The Best 6 Alternatives to Speedtest by Ookla for Internet Speed Testing

If you’re looking to test your internet speed, the first thing that comes to mind is probably Speedtest by Ookla. The platform is the most popular and well-known internet speed-testing tool on the market. While it is an excellent tool, there are still other options available – and sometimes it’s useful to have several tools at your disposal. With that in mind, this blog post will help you find the best alternatives to Speedtest by Ookla for internet speed testing.

Video Tutorial:

What is Speedtest by Ookla?

Speedtest by Ookla is an online tool that helps check internet download and upload speeds. The tool is easy to use as it requires nothing beyond clicking on a button to start the test. Speedtest by Ookla works by using a server to measure how long it takes for your computer to download and upload data from its server.

This tool is incredibly accurate and reliable. However, it isn’t perfect. If too many people in your area use Speedtest by Ookla simultaneously, the server may slow down, making your results less accurate.

Top Alternatives to Speedtest by Ookla

Best Alternative #1: Fast.com

Fast.com is a web-based internet speed testing tool launched by Netflix in 2016 that is both fast and straightforward. The tool automatically starts calculating the download speed as soon as you visit the website. You don’t have to click on the start button as is the case with most other platforms. One of Fast.com’s selling points is its interface, which is ad-free, much simpler and cleaner than others, and easy to use.

Pros:

• Overview of your download and upload speed at a glance.
• Ad-free interface that’s simple and straightforward.
• Supported by Netflix, which means the servers are reliable and fast.

Cons:

• No upload speed testing is available.
• It may provide an inaccurate result if someone else is streaming from Netflix while you’re testing.

Best Alternative #2: Google Speed Test

Google speed test is a web-based internet speed testing tool from Google. It uses Google’s servers to calculate internet speed, so you can expect the results to be fast and incredibly accurate. You can use the tool on any device, and its interface is uniform across all devices.

Pros:

• Results are accurate.
• It can be easily accessed and can be used across all devices.
• User-friendly interface.

Cons:

• It does not have a dedicated app.
• The interface may seem a little dull.

Best Alternative #3: TestMy.net

TestMy.net is a popular platform that is widely known for its accuracy. Unlike other speed-testing tools which measure the speed at the endpoint, TestMy.net measures at the server end of a connection. That’s better because you get to see the speeds at which the server is sending data. Moreover, TestMy.net gives you the option to test from multiple servers located in different locations, which is neat.

Pros:

• Accurate results.
• It provides users with the ability to switch between servers to receive data from different locations.
• The site’s interface is user-friendly.

Cons:

• You need to sign in to save test results.
• The site runs ads that can make testing slower.

Best Alternative #4: Pingdom by SolarWinds

Pingdom is an internet speed-testing tool launched by SolarWinds. This tool is designed mainly for website owners and managers to check their website speed. However, it can also be used to test your browsing speed. One of the unique features that Pingdom has is the ability to set up alerts when your website is down. If you are a website owner or manager, this feature could be beneficial.

Pros:

• It makes website monitoring easier by setting up alerts when your website is down
• The interface is user-friendly and easy to use.
• The tool shows data in detailed charts and tables.

Cons:

• The free version of the tool is limited in terms of features.
• You must register to access the full package of the site.

Best Alternative #5: SpeedOf.Me

SpeedOf.Me is a browser-based internet speed-testing website that does not require the installation of an app or the running of a flash plugin. One of the features that stand out with this platform is that it’s ad-free, allowing for fast and accurate results. More so, SpeedOf.Me uses HTML5 and JavaScript to provide results, making it accessible to any device with a browser.

Pros:

• Ad-free interface that delivers accurate results.
• No installation necessary, making it easy to use across all devices.
• No need to update software or plugins.

Cons:

• The visuals may not be as appealing to some users.
• Results may not be entirely accurate since it does not test upload speeds.

Best Alternative #6: CNET’s Bandwidth Meter

Bandwidth Meter is an internet speed-testing tool offered by CNET. The tool is straightforward to use and is free of charge. Bandwidth metering is different from other options in that the tool also displays test results as a graph, which makes bandwidth monitoring more noticeable. With this tool, you can test internet speeds continuously or periodically, making it perfect for constant monitoring.

Pros:

• The tool’s interface is user-friendly.
• It has flexible settings that allow continuous monitoring.
• The software is free of charge.

Cons:

• The tool runs only on Windows operating systems.
• Customers data can be provided to third-party advertisers.

Comprehensive Comparison of Each Software

Our Thoughts on Speedtest by Ookla

Overall, Speedtest by Ookla is a reliable and accurate speed testing tool that is easy to use. Although it has its cons, its pros outweigh the cons, making it a popular choice among users. However, with the alternatives available, and how they offer diverse features, it is essential to check out the alternatives and see which one suits your needs best.

FAQs

Q1: Does Ookla have a limit for testing?

A: No, Ookla does not limit testing or cause slowdown, except in situations where many people in your area may be using the tool simultaneously.

Q2: Can I test upload speed with Fast.com?

A: No, Fast.com only tests download speeds.

Q3: What is the cost of using TestMy.net?

A: TestMy.net provides free usage, but users need to sign-in to save their results.

Q4: Is Pingdom by SolarWinds limited to website testing only?

A: No, it can be used to test browsing speed as well.

Q5: Is Google Speed Test available on all devices?

A: Yes, it is accessible across all devices flatly.

In Conclusion

Speedtest by Ookla is, without a doubt, a fantastic testing tool. Nonetheless, with the diverse alternatives provided in this article, you can find not only an accurate speed test but also one with features that meet your needs and enhance your browsing experience. Remember, the best tool for you is one that meets your needs both functionally and financially.