How to Test the Internet Browser Speed

A faster Web browser will enhance your Web-surfing experience with shorter load times.

There are four major Web browsers: Internet Explorer, Firefox, Safari and Google Chrome. While all four of these browsers claim to be the fastest, the truth is that your Internet connection may actually determine which browser is the fastest. To test each browser's speed on your home network, you can visit Michigan State University's Connect Speed Test website, which will allow you to download a test file and then automatically report the time that it took your browser to download the file.

Instructions

1. Ensure that no other programs are consuming bandwidth that may slow down your computer. Other Web browsers and torrent programs should be closed to ensure that you have the most bandwidth available for the test.

2. Open one of the Web browsers that you would like to test.

3. Visit the MSU Connection Speed Test website in the Web browser (see References).

4. Choose a file size from the drop-down box, beside your connection type, and click "Run Test." Once the test has completed, write down the time beside "Elapsed Time."

5. Close the Web browser and repeat the test using the same settings with the other Web browsers that you would like to compare speeds with. The browser with the shortest elapsed time is the fastest browser with your network settings.

References

• Michigan State University: MSU Connection Speed Test