Open FAST.com in any browser, anywhere, with no account and no card. That is the place to go right now. If you want a second opinion without signing up for anything, run Speedtest by Ookla in the same browser tab.
Which speed test should you use?
FAST.com is a global, ad-free test that runs in any browser on any device. Netflix provides it as a free service for members and the public to estimate the speed your ISP provides. It works everywhere, requires no account, and asks for no payment card. The page itself states it is intended as a simple way to estimate ISP speed.
Speedtest by Ookla is a global broadband speed test. The basic web version does not require an account or a payment card. The help pages explain ping, jitter, download, upload, and packet loss. It works worldwide from the homepage.
LibreSpeed is a free and open-source speed test. It does not require an account or a payment card. Because it is software you can deploy yourself, there are no country restrictions. It is free under an open licence model.
The Texas State Library and Archives Commission speed test is for Texas public libraries only. It collects internet-speed data from library mains and branches during February. You access it through email invitations sent to public library directors, so it is not a public consumer tool. If you are not a Texas public library director, this test is not worth your time.
Why two speed tests disagree
Two tests can disagree because they measure different things. FAST.com is designed to estimate the speed your ISP provides, which means it tries to saturate your connection to see the maximum throughput. Speedtest by Ookla measures download, upload, latency, jitter, and packet loss, but it may use a different server or a different test duration. LibreSpeed, being open-source, may be hosted on a server that is farther away or slower than the servers used by FAST.com or Speedtest. None of the retrieved sources provide an official guide saying which single number to prioritize when two tests disagree. The only documented metrics are download, upload, latency/ping, jitter, and packet loss.
What to fix before blaming the connection
The retrieved pages do not include an official troubleshooting checklist for inconsistent results. However, you can check a few things yourself before blaming your ISP. Close other browser tabs and applications that use the internet. Connect your computer directly to the modem with an Ethernet cable if possible, rather than using Wi-Fi. Run the test at a time when fewer people in your household are streaming or downloading. If you are on a mobile device, move closer to the router. None of these steps are documented in the sources provided, but they are common sense checks that cost nothing and take seconds.
Which number actually matters
The retrieved sources document the standard metrics: download, upload, latency/ping, jitter, and packet loss. They do not provide a direct official guide saying which single number to prioritize when two tests disagree. For most browsing, video streaming, and general use, download speed is the number people care about. For video calls and online gaming, latency (ping) and jitter matter more. If you are running a speed test to see if your connection is good enough for a specific task, check the metric that matches that task. FAST.com only shows download speed, which is fine for a quick check. Speedtest by Ookla shows all the metrics, which is useful if you need to know latency or upload speed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to create an account to use any of these speed tests?
No. FAST.com, Speedtest by Ookla, and LibreSpeed do not document any account requirement for their basic web tests. The Texas public-library speed test requires an email invitation, but that is not a public consumer account.
Will these tests work outside the United States?
FAST.com says it works globally. Speedtest by Ookla describes itself as global. LibreSpeed is software that can be deployed broadly rather than a country-limited service. The Texas public-library test works only in Texas, United States, for public libraries.
What is the difference between download speed and latency?
Download speed is how fast data can be pulled from the internet to your device, measured in megabits per second (Mbps). Latency, also called ping, is the time it takes for a signal to travel from your device to a server and back, measured in milliseconds (ms). Low latency is important for real-time applications like video calls and gaming.
Can I run these tests on my phone?
Yes. FAST.com works on any device with a browser. Speedtest by Ookla has a mobile app, but the basic web test also works in a phone browser. LibreSpeed works in any browser. None of them require a payment card or account for the basic test.
Why does my speed test result change every time I run it?
Internet speed fluctuates due to network congestion, the distance to the test server, and the performance of your own equipment. Running the test multiple times and taking the average is a reasonable approach. The retrieved sources do not provide an official rule for how many tests to run.
The tool itself, free: Whatsmyip.now.
Where this fits
This is one guide from Free Online Tools for Checking Your Internet Connection.
