfortable for video calls, cloud apps and browsing. For a household with multiple people working or streaming simultaneously: 50–100 Mbps. Video conferencing (Zoom, Teams) uses roughly 3 Mbps per call. Upload speed matters too for video calls — 5 Mbps upload or better is recommended.