How to Detect ISP Throttling
Throttling is when an ISP intentionally slows specific traffic. Use these steps to see if your connection is being limited.
Step 1: Test at different times
Run speed tests during peak and off‑peak hours. Consistent slowdowns only during busy times may be congestion, not throttling.
Step 2: Compare with and without a VPN
If performance improves significantly with a VPN, your traffic may be shaped or throttled.
Step 3: Check specific services
Slow video streaming but fast general browsing can indicate service‑specific throttling.
Step 4: Document results
Save timestamps, results, and notes. This helps when contacting your ISP or switching providers.
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Quick Answers
What is the most common mistake?
Relying on a single test result or ignoring Wi‑Fi conditions is the most common mistake.