Optimum Speed Test Tips
Things you should consider before running your speed test:
- Internet speed changes throughout the day. Test your speed multiple times for clear results.
- Run the speed test in the same room and in clear sight of your router for the most accurate result.
- Complete downloads on all connected devices prior to running the test.
Ideal for up to 6 devices
You’re up to speed! Your Internet connection is ideal for streaming.
Your Internet should support the following:
- Suitable for 1-2 people
- Moderate Internet browsing
- Stream HD videos
Save money by bundling your Internet and mobile services.
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Ideal for up to 9 devices
You’re up to speed! Your Internet connection is ideal for streaming.
Your Internet should support the following:
- Suitable for 2-3 people
- Manage large files
- Stream 4K videos
- Multiplayer gaming
Save money by bundling your Internet and mobile services.
Interested in a New Provider?
Even if you’re happy with your plan, SmartMove can help ensure you are getting the best Internet and TV service in your area. Enter your address to compare your options. Explore More Options
Ideal for 10+ devices
You’re up to speed! Your Internet connection is ideal for streaming.
Your Internet should support the following:
- Suitable for 4+ people
- Heavy Internet usage
- Stream 4k videos
- Multiplayer gaming
Save money by bundling your Internet and mobile services.
Interested in a New Provider?
Even if you’re happy with your plan, SmartMove can help ensure you are getting the best Internet and TV service in your area. Enter your address to compare your options. Explore More Options
Ideal for unlimited devices
You’re up to speed! Your Internet connection is ideal for streaming.
Your Internet should support the following:
- Suitable for an unlimited number of people
- Heavy Internet usage
- Stream 4k videos
- Multiplayer gaming
Save money by bundling your Internet and mobile services.
Interested in a New Provider?
Even if you’re happy with your plan, SmartMove can help ensure you are getting the best Internet and TV service in your area. Enter your address to compare your options. Explore More Options
Understanding Your Internet Connection Speed
A reliable connection to the Internet is a critical feature of today’s modern household. A fast, steady Internet connection is necessary for many of our day-to-day activities including:
- Online videogames
- Working from home
- Streaming TV and movies
- App Downloads
- Web Browsing
- Managing the household
- Schoolwork
- Ensuring family and friends stay connected
- Zoom Calls
- And so much more!
Differences exist in overall Internet speeds based on your Internet Service Provider (ISP), the area of the country you live in, (suburban or rural area), and the number of devices connected to the Internet both in your home and your area.
Internet speed terms you need to know for a speed test
Your network connection is not defined by a single measurement, but rather a collection of measurements that will accurately provide you with your router’s level of network performance. Optimum Internet offers the terms you should understand to help you determine how well your network is performing:
- Megabits per second (Mbps) measures the amount of information moving through your data pipeline at any point in time. Your upload and download speeds, as well as other metrics are measured and displayed in Mbps.
- Bandwidth refers to the total amount of data that can be supported by a network connection or interface. A greater capacity typically leads to better performance.
- Download speed represents the speed at which your Internet connection is able to receive data from the Internet.
- Upload speed is the speed your Internet connection requires to send data from your device to another device or to the Internet.
- Latency is the time it takes for data to transmit from your computer to a server and back. This process is typically called a ping rate, especially when running an Internet speed test.
Factors that can affect connection speed
Some of the factors that can affect your overall network connectivity include:
- The number of users on your network.
- Background applications utilizing bandwidth.
- Your device's distance from the router.
- Building design and material.
- Geographic location.
This list is a simple cross section of factors that may reduce your Optimum Internet service speeds. Any number of other, anecdotal factors can also decrease network performance as well.
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Determining what your download speed means
Ideal for up to 6 devices
- Suitable for 1-2 people
- Moderate Internet browsing
- Stream HD videos
Ideal for up to 9 devices
- Suitable for 2-3 people
- Manage large files
- Stream 4K videos
- Multiplayer gaming
Ideal for 10+ devices
- Suitable for 4+ people
- Heavy Internet usage
- Stream 4k videos
- Multiplayer gaming
Ideal for unlimited devices
- Suitable for an unlimited number of people
- Heavy Internet usage
- Stream 4k videos
- Multiplayer gaming
Does it matter which device I use?
You can go faster with a newer device as some devices may not be compatible with updates. Test your speeds by running the Optimum speed test above to see if your device is the problem.
How do I increase my Optimum Internet speed?
Increase your Internet speed by: rebooting your router and Gateway, clearing your cache, moving your router, and using fewer devices. Try a speed test and if these options don’t work, call your Internet provider.
Optimum offers speeds up to 8 Gig to help you go faster. Test your Optimum Internet speed with the Optimum SpeedTest above.
Optimum offers up to 8 Gig Fiber in the NY-tristate area and up to 1 Gig in other Optimum areas.
Optimum Internet services are available across 21 states: Arizona, Arkansas, California, Connecticut, Idaho, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia.
Unlimited use of Optimum WiFi hotspots is free for all Optimum customers in more than two million locations.
Optimum does not have an annual contract. Get up to $100 when you switch to Optimum, from another provider.
Learn About Optimum Internet
Optimum Internet provides a variety of features that you can tailor to your needs. Learn more about your options on the Optimum's page.