Broadband Speed Test: The Ultimate Guide
Ever feel like your internet is stuck in molasses? Endless buffering, the circle of doom (Mac users will get it!) downloads taking hours, and video calls lagging – a slow internet connection can be incredibly frustrating. But before you throw your router out the window (we’ve all been there!), understanding your internet speed is the first step towards a smoother online experience.
If you would like to learn more information or pricing about business broadband, you can do so here .
Useful links from our article:
Our Favourite Broadband Speedtest Apps
Why Run a Broadband Speed Test?
Common Slow Broadband Issues and Solutions
Video About Speed Tests
Our Favourite Broadband Speedtest Apps include:
Company
Features
Pros
Cons
Reviews
Global server network
detailed results
multi-device support
Comprehensive data (download, upload, ping, jitter)
server selection
history tracking
Ads in the free version
some advanced features require a paid subscription
Fast.com
Simple interface
focuses on download speed
Easy to use
fast
Owned by Netflix
ad-free
Limited data (only download speed)
no server selection
SpeedSmart
Reporting and data sharing
in-depth analysis
Customisable reports
historical data comparison
network troubleshooting tools
Complex interface
requires account creation
Mobile network performance focus
real-world application impact
Mobile signal strength analysis
video streaming speed test
operator comparison
Limited fixed-line broadband testing
requires location access
TestMy.net
Multiple test types (speed, ping, jitter, traceroute)
Variety of test options
VPN compatibility check
Less user-friendly interface compared to some others
limited server selection
Trustpilot : 3 out of 5 stars
Our review: 3 out of 5 stars
SpeedOf.me
Simple
visual interface
HTML5 based
Fast test
clean interface
no account required
Limited data (download, upload)
no server selection
NPerf
Video streaming and VPN performance tests
Advanced features like bufferbloat test
latency graphs
less known than the others
Why Run a Broadband Speed Test?
Checking your internet speed isn’t just reserved for IT experts and tech heads. It’s a valuable tool for understanding your connection, promptly identifying issues, and ensuring you’re receiving the broadband service you’re paying for.
Whether you’re a casual internet user or rely on high and reliable speeds to transfer hefty files, our guide will walk you through how to check your internet speed and cover everything you need to know about troubleshooting and optimising your connection.
Let’s start with the basics of speed tests: what exactly do they measure?
Run a download speed test: This measures how quickly your device receives data, which is crucial for streaming, downloading large files, and browsing.
Run an upload speed test : This assesses how fast you can send data to the internet, which is essential for activities such as video calls, file sharing, and online gaming.
Run a ping test : This measures latency or the time it takes for a small packet of data to travel from your device to a server on the internet and back. Consider it your connection’s reaction time, especially crucial for real-time applications like gaming and video calls.
Now, let’s break down the jargon:
Higher Mbps numbers indicate faster speeds. For instance, downloading a large movie file will be faster with a 20Mbps connection than with a 5Mbps connection. The higher the Mbps number, the quicker you can access websites, videos, and downloads.
Internet speeds are typically measured in Mbps (megabits per second). Remember that eight megabits (Mb) are in a megabyte (MB). File sizes, such as downloads and streams, are often measured in megabytes. So, with a 1Mbps connection, you can download a 1MB file in 8 seconds.
Speed tests apply to all connection types and can provide insights into how fast data moves in and out of your network, regardless of how it’s delivered to your premises.
Common Slow Broadband Issues and Solutions
Video About Speed Tests
Hi, I’m Ally Cox, one of the leading Copywriter/Bloggers at CompareYourBusinessCosts.co.uk, a platform renowned for its in-depth analysis and comprehensive comparisons of business services. With over a decade of experience in the industry, I bring a wealth of expertise in areas such as leased lines, VoIP, business energy and office solutions, HR solutions, accounting, and payroll services, among others.
My journey in the industry began over 10 years ago, and my extensive knowledge enables me to provide invaluable insights to our users and customers. Prior to joining CompareYourBusinessCosts, I’ve been involved in various business ventures, gaining hands-on experience in HR and copywriting across a multitude of different sectors, gaining valuable knowledge about everything from clocking in systems to card machines, EPOS systems, payroll services, and so much more.
My mission is to simplify the often-complex buying process for businesses, helping them streamline their product and service comparisons effectively. By leveraging the expertise I’ve acquired over the years, I aim to assist businesses in making informed decisions that enhance their efficiency and bottom line.