How to run an accurate home internet speed test and use the results

Kyle Kucharski at ZDNET outlines how to accurately test home internet speeds using Speedtest by Ookla and how to use those results to improve Wi‑Fi performance. The guide defines key terms readers will see in a test — Mbps, download and upload speed, bandwidth, Wi‑Fi bands, ping/latency, jitter and packet loss — and recommends preparing an interference‑free environment.

Kucharski advises using a wired Ethernet connection when possible, closing unnecessary apps and background transfers, disconnecting other devices, and rebooting the router before testing. He notes Ookla selects a testing server by lowest latency and that Ookla is owned by Ziff Davis.

On interpreting results, Kucharski says what counts as “good” depends on needs. He suggests aiming for around 50 Mbps download for reliable 4K streaming (100 Mbps for heavier gaming), about 20 Mbps upload (30 Mbps for smoother streaming and work), and latency under 50 ms (under 20 ms ideal).

He also gives his own example test of roughly 788 Mbps download, 40 Mbps upload and 17 ms latency. He cautions that advertised ISP speeds are theoretical maximums and that small dips are normal; if speeds fall to about half what you pay for, it’s time to troubleshoot. To improve speeds, Kucharski’s top recommendation is upgrading hardware, including extenders or mesh systems; he cites his use of a TP‑Link Deco BE3600 mesh.

Key Topics

Tech, Speedtest By Ookla, Ookla, Ziff Davis, Ethernet, Latency