Internet speed test apps have been around for a long time. Most of us have visited SpeedTest.net, SpeakEasy.net/SpeedTest, or our ISP's speed test site at one time or another to check our bandwidth. However, most of those apps use Flash or Java applets to conduct the speed testing. In the modern world of various platforms, only one solution will work on them all: HTML5. HTML5 is supported on all modern browsers — Microsoft Internet Explorer, Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and Apple Safari, as well as many others - which means your system doesn't need another piece of software to test your internet connection. But despite this advantage, some HTML5 apps are not yet as effective as their Flash or Java counterparts. Here are five HTML5-based Internet speed test apps, some that perform, and some that do not.
1: Bandwidth Place
Bandwidth Place (Figure A) has been around since 2002, but it's been doing HTML5 bandwidth testing only since 2013. The interface is simple: a gauge, a start button, and a few results displays. It also offers server selection; however, the default is to use the fastest ping time. The standout feature is just that: It offers various servers around the world, therefore providing the best results for a global user base. Bandwidth Place fares well as far as results. It's comparable to the Flash and Java testing sites I've used for years.
