What Do We Measure In An Internet Speed Test?

Internet Speed Test checks how fast is your internet connection speed and bandwidth for broadband WiFi and mobile networks.

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How will I get the most accurate internet speed test results?

For the most accurate result, connect your device directly to your router using an ethernet cable (if possible), disconnect from any VPNs, and avoid using video or music streaming apps while running the test.

Should I turn off other devices when doing the internet speed test?

Yes, to get a more accurate reading you should limit your use of the internet while conducting the test. This includes turning off devices that are connected as well as not using your computer or device while running the test.

What does an internet speed test actually measure?

Verizon's speed test checks how fast information travels from our servers to your device. Results are often lower than plan speeds due to Wi-Fi conditions and device capabilities. This test is intended to measure results on your home network, and should not be used on public Wi-Fi or cellular networks.

Is there a Wi-Fi speed test?

You can use the test above to test your Wi-Fi connection. If your speed comes back slow, try getting closer to the router or connecting your device to the router with an ethernet cable. Wired connections (by ethernet cable) are generally faster than Wi-Fi connections.

Will the Wi-Fi test also check wifi signal strength?

No. Wi-Fi signal strength is different from internet speed. To learn more about your Wi-Fi signal strength and troubleshoot problems, visit our support pages.

What's the difference between an upload speed test and a download speed test?

You use the internet to both send and receive information. The download speed score shows how long it takes to download or receive information, while the upload test measures how long it takes to send information through the internet. Our speed test measures and reports on both.

What are good upload and download speeds?

The FCC's standard for broadband internet is a download speed of at least 25 Mbps and upload speed of at least 3 Mbps. But the best way to determine how much speed you need is to think about your data needs. The average household now has 25 connected devices, from laptops and smartphones to smart TVs, headphones and gaming consoles. With so many devices, faster speeds and more bandwidth work best. Explore Verizon’s speed plans and see what internet options are available in your area.

What else might impact my internet speed?

There are several factors that might affect your internet speed, including how many devices you have connected, whether you’re using Wi-Fi or an ethernet cable, and even the device you’re using to connect. See a full list of factors that affect your internet speed.

What is jitter on a speed test?

Jitter measures the variation in the response time. It technically means packet delay variation. A data packet is a segment of data that travels over a network path. You could compare it to a car driving on a highway. A website consists of a collection of data packets that travel from a server over a network to your computer. Jitter explains the time delay between the data packets over the network, and it’s measured in milliseconds (ms). A smaller number is better because it means the data packets are traveling over the network path in a consistent way. When that number is high, data packets arrive inconsistently. You could think of jitter like a traffic jam. The data packets can pile up, then arrive all at once, which can overload the device and cause data not to load.

What is ping in a speed test?

Ping measures how quickly your server responds to a request. Also called latency, it measures the round-trip time for a response. Like jitter, ping is measured in milliseconds (ms). The faster the ping, the more responsive your connection. A fast ping is especially important for gaming and other applications where timing is critical. As with jitter, a smaller number is better.