Loaded Latency / Bufferbloat Test

Loaded latency shows how your broadband behaves when the connection is under pressure.

What this test shows

A normal speed test tells you download and upload speed. Loaded latency looks at what happens to ping while the connection is busy.

Until LinkSpeed adds a fully automated loaded-latency measurement, use this practical test method:

  1. Run a normal LinkSpeed test and note the ping and jitter.
  2. Start a large download or cloud backup.
  3. Run the test again while the connection is busy.
  4. If ping jumps sharply, you may have bufferbloat.

How to grade the result

Loaded latency increaseLikely qualityWhat it feels like
0-30 msExcellentGaming and calls should stay smooth.
30-75 msGoodSmall delay under load.
75-150 msVariableNoticeable lag during downloads/uploads.
150 ms+PoorCalls, games and remote work may suffer.

What to fix first

Try Ethernet, reduce background uploads, enable router QoS/SQM if available, and check whether the problem is worse on Wi-Fi than wired.

Related LinkSpeed pages