Although not as popular as it once was, he still continues to root his primary devices today using the latest version of Magisk. He would frequently install custom ROMs, kernels, and recoveries to improve his Android experience beyond what stock could provide. After that, Stephen quickly learned about unlocking the bootloader and gaining full root access - both changed his smartphone life forever. However, he didn't get his first Android device until 2009 with the original Motorola Droid. He has actively followed the Android scene since 2008 with the HTC Dream, known by most as the T-Mobile G1. Stephen previously worked as a how-to guide writer for the Android rooting, modding, and custom ROM section at Gadget Hacks. As a long-time power user who knows his devices from the inside out, he uses that knowledge to tweak and customize them to better fit his specific needs. He came on board with the team in late 2021, bringing his strong technical background in computers, smartphones, and customer service with him. Besides Amazon Basics, UGreen, Mediabridge and Cable Matters also make high-quality Ethernet cables.īefore you run a speed test on either your phone or computer, you also want to make sure that all background applications are closed so that you can use all of the available bandwidth.Stephen is a writer at Android Police who primarily covers how-to guides, features, and the occasional in-depth explainer across various topics. We recommend using a CAT6 or higher Ethernet cable and you should also take a look at reviews before you buy to make sure it isn't a fake. However, if you notice that the speeds are slower via Ethernet than they usually are over Wi-Fi, you should swap out your old Ethernet cable for a new one. Desktop users won’t have any problems with this but laptop users might need an adapter with an Ethernet port.
You also want to avoid having any obstructions like large appliances between you and the router.įor anyone testing their internet speed using a laptop or desktop, you’re going to want to plug an Ethernet cable directly into your router. If you’re using an app on your phone, you want to make sure that your Wi-Fi is set to use the 5Ghz frequency (if your router supports it) and that your device is as close to the router as possible. This means making sure that nobody else is using the internet at that particular moment since someone streaming video downstairs or browsing the web in the kitchen will affect that data pulled in by your speed test app. For access to the expert features listed above, the app will cost $0.99 for 24 hours, $1.99 for the month, $9.99 for the year and $19.99 for life.īefore running a speed test, you should ensure that your network environment is clean. The app is available for free, but paying a one-time $1.99 fee will remove ads. Unfortunately, there isn't a version for iOS. If none of that made sense to you, then maybe the other speed test apps on this list would be a better fit.Įither way, Speed Test WiFi Analyzer by analiti is available on Google Play and the Amazon Appstore. If you're a nerd for deep Wi-Fi metrics, this app will give you detailed RSSI stats, a signal analyzer, decoded IEEE 802.11 beacon information, a spectrum map, and TCP and UDP tests for iPerf3 servers.
This feature is especially handy for users who have multiple nodes. Not only does Speed Test do standard speed tests well, but it also has a built-in Wi-Fi analyzer to help detail coverage in different parts of your home. The program's utilitarian design gives you very detailed information without any fluff. Speed Test WiFi Analyzer by analiti Experts Group might not be the prettiest speed test app, but it's definitely powerful. While you can use it a limited number of times with ads, to unlock unlimited testing, it will cost either $1.99/month, $7.99/year or $14.99/lifetime.Īpart from the cost, SpeedTest Master is robust and a must-have for anyone obsessed with connectivity.
The downside to SpeedTest Master is that it's not free. If you're in a busy area with many signals, this app will let you know which is the best to ping off of, assuming that Wi-Fi connection is open to the public. Another cool feature is being able to analyze various Wi-Fi signals, informing you of which ones offer the best connection. It can also test Wi-Fi signal strength, letting you know where you need to position yourself for ideal connectivity. It offers a bevy of tools outside of simple speed tests, such as being able to measure the ping response time for PlayStation Network, Steam, YouTube, TikTok and social-media networks. SpeedTest Master is a powerful speed test app for both iOS and Android.