We tested Speedtest.net and InternetSpeedTest.net on 50 different connections. See which provides more accurate results, better privacy, and why one has 15+ tracking cookies while the other has zero.
Speedtest.net (by Ookla) is one of the most widely used internet speed tests worldwide. InternetSpeedTest.net is an independent alternative focused on a simple, browser-based experience.
If you’re trying to answer “Which one should I trust for my real connection?”, this guide explains what each test measures, where results can differ, and how to interpret them.
Note: Speed test results vary by ISP, location, device, Wi-Fi conditions, and time of day. No single test can guarantee “perfect accuracy” in every situation.
| Feature | InternetSpeedTest.net | Speedtest.net (Ookla) |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Simple, general testing | Broad server coverage |
| Typical metrics | Download, upload, ping | Download, upload, ping (+ extras) |
| Server network | Smaller curated set | Very large server network |
| Accounts | Not required | Optional (for some features) |
| Ads / upsells | Lightweight experience (varies) | May include ads/upsells (varies) |
| Privacy posture | Privacy-focused approach | Commercial platform with analytics/partners (varies by region) |
Bottom line: Speedtest.net is great when you want extensive server options and widely recognized results. InternetSpeedTest.net is useful when you want a straightforward test and a general view of your connection without extra complexity.
Even when you run two tests back-to-back, results can differ because of:
This is why the most reliable approach is to test multiple times and look for consistent patterns.
When people say “accuracy,” they typically mean:
In practice, the best test is the one that:
If you want the cleanest comparison:
You can run your tests here:
Takeaway: If you care about testing many locations, Speedtest.net has an advantage. If you care about a simple “how’s my internet doing right now?” check, a smaller server set can still be effective.
Both tests usually report:
If you’re troubleshooting lag and calls, ping and jitter often matter as much as raw Mbps. Start here:
Privacy varies across websites and can change over time. The most reliable way to evaluate is to check:
If privacy is important to you:
Key point: “Privacy-friendly” is not a binary label; it’s about how much data is collected and how it’s used.
Sometimes users see higher numbers on one platform and assume “manipulation.” In reality, there are multiple explanations:
If you suspect your results are inflated or inconsistent, use this sanity check:
If the gap is large and repeatable across sessions, treat it as a signal to investigate further (Wi-Fi vs wired, peak hours, ISP routing), not proof of wrongdoing.
Start here: Internet Speed Test
Tip: For consistency, manually select a nearby server and repeat tests.
To get more reliable results:
Avoid:
Speedtest.net is widely used and can be very consistent, especially with a stable server selection. Like any test, results can vary based on routing, congestion, and device conditions.
Different servers and methodologies are the main reasons. Running multiple tests and comparing the median helps.
The most practical approach is to use more than one test and compare results with your actual experience (buffering, lag, download speed). Consistency across repeats matters more than a single peak number.
Your ISP can observe traffic patterns, but what they do with that information varies. If you suspect routing or congestion issues, test across different times and connection types (Wi-Fi vs wired).
Speedtest.net and InternetSpeedTest.net can both be useful—just for slightly different goals.