Just because your internet service provider publicized certain internet speeds does not imply that you are really receiving what you are expending for. Network overcrowding happens when several customers use one shared Internet connection simultaneously, which mostly takes place in apartment buildings and with unreliable internet service providers.
Naturally, it affects your internet speed even when your internet service provider supplies the promised speeds. For instance, other internet networks that run on the same internet channel as your network can cause extreme interference. Sometimes the position of your home router is not suitable, leading to the signals providing coverage in only specific areas of your home.
An expeditious but simple speed test is probably everything you need to determine if your internet company is not providing the service that it should. Here are some of the top speed test apps to help you choose the one that best suits your needs.
So, let’s get started!
Ookla Speedtest
One of the most reliable ways to check network diagnostics and internet speeds is Okla Speedtest. Every day, several people access the site and its applications.
After running the test, it displays the following things within a couple of seconds:
- Download speed (in Mbps)
- Upload speed (in Mbps)
- Your server
- Your provider
If you want to monitor your speed tests in a specific area, then we would suggest you create an account with Ookla. This way, you could easily compare your internet speed quality.
Availability
You can get the Ookla Speedtest app for free on iOS, Android, web, Google Chrome, Apple TV, and macOS.
Speed Smart
Speedtest.net is the developer of the famous internet speed test app SpeedSmart. One thing that distinguishes it from others is its high accuracy level as it deploys HTML5 in place of Java or Flash, which also makes it speedier. Apart from offering a user-friendly interface, it also maintains a history of all its users for future reference.
Availability
You can get the SpeedSmart app on Android, iOS, and the web.
V-SPEED
A cloud-managed speed test app that is perfect for those looking for a customizable app to match your requirements. It can calculate bandwidth, check statistics database, execute advanced Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) tests, and much more.
Availability
You can get the speed test app on Android and iOS.
Bandwidth Place
This app guides you about your upload and download speeds and you can easily access on any device with an internet connection.
Availability
You can get the Bandwidth Place app on all types of devices regardless of location.
Speedtest Master
Designed specifically for Apple phones, Speedtest Master displays correct results in just 30 seconds. It does not matter if you have DSL, ADSL, Wi-Fi, 2G, 3G, 4G, or 5G – you can check your internet connection in just one tap.
Availability
You can get the Speedtest Master app on only iPhones.
Speedcheck Internet Speed Test
This app not only checks your internet speeds but also troubleshoots any unresponsive or sluggish internet and assists in improving slow internet. It also helps in interpreting the results of the speed test.
Availability
You can get the Speedcheck app on iPhones, Android, and also on the web.
FAST
Most people like to stream their favorite movies and shows on their mobile phones. To check if your device can seamlessly stream what you want to watch, Netflix has designed the FAST internet speed test app. It tells you about your current location, upload speed, download speed, ISP’s location, IP address, and latency.
Availability
You can get the Fast app on iPhones, Android, and also on the web.
Meteor Speed Tester
The speed tester app allows you to test your internet speeds and also evaluate Twitter, Facebook, or other social media websites before you post something to make certain that everything is seamlessly operating.
Availability
You can get the Meteor Speed Tester app on Android and iPhones.
How Do Internet Speed Test Apps Work?
Almost all internet speed test apps check the following elements: upload speed, download speed, and latency. One of the most significant measurements for a regular internet user is download speed. It determines how quickly sites load and how much time does it take to load completely, but upload speed and latency are also essential for enjoying a smooth web browsing experience.
Internet Speed Tests: Are They Reliable?
There are various sites online where you can easily run a speed test to check your internet speed. Usually, they test the ping rate, download speeds, and upload speeds of your wireless network.
Checking your network with any of these tools may give you a few numbers, but can you rely on the results?
The answer is yes, you can! Most internet speed tests are accurate, but they may not be the ideal ones. Also, several things may impact the correctness of these tests, and you must consider these things to get accurate numbers. Here are some of these things:
Your Testing Device Location
The location of your device has drastic effects on the speed test results unless you are using a wired connection to run a speed test. Your Wi-Fi signal can only penetrate a few stumbling blocks, and its ability declines with every hindrance.
The Test Server Location
Always keep in mind that running a speed test with a server that is physically positioned at a considerable distance from you can have a negative impact on your test results.
Running a VPN and Speed Test Simultaneously
Avoid running any programs between the internet and your device. It can result in a sluggish internet connection that ultimately harms the accuracy of results.
Wrong Timings for the Test
It is an established fact that the internet rush hour begins around 7 PM and ends around 11 PM. This means that people from all over the country frantically check their social media, watch online videos, download files, or browse the internet during this time window.
With so much traffic, it may not be easy for large ISPs to deliver their promised internet speeds during this time interval, so let’s not even discuss the smaller ones. Hence, a better approach is to run a speed test at any other time during the day. If you test at peak usage time, you can never get accurate speed results.
Internet Equipment
If you still have the same router that your internet service provider gave you a decade ago, then you may not be able to get accurate results from your speed test. Try to invest in a new updated router for better results.
Bottom Line
If you discover that you are still not getting your desired speeds, we would suggest you invest in a good internet service provider. And what is better in connectivity than Mediacom? It delivers up to 1000 Mbps of download speeds with strong in-home Wi-Fi. If you are a gamer, then you get to enjoy an online gaming experience with no lags and a low ping rate.
Now that you know how different speed testing apps work and the accuracy of their results, you can select any of the aforementioned apps to run a speed test on the web, iPhone, or Android. Good luck!
