Speed Test - Free Internet Speed Test

At Bandwidth Place, we partner with the top Internet providers letting you compare plans to find the ISPs to meet your household’s needs. We let you power multiple devices: desktops, laptops, smartphones, tablets, video game systems and even other smart home devices, like Amazon Alexa and Google Home. If you are moving or want to upgrade your Internet or bundled digital home services, simply call us and we will check availability and recommend the best plan.

Our accurate Internet speed test is designed to test your performance on any device, without the cybersecurity issues of Flash or an inconvenient app download. This ensures your actual speeds match what the ISP promised. A new Internet provider search feature combines our knowledge from testing Internet speeds around the world with over 15 years of finding the best plans for our clients – all on one easy to use site.

When it comes to Internet plans it’s your choice: you decide!

What is the fastest Internet provider in my area?

The fastest ISP in your area depends on the number of providers and the types of service they offer. In short, competition is good for you, the customer. Generally, fiber-optic Internet access offers significant advantages over other types, like cable, DSL, and satellite.

Choosing a higher service tier gives you more speed to enjoy 4K video streaming and online video gaming. Simply enter your ZIP code on our convenient form and we’ll show what’s available in your location. Or give us a call for a personal analysis of the best option for you. We’re here to help!

How much does fast Internet service cost?

Your ultimate Internet speed depends on many things: your ISP, service tier, and whether or not you bundle Internet with other products, like cable or satellite TV, as well as digital phone. Higher tiers generally provide improved speed. Additionally, the type of Internet service – cable, DSL, fiber, etc. – also influences your final speed, bandwidth, and cost.

Promotional pricing or the lowest-cost plans often include conditions or restrictions that you need to consider before selecting an Internet service. Here are eight important areas to review when you evaluate a new plan:

INTRODUCTORY PRICING: Sure, those initial prices sound enticing, but will my overall cost increase when the term ends? Also don’t forget to consider any penalties for early cancellation. Some competing providers offer to pay these fees for new customers leaving another ISP. Ultimately, pay close attention to the offer details.
EQUIPMENT: Does my Internet service include a WiFi router to connect all of my devices? Does the modem and router use the latest technology for 100 Mbps access? Are there equipment fees? Is it cheaper in the long run to just buy my own modem and router?
INSTALLATION: How is the product installed? Will I need to be home? Is there an installation fee? Does the ISP provide a specific installation window?
CUSTOMER SUPPORT: Is Customer Support available anytime? Do they provide email, text messaging, and/or web-based support options in addition to phone?
TECHNOLOGY: What technology does the Internet connection use? DSL? Cable? Fiber? Will it slow down during the day? Full sections for each Internet service type are located further down our homepage.
ADDITIONAL BENEFITS: Does my plan include nationwide WiFi hotspots? Is security included? What about streaming TV options or an app for my smartphone or tablet computer?
BUNDLE TO SAVE: Can I bundle my Internet service with a TV, home phone, or digital home security plan to save money? Is there any contract period requiring a penalty for early cancellation? Do they provide an easy “one stop” billing option?

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Fiber Optic Internet

Fiber optic technology offers Internet subscribers some of the fastest connections available. An ISP using fiber Internet provides speeds up to 25 times faster than DSL or cable. For instance, the download speed for a 4-minute song via broadband Internet is 1.5 seconds for the fastest speed of 20 Mbps. Compare this to gigabit fiber optic speed, which takes a fraction of a second.

Fiber Internet service continues to increase in coverage across the country. More than 10 million households in the US have a fiber optic connection as of 2015.

In short, expect a gigabit-level connection with a Fiber optic Internet service, such as Google Fiber. This typically offers consumers the best deal on Internet for the price. Bundling fiber Internet with cable TV or digital TV is an option available with some ISPs, like Google, AT&T, or Verizon.

Fiber is also ideal for heavy Internet users including gamers, video streaming fans, and those with a home office. In fact, subscribers of fiber Internet regularly report faster speeds than advertised according to the Federal Communications Commission.

Thanks to the use of optical cables, data travels longer distances and holds the signals intact throughout. Data gets transmitted using light, making for Internet speeds much faster than cable or DSL providers. Advances in fiber Internet are ongoing to increase speed and reliability.

Unfortunately, most rural areas are still working to get fiber Internet. It is typically only available in urban and metro areas due to the expense of installing fiber in the ground. Additionally, as the cable itself is thinner and lighter, it requires a more delicate operation, which also includes more maintenance.

There are multiple technologies used for Internet access. Here is an overview of the most widely-used.

Cable Internet

Cable service is by far the most popular and successful form of high-speed Internet in the US. Those who use cable Internet find that the broadband service is reliable, as well as fast. In order to get the best deal, consumers should look at bundling their cable Internet with TV and digital phone via their ISP.

Nearly all cities and communities offer cable TV service. As a result, these locales typically also provide broadband service for Internet users. The existing coaxial cable is ideally suited for Internet use, so there isn’t an added expense to have new lines run or maintained.

Cable service by an Internet service provider offers some of the fastest download speeds on the market. At speeds up to 100 Mbps, cable service exceeds DSL Internet by five times.

