How to Check Internet Speed and What Your Results Mean

Ever find yourself wondering, how fast is my Internet really? Whether you're gaming with friends, streaming your favorite shows, working remotely, or video chatting with family, your Internet speed can make all the difference. Knowing how to test your Internet speed—and understand the results—can help you get the most out of your connection. Let’s break down how Internet speed tests work, what all the technical terms mean, and how to interpret your results.

Why Knowing Your Internet Speed Matters

Your Internet connection directly affects how smoothly you can browse, stream, or play games. Running a speed test helps you see how well your connection is performing in real time. It answers the question many of us have typed into a search box: what is my Internet speed?

Understanding your actual speed versus what your plan offers can help you:

• Diagnose slowdowns or buffering issues
• Determine if your current plan fits your needs
• Talk more confidently with your provider when something seems off

It’s a simple tool that gives you more control over your online experience.

What Do the Speed Test Terms Mean?

Speed test results often include terms like ping, jitter, download speed, and upload speed. If those sound confusing, don’t worry—we’ll make sense of each one.

What Is Ping?

Ping measures how quickly your device sends a request over the Internet and receives a response. Think of it like sending a message and waiting for a reply. Ping is measured in milliseconds (ms), and lower is better.

For example:

• A ping of 15ms means it takes just 15 milliseconds for your device to reach a server and hear back.
• Gamers benefit from low ping because it means quicker reaction times.
• In video calls, low ping means less delay and more natural conversations.

High ping, on the other hand, can cause lag in games, awkward delays during video calls, and even slow webpage loads.

What Is Jitter?

Jitter tracks how consistent your ping is over time. Even if your average ping is low, jitter tells you if that number is bouncing around—causing inconsistency in your connection.

Why it matters:

• In video calls, high jitter can mean frozen screens or choppy audio.
• In gaming, your actions might feel delayed or erratic.
• Even streaming can suffer with buffering or reduced quality if your connection isn’t stable.

Ideally, jitter should be under 30ms—but the lower, the better. Under 10ms is considered excellent for high-performance tasks like video conferencing or online gaming.

What Is Download Speed?

Download speed shows how quickly data is coming to your device from the Internet. It’s measured in megabits per second (Mbps), and higher is usually better.

Here’s how download speed impacts you:

• Streaming HD or 4K video
• Browsing social media and loading videos
• Downloading apps, games, or software updates

Basically, any time you're getting information from the Internet—your download speed is at work.

What Is Upload Speed?

Upload speed measures how fast your device can send data to the Internet. It’s also measured in Mbps, and it’s crucial for things like:

• Sending emails with large attachments
• Uploading files to the cloud or social media
• Live-streaming or participating in Zoom meetings
• Online gaming, where your moves and actions are constantly being sent out

People who work remotely, game online, or post content regularly will notice the difference a strong upload speed makes.

Interpreting Your Internet Speed Test Results

When you run a speed test, you’re getting a snapshot of your Internet’s performance at that specific moment. But that number can be influenced by several outside factors:

• Multiple devices: If phones, TVs, and computers are all online, they’re sharing your bandwidth. Fewer devices = more accurate test results.
• Wi-Fi vs. wired: Wireless signals can slow things down. A direct Ethernet connection will always give you the clearest reading.
• Time of day: Just like traffic on the road, the Internet gets crowded. Evening hours may slow things down if many people in your area are online.
• Device capabilities: Older devices might not support top-tier speeds—even if your Internet plan does.

Keeping these variables in mind helps you interpret your results and decide whether your Internet setup needs adjusting.

Test Your Speed Easily With MaxxSouth Broadband

Want to see how your Internet is really performing? Run a quick MaxxSouth Broadband Speed Test and get results in seconds. If your speed isn’t where it should be—or if your household is doing more streaming, gaming, or remote work than before—it might be time to upgrade.

Stay Connected With MaxxSouth Broadband’s Internet Plans

At MaxxSouth Broadband, we’re committed to helping you get the best Internet experience possible. Explore our Internet plans to find the speed and reliability that match your lifestyle. Whether you're a casual browser or a competitive gamer, our team is here to make sure you stay connected with confidence.