Living without an internet connection in this day and time is unimaginable. It might as well be classified as a calamity. But that does not mean a spotty internet connection makes things better. For applications and websites to run smoothly, it is vital to have a fast and efficient network. How will you know whether your connection makes the cut? Simply use internet speed testing software to check its quality and reach.

Meteor by Opensignal
OpenSignal’s Meteor is a great internet speed test program for both Android and iOS. The application has a polished interface that spells out in simple, uncomplicated terms the results of your tests. It offers details about ping, upload, and download times, besides information about cellular coverage. This app can also test internet speeds on individual programs and platforms. Meteor’s look, feel, and speed are bound to have you hooked, not to mention it is entirely free of cost!

SpeedTest Master
Available for both Android and iOS, Speedtest Master is a powerful software that delivers quality data from the get-go. It has options for tracking internet response time for platforms like YouTube, TikTok, PlayStation, and social media. The program can also test your Wi-Fi strength and let you know the best spot to enjoy a strong network. If you are in a busy area with multiple Wi-Fi networks, you can rely on SpeedTest Master to inform you of the suitable one to connect to. One downside to SpeedTest Master is that it only allows a few free tests, so you will have to select a payment plan for unlimited access.

Speedtest by Ookla
A rare internet speed testing application that runs on almost every platform, Speedtest by Ookla is a popular choice. The software is known for its reliable tests that you can conduct for free. You might receive results in the form of bare-bones information, but it does its job well. Since the app is a free product, it is riddled with ads and can be a tad bit annoying when you want to concentrate on the results it generates. When using it on your phone, you can avail of the ad-free version for as little as $0.99. It also has an efficient built-in VPN and can track your result history.

Fast by Netflix
One thing that makes Fast a preferred internet speed test application is its ease of use. Just turn it on, and the program will automatically record your download speed—no need to click or tap any button. Fast barely uses space on your phone, making it easier to keep it running without causing lag. It allows you to save test results for monitoring your internet performance over time. It also provides access to advanced features, such as upload speed, your IP address, and loaded and unloaded latency.

Network Speed Test by Microsoft
Available on the Microsoft store, Network Speed Test by the tech giant is a great tool to assess your internet speed. The application is light on your device, easy to navigate, and gives you all the information needed without hassle. It is currently available only for Windows users and lacks features like testing network range and signal performance. However, it does record your previous internet test results and lets you compare them. The internet speed test program also lists the connection type to keep you from mixing different network types.

Besides working with reliable test applications, it is vital to know the dos before performing tests. Here are a few crucial things to do before you begin:

Check network congestion
Before testing your internet for speed, ensure no one else is connected to the network. Other people or devices using the connection may let the speed analyzer application pull in a weaker signal and thus provide inaccurate information. This also means shutting down all applications and programs running in the background.

Create an obstruction-free zone
Another factor to consider when performing an internet speed test is the number of obstructions between the device and the Wi-Fi router. Sitting as close to the router as possible will deliver more accurate results, so eliminate any obstructions if present. This is a simple yet valuable tip to follow.

Use an ethernet cable
When testing the internet speed on your laptop, use an ethernet cable instead of connecting the laptop to a router wirelessly. This allows uninterrupted network connection. If your ethernet numbers turn out poorer than Wi-Fi numbers, it might be time for you to visit the store and replace the ethernet cable.