How to test your internet speed on a Mac

Updated October 23, 2026

Slow internet? Before you call your provider, check what speed you’re actually getting. Here are three ways on a Mac.

1. Apple’s hidden speed test: networkQuality

1. Open Terminal (Command + Space, type “Terminal”).
2. Type networkQuality and press Return.
3. After a few seconds you’ll see your upload and download capacity and a responsiveness score.

It’s accurate and built in, but it lives in Terminal, which isn’t for everyone.

2. A speed test website

Sites like Speedtest.net and Fast.com work in any browser. They’re easy, but often come with ads, and you have to open them every time.

3. Byter: live speed and one-click tests in your menu bar

Byter shows your download and upload speed live, so you can see when your connection slows down, and runs a full speed test (download, upload and ping) with one click. It also remembers your usage on each network, so you can compare your home Wi‑Fi, office and hotspot.

Speed tests use data too

To measure your speed, a test has to download and upload real data, and on a fast connection a single test can use tens or even hundreds of megabytes. If you’re on a small bundle, don’t run tests over and over. A live speed reading like Byter’s menu bar view is a lighter way to keep an eye on your connection.

Questions

Does Mac have a built-in internet speed test?

Yes. Open Terminal and run networkQuality. It measures upload and download capacity and responsiveness.

How much data does an internet speed test use?

It depends on your speed. On a fast connection a single test can use tens to hundreds of megabytes, because it has to send and receive real data.

What is a good internet speed?

For browsing and email, a few Mbps is enough. For HD video calls and streaming, aim for 10 Mbps or more, and a low ping (under about 50 ms) for smooth calls.