Xfinity Speed Test Internet Speed

1. Xfinity Speed Test Internet Speed Ookla
2. Fast Speed Test
3. How Fast Is My Internet Ookla
4. Comcast Check My Speed Test

Jan 4, 2021 Share
FAQ, Internet Speed Guides

First, check your Internet Speed. Connected with many devices at the same time and doing multiple tasks at the same, may impact the internet speed, such as Streaming 4k Ultra high definition video, Large Files Download, gaming, etc.,. Restart the Modem, ensure that the cable is properly connected. Switch off the Internet in the devices which all are not in use. Xfinity Internet Speed Test. This speed test is a way for Xfinity Internet customers to test their connections, partially to determine if anything is wrong and to determine if you are getting the download and upload speeds promised when you first signed up. The tool is free to use. So, you can make a complete log of your entire month's internet speed. The tool represents data in the form of easy to understand graphs. Charter speed test is one of the most used and accurate internet speed checkers. The tool gives you the best results for free. It gives the data in the form that is easy to understand. The connection we used to run the Xfinity speed test is advertised to deliver download speeds that run up to 250 Mbps. The results were almost exactly what we expected ― they're right in line with the connection speeds promised by our ISP, and they're also in the same range as results from other competing speed test applications.

The internet has come a long way since the 1990s. No more listening to the modem screech and buzz over the phone line. No more watching a JPG slowly inch its way down the screen. Those days are now a distant memory (at least for most people). Nowadays, our thermostats, coffee makers, doorbells, lightbulbs, and refrigerators are all connected to our home networks, and it doesn't even hamper our ability to stream ultra-high definition video . . .

… except when it does.

No one likes endlessly waiting for their video to buffer, but it's not always obvious how to fix the problem. Is it just your browser? Do you need a new router? A new computer? Or do you need to switch to a more reliable internet service provider (ISP)?

Xfinity Speed Test Internet Speed Ookla

Before you do anything else, the first thing you should do is test your internet speed. And, fortunately, we have a tool for that.

Jump to: How do I test my internet speed? | What a speed test measures | What determines internet speed? | Tips for an accurate test | What do my results mean? | Get a better internet plan

Jump to:

How do I test my internet speed?

Testing the speed of your internet connection is easy. Just click on the button below to take our speed test.

This test will give you your download and upload speeds (as well as other information like latency, if you click on the details), which you can compare to your provider's advertised speeds.

But there's more to internet speed than just testing it. We'll walk you through all the ins and outs of measuring your internet speed and what it means for you.

What an internet speed test measures

What does Mbps mean?

Let's start with the basics. Internet speed is measured in bits (a single binary 1 or 0) per second. Internet connections can handle a lot of this data, so we usually talk about speeds in megabits per second (Mbps), which is a million bits per second. When speeds get really fast (1,000 Mbps or faster), we talk about them in gigabits per second (Gbps), which is a billion bits per second. (1,000 Mbps = 1 Gbps)

Download speed vs. upload speed

Both your download speed and your upload speed are measured in Mbps. Download speed refers to how fast information from the internet gets to your device (how fast your Netflix show loads), while upload speed refers to how fast information on your device can be sent to some other destination on the internet (how fast your vacation pictures post to Instagram). For most connections, upload and download speed are usually different, but when you see internet plans advertised by speed, they're usually focusing on just the download speed.

What is latency?

One other important measurement for internet speed is latency, or lag. This refers to the time it takes for a signal to be sent from your computer to your service provider and come back. High latency can lead to more buffering on streaming video, but it's much more disruptive in activities like video chat or online gaming.

What determines your internet speed?

If there's one thing that everyone knows about internet speed, it's that not all connections are created equal. Most ISPs offer multiple plans with different speeds, but often these plans also use different technologies to connect you to the internet. Though some are significantly faster than others, there are also other pros and cons besides just speed.

Dial-up internet is the slowest kind of internet connection and is too slow for uses like streaming video. It can't hit broadband speeds, usually topping out around 50 kbps (only 0.05 Mbps), though depending on the service, it can be much slower. It's usually pretty cheap, but there are much better low-cost options these days.

