Tools to Measure Business Broadband Speed

A reliable and fast internet connection is important for any business, especially when it comes to sustaining operations and providing value to customers. For companies that operate in the cloud, make VoIP calls, video conferences, and share data in real-time, the internet is a backbone.

Productivity levels are highly influenced by the internet speed and a sluggish internet connection leads to disrupted workflows, compromised services, and even loss of customers. That is why it is critical to routine check broadband speeds in order to be certain that the infrastructure is meeting business standards.

Lauren Davies of bOnline comments: “It is all well and good having the best business broadband provider and package for your business. However, if you are not actually receiving the speeds and service you should, you are likely just overpaying for something. It is therefore really important to check your broadband speeds regularly and make sure they match what you are promised by your provider.”

 

Why Testing Internet Speed is Important

 

Addressing identified speed problems not only helps with optimisation, but also enhances overall productivity. Compiling detailed logs of tested speeds will show you high latencies, dips in upload and download speeds, and even network congestion. Gaining these insights helps make data driven decisions when it comes to upgrading the infrastructure or changing the internet service provider.

 

The Importance of Performing Speed Tests

 

Identifying issues with connectivity before they worsen is made possible through regular internet speed tests.

A consistent schedule allows spotting of patterns such as latency, upload or download speed reductions, as well as local network congestion. Having these insights gives businesses the opportunity to keep up with performance benchmarks and make better-informed decisions related to their service and current provider.

 

How Frequently Should Businesses Conduct Speed Tests?

 

For most organisations, a single test conducted once a week suffices. However, as noted, tests should be administered when employees complain about sluggish speeds or interruptions in service. Testing during different times of the day helps build an understanding of the network functionality during peak hours, providing insight into recurring issues.

Can Speed Tests Impact Provider Choices?

 

Yes, speed tests can help choose the best broadband provider. Persistent issues with speed tests can indicate that your current broadband service is lacking for your organisation. In the case of switching providers, speed test history can serve as benchmarks for comparing alternatives with better infrastructure and service guarantees.

 

8 Tools To Help You Measure Business Broadband Speed

 

From freelancers to large enterprises, these eight tools are designed for businesses of all sizes to reliably test the speed of their broadband:

 

1. SamKnows RealSpeed

 

Best suited for: Offices with multiple devices connected to a single network.

SamKnows RealSpeed, developed with Ofcom, assesses your router’s speed and the speed to individual devices. This tool is very effective in troubleshooting internal network problems, especially with regard to Wi-Fi slowdowns.

 

2. Google Speed Test

 

Ideal for: No-frills, in-browser test as fast as clicking a link.

Just search “speed test” on Google and you can access a simple test by Measurement Lab (M-Lab). This is useful for quick checks that don’t require navigating to other websites.

 

3. ThinkBroadband Speed Test

 

Best suited for: Businesses based in the UK that require more sophisticated testing.

This tool goes beyond offering speed data to UK users. It also provides advanced metrics such as buffer bloat, packet loss, and latency, which can aid IT experts in improving the network’s performance.

 

4. Meteor by OpenSignal

 

Best for: Evaluating application performance in real-life scenarios.

Meteor, in addition to testing overall network speed, checks the functionality of widely used applications such as Zoom, Teams, and YouTube under the current connection conditions. This ensures reliability for businesses in real-use scenarios rather than just raw bandwidth.

 

5. nPerf Speed Test

 

Best suited for: Analysis of mobile and fixed networks with graphic-based reports.

nPerf provides thorough examinations of download and upload activities, latency, and the quality of browsing and streaming. It has a clear interface that is rich in detail, and it is equally effective on desktops and mobile devices.

 

6. TestMy.net

 

Best suited for: Users who need thorough checks done manually and want to track changes over time.

TestMy.net distinguishes itself from others as it does not depend on Flash or Java. It provides the option of testing in smaller segments and over extended periods, which is useful for identifying irregular speed and performance issues over time—ideal for IT departments and advanced users.

 

7. Speedtest by Ookla

 

Ideal for: Testing globally and monitoring over time.

‘Speedtest’ offers one of the most popular tools across the globe. It provides instant results for download/upload speeds and latency. Mid-tier and above users can sign up for an account, which allows performance data to be saved for tracking over time. This helps reveal trends and improvements (or issues) clearly.

 

8. Fast.com by Netflix

 

Ideal for: Quick checks focused on download performance.

Fast.com is a product of Netflix designed for extreme simplicity. It gives accurate results for download speed, which is crucial for companies that depend on streaming or video calls to operate.