A speedy and stable internet connection and solid Wi-Fi network are crucial for households in the age of remote work. Subpar performance could lead to dropped video calls and the inability to access Google Docs when deadlines are due. Several apps on the market help people assess the wireless network in their home or their favorite coffee shop. Here are six of the best free solutions to test network performance, locate nearby connectivity, and more.
SEE: Does a VPN Slow Down Your Internet Speed? (TechRepublic)
Top Wi-Fi apps comparison table
All the free speed test apps are effective, but it helps to look at the ratings and number of reviews on the App Store and Google Play to determine what appeals to you.
FAST Speed Test comes across worse in the ratings, but it only received 222 reviews on the App Store. The others did better and generally got enough reviews to warrant an accurate rating.
| App Store rating | No. of App Store reviews | Google Play rating | No. of Google Play reviews | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Meteor | 4.7 | 4.6k | 4.8 | 125k |
| Speedtest by Ookla | 4.5 | 23.5k | 4.6 | 1.41m |
| FAST Speed Test | 3.9 | 222 | 4.1 | 47.1k |
| Internet Speed Test Speedcheck | 4.9 | 95.4k | 4.5 | 541k |
| Speed Test Master | 4.6 | 13.6k | 4.5 | 1m |
| V-SPEED Speed Test | 4.7 | 1.1k | 4.8 | 469k |
Best Wi-Fi apps to test network performance
Meteor
The Meteor app will perform a speedy network test and then list your download, upload, and ping performance. It also allows you to test anticipated performance for several apps, including YouTube, Slack, FaceTime, Google Maps, and Netflix. The app is available on the App Store and Google Play.
Speedtest by Ookla
Speedtest by Ookla is one of the more popular Wi-Fi test apps on the market. Once downloaded, users can use the app to test network speed, streaming performance, and more. The in-app hamburger menu provides access to past performance results, listing previous download and upload speeds and information related to ping, jitter, and packet loss. It is Available on the App Store and Google Play.
SEE: 9 VoIP Troubleshooting Tips (TechRepublic)
FAST Speed Test
FAST Speed Test is owned by Netflix and is available as an app or on Fast.com. The app and web versions have a minimalist interface, which is great for quickly determining your network speed without being bombarded by ads. However, it lacks the advanced network testing feature other speed test apps offer. It’s Available on the App Store and Google Play.
Internet Speed Test Speedcheck
The Internet Speed Test Speedcheck app features a Wi-Fi speed test feature with a no-frills user interface. After the test, the results page will illustrate anticipated performance for email, browsing, gaming, streaming, and video chat using a five-point rating system. The app also makes it easy to peruse past speed tests to gauge performance history as usage and connectivity fluctuations over time. The bottom of the app includes a “WiFi Finder” button, but you must install a separate SpeedSpot app to use this feature. This is available on the App Store and Google Play.
SEE: What Is 5G? (TechRepublic)
Speed Test Master
The Speed Test Master app performs a fast download and upload network test and displays this information, as well as details related to jitter and packet loss. The tools feature also includes a Wi-Fi detector to locate nearby connectivity. It is available on the App Store and Google Play.
V-SPEED Speed Test
V-SPEED Speed Test offers a quick Wi-Fi test with a vivid and easily navigable user interface. Similar to other apps on this list, it gauges network performance and stores past results. The app also makes it easy to share its Wi-Fi test results on social media for those so inclined. It is Available on the App Store and Google Play.