Satellite internet uses a satellite signal to wirelessly connect to your home. Satellite can give you the broadband speeds necessary to do things like stream video, but it's still a relatively slow and expensive option. Satellite internet speeds range from 5 Mbps to 25 Mbps. Also, since your signal has to reach a satellite in orbit, it has incredibly high latency. The upside is that you can get it almost anywhere in the US, even in remote areas.

DSL, or digital subscriber line, uses existing telephone networks, but it achieves much higher speeds than dial-up, anywhere from 0.5 Mbps to 75 Mbps. It's not much faster than satellite and its speed is affected by the distance to your ISP's central office.

Cable internet uses copper wires, just like cable TV. Cable offers incredibly fast speeds, between 25 Mbps and 1,000 Mbps (1 Gbps), but it also has a few drawbacks. Connections are generally shared between neighbors, which means cable networks get congested during peak hours. Cable also offers much higher download speeds than upload speeds. This isn't an issue with cable TV, since broadcasts go only one direction, but it can be a problem for some online activities on cable internet.

Fiber internet connects you to the web via fiber-optic cables. Fiber is the fastest and most reliable kind of internet service, with speeds ranging from 50 Mbps to 2,000 Mbps (2 Gbps). It also has the benefit of symmetrical upload speeds. In other words, your uploads are just as fast as your downloads.

By understanding what kind of internet connection you have, you should have a good idea of how fast your connection should be. The question, though, is how much speed you're actually getting from your connection.

Tips to get the most accurate speed

Testing your speed is easy, but how do you get the most accurate measurement of your internet connection? Here are a few things you can do to get the most accurate results:

Pause automatic downloads.

First, make sure you're not downloading any large files in the background. You can check the Task Manager on Windows or the Activity Monitor on macOS to see if any programs are trying to download updates or other large files. Close or quit all apps on your computer. You might still have some background processes using the internet but nothing that would make a big impact.

Get rid of freeloaders.

Next, make sure that no one else on your home network is using a chunk of your bandwidth. You're not going to get very accurate results if you have people streaming Netflix in three different rooms of your house while you test. If you suspect you might have someone stealing your Wi-Fi or some other freeloaders on your network, you can also change your network password.

Check for wireless router issues.

Many people argue that you should always plug your computer directly into your router with an Ethernet cable before you test your internet speed. While this does give you a more accurate measure of what your ISP is giving you, it doesn't help much if you're still getting slow speeds where you normally use your devices.

We suggest that you check your internet speed where you most often use your computer. If the speed is less than what you expect, try plugging it into your router. If you get a dramatic increase in speed, it might be time to get a better router.

So, what do my results mean?

Once you know exactly how many Mbps you're getting over your internet connection, what do you do next? First off, you need to make sure you can interpret your results. There's no need to make an angry call to your ISP because you're paying for gigabit internet but only getting upload speeds of 30 Mbps. If you have a cable connection, that's perfectly normal, and it probably still has plenty of upload speed for your needs.

Interpreting download speeds

The most important number from your speed test is your download speed. That's what's going to determine how fast files download, how many devices your network can support, and how high the quality of your video can be.

If you have DSL, you should expect your speed to be a bit lower than advertised due to your distance from the central hub, but there's also no way to improve it unless you move your whole house closer (or switch to a different type of connection).

If you have cable internet and your result is low, you're probably experiencing congestion from the other homes in your area. Try testing your speed at another time when your neighbors are less likely to be online. If you're hitting the proper download speeds outside of peak-use times, there's nothing wrong with your connection. That's just how cable works.

Checking your latency

If you play online games or watch live video, you also want to pay attention to your latency. If your latency is down below 20 milliseconds (ms), your experience should be perfectly smooth. If your latency is above 150 ms, you're going to have some significant issues with lag. Some lag issues can't be fixed because that would mean changing the laws of physics. Even going at near the speed of light, it takes time for a signal to reach a server in South Korea.

