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Device speed test

Before we get started, here’s what to expect

This speed test only measures the upload and download speeds of the computer or wifi device you use to run the test - not the Cox network speed being delivered directly to your Internet modem. Internet browsers, computers and phones have different capabilities and will give you different results that don’t match your plan speeds.

Launch speed test

Understanding your device speed

Your results won’t match your plan speeds – but that’s normal. Here’s why:

Plan speed versus device speed

It’s important to differentiate between the speed of the internet connection to your home and the speed that reaches an individual device inside your home. This internet speed test, like the one found at speedtest.net, measures the speed reaching the device running the test – not the speed to your home. These test results are often lower than your plan speed due to various factors outside your internet provider’s control.

Device hardware

The device you use to run the test - like your computer or phone - may not be capable of the top speed your plan provides. If you’re using a wired connection, make sure you are using ethernet cable that can reach your top available speeds. For most speed plans, CAT6 ethernet cable is sufficient but for speeds higher than 1Gbps, you will want to use CAT6a ethernet cable.

Number of connected devices

The more connected devices there are, the less speed there is to go around. Your home network can slow down if there are a lot of smart devices being used at the same time.

Distance to modem

If you’re using wifi, get closer to your modem or Panoramic Wifi Gateway for a faster connection.

Interference

Certain objects can slow down your wifi speed if they’re between you and your modem including electronics, walls, doors and other building materials.

Check out more tips below on improving your results.

How to improve device speeds

Boost your everyday connections

Try these DIY tips for a faster Internet connection.

Read: Cox wifi guide

View wifi support articles

Make a fresh start

Reboot your modem and smart devices by powering them off then back on. Set any major device software updates or cloud backups to run overnight.

Location, location, location

Place your router on a counter in a central area of your home. Make sure it’s elevated over three feet high, not in a cabinet and away from walls, metal objects and other electronics.

Check your equipment

Check that your modem and router are newer models that meet your internet service package's minimum requirements. View our compatible modems

Look to your other devices

Check in with the smart devices in your home to see if they’re using up more bandwidth than necessary. If you have a Homelife HD Camera, you can adjust to a lower video quality setting or turn it off when not needed.

Stretch your wifi signal

You can get better wifi coverage around your home with wifi extenders—available with Panoramic Wifi.

Network outages

Still having issues with your speed?

It’s possible that you’re experiencing a network outage. Check for outages in your area

Device speed test FAQs

How does this speed test work?

This does not test the Cox speed plan being delivered to your home. This speed test only measures the upload and download speeds of the device you use to run the test. Computers, phones, and Internet browsers all have different capabilities and will give you different results that don’t quite match your plan speeds, and that’s normal. This speed test works using testing from Ookla, a global leader in broadband speed testing applications, and creates a series of multiple connections to nearby test servers, designed to mimic online activity, to measure and gather your speed performance data. All samples are sorted by speed and the fastest two results and the bottom quarter of the remaining samples are removed. The remaining samples are then averaged, giving you your speed test results.

How can I maximize the accuracy of my speed test results?

A lot of things can negatively impact your results. To get a more accurate reading during your speed test, try the following:

Wired connections can yield better results than over WiFi, but we understand it can be inconvenient to connect directly to your modem or gateway. If you don't have a wired connection, run the test near your modem or router to make sure nothing is blocking your wifi signal.
Because the speed to your home is shared across all your connected devices, too many devices on the same network can result in lower speed test results. While testing your speed, temporarily turn off any devices you may not need. This can help optimize the speed available to the device you're testing.
Check that your modem and router are newer models that meet your internet service package's minimum requirements. View our compatible modems

Can you guarantee my speed test results will be the same as the Internet Plan I subscribe to?

It’s important to differentiate between the speed of the Internet plan you subscribe to for your home and the speed that reaches an individual device within your home. This Internet speed test from Ookla and the one on speedtest.net, measures the speed reaching the device running the test – not the plan speed to your home. These test results are often lower than your plan speed due to various factors outside your internet provider’s control like the capability of your computer of phone, the internet browser you are using, the number of devices you have connected to your home Wifi, the type of ethernet cable you are using if testing via a wired connection, the distance from your gateway/router if using a wireless connection, and more.

What do all of these speed-related terms mean?

Download speed tells you how quickly you can pull data from the internet to your computer or device.

Upload speed tells you how quickly you can send data from your computer or device to others.

IP address is your unique "signature" that identifies your device on the internet or network.

Test server is the local or shared network where your speed test is running.

Ping is how long it takes your device to connect to a remote destination (also called latency).

Jitter is how consistent your device speed is when it's connected to the internet.

How can I test the speed I am getting to my home?

If you are a Panoramic Wifi customer, you can use the speed test tool in the Panoramic Wifi App to understand the speed Cox is delivering to your home and to your modem or gateway.