How to Test Your Internet Speed (and What the Results Actually Mean)

Ever feel like your internet just isn’t keeping up? Buffering, laggy video calls, and long downloads can be infuriating. The first step to figuring out what’s going on is to run a speed test. But once you have those numbers, what do they really mean?

How to Test Your Internet Speed

The good news is testing your internet speed is super simple. You don’t need any special equipment — just head to a site like Speedtest.net, Fast.com, or even type “internet speed test” into Google.

If you’re an Unwired customer, you can run a test directly through our recommended tool, WiFiman Speed Test, which connects you to our local server for more accurate results.

A few tips to get the most accurate results:

• Close any apps or downloads running in the background.
• If possible, plug your device directly into the router with an ethernet cable.
• Try running the test a few times throughout the day (for those who aren’t using Unwired service, internet speeds can fluctuate during peak hours).
• Compare Wi-Fi results vs. wired (ethernet cable plugged directly into your computer) to see if your network setup is holding you back.

When our customers call into support for speed issues, we walk them through these same steps when they’re troubleshooting. A quick speed test can save a lot of back-and-forth guessing.

What the Results Actually Mean

When your test finishes, you’ll usually see four key numbers. Here’s what they tell you:

• Download Speed – This is how fast you can receive data. Think streaming Netflix, browsing websites, or downloading files.
• Upload Speed – This measures how fast you can send data. Upload speed matters most for video calls, sending large files, and online gaming.
• Ping (Latency) – This is the time it takes for data to travel between your device and the internet. Low ping = less lag, which is especially important for gamers or video conferencing. At Unwired, low latency is where we really excel — it’s one of the biggest factors in delivering a smoother, more reliable online experience overall.
• Jitter – This measures the stability of your connection. Even if your speeds are high, high jitter can cause stuttering video or choppy audio on calls.

What’s a “Good” Internet Speed?

It depends on what you’re doing and how many people are using the internet in your home. If you would like a guide to deciding how much bandwidth you need, check out our last post: Streaming-How Much Bandwidth Is Enough.

What to Do if Your Speeds Are Slower Than Expected

Running a quick internet speed test is the fastest way to see if you’re getting the service you expect. If your results look way lower than what you’re paying for, don’t panic — there are a few things you can try first. Check out our next post Why Is My Internet Slow? Quick Fixes for Common Problems. 

So go ahead — run a test now on WiFiman and see how your internet stacks up. And if you’re an Unwired customer, don’t hesitate to share your results with us — we’re always here to help.