How to test your Starlink speed properly – Some users have experienced varying results on different devices when testing Starlink speeds. In our experience, one device reached up to 300Mbps, while another only achieved 120Mbps. What’s going on? How do you properly test your Starlink internet speed?
In this guide, I will explain how I correctly measure Starlink internet speed, which tools I use, and the mistakes that can produce inaccurate results.
The Tools I Use for a Starlink Speed Test
To get the best results and for comparison, I used three free tools to test Starlink internet speeds. I also used different devices, including a laptop, a phone, and a PC, for more accurate results.
Here is my free tool for Starlink speed testing:
1. Starlink App
Download the Starlink app if you don’t already have it.
The official Starlink app includes a built-in speed test feature. You can use it immediately by opening the Speed Test menu. Simply tap the Start button to begin testing your internet speed. You’ll immediately see download and upload speeds, as well as the time taken in milliseconds.
2. Fast.com
Netflix designed Fast.com as a free speed test tool and launched it in 2016. Internet users widely use it to test internet connections, including Starlink. The platform displays the results directly in your browser.
Using it is very easy: just type Fast.com into your browser and the speed test will start immediately.
3. Speedtest by Ookla
Ookla, a leading digital media and internet company, designs Speedtest along with other tools such as Downdetector, Ekahau, and RootMetrics. Users can access Speedtest online or use its mobile app.
Go to Speedtest.net and tap the Go button to start the speed test. The system displays the results immediately.
How Device Technology Affects Starlink Internet Speed?
If your device gets a speed value that is far from the speed value when tested via the Starlink app, the cause is from your device.
In our tests, we used three different devices: a mobile phone, a laptop, and a computer. When tested on both the laptop and computer, Starlink achieved the same speed as when tested using the app, at 374Mbps. However, when tested on a mobile phone, the speed only reached 120Mbps. What’s the problem? It turns out the problem was with my phone. The phone I was using only supported 2.4Ghz Wi-Fi, while my laptop and computer already supported 5Ghz.
To get the maximum speed from Starlink internet, make sure your device supports dual bands, namely 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz.
Final Thoughts
After testing, I realized that accurate Starlink speed measurements require consistency more than anything else. Running multiple tests, minimizing Wi-Fi interference, and checking performance at different times provides much more reliable data than a single quick test. The internet speeds generated by Starlink can be used for any purpose, including security cameras.
Using a non-supported device will affect Starlink internet speeds. For realistic results, use a device that supports dual-band networks.