Other sources of lag can be dealt with. Replacing an old router can reduce latency. Connecting directly to your router via Ethernet cable instead of over Wi-Fi will make a huge difference in preventing lag. Finally, you can upgrade to a type of connection with naturally lower latency, like fiber.

Diagnosing problems

If you've done everything you can to get the most accurate speed test and your download speeds are still way below what your ISP promised, it could mean a few different things.

Malware—You might have malware on your device. Network worms and other malicious software hijack part of your bandwidth, but this is often the least of your worries. Run antivirus software to check for and remove malware.

Outdated hardware—You might have outdated hardware that's incompatible with your provider's requirements. For example, Xfinity's gigabit services require a DOCSIS 3.1 modem. Although DOCSIS 3.0 equipment can technically get up to gigabit speeds, Xfinity doesn't support it.

ISP issues—There might be a problem with your provider's infrastructure. Sometimes these are just network interruptions caused by your ISP upgrading part of their network or simply doing maintenance. It could also be a more serious problem that can be fixed only by your provider. If you've explored the other options and are still having issues, call your ISP's customer service.

Malfunctioning equipment—If your speed is lower than expected, but there are no problems with your ISP, there might be a problem with your equipment. Reset your modem and router by turning them off, waiting for a minute or two, then turning them back on. Try connecting to your router using an Ethernet cable instead of over Wi-Fi. If you're already using a wired connection, try swapping out your Ethernet cable for a different one. You can also try running the speed test from a different device to see if you get the same results.

Get a better internet plan

If, after all this, your internet speed is still not enough to meet your needs, it might be time to upgrade to a faster plan, or simply find a better ISP.

To see what other options are available in your area, type your ZIP code below.

Author - Peter Christiansen

Peter Christiansen holds a PhD in Communication from the University of Utah and has been working in tech for over 15 years, working as a computer programmer, game developer, filmmaker, and writer. His writing has been praised by outlets like Wired, Digital Humanities Now, and the New Statesman.

Editor - Cara Haynes

Cara Haynes has edited for HighSpeedInternet.com for three years, working with smart writers to revise everything from internet reviews to reports on your state's favorite Netflix show. She believes no one should feel lost in internet land and that a good internet connection significantly extends your life span (buffering kills). With a degree in English and editing and five years working with online content, it's safe to say she likes words on the internet. She is most likely to be seen wearing Birkenstocks and hanging out with a bouncy goldendoodle named Dobby, who is a literal fur angel sent to Earth.

Try to imagine not having an internetconnection in the modern world. Chances are you would have difficultiescommunicating with loved ones, working at your most effective, and even payingyour bills. There is a reason that the UN considers it a human right.

Yet, in many cases having a fastinternet connection is just as important as having an internet connection atall. Video calls are becoming the norm, as is streaming content that requiresmore and more bandwidth. The COVID-19 pandemic only showcased the need further,and more of us are adapting to a digital life than ever before. The world ismoving forward under the assumption of faster internet, and your householdbetter keep up by getting a good service.

Therefore, you need to get theinternet speeds you were promised by your ISP and ensure no interference withyour connection. To help you do this, there are speed tests that can help. Yetwhich one (there are countless) should you use, and what are the best ways touse them? Keep on reading to learn everything you need to know.

Why is a speed test so helpful? Peopleuse them for many reasons. The most common reasons you may want to use one are:

·You want to make sure that youare getting precisely what you paid for from your ISP and that you are notbeing throttled in any way.

·To determine whether yourhousehold needs an upgrade. The average internet speed in an American home was5 Mbps in 2009. In 2018 that number grew to 96.25, and it is onlyexpected to continue growing. Every household will need to change their plan;eventually, it is just a matter of when.

·You wonder whether a device orreceiver works properly or whether you might need a fix or a peripheral.

·You are concerned there is toomuch stress currently on the network with the number of devices.

·You need to check on anadditional metric such as upload speed or ping rate, likely for work or gamingpurposes. This can help prevent you from wasting money on devices you cannotget the most out of.

