Internet speed test: how fast is my connection?
Take the speed test and find out how fast your connection is and what speed you need. Comparis shares some tips.
06.02.2025
1. Test your internet speed: here’s how it works
The speed test measures the speed and quality of your internet connection. Several tests are carried out in quick succession. Each test checks a different aspect of your connection.
The speed test analyzes:
Download speed: This indicates how fast you can download data from the internet to your device. Download speed is measured in megabits per second (Mbps or MBits/s).
Upload speed: This shows how fast you can upload data from your device to the internet. Upload speed is measured in megabits per second (Mbps or MBits/s).
Ping or latency: This measures the response time of your internet connection. During this test, the device sends a data packet over the network to the test server. After receiving this packet, the server sends the data packet back to the device. The time between sending and receiving the data packet is called ping or latency. It is measured in milliseconds.
Jitter: This refers to the time difference between receiving two data packets. It measures the difference between several ping measurements. Jitter is measured in milliseconds.
For the most accurate result, use a network cable (LAN cable) to connect to the internet. A Wi-Fi connection distorts the result. The reasons include:
The Wi-Fi frequency can overlap with the frequencies of other networks. This causes disruptions. For example, interference may come from Bluetooth connections or other Wi-Fi networks.
The highest possible data rate for wireless networks is currently 6.9 gigabits per second. This means that Wi-Fi cannot transmit faster speeds. Many devices available in the market can transmit, at most, an effective speed of 800 Mbps.
Important: Turn off the Wi-Fi on your router before running the speed test. Disconnect all other devices connected to the internet. This will tell you the actual speed of your internet connection. After all, if other devices are using the internet, the speed will be slower.
Important: Before testing, make sure your operating system and browser are up to date.
The maximum speed also depends on the hardware – it is limited by the slowest link between the device and the test server. The installed software can also affect the test results.
For this reason, carry out the speed test on different devices and with different web browsers. This will give you a more accurate result.
2. How can an internet speed test help me?
A speed test checks if you are receiving the service that you pay for from your internet provider.
What can I do if I don’t receive the service I’m paying for?
Does the speed test show you are getting on average less than two thirds of the service you’re paying for? Find out whether the low speed is actually due to the connection – and not the devices used.
If the speed you receive is too slow, contact your provider. They may be able to identify a technical problem – or offer a price reduction or a change to your plan.
If you can’t find an amicable solution, you can contact the telecommunications arbitration body Ombudscom.
If a technical issue is responsible for the low internet speed, it may be worth switching to a cheaper plan with lower speeds.
3. Which internet plan is right for me?
Consider what internet speed you need for your personal use at home.
Important factors:
Online activity: streaming high-quality videos requires a higher internet speed than writing emails.
Number of people in your household: the more people living in your household, the more bandwidth they use while surfing at the same time.
Good to know: the network varies depending on where you live. A fibre optic connection usually lets you reach the highest internet speeds. Find out what type of internet connection is available where you live.
Comparis recommends the following minimum speeds depending on the type of use:
| Type of use | Speed | Typical use | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|
| Occasional surfing | 10–30 Mbps | Surfing, e-mails, streaming (HD) | Ideal for individuals |
| Multiple people | 50–200 Mbps | Multiple devices, simultaneous streaming | Depending on number of users |
| Working from home | 50–100 Mbps | Video calls, file uploads | Stable connection is essential |
| Streaming | 25–60 Mbps | 4K streaming (e.g. Netflix, Youtube) | Requirements depending on the platform |
| Online gaming | 100–1,000 Mbps | Multiplayer games, large downloads | LAN connection recommended |
| Demanding use | 250–10,000 Mbps | Parallel use, large quantities of data | Highest requirements |
4. How much does a high-speed internet plan cost?
How much a plan costs depends on the speed and provider. Typically, high-speed plans are available for around 50 francs per month.
The price difference between plans with high and low speeds can sometimes be small. Compare a range of deals.
