How to test your broadband speed
Internet editor Todd Nash explains how to test your broadband speed and rates the websites that offer to do so for you.
Internet editor Todd Nash explains how to test your broadband speed and rates the websites that offer to do so for you.
As anybody who has tried to check their broadband speed will know, there is often a vast difference between what was offered on the package you took out and what you actually get once you're up and running on your computer.
And with slow speeds affecting both residents and businesses across the county, we want to find out just how badly affected Shropshire really is.
We know that speeds can vary wildly from postcode-to-postcode – and between different providers – so we need you to send yours in to get a true reflection.
With this information, we'll produce a map on shropshirestar.com to show exactly how different areas of the county stand up – before sending out information to the council for their Connecting Shropshire project.
Fortunately, testing your true broadband speed is a doddle – and there are a number of websites that will provide you with an accurate reading within seconds. We rate the best:
Ease: This site couldn't be simpler to use – all that stands between you and your results is a click and the whole process takes less than 10 seconds.
Information: There's not much to look at here, just the upload and download figures surrounded by a whole host of adverts. In the end, it's difficult to work out which parts offer the information you need and which are just trying to sell you something.
Extras: A map provides some information on similar speeds in your area and demonstrates just how much broadband speeds can vary across service providers and postcodes.
Best for: Lazy people – the site is the first one you'll find in Google.
Ease: It's a little more confusing on this futuristically designed site. Two buttons offer the options to 'Begin test' or 'Start now'. One is real and one is an advert, so take your best guess. Results also took a surprisingly long time and the test throws words like 'ping' at you without explaining what they mean.
Information: Presented like something out of a sci-fi movie, but definitely not one for the beginner. Help buttons are provided, but clicking them does nothing. The site then compares your results, but only against the global average, which seems rather pointless. Style over substance.
Extras: Offers the option to 'share your result' with Facebook or Twitter friends. Because everybody wants to do that. . .
Best for: Those wanting to pretend they live in the Matrix.
Ease: The most user-friendly and fastest of the lot. There is no clutter to confuse you, just a big button that says 'BEGIN'. Simple.
Information: This site tells you no more than you need to know. You'll find your upload and download speeds clearly presented alongside any previous tests you've done for easy comparison.
Extras: There are some simple graphs that plot your results history along with a helpful glossary of the terms and a short explanation of what it all means.
Best for: Beginners who just want to know their speed without being sold anything.
Ease: A little more confusing to begin with, demanding a postcode and several clicks before you can start. The test itself was very fast though.
Information: MoneySupermarket compare your speed to other providers in the area and even tell you how much the prices start at. Big buttons prompt you to apply online or by phone, but nothing happens when you try the latter. Looks as though you'll be applying over the web then...
Extras: Offers a rather nifty speed map with other tests plotted in the streets near where you live. A help section also explains what the test results mean and how you can use them to secure the best possible deal.
Best for: Finding out which of your neighbours has the fastest speed.
Ease: The speed test is a bit more of a faff, asking first for your postcode, then provider and finally how you rate your current service before taking more time than its rivals to display the results.
Information: Uswitch focus heavily on the providers, plotting your speed against other services with price information prominently displayed. However, it's well-presented and the test itself is more interesting to watch than others, with a cartoon professor delivering your download speeds.
Extras: Displays all of the latest offers and information about the rival service providers, including telephone numbers for those not comfortable ordering online.
Best for: Those in need of a new broadband provider.
