Test your speed

A speed test says how fast your line is. The check says which part is slow and why. When you want the speed too, press Test Speed in the toolbar, or choose Check › Test Speed.

The sheet says what it does: it runs macOS’s own network test against Apple’s servers for up to 8 seconds. On a fast line that moves 0.5–1 GB, so it only runs when you press Test Speed in the sheet, and never on a hotspot or in Low Data Mode. Press Test Again to run it again.

The results

• Mbps down and Mbps up.
• RPM responsiveness: how many round trips your line manages in a minute while it’s busy.
• Apple’s rating: Low, Medium or High, with a sentence on what it means for you.

What the rating means

• High: “Your line is fast and stays responsive when it’s busy.”
• Medium: “Your line is fast, and mostly holds up when it’s busy.” Calls may pause for a moment while others use the line.
• Low: “Your line slows down a lot when it’s busy.” Calls and games may be unreliable while someone downloads or backs up.

If Apple’s test gives no rating, Plain Air says so and gives no verdict for that run.

When it won’t run

• On a hotspot or in Low Data Mode: “You’re on a hotspot or in Low Data Mode, so Plain Air won’t run the test.”
• Before the first check, and while a check is running.

Test Speed is free.