- Video streaming
- Online gaming
- Video calls
How does this speed test work?
The test successively measures latency, download speed and upload speed from your browser. It launches several HTTP requests, calculates a median value and discards overly unstable measurements to prevent an isolated spike from giving a misleading result.
Download speed corresponds to the speed of receiving data: loading pages, videos, files and updates. Upload speed measures sending data: video calls, cloud backup, file sharing or live streaming. Latency indicates the response time before an exchange begins, while jitter measures the regularity of that latency.
Interpreting the results
- Browsing and email: a few Mbps suffice if latency remains reasonable.
- HD streaming: aim for around 10 Mbps available per screen to maintain a margin.
- 4K streaming: plan for 25 Mbps or more, especially if several devices share the connection.
- Online gaming: latency and jitter often matter more than raw throughput.
- Remote work: stable upload helps a lot for video calls and sending large documents.
Why results can vary
A speed test is an instant snapshot of your connection. Results change depending on your Wi-Fi, your ISP, your device, the time of day, network load, background downloads and the distance to the test point.
For a reliable diagnosis, take three measurements: one on Wi-Fi near the router, one on Ethernet if possible, then one at the place where you actually use the connection. If Ethernet is good but Wi-Fi is weak, the problem likely comes from coverage, the radio channel or a poorly placed repeater.
Improving a slow connection
Start by restarting the router, checking cables, closing synchronisation applications and testing at different times. On Wi-Fi, place the router up high, away from thick walls and devices that disrupt the signal. For fixed workstations, an Ethernet cable remains the most stable solution.
Measurement limits
A browser-based test does not replace a certified operator measurement. It depends on the resources available on the device, open tabs, Wi-Fi quality, power-saving mode and routing to the test point. The result is still useful for comparing nearby situations: before and after a DNS change, near or far from the router, with or without a VPN.
To document an issue with an Internet provider, keep several results from different times and note whether the test was performed on Ethernet or Wi-Fi. A single weak measurement may come from a temporary load spike, while several consistent measurements show a lasting degradation more clearly.