Why Do Different Broadband Speed Tests Vary?

Several internet users wonder why they get different results when they use speed test sites to check their network speed. One minute you're getting one result; the next, you're getting something entirely different. Or you use the same testing site on other devices but still get varying results.

We know how confusing this may seem, so we've put together this article to answer your questions. As you read on, you'll discover why different broadband speed tests vary and possible solutions.

Why Do Different Broadband Speed Tests Vary?

Different speed tests usually vary based on several factors. The most important factors are the available bandwidth, differences in speed test servers, and differences in hardware, as well as using different browsers. You can resolve this by performing multiple tests and stopping non-essential applications and ongoing uploads and downloads.

Before we explain these factors in detail, let's look at what an internet speed test is all about.

What Is an Internet Speed Test?

An internet speed test is an application you use to see how much internet speed you have at a particular moment. The result of this test can be affected by internet connection type, your internet provider, and what time you run the test.

This test lasts for less than one minute and gives a breakdown of your download and upload speeds, IP address, and ping time.

Here's how speed testing sites check your internet speed:

• The testing site or tool gets your approximate location by checking out your IP address
• By default, it finds and connects to the nearest server, although some tools can let you change the server
• Afterwards, it runs a ping test to determine how fast your device can send and receive data. This roundtrip is usually measured in milliseconds (ms), and a lower ping value means better speed
• After pinging, your browser (client) opens several connections to the test server and starts downloading an initial chunk of data to test the download speed
• When the browser notices that your network can accommodate more data, it requests more from the server. The main objective is to maximize your network connection and see how much data it can handle at the same time
• The client continues to process multiple data chunks until the allotted time has been reached, after which it provides a download speed value
• Then, the upload test begins, and it technically works the same way as the download test, only in reverse order. That means your browser uploads data from your device to the server instead of downloading them
• After the entire process is complete, the test tool will display the upload and download speeds on the page

A Breakdown of an Internet Speed Test

As explained earlier, a speed test measures your upload and download speeds and ping time. Here's a breakdown of each metric and what they mean:

Download Speed

This shows how fast your device can receive data from a server. Network providers usually prioritize download speed because most activities on the internet involve downloading files, loading a website, gaming online, or streaming Netflix.

Upload Speed

Unlike downloading, upload speed shows how fast your device can transfer data to a server. This metric determines how fast you can share or upload files (photos and videos), send mail, have live video chats, etc.

Ping

Ping, otherwise called latency, checks how fast you can send a request and receive a response. In other words, it measures the speed at which data requests travel to and from a server.

Possible Causes of Varying Speed Test Results

These are some of the reasons you keep getting varying internet speed tests.

Available Bandwidth

A speed test is usually initiated from a phone, computer, or tablet device. Once this happens, the test instruction goes through your home network to your router and internet service provider before finally reaching the internet.

Note that while this is happening, other devices in your house are connected to your network, reducing your network's bandwidth at that moment and, in turn, affecting the test results. The same applies if you're downloading or streaming several things at the time when you're running the test.

Hardware Type

The device you're using to run the test can also affect the result because each has varying Wi-Fi and cellular radio capabilities. For instance, laptops and computers have more advanced Wi-Fi antennas than tablets and phones, even with the same provider.

Speed Test Sites Used

While all speed test sites have the same goal—calculating your internet speed—they do it based on unique algorithms. This algorithm includes network distance, server load, size of data to download/upload, number of connections while the test is underway, etc.

All these factors combine to determine the result speed testing sites will give you, which is why you may never get the same output from all of them.

Browser Type

Every browser has its functionalities, which will determine your result, especially when on high-speed connections. For example, you may not get the same result from Firefox and Chrome, even if you use both to run the test on your phone or laptop.

How Can You Solve Discrepancies in Speed Test Results?

Source: DepositPhotos

While there's no foolproof solution for varying test results, you can try to get the best results possible by doing the following:

Increase Bandwidth

Having too many devices connected when trying to test your speed can cause network congestion and give you a funny result. Try disconnecting as many devices as possible, especially idle ones, before running tests.

Place Your Router in a Better Location

Sometimes, you can get a different speed result because your router isn't in the best location at the moment of testing.

To prevent this, you should avoid placing routers and modems in areas that can interrupt their performance, like in corners, on the floor, behind furniture, and near other cords. Target top-floor levels because they provide the best signals.

Run Multiple Tests

You should try to run speed tests at intervals—days or weeks apart. You can even run several tests in one day. Doing this will help you compare and note the differences between results and how time and location affected these results.

Wrapping Up: Are Speed Test Sites Reliable?

Speed test sites aren't foolproof, so you shouldn't totally rely on the figure you get when running the test. Still, they're great if you need an idea of the state of your internet connection.

This is why, besides running several tests, you can also test multiple sites to have something more tangible to work with. If you keep getting broadband speed results below par, it may be time to call your internet service provider.