Mobile internet, the world's main connection
For most people on the planet, the phone is the main way online, and 5G home internet now competes with fixed lines in many cities. Your own speed depends mostly on where you are, the time of day, the network load and your device. Considering a 5G router instead of a fixed line? Read 5G home internet vs fibre.
3G, 4G or 5G: what speeds to expect
| Network | Common speed | Common ping |
|---|---|---|
| 3G | 1 to 10 Mbps | 60 to 150 ms |
| 4G | 10 to 100 Mbps | 30 to 70 ms |
| 5G | 100 Mbps and more | 15 to 40 ms |
These figures vary a lot with coverage and network load. To test your mobile connection, turn off Wi-Fi on the phone before starting.
What affects mobile speed
- Coverage: indoors, basements and rural areas weaken the signal.
- Cell load: in the evening or in a stadium, capacity is shared among many users.
- Your phone: older models do not support every 4G band or 5G.
- Your plan: once your data allowance is used, speed may be reduced.
4G/5G routers: placement matters
A 4G or 5G router behaves like a phone: put it near a window, up high, facing the nearest cell tower. Test several spots and keep the best. Our comparison 4G/5G router or fibre helps you choose.
Measure your connection now. Start the test
Testing on a phone without wasting data
A full test on a fast connection can use several hundred MB. See testing speed on a smartphone, and if your 4G is unusually slow, follow slow mobile internet: fixes.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between 4G and 5G?
5G offers higher speeds and lower latency, provided you have a compatible phone and are in a covered area.
Why is 4G slow in the evening?
A cell tower is shared: at peak times its capacity is split among more users.
How much data does a test use?
It depends on your speed. The faster the connection, the more data the test transfers in its fixed duration.