To obtain the best download speeds offered by cable Internet, your ISP must provide a cable modem with the latest technology. Be sure to ask them about the technology level of their modem. Sometimes, they include one with a built in router used to provide WiFi network in your home.

You are also able to use your own modem and router, which offers significant cost savings over the long haul. Ask about which models are compatible with their service.

Satellite Internet

Satellite Internet service offers another option for consumers to access the Web at home. Using a dish, Internet data is transferred using satellites in space. This cuts out the need for in-the-ground cables, improving Internet access in rural and remote areas.

As satellite technology continues to advance, so does the performance provided by ISPs. In a 2013 report by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), satellite Internet service experienced a huge surge in performance. This report showed speeds were 140 percent better than advertised by ISPs.

Satellite tends to be the sole option for wireless Internet in many rural areas. It is easy to install and offer wireless connectivity. Consumers can sign up for satellite Internet as a bundle with another service provider that only offers digital or cable TV without Internet.

In short, satellite Internet provides high-speed broadband wireless access. It can be faster than DSL and dial-up service in areas where Internet options are limited. Additionally, satellite Internet is always on and ready to go, while also not interfering with phone or cable lines.

Unfortunately, satellite Internet typically includes data caps. This puts a limit to the amount of usage available per month, which is something that most consumers are not used to with typical home Internet service. This especially impacts the streaming of rich-media content, like movies and TV shows.

During inclement weather, satellite service is often disrupted. Another cause for concern is the time lag issues that can happen due to satellite technology. As it takes thousands of sky miles for data packets to be transmitted this can slow down the response rate for users. Trying to chat, shop, play games online or watch satellite TV can be difficult as a result. This same rule applies with home automation systems.

Mobile Internet

A mobile Internet device – smartphone, hotspot, etc. – lets you bring the Web wherever you go. Your wireless access fits right into your pocket or within your device, allowing you full service no matter the location.

Mobile Internet is fast becoming as necessary as phones and computers. In the US, mobile devices, including smartphones and tablets, are the fastest growing technology segment. 45 percent of Americans used tablets in 2015, up from 3 percent in 2010.

Users wanting high-speed Internet service wherever they go find mobile broadband to be a perfect solution. Wireless providers also offer a variety of mobile Internet options. These include the use of mobile Internet as a WiFi hotspot. This allows users to share their connection with more than one mobile device.

Since mobile Internet is WiFi on the go, it’s ideal for our high-speed world that requires a constant connection. Thanks to this portability, users can work, play, or communicate using their wireless broadband almost anywhere. Those using mobile benefit from the lightning fast service they’ve come to expect with broadband.

To make it easier and more cost effective to stay connected using mobile Internet, wireless Internet providers are upgrading their offerings. For example, most major wireless providers now include plans with unlimited data for wireless broadband customers.

Remember mobile Internet service typically requires a data plan separate from voice charges. The result is that customers generally have to pay more for the service. Wireless Internet providers generally have data caps on the amount of data a mobile Internet subscriber can use per month. Going over this monthly limit means overage charges, which can be costly.

How do I cancel my Internet Service?

Unfortunately, most providers require you to call them to cancel your service. While this takes up valuable time out of your day, it really is the only option. Ensure you aren’t within your contract period. So don’t forget to read the fine print on your service agreement to see if there are any penalties for early cancellation.

Some ISPs may offer you a better deal to keep you as a customer, likely available for a limited time. Keep this in mind as part of the cancellation process. Once again, don’t forget to read the fine print on your contract. Watch out for the dreaded early termination fee!

DSL Internet

DSL Internet service remains one of the most popular and widely available forms of Internet access in the US. Many households choose DSL as their preferred form of Internet over telephone lines. In fact, the US Census Bureau shows that in 2013 only one percent of households were using dial-up, in comparison to the 21 percent using DSL.

DSL is generally available through ISPs wherever telephone landlines are run. This includes rural areas where other forms of Internet, such as fiber, are unavailable. Subscribers typically receive download speeds of up to 20 Mbps, which is ideal for gaming, video streaming and chatting online.

For many living in rural areas, DSL is the fastest Internet option available. When searching for the best Internet service provider, consider what they offer for Internet speed. Remember that bundling with satellite TV or digital TV also saves consumers money.

DSL offers a reliable, affordable and fast Internet service over a wide coverage area. The use of landlines to run DSL Internet service also increases its connection quality. Those using the Web for work or gaming will appreciate this reliability.

In a speed test, DSL is much faster than a regular dial-up modem. The DSL modem is typically provided by the ISP, along with regular updates and upgrades. Additionally, homeowners can use their phone for making calls while on the Internet.

For homeowners in new residences or in some rural areas where telephone cables are either nonexistent or sub par, DSL is not a good option. Also, some communities may not have an Internet service provider that currently offers DSL.

The shared traffic of DSL Internet can slow the connection. This is most obvious during times of peak Internet use, especially weeknights. In order to accommodate all users, the connection may not reach the optimal download speed of 20 Mbps, which can cause lagging and delays.

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What is the fastest Internet provider in my area?

How much does fast Internet service cost?

8 Important Tips when Choosing an Internet Provider

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What are the different types of Internet service?