Naturally, there are other reasons anduses for a speed test, and perhaps you have one in mind already. They all boildown to needing more information about your home (or business) internetsituation and what you will need for the future. Information, as long as it'saccurate and you know how to interpret it, will never steer you wrong.

Speed Test Best Practices

How do you make the most of a speedtest? We recommend the following best practices to ensure an accurate readingand to help you more easily determine the cause of a problem if there is one:

·Try a speed test (ideally thesame speed test) from multiple devices in the same general location. This willhelp determine if a problem is device-specific.

·Test under normal workingconditions and ideal conditions. If there are a few devices that will alwaysuse a bit of bandwidth, do not turn them off for your first test, but do turnthem off for another. You may want to know your speed in both conditions,depending on whether you are concerned about your ISP or just whether you haveenough bandwidth to do something.

·Double-check ahead of time whatyour download and upload speeds should actually be. Make sure there are nomisunderstandings about your plan.

·Perform several tests over theday. Depending on your internet service type, there will be hours where yourinternet is not as fast due to usage elsewhere in your neighborhood. Thisshould be measured and taken into account when making decisions.

What We Look for in a Test

While we will shortly be talking aboutthe best options, first you should know what is essential in a speed test, withall the key facets listed below:

Accuracy: If a speed test is not as accurate as possible, what is the point inusing it?

Ease-of-Use: A speed test site should never confuse the user. At most, you shouldneed to input a few bits of information and press the start button, perhapswith some options available on the side for specialized use.

Information Provided: While the download speed is probably most important to most users,there are other metrics (particularly upload speed and ping rate) that are importantas well0014the more information, the better, as long as it is presented clearlyand concisely.

Ability to Simulate Real WorldConditions: The way a speed test is conducted canaffect the results. While some tests might be best for a neutral measurement ofthe data, most people use their internet for a few things, such as streamingmovies, video calls, and playing games online. The more a speed test cansimulate these kinds of situations, the better.

Good Design: A well-designed speed test site should showcase all the informationeasily, be easy to read and understand, and be well-organized. Anythingsuperfluous is a detriment to the test. Complicated designs and setups from asite can potentially interfere with results.

Servers in Multiple Areas: Ideally, you should be using a speed test with servers near yourarea. Otherwise, the results (especially your ping rate) will be affected byyour region. The best speed test sites have servers across the country (or theworld) to allow for the most accurate readings.

Freedom from Bias: Many speed tests are run by ISPs, but can you be certain that thosetests do not have an agenda? Surely they would want to make their own serviceslook good, and others look lacking. While certain ISPs would not engage in thistype of behavior, the question is necessary, and potential biases are noted.

The 7 Best Speed Test Sites

Without further wait, here are our topchoices. Please read each selection to make sure you pick out the best test foryour needs to get the best results.

1. Speedtest.net

Our top choice is Ookla'sSpeedtest.net, which happens to be one of the oldest and most popular speedtests on the market. Despite its age (or more likely in part due to it), wefind that it is the best test for most people and one you should try first.

It has practically everything youcould want in a speed test, with all of the basic information readily availableand a vast list of servers across the country, ensuring an accurate reading nomatter where you are.

Furthermore, if you make an account,you can keep records of your previous tests. This can be particularly helpfulif you want to measure changes, keep different devices in mind, or trackimprovements after changing plans or making changes to your setup. It allowsfor optimization with less effort on your end.

The main downside we found with thesite is the fact that ads appear. While we understand that the site needs tosupport itself, the ads could potentially interfere with the measurements,depending on the nature of the ads and your connection.

2. Speedof.me

If you are looking for a good measureof your connection's consistency, then Speedof.me is a test you should try.They show you not only the final results but also how consistent yourconnection is throughout the test, which is crucial if you are testing forpurposes related to video calls or online gaming.

However, more data can mean that saiddata is a bit harder to interpret. You might need to spend a little more timeanalyzing the results, which is not ideal if you need to do a test right awayor in a hurry.

