Internet Speed Test

What is a good internet speed?

A good internet speed is at least 25Mbps download and 3Mbps upload. These internet speeds are the bare minimum for a broadband connection as defined by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). But you’ll get better results with an internet plan that supports download speeds between 40–100Mbps.

That said, no one wants to overpay for internet speed. You can use our How Much Speed Do You Need? Tool to generate a personalized internet speed recommendation based on how your household uses the internet. Find that sweet spot of sufficient download speed without overpaying for speed you won’t use.

 

How much internet speed do I need?

You need at least 25Mbps download speeds and 3Mbps upload speeds to effectively stream, game, download, and Zoom online with minimal slowdowns and buffering. But if you live with three or more people, you’ll be better off with 100Mbps download speeds and 10Mbps upload speeds to support more users and bandwidth-heavy tasks.

 

What is the fastest type of internet?

 Fiber internet is the fastest type of internet connection. It uses cables made of bundled fiber-optic strands to transmit large amounts of data with light signals. Most fiber internet plans give you 1,000Mbps speeds, although some providers can get you speeds of up to 2,000Mbps or even 5,000Mbps. Fiber is also the only type of internet that gives you symmetrical upload speeds—so your uploads will be just as fast as your downloads.

 

Why is my internet so slow?

 Your internet can be slow for many reasons. Your internet plan may be too slow for your needs, your modem or router may be out of date, your router may be on the fritz, or you might have too many people using your Wi-Fi at the same time. We can help you identify where the problem is and how to fix it.

 

How can I improve my internet speed?

You can improve your internet speed by upgrading to a faster plan, updating your equipment, or taking simpler measures like closing out apps and browser windows. We can walk you through 10 steps to improve your internet speed in just 15 minutes.

 

Do I need a faster router?

 You need a faster router if your current router is using outdated Wi-Fi standards. Anything older than Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) or Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) doesn’t get you appropriate speeds equal to what’s capable on most high-speed internet connections.

 Even a router that’s just a few years old might not meet appropriate speed standards, depending on your connection. Look into your router’s spects to see its Wi-Fi standards and max speeds and get a new router if it’s an older model. We have more information on when and how to replace an outdated router.

 

How do I get faster internet?

You can get faster internet by upgrading your internet plan. If you can’t upgrade your current speeds and feel stuck with bad service, you can also switch to a new provider.