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.

Related Guides

Quick Answers

What is the most common mistake?

Relying on a single test result or ignoring Wi‑Fi conditions is the most common mistake.