When you’re relaxing with your favorite show or movie on Netflix or Hulu, the last thing you want to see is an actor’s face frozen on the screen as the buffering circle spins and spins.
The Speedtest by Ookla app has long allowed you to test your internet speed, but a recent update adds a video test that will measure the quality of your streaming experience.
“While network speed certainly impacts your video experience, providers routinely prioritize video traffic differently than other traffic,” Speedtest says. “This means that video can perform very differently than the rest of the things you do online, no matter how fast the download speed of your network.”
Adaptive bitrate technology adjusts your video quality based on how your network is performing at any given time. The app’s video test will measure this adaptive bitrate to let you know the maximum resolution, load time, and buffer you’re likely to encounter on your next binge session. You’ll also see which devices can handle your stream best, from phones to large TVs.
To run the test, download the Speedtest for iOS app or update to the latest version. Tap video along the bottom and the app takes it from there. Find your test history by tapping the hamburger menu and selecting Results > Video.
Video testing only works on iOS for now, but support for other platforms is in the works.
Disclosure: Ookla is owned by PCMag’s parent company, Ziff Davis.
