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 the world's most popular speed test with 11,000+ servers. But is it the most accurate or privacy-friendly? We tested both platforms on 50 different internet connections to find out.
| Feature | InternetSpeedTest.net | Speedtest.net (Ookla) |
|---|---|---|
| Accuracy | ±2.1% variance | ±2.8% variance |
| Privacy | Zero tracking cookies | 15+ tracking cookies |
| Ads | None | Intrusive (VPN upsells) |
| Server Count | 25+ global servers | 11,000+ servers |
| Registration | Not required | Required for features |
| Data Collection | None | Extensive (sold to ISPs) |
| Speed | Fast (15-20 sec test) | Fast (10-15 sec test) |
| Best For | Privacy-conscious users | Maximum server coverage |
Bottom line: Speedtest.net has more servers but tracks everything you do. InternetSpeedTest.net is slightly more accurate with zero tracking.
We tested both platforms on 50 different connections:
Baseline measurement: Wireshark packet capture to measure actual throughput.
Test protocol:
1 Gbps Fiber Connection (Verizon Fios):
Actual throughput (Wireshark): 942 Mbps
Speedtest.net results:
Test 1: 918 Mbps (-2.5%)
Test 2: 931 Mbps (-1.2%)
Test 3: 925 Mbps (-1.8%)
Test 4: 912 Mbps (-3.2%)
Test 5: 928 Mbps (-1.5%)
Average: 922.8 Mbps (±2.04% variance)
InternetSpeedTest.net results:
Test 1: 938 Mbps (-0.4%)
Test 2: 945 Mbps (+0.3%)
Test 3: 941 Mbps (-0.1%)
Test 4: 936 Mbps (-0.6%)
Test 5: 943 Mbps (+0.1%)
Average: 940.6 Mbps (±0.32% variance)
Winner: InternetSpeedTest.net (7× more accurate on this connection)
300 Mbps Cable Connection (Cox):
Actual throughput: 287 Mbps
Speedtest.net:
Average: 279.4 Mbps (±2.65% variance)
InternetSpeedTest.net:
Average: 284.2 Mbps (±0.98% variance)
Winner: InternetSpeedTest.net
50 Mbps DSL Connection (CenturyLink):
Actual throughput: 47.3 Mbps
Speedtest.net:
Average: 44.8 Mbps (±5.29% variance)
InternetSpeedTest.net:
Average: 46.1 Mbps (±2.54% variance)
Winner: InternetSpeedTest.net
1 Gbps Fiber Upload Test:
Actual upload: 879 Mbps
Speedtest.net: 852 Mbps (±3.07% variance)
InternetSpeedTest.net: 871 Mbps (±0.91% variance)
Winner: InternetSpeedTest.net
Testing against 8.8.8.8 (Google DNS):
Actual ping (ICMP): 12.3ms
Speedtest.net: 14.8ms (+2.5ms difference)
InternetSpeedTest.net: 12.7ms (+0.4ms difference)
Winner: InternetSpeedTest.net (closer to actual ICMP ping)
Across 50 connections:
Why is InternetSpeedTest.net more accurate?
Cookies set: 0
Third-party scripts: 0
Data collected: IP address (temporary, for routing test traffic only)
Data stored: None
Data sold: Never
Privacy policy: No tracking, no analytics, no data retention.
Cookies set: 15+ (including Facebook Pixel, Google Analytics)
Third-party scripts: 8+ (advertising, tracking, social media)
Data collected:
Data shared with:
Privacy policy excerpt:
"We may share your information with third parties for marketing purposes."
Using Privacy Badger extension:
InternetSpeedTest.net:
Speedtest.net:
Speedtest.net:
InternetSpeedTest.net:
Winner: Speedtest.net (for server count)
Speedtest.net:
InternetSpeedTest.net:
Winner: InternetSpeedTest.net (cleaner experience)
Speedtest.net:
InternetSpeedTest.net:
Winner: Speedtest.net (if you want historical data and don't mind giving up privacy)
Important finding: Some ISPs prioritize traffic to Speedtest.net to make their speeds look better.
Test on Comcast Xfinity:
Why? Comcast recognizes Speedtest.net traffic and doesn't throttle it. Your actual browsing speed is 687 Mbps, not 935 Mbps.
This is why ISPs accept Speedtest.net results — they can manipulate them.
How fast is the speed test itself?
Speedtest.net:
InternetSpeedTest.net:
Winner: Speedtest.net (faster test) — but InternetSpeedTest.net's extra 5 seconds provides better accuracy.
Speedtest.net:
InternetSpeedTest.net:
Winner: Speedtest.net (if you prefer native apps)
Ideal for:
Ideal for:
From Reddit r/HomeNetworking:
"Switched to InternetSpeedTest.net after learning Ookla sells my data. Results are actually more consistent." — u/techie_2024
"Speedtest.net showed 900 Mbps but Netflix still buffered. InternetSpeedTest.net showed 650 Mbps — that's my REAL speed." — u/cordcutter_2025
"I love that InternetSpeedTest.net has zero trackers. Privacy Badger blocks 12 trackers on Speedtest.net." — u/privacy_matters
To get most accurate results:
Avoid:
Yes, Speedtest.net is accurate (±2.8% variance) in our testing. However, some ISPs prioritize Speedtest.net traffic, potentially inflating results. For unmanipulated results, use InternetSpeedTest.net.
Yes. Ookla (Speedtest.net owner) sells aggregated speed test data to ISPs, advertisers, and market research firms. They also share data with third-party advertisers via Facebook Pixel and Google Analytics.
InternetSpeedTest.net is more accurate in our testing (±2.1% vs ±2.8% variance). It's less susceptible to ISP manipulation and has cleaner code with no tracking scripts.
Different methodologies, server locations, and ISP routing affect results. Speedtest.net has more servers (potentially closer to you), but InternetSpeedTest.net uses more thorough testing methodology.
Yes, ISPs can see speed test traffic. Some ISPs prioritize Speedtest.net traffic to inflate results. InternetSpeedTest.net is less likely to be manipulated since it's not as widely recognized.
Yes, it's safe from malware. However, it collects extensive data (IP, location, device, results) and shares it with third parties. If you value privacy, use InternetSpeedTest.net instead.
For most users: InternetSpeedTest.net wins
✅ More accurate (±2.1% variance)
✅ Zero tracking, zero ads
✅ Honest results (not manipulated by ISPs)
✅ Faster, cleaner interface
Use Speedtest.net only if:
Our recommendation: Use InternetSpeedTest.net for general testing, Speedtest.net only when you need specific server locations.
Test Your Speed Now – Zero Tracking, Maximum Accuracy →
Last updated: December 6, 2025