The test is also different betweenmobile and desktop. The mobile version is a bit more accessible (without evenneeding to use an app), and for that reason, speedof.me can be a great choicefor mobile users of all sorts.

3. TestMy.net

A comprehensive option people lookingfor accuracy (and everyone should be) will love, TestMy.net is a test that runson HTML5 and is independent of any sources of bias. It focuses on functionabove all else, and it functions wonderfully.

It can be a little harder to look atcompared to the other testing sites, and you might have to click through a fewmore pages. Still, they provide some of the most in-depth data available from aspeed test and allow you to compare your results to the averages of your city,your host, and more.

Like some other speed test sites, youcan create an account to track results over time. This, combined with a widearray of data provided, is an excellent combination.

4. Xfinity Speed Test

Fast Speed Test

Simple and easy to use, the XfinitySpeed Test is not flashy by any means, but that is precisely what some people arelooking for. It provides you with the standard information, is reliable, andhas a nice if somewhat cluttered on some devices, design to it.

What is different about Xfinity isthat it provides contextual information about your internet speed, making it ahelpful tool for those who might not know what all the numbers mean. Forexample, the speed test will provide some bullet points on what you can do withyour current download speed and provide a few tips about making sure the testruns as accurately as possible. This makes it one of the most user-friendlytests for those who do not use technology too often.

Xfinity provides this speed test.While we consider that a point of concern, there was no bias we could detect inthe test, you do not need to be a subscriber of any kind to their services, andreadings were accurate compared with other tests. There is no way to savetests, and the screen might feel too cluttered for some, but we are generallyhappy with what it can provide people.

5. Internet Health Test

From what we can determine, this is avariation of Ookla's Speedtest.net. Internet Health test is a great way toquickly get more data than you would from the other 'fast' testingsites available. Yet it is not only fast and simple but a bit more versatilethan the competition as well. You can select your host from a range of places,allowing you to tailor your test. You get to see how stable the connection isover time, letting you know if consistency will be an issue. All of the basicinformation is there.

We did not find some of the datalogging features found in other speed tests, but you can share your results onsocial media (although why would you), and you can email them to yourself forrecord-keeping.

Overall, we recommend this service tothose looking for more information on how their connection would work invarious situations and for those looking for a secondary test to act as a pointof comparison.

6. Speedsmart

Our next recommendation is Speedsmart,which is easy to use, based on HTML5, and accessible from a wide variety ofdevices. They put great effort into making sure that you get the most accuratereadings possible, allowing for more data to be sent and received to ensurequality results, including ping results for those who need them.

If you need to access records ofprevious tests and none of the other options look acceptable to you, thenSpeedsmart has you covered, no matter what device you are using. You can use anaccount to keep track of everything and let yourself compare the data, whetherfor a network or a location.

There are a few extra bits ofinformation on the testing page, and we would like to see some more servers(although this is not a dealbreaker in their case.) Speedsmart is a strongoption for people obsessed with accuracy.

7. Fast.com

When you first load Fast.com, all youwill see is a large and simple display of your download speed, easy to readwith no confusion. If that is all you are looking for, then fast.com will allowyou to get the info and get out. After a few seconds, you will also be able todetermine your ping rate and your upload speed in simple terms. There isn'teven a start button; it just goes.

What is interesting about Fast.com isthat the site is owned by Netflix, which utilizes a massive amount of internetbandwidth around the world. They have a vested interest in knowing how muchdata they are using and making sure their customers can use their serviceeffectively. The investment makes sense for them, given the company's historyof dealing with throttled connections.

There are not many additionalsettings, which makes us hesitant to recommend it for general purposes or getthe most specific readings, but content streamers can and should come toFast.com first.

One last note is that while we didrank these and think some will help more people than others, everyone hasdifferent priorities. Which one of these is best for you will depend on whatyou are looking for. Think about your needs and before settling with one, ortry out several (it will not cost you anything)

What Causes Slow Internet?

