Speed test

Download, upload and latency

Download is how fast data reaches you (streaming, downloads, browsing); upload is how fast you send (video calls, cloud backups, sending large files). Latency is the round-trip delay in milliseconds — it matters more than raw speed for calls, remote desktop and gaming.

As a guide, an HD video call needs about 3–4 Mbps in each direction and latency under 100 ms; 4K streaming needs about 25 Mbps.

Getting an accurate result

• Test on a cable rather than Wi-Fi if you can — Wi-Fi is the most common bottleneck.
• Pause other downloads, updates and cloud sync, and turn off any VPN.
• Run the test two or three times, and at different times of day.

Slower than your plan?

Plans are sold as “up to” a speed. If you’re far below it on a cable connection, restart the router, then test directly from the router’s own speed test if it has one. If the result is still low, contact your provider with the measurements.