16 best internet speed test tools for your phone and desktop

• In today's hyper-connected world, internet speed has become vital in our daily lives.
• From browsing the web to streaming our favorite shows and working remotely, we depend on fast and reliable internet connections to stay connected with the world.
• This is where internet speed test apps come into play.

Internet Service Providers (ISPs) love to make grand claims about the speed of their internet services to entice you to sign up. But what you receive often falls far short of what was once advertised—you need an internet speed test to determine how much.

Often, it’s tough to get your hands on real hard data to justify your impression of a less-than-speedy internet connection. But thankfully, some helpful websites and apps provide a means for you to find out just how sluggish your connection speed is.

Here we'll explore the benefits of using internet speed test apps, how they work, and some of the best options available today. Whether you're a casual internet user or a heavy data consumer, these apps will be useful in optimizing your online experience.

What are some great ways to test internet speed?

And so, without further ado, here are some great tools to help you test internet speed at home and at work. This list is far from exhaustive and is in no particular order.

1. SpeedSmart Speed Test is great for checking internet speed

SpeedSmart is a handy option for testing your internet speed. 

Once you connect to the site, it will approximate your location through your IP instantly. You can then have it analyze your internet latency, download, and upload speeds, as you’d expect.

2. Speed Check & WiFi Finder is also useful for checking your internet speed

Speed Check is an excellent option for your mobile phone while out and about. Brought to you from SpeedSpot, this clever application will give you all the basic information you need.

It’ll show you your upload and download speeds, but it also lets you save it for later reference.

3. Another useful internet speed test tool is Internet Health Test

Internet Health Test is a great tool for finding your internet speed and is very simple to use. Once on the site, a pop-up will ask you if you want to begin.

Once authorized, Internet Health Test will start its five-step process and inspect your internet connection. It does take a little longer than others, but it makes five different tests, and it's ad-free.

4. Xfinity Speed Test will help you check for a slow internet connection

Xfinity Speed Test is a great little tool to help you check your internet speed. This is another browser-based one, but it’ll let you quickly determine your download and upload speeds.

But a warning: It is backed by the internet service provider Comcast.

5. Fast.com is another great tool for testing internet connection

Only owned by Netflix, Fast.com does exactly what it says on the tin. It doesn’t mess around either, loads quickly, and begins analyzing your internet speed before you know it.

6. Verizon Speed Test will help you check your internet speed too

Verizon Speed Test is another straightforward yet effective internet speed test site. You won’t be bothered by ads and must hit the play button to get the necessary information. 

There's one little catch, though; for the moment, Verizon Speed Test only works in the U.S.

7. Test your internet speed with Network Analyzer App

Here’s a great little app for checking your internet speed on your smart device. Network Analyzer App will let you test your Apple device's internet connection.

It will also scan VPNs, Wake-on-LAN for corporate use, and more, although it is not free.

8. Ookla Speedtest is another useful internet speed test app

Ookla Speedtest is one of the more popular internet speed tests on the net. This app is available as an app for your smart device and desktop.

Just click the “Go!” button, and you’re off.

9. DSLReports will check your internet speed with ease

DSLReports Speed Test provides a more in-depth speed test than others on this list. Of course, you’ll get the usual upload and download speeds. Still, it will ask you for other information, like your connection type, to give you solid and actionable information when it's complete.

10. Cox Internet Speed Test is another great app for checking internet speed

Cox Internet Speed Test is not just for Cox users, as you might expect. This speed checker comes with the usual stuff like upload and download speeds, but it can be slower than others on this list.

The speed test page is also a little content-rich, which some might find off-putting.

11. SpeedOf.Me is aptly named

SpeedOf.Me is another web-based internet speed checker. After it's done, it comes up with a glut of helpful information on your internet connection.

12. AT&T High-Speed Internet Speed Test is pretty good too

AT&T offers its very own Internet speed test. But you should note that this one relies on DSLReports for many of its services.

13. Bandwidth Place lets you easily check for slow internet connections

Bandwidth Place is a well-designed and easy-to-use Internet speed test website. It offers a fairly uncluttered page that has been around for around 15 years now.

14. TestMy.net will route out poor internet speeds

TestMy.net is a simple yet effective internet speed test site. You can independently test upload and download speeds and benchmark them to your city’s average.

Getting started is self-explanatory and provides a progress bar for the test, which is always appreciated.

15. Which?'s internet speed connection tool is great too

Which? is a UK-based consumer reports site that also offers a free Internet speed test that provides independent scrutiny of your internet speed like others on the list.

It's straightforward and gives you plenty of helpful information to make sense of it.

16. Meteor is another handy internet speed test tool

And last but by no means least, Meteor is a top-rated internet speed test app for Android. It has overwhelmingly positive reviews.

The app will let you check the quality and speed of uploads and downloads but will also check whether video streaming speeds are acceptable.

And that is your lot for today.

Internet speed test apps are essential for anyone who wants to optimize their internet experience. By providing accurate and reliable internet speed and quality measurements, these apps help users troubleshoot issues, diagnose problems, and ensure that they're getting the most out of their internet connection.

Whether you're a casual user or a tech-savvy pro, an internet speed test app is right for you. So try some of the apps we've covered in this article, and take the first step towards enjoying faster, more reliable internet today!