FAST.com provides a simple and quick estimation of your current internet speed. This speed is generally achievable from leading internet services that utilize globally distributed servers.
Why FAST.com Primarily Focuses on Download Speed
For most internet users, download speed is the most crucial factor as it directly impacts the experience of consuming online content. FAST.com is designed to be an incredibly straightforward and rapid speed test, prioritizing the most relevant metric for the majority of users.
Understanding Ping, Latency, Upload Speed, and More
For users who require a more comprehensive understanding of their connection, FAST.com offers additional metrics. By clicking the “Show more info” button, you can access your upload speed and connection latency, also known as ping.
FAST.com presents two distinct latency measurements: “unloaded” latency, representing the ping of your connection without significant traffic, and “loaded” latency, reflecting ping under heavy traffic conditions. The difference between these two latency measurements indicates “bufferbloat,” which can affect the responsiveness of your internet connection.
How FAST.com Calculates Your Internet Speed
To determine your internet speed, FAST.com conducts a series of downloads and uploads to Netflix servers. By analyzing this data, FAST.com calculates the maximum speed your internet connection can sustain. For more in-depth information about the methodology, you can refer to our blog post on the Netflix Tech Blog.
Global Accessibility of the FAST.com Speed Test
FAST.com is designed to function as a global internet speed test. It can be used on any device with a web browser, including phones, laptops, and smart TVs, regardless of your location.
Netflix’s Motivation Behind Offering FAST.com
Netflix provides the FAST.com speed test as a free and ad-free tool to empower our members. We aim to offer a simple and rapid way for users to estimate the internet speed delivered by their Internet Service Provider (ISP).
What to Do If Your Speed Doesn’t Match Your Subscription
If FAST.com, along with other reputable internet speed tests like dslreports.com or speedtest.net, consistently show speeds lower than what you are paying for, it is advisable to discuss these results with your ISP. They can investigate potential issues and provide further assistance.
