How do I actually find out if my internet speed matches what I’m paying for?
To see if you’re getting what you pay for, run a speed test on a wired connection and compare the numbers to your ISP bill. Just remember that advertised speeds are usually “up to” a certain amount, so don’t panic if it’s not perfectly exact.
Quick things to check first
- Grab your latest internet bill or check your account online to find the exact speed tier you’re paying for (e.g., 100 Mbps download).
- Run a free test using a site like TestMySpeed.com to see your current download, upload, and ping numbers.
- Run the test a few times at different hours of the day to see if your speed drops during peak usage times.
If that didn’t fix it
- For the most accurate reading, plug a laptop directly into your router using an Ethernet cable instead of testing over Wi-Fi. Wi-Fi is always slower due to walls and interference, but a wired test tells you what the provider is actually sending to your house.
- Compare your wired test results to your bill. If you’re paying for 250 Mbps and getting 240 Mbps, you’re in good shape. If you’re getting 50 Mbps, you’ve got a real problem.
- Keep an eye on your data usage. Some providers throttle your speeds if you hit a data cap, so check your account online to see if you’ve crossed a limit.
When to call a pro
If your wired speed test shows you’re getting significantly less than what you pay for (like paying for 500 Mbps and getting 20 Mbps), it’s time to call your provider. Also, if your internet completely drops out or the modem’s lights turn red, stop troubleshooting and call them.
Pro tip
Run a speed test once a month and write the results down. Having a log of your speeds makes it much easier to argue with the internet company when things slow down. `