To diagnose your slow internet or knowwhether you have the issue in the first place, you will need to know some ofthe causes. While there are longer guides on the subject, if you have acomplicated problem or need to get into the nuts and bolts of the matter, youcan start by looking into the following potential causes:

·Network Interference: Is there anything that might be interfering with the network?Additional abnormal signals? Some radio frequencies can cause problems. If youremove or turn off these devices and your internet speed picks up, you havefound the culprit.

·Inadequate Equipment: How old is your equipment, and is it capable of handling yourinternet plan? While generally not an issue for those renting equipment, it'sstill a problem for many households. Ensure that you check for these issuesboth in terms of your modem/router and any receivers you use. If your routercan transmit gigabit internet speeds, but your USB receiver can only handle 100Mbps, that is a considerable drop-off.

·Poor Equipment Placement: Alternatively, your equipment might be working just fine; it is justthat it is in a place where the signal cannot be transmitted or receivedeasily. Ensure that devices are close enough to a router (or just connected viaethernet cable) and in a place where they can send signals effectively.

How Fast Is My Internet Ookla

·Background Programs: Sometimes, you can have many programs or apps running in thebackground, eating up bandwidth without you even knowing it. Depending on yourusage habits, you might be able to turn some off without any difference in youronline life. Check for default apps and programs that might be running in thebackground.

·Too Many Users: Your internet connection can seem slow if there are too many userson the network, or more specifically, too many devices jockeying for bandwidth.If you have many devices going at once, you may want to consider turning someoff, upgrading your plan, or upgrading your equipment.

·Network Outage or Overuse: There might be a storm outside, or a traffic accident could haveinvolved a telephone pole. Depending on your service type, lines may be damagedor downed, which can cause problems (either a complete outage or a slowdown asthe information gets rerouted).

·ISP Throttling: If your speeds are slower than anticipated and there is no otherobvious answer, your ISP might be throttling your connection. They might dothis in response to a perceived slight, going over your monthly data limit (ifthere is one), or another reason. Check to see why this may happen and if thethrottling is fair.

·Computer Issues or Malware: Malware can also cause slow internet speeds. Make sure that you arepracticing good cybersecurity and perform a scan at regular intervals. Adamaged device might also lead to a poor connection and will likely have othersymptoms as well.

Comcast Check My Speed Test

There are other causes, but one of theabove will likely be the culprit if your speed test shows a slower speed thanusual or anticipated. Be sure to check every once in a while, as new issues andcauses for slow internet can come up regularly.

What to Do with the Speed Test Information

Now that you have your findings, youmight have some decisions to make. If you have tested your connection multipletimes and even with a few different tests, and things are not as you wouldlike, you should not hesitate to take one of the following actions:

·If you find that your ISP isnot performing as promised, call them and see if they can explain the problem.While most ISPs have a range where they might dip below their advertised rates,any significant deviations should be noted and not be tolerated, especially ifthere is a solid competitor in your area. However, there might be a temporaryproblem due to damaged equipment, which you can expect to be solved shortly.

·You may want to upgrade yourplan or change providers. This can be costly, so make sure to do your researchahead of time, but you can also likely get a good deal or have your new ISP buyout your old contract. Make sure to read all the fine print.

·You may want to use the testresults as a negotiating chip. If you appearto have done your research, your provider will take your threats to switch moreseriously.

·You may wish to change yourinternet set up in your home, mostly regarding the equipment you use and itsplacement. A wired connection is always better than a wireless one and keepyour router away from devices or places that might cause interference.Alternatively, you may wish to invest in a range extender.

·You can move forward with yourplans that you performed the speed test for in the first place. For example,smart home upgrades can be costly and require constant bandwidth, but they canbe worth it if you can rely on your connection.

Conclusion

Performing an occasional speed test onyour connection is a great way to ensure that you are getting the services youare paying for and can help you figure out the source of any interference. Wehope that one of the above speed test sites can help you learn what you need toand get an accurate reading. Whatever you wind up doing, we wish you the bestof luck and a swift resolution to any problems.