Internet Speed Test Provider Comparison: What a Score Means
What the Spectrum, AT&T and Verizon speed tests say they check, why a score can differ from your plan speed, and what to try when a Wi-Fi score looks slow.
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The Verizon speed test page gives its own wording for a score: "The download speed score shows how long it takes to download or receive information." AT&T describes download speed as how quickly data travels from the internet to your device and upload speed as how fast data travels from your device to the internet. This wording was checked on the provider pages on November 7, 2026.
The Verizon speed test page says results are often lower than plan speed; to see the plans we list by provider, compare internet plans.
What each provider's speed test checks
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| Test | What the provider says it checks | Where or how it is meant to be run |
|---|---|---|
| Spectrum speed test | To see how your current Internet or WiFi connection measures up | Not stated |
| AT&T speed test, device | It checks the speed between your smartphone, tablet, computer, or other device and the internet | You can run the test over a cellular (mobile) network, a wired connection, or your local Wi-Fi |
| AT&T speed test, gateway | AT&T says it "checks the speed between your AT&T Wi-Fi Gateway or AT&T All-Fi Hub® and our network" | Not stated |
| Verizon speed test | Verizon says it "checks how fast information travels from our servers to your device" | It is intended to measure results on your home network |
"Not stated" means the provider's page, as read for this guide, gives no such detail.
Why a score differs from your plan
The Verizon speed test page gives this reason: "Factors like wifi strength and device capabilities mean that results are often lower than plan speed." Spectrum notes: "Results may vary based on device capabilities, number of connected devices and router placement." AT&T says device speed depends on the number of devices you connect to Wi-Fi, how you use them, their age and type, and Wi-Fi signal strength.
The Verizon speed test page also says that Wi-Fi signal strength is different from internet speed, and lists other factors, including how many devices you have connected, whether you’re using Wi-Fi or an ethernet cable, and even the device you’re using to connect.
What the providers suggest when a Wi-Fi score looks slow
If the score looks slow on Wi-Fi, Spectrum suggests you try moving closer to your router or checking your internet speed with another device. Verizon suggests you try getting closer to the router or connecting your device to the router with an ethernet cable. Spectrum adds: "Walls, radios or increased distance from your router might be causing WiFi interference."
How much speed you need
How much internet speed do I need?
The FCC Broadband Speed Guide lists typical online activities with the minimum download speed (Megabits per second, or Mbps) needed for adequate performance for each application, and its speeds are based on running one activity at a time. For a whole household, the FCC Broadband Speed Guide points to a separate FCC guide to compare minimum Mbps needs for light, moderate and high household use with one, two, three or four devices at a time.
What is a good download speed for internet?
It depends on the activity, and the FCC Broadband Speed Guide says its figures are rough guidelines and are not based on surveys or experiments conducted by the FCC. The FCC Broadband Speed Guide adds: "Additional speed may enhance performance."
To choose a plan speed for your household, see our guide to how much internet speed you need.
Sources and method
Evidence tiers used: tier 1 (regulator), tier 3 (the provider's own dated page). Hands-on: none claimed. How we source and date these facts
Sources
- Speed Test, Verizon. As of 2026-11-06; retrieved 2026-11-07.
- Internet speed tests, AT&T. As of 2026-11-06; retrieved 2026-11-07.
- Internet Speed Test, Charter Communications (Spectrum). As of 2026-10-23; retrieved 2026-11-07.
- Broadband Speed Guide, Federal Communications Commission. As of 2022-07-18; retrieved 2026-11-07.
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