For most households, 100 Mbps is a solid starting point that supports multiple people browsing, streaming, and video chatting at the same time. Homes with heavier usage, like 4K streaming on several screens or competitive gaming, benefit from plans in the 300 to 500 Mbps range. Power users and large households may want to explore Gig-speed plans that deliver 1,000 Mbps or more. Keep in mind that average internet speeds vary by state, so what’s available to you depends on your location and internet provider.

Start by running a speed test to see where you stand compared to what your plan promises. If the numbers are lower than expected, try these steps:

• Restart your modem and router
• Reduce the number of connected devices
• Switch from Wi-Fi to a wired Ethernet connection
• Move your router to a more central, open location
• Check for firmware updates on your router

Outdated equipment and router placement are two of the most common reasons for slow internet. If none of these steps help, it may be time to contact your provider or consider a faster plan.

Several variables can influence the speeds you see in a test:

• Connection type: Fiber delivers faster, more consistent speeds than cable, DSL, or wireless.
• Device age and capability: Older laptops, tablets, and phones may have Wi-Fi adapters that cap out below your plan speed.
• Distance from your router: The farther you are, the weaker the signal.
• Number of devices: More devices sharing the network means less bandwidth per device.
• Peak hour congestion: Heavy internet traffic in your area during peak hours can also cause temporary slowdowns.
• Provider throttling: In some cases, your provider may be limiting your speeds intentionally, which is worth investigating if you notice consistent underperformance.

Download speed refers to how fast your connection can pull data from the internet to your device. It’s the number that matters most for everyday activities like loading web pages, watching videos, downloading apps, and updating software. This metric is measured in Mbps (megabits per second), and higher numbers mean faster performance. For a closer look at how this metric compares to its counterpart, check out our breakdown of download vs. upload speeds.

Upload speed measures how fast your device can send data out to the internet. It comes into play when you’re posting content to social media, sending email attachments, backing up files to the cloud, or joining video calls like Zoom. While most internet plans emphasize download speed, upload speed is increasingly important as more people rely on two-way communication tools throughout the day.

Ping is the round-trip time it takes for a small packet of data to travel from your device to a server and back, measured in milliseconds (ms). A lower number means a more responsive connection. This metric is especially critical for real-time applications like online gaming, live video, and voice calls where even small delays are noticeable. Ping is closely tied to latency, and both are key indicators of connection quality beyond raw speed.

Jitter refers to the variation in time between data packets arriving at your device. When jitter is low, data flows smoothly and your streams, calls, and games perform as expected. When jitter is high, that inconsistency causes audio to cut in and out, video to stutter, and gameplay to feel unresponsive. It’s measured in milliseconds (ms) and typically appears alongside ping in your speed test results.

The speed your device actually reaches depends on more than just your internet plan. Older laptops, tablets, and phones may have Wi-Fi adapters that cap out well below what your router can deliver. The number of devices sharing your network, signal interference, and whether you’re on Wi-Fi or plugged in via Ethernet also factor in. Understanding the different internet connection types can help you set realistic expectations for each device in your home.

A device speed test measures the connection between your phone, laptop, or tablet and the internet, factoring in your Wi-Fi signal, device hardware, and network congestion. An equipment test isolates the speed between your modem or gateway and your provider’s network, showing the raw speed entering your home before Wi-Fi comes into play. Knowing how to interpret your speed test results makes it easier to pinpoint where a problem is occurring. If your equipment test looks healthy but device speeds are low, learn how to ensure you’re getting the speed you’re paying for.

Your internet speed sets the ceiling for what you can comfortably do online. Basic browsing and email require very little, but activities like streaming video and gaming demand significantly more bandwidth to perform without buffering or lag. For anyone who needs to work from home, reliable speed directly impacts productivity, call quality, and the ability to collaborate with teammates in real time.

Most internet providers advertise the maximum speeds available, so it’s not unusual to see a difference between your actual speeds and the speeds you signed up for. An internet speed test is a definitive way to test the speed and quality of your internet connection from your current internet service provider.