You can view your entire test history to see how your internet connection changes over time. With that, you can change settings, like picking a server for testing, and make it permanent so it's saved for every time you visit. The real benefit in using comes with creating an account. Run the test a few times by clicking the 'Go' button again and again-you will see fluctuations in the data speed from test to test, depending on the network congestion at any given time. The whole process should take less than a minute to complete, and you watch it unfold in real time. All you have to do is click the 'Go' button. It determines your location and pairs you to a local Speedtest server. Ookla Speedtest measures the time it takes for data to transfer between your computer and a remote server by way of your local ISP connection.

We use the data it gathers to determine the Fastest ISPs in the US and Canada, as well as the Best Gaming ISPs. We have a PCMag Speed Test PCMag Speed Test, which you can use any time, even on a mobile device. The conditions on your internet connection can be very different at different times of day.

Skip testing at peak hours, like in the evening when everyone at home, or in the whole neighborhood, is streaming music or movies.

You'll have a lot less network overhead than you would with a Wi-Fi connection.

For real accuracy, plug your PC directly into the router via Ethernet.

Log out of your VPN software for the duration of the test it adds a lot of overhead to the connection.

That includes streaming media or live video meetings.

Turn off any downloads or uploads you have going on your system.

Before you run any of these tests, be sure to:

Test my internet ookla