Is My Internet Speed Fast Enough?

When you run a speed test, you’re measuring how fast your internet connection is performing at that moment. But not all speed tests are the same. Some measure speeds on your individual device, while others measure speeds on your entire network connection. Knowing the difference will help you better understand your results. 

What Is a Speed Test? 

A speed test measures three key parts of your internet connection: 

• Download Speed – How fast data comes to you (streaming, browsing, downloads). 

• Upload Speed – How fast data goes out from you (video calls, file sharing, gaming). 

• Ping/Latency – How quickly your connection responds (important for gaming and video chats). 

Network-Level Speed Tests 

Check now: Eero App Speed Test

• What it measures: The speed between your Surf internet connection and your Eero system (the gateway for your home network). 

• Why it matters: This shows the true performance of your Surf connection, without being affected by Wi-Fi range or individual device limitations. 

• When to use it: To verify whether your Surf Internet plan is delivering the expected speeds into your home. 

👉 If your Eero speed test shows full speed, but your phone’s test is slower, the issue is likely Wi-Fi coverage or the device itself—not your Surf service. 

Device-Level Speed Tests 

Check now: SpeedTest.net

• What it measures: The speed between your specific device (phone, laptop, tablet) and the internet. 

• Why results vary: Your device’s Wi-Fi signal strength, distance from your Eero, background apps, and even the age of the device can affect the numbers. 

• When to use it: To check the performance on a single device or to troubleshoot slow speeds in certain rooms of your home. 

👉 If your laptop shows slower speeds than your phone, the difference may be due to the device’s Wi-Fi capabilities—not Surf’s network. 

Why Results May Differ 

It’s normal to see differences between device-level and network-level tests. Here’s why: 

• Wi-Fi conditions – Distance, walls, and interference can slow down device results. 

• Multiple users – If several people are streaming, gaming, or downloading at once, available speed per device will be lower. 

• Device limits – Older laptops and phones may not support the latest Wi-Fi standards or gigabit speeds. 

• Wired vs. wireless – A wired Ethernet test will nearly always show higher, more stable speeds than Wi-Fi. 

How to Use Both Tests Together 

• Start with a network-level speed test in the Eero app. If it matches your Surf plan, your internet service is working as expected. 

• Then run a device-level test to see how Wi-Fi and device performance compare. 

• If you see strong network speeds but weak device speeds, improving Wi-Fi coverage (e.g., adding more Eero devices) often solves the problem.