Good to know: some providers charge you a lower price for a limited time. Check the plan conditions to find out if this is the case. This way, you won’t be surprised by a high price afterwards.
| Provider | Maximum internet speed of the provider | Availability at your address |
|---|---|---|
| Green.ch | Up to 10 Gbps | Availability of Green.ch |
| Init7 | Up to 25 Gbps | Availability of Init7 |
| Interxs | Up to 1 Gbps | Availability of Interxs |
| Iway | Up to 1 Gbps | Availability of Iway |
| M-Budget | Up to 1 Gbps | Availability of M-Budget |
| Monzoon Networks | Up to 1 Gbps | Availability of Monzoon |
| Netconnect | Up to 1 Gbps | Availability of Netconnect |
| Quickline | Up to 10 Gbps | Availability of Quickline |
| Sak | Up to 10 Gbps | Availability of Sak |
| Salt | Up to 10 Gbps | Availability of Salt |
| Solnet | Up to 10 Gbps | Availability of Solnet |
| Sunrise | Up to 10 Gbps | Availability of Sunrise |
| Swisscom | Up to 10 Gbps | Availability of Swisscom |
| Talktalk | Up to 1 Gbps | Availability of Talktalk |
| Teleboy | Up to 10 Gbps | Availability of Teleboy |
| Teleking | Up to 1 Gbps | Availability of Teleking |
| Thurcom | Up to 10 Gbps | Availability of Thurcom |
| VTX | Up to 1 Gbps | Availability of Vtx |
| Wingo | Up to 10 Gbps | Availability of Wingo |
| Yallo | Up to 10 Gbps | Availability of yallo |
| Zattoo | Up to 1 Gbps | Availability of Zattoo |
Information correct as of January 2025.
This list is not exhaustive. All information is provided without liability.
5. How long does it take to download files?
Do you often upload or download data? In that case, an internet plan with a faster line is worthwhile.
The graph shows how long it takes to download a 100-megabyte file, depending on your internet speed. Roughly speaking, 100 megabytes is equivalent to a medium-sized smartphone app, such as WhatsApp or Spotify.
6. What internet speed is possible for me?
Your internet speed depends on the infrastructure in your area. This is because the types of signal transmission (e.g. copper, fibre optic) vary depending on the location.
The technologies allow for different bandwidths. The larger the bandwidth, the faster the internet connection. Find out more with Comparis.
You can also check on the provider’s website whether the connection you want is possible at your address.
7. Router problems: common reasons for a slow connection
Is your internet speed too slow? In that case, you should definitely check the function and positioning of your router. If you’re unsure, ask your provider.
Check the settings on your router:
If it’s in sleep mode, turn it off. This is because, in order to save electricity, it reduces performance.
Update the software.
Test whether changing the frequency of the wireless network improves speed.
If this doesn’t work, restart the router. It will then re-establish a connection with the internet. To do this, it’s best to disconnect the router from the power supply briefly. This often helps to resolve any speed issues.
If many devices are using your internet connection at the same time, this will affect the speed. After all, every device consumes bandwidth.
Make sure that only the people in your household have access to your internet. If in doubt, change your Wi-Fi password.
Are you using Wi-Fi instead of a cable? The position of your router has an effect on the quality of your Wi-Fi connection. Position your router in a central location in your home, if possible.
For large apartments or homes with several floors, you can expand Wi-Fi coverage:
Wi-Fi repeaters pick up the existing signal. They then reprocess it and pass it on – ensuring greater network coverage. While repeaters can improve network coverage, they may also reduce transmission speed.
Mesh systems extend Wi-Fi coverage while ensuring high speed. Here’s how it works: by communicating with each other and with the main router, they build their own large network. This allows you to switch from one signal area to the next without interruption.
More powerful router: older routers in particular do not meet the latest standards. If your router is outdated, you should think about changing it.
Powerline adapters use your home’s electricity network to transmit internet data. This will turn your sockets into an internet outlet. Depending on the adapter, you can boost your Wi-Fi in this way or plug in a network cable. Some adapters have an integrated socket, so you don’t need to give up a power outlet.
This article was first published on 25.08.2021
