What is Speedtest?
Speedtest by Ookla is one of the most widely used ways to check how fast your internet connection really is. You press Go and it connects to a nearby test server, then measures your download speed, upload speed, ping and jitter in a few seconds. The results show your provider and the server used, so you can compare runs over time.
Ookla runs a large global network of test servers, and you can pick a different server if you want to test a specific location. Besides the website, Speedtest is available as apps for phones and computers and as a command line tool. Ookla also publishes the Speedtest Global Index, which ranks average mobile and fixed broadband speeds by country.
Main Features
- One-click download, upload, ping and jitter test
- Large network of test servers, with manual server choice
- Results history so you can compare tests over time
- Apps for mobile and desktop, plus a command line version
- Shareable result links for support calls with your provider
- Speedtest Global Index of country speed rankings
How to Get Started with Speedtest
- Open speedtest.net in your browser
- Close other downloads or streams so they do not skew the result
- Press Go and wait for the download and upload tests to finish
- Save or share the result link, or run tests at different times to compare
Speedtest Pricing
Running speed tests on the website and in the apps is free and ad supported. The mobile app sells a small one-time purchase to remove ads, and Ookla offers a separate VPN with a free data allowance and a paid unlimited plan.
Who Should Use It?
- Home users checking they get the speed they pay for
- Remote workers troubleshooting slow video calls
- Gamers watching ping and jitter
- IT staff testing office and Wi-Fi connections
- Anyone comparing internet providers before switching
Speedtest Alternatives
- Free Tool Suite: bundle of free everyday web tools
- Windy: live weather maps and forecasts
- Can I Use: check browser support for web features
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Speedtest free?
Yes. Speed tests are free on the website and in the apps. The only paid options are ad removal in the app and Ookla's separate VPN upgrade.
What do ping and jitter mean on Speedtest?
Ping is how long data takes to reach the test server and come back, and jitter is how much that delay varies. Lower numbers are better for calls and gaming.
Why is my Speedtest result lower than my plan?
Wi-Fi distance, other devices using the connection, and the chosen server can all lower results. Testing over a cable gives the most accurate reading.