Internet Speed Test
Run a clean card-style internet speed test with real download and upload measurements for Australian NBN and home internet connections.
Key takeaways
- Pause downloads, streaming and cloud backups before you start.
- Test once over Ethernet and once over Wi-Fi to separate connection issues from wireless issues.
- Record several results at the same times of day before deciding your plan is underperforming.
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How this test works
- The test uses Cloudflare's speed measurement engine and runs live download and upload checks against Cloudflare's edge network.
- Results can still differ from Google or ISP tools because each provider uses different server locations, routing, sampling, and scoring logic.
- For the most stable result, close other heavy downloads or streaming sessions before running the test.
How to run an accurate internet speed test
- Stop large downloads, streaming, game updates and cloud backups on other devices.
- For a baseline, connect one computer to the router with Ethernet and switch off its Wi-Fi.
- Run the test, save the result, then repeat it twice without changing your setup.
- Run the same test over Wi-Fi where you normally use the internet.
- Repeat during the evening busy period, which Australian providers generally define as 7pm to 11pm.
One result is a snapshot. Three repeatable tests tell you much more. If Ethernet is healthy but Wi-Fi is slow, changing plans may not solve the problem; router placement, interference or older devices are the likelier suspects.
Reading your speed-test results
- Download
- How quickly data reaches you. It matters for streaming, browsing and downloading files.
- Upload
- How quickly data leaves your home. It matters for video calls, backups and sending large files.
- Latency
- The delay before data returns, measured in milliseconds. Lower is generally better for calls and games.
- Jitter
- How much latency varies. High jitter can make a call feel unstable even when download speed looks fine.
What to do with a slow result
Restart the router once, check cables, move closer for the Wi-Fi test and try a second device. Then compare your repeated Ethernet results with the typical evening speed published for your plan. The ACCC explains that advertised speeds are most useful when you compare like-for-like plans and account for the busy evening period.
For a deeper diagnosis, read how to interpret NBN speed-test results or work through how to test your internet speed correctly.
How should you use this speed test?
This internet speed test uses Cloudflare's speed measurement engine to estimate your current network performance against a large third-party edge network. That makes it a stronger benchmark than testing only against a single website server.
Use the download and upload internet speed figures to get a practical feel for current performance, then compare those numbers against the internet plan and speed tier you are paying for.
What should you compare next?
FAQ
Internet speed test questions
Is this a live speed test?
Yes. This tool runs a live internet speed test using Cloudflare's speed measurement engine and edge network.
What does an NBN speed test measure?
It measures the performance of your connection at that moment, including download speed, upload speed, latency and jitter. Results can change with Wi-Fi conditions, other devices, network demand and the test server.
Should I test over Wi-Fi or Ethernet?
Test both if you can. An Ethernet test gives you a cleaner view of the connection reaching your router, while Wi-Fi shows the experience your wireless device is actually receiving.
Why is my speed test slower than my plan?
Your plan speed is not a promise that every device will always reach that number. Wi-Fi range, old equipment, busy-hour demand, your NBN connection type and activity elsewhere in the home can all reduce a result.
When should I run another speed test?
Repeat the test at different times, including between 7pm and 11pm, and keep the device, location and connection method consistent. A pattern is more useful than one unusually fast or slow result.