How to Test Internet Speed on Amazon FireStick: Alright, let’s be real—FireStick is probably the coolest little streaming gadget out there. I mean, it’s changed how we binge-watch shows, movies, and basically anything on TV. But here’s the catch: no matter how slick your FireStick is, it’s only as good as your internet connection. And if your stream keeps buffering or pixelating, slow internet is usually the sneaky culprit.
So, how do you check if your FireStick’s internet is dragging its feet? Lucky for you, testing the speed on FireStick, Fire Stick 4K, Fire TV Cube, or any Fire TV device isn’t rocket science. Plus, it works whether you’re hooked up via Wi-Fi or Ethernet. I’m going to walk you through the easiest ways to figure out what kind of speed you’re actually getting—and maybe save you from some frustrating buffering sessions.
Privacy Alert! Your data is exposed to the websites you visit! The information above can be used to track you, target you for ads, and monitor what you do online. We recommend ExpressVPN — the #1 VPN out of over 350 providers we've tested. It has military-grade encryption and privacy features that will ensure your digital security, plus — it's currently offering 48% off.
Your IP Address: Loading...
Your Location: Loading...
Your Internet Provider: Loading...
Why Even Bother Testing Internet Speed on FireStick?
Think of your internet connection like a highway. The wider and smoother the highway, the faster your streaming car can zoom. If you’re stuck on a bumpy, narrow road (aka slow internet), everything gets choppy and annoying. Testing your speed helps you know whether it’s really your ISP dragging their feet or if it’s something else. By the way, you don’t need crazy 100 Mbps just to stream smoothly. For most people—even if you’re diving into 4K UHD—30 to 40 Mbps usually does the trick.
Here’s How to Test Your FireStick Internet Speed
There are a few ways to get this done. I’ve used all of them and honestly, they’re all pretty straightforward:
- Method 1: Use the Internet Speed Test app from the Amazon Store.
- Method 2: Try the Analiti app—also on the Amazon Store.
- Method 3: Just open a browser (like Silk) and hit a speed test website like fast.com.
Personally, I find the browser method the fastest, but the apps give you more detailed and accurate results. Let’s break each down.
Method 1: Internet Speed Test App
This one’s a classic. The Internet Speed Test app is straightforward and reliable. Here’s how you do it:
- From your FireStick home screen, hit the Search or Find option (look for that little magnifying glass).
- Type in “speed test” and select Internet Speed Test from the list.
- Click Download or Get, then wait for it to install.
- Once installed, open the app and hit Start Test.
- Wait a moment while it runs the test and shows your download and upload speeds.
It’s pretty much plug-and-play—easy enough that even my tech-challenged uncle could do it.
Method 2: Analiti App
If you want a bit more info and a slightly nerdier interface, Analiti’s your friend:
- Search for “Analiti” on your FireStick’s search function.
- Download and install it from the Amazon Store.
- Open the app and look for the Detailed Test option on the left menu.
- Click it and watch as it spits out your download (red) and upload (green) speeds.
I like Analiti because it feels a bit more “professional,” but it’s not for everyone—some might find it overkill if all they want is a quick speed check.
Method 3: Use a Browser (Silk Browser + fast.com)
This is the quickest way if you don’t want to install anything extra. Silk browser usually comes pre-installed on FireStick, but if it’s missing:
- Go to Search and type “Silk browser.”
- Download and install it.
- Open Silk and click the address bar at the top.
- Type fast.com and hit enter.
- Netflix’s speed test page will automatically start testing your internet speed.
Heads up: browser-based tests can be a little less precise than dedicated apps but are perfect if you want something quick and no-fuss.
Best VPNs for Streaming — Final Score:
Rank
Provider
Overall Score
Best Deal
9.8
★★★★★
save 84%
VISIT WEBSITE >
9.6
★★★★★
save 83%
VISIT WEBSITE >
9.4
★★★★★
save 84%
VISIT WEBSITE >
Wrapping It Up
Testing your FireStick’s internet speed isn’t complicated. Whether you use an app or a browser, it takes less than a minute and can save you from hours of frustration when your shows start buffering mid-binge. If your speeds look slow, it’s time to do some detective work—maybe call your ISP, upgrade your plan, or tweak your home network. And if you suspect your ISP is throttling your connection, consider using a good VPN designed for FireStick to keep your streaming smooth and uninterrupted. Now, go ahead and test that speed! Because no one wants to suffer through buffering hell, right?
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I test FireStick internet speed without downloading any apps?
Yes! You can simply use the Silk browser (or any browser on your FireStick) to visit websites like fast.com. This method is quick and doesn’t require installing any additional apps, although it might be a bit less accurate than dedicated speed test apps.
What internet speed do I really need for streaming on FireStick?
You don’t need crazy-fast speeds to enjoy smooth streaming. For HD content, 15-20 Mbps is usually enough, and for 4K UHD streaming, aiming for around 30-40 Mbps will keep things running smoothly without buffering.
Why does my FireStick keep buffering even though my internet speed looks fine?
Sometimes, buffering isn’t just about speed. Network congestion, Wi-Fi interference, or even your ISP throttling streaming traffic can cause interruptions. Also, FireStick device performance and app issues might contribute. Running a speed test is a good first step, but you may need to explore other troubleshooting methods too.
Is using a VPN on FireStick going to slow down my internet speed?
Using a VPN can sometimes reduce your speed slightly because of encryption overhead, but a good, fast VPN optimized for streaming usually has minimal impact. In some cases, it can even improve your speed by bypassing ISP throttling.
Can a wired Ethernet connection improve FireStick’s internet speed compared to Wi-Fi?
Absolutely! Connecting your FireStick via Ethernet usually offers a more stable and consistent connection, which can help avoid buffering caused by weak Wi-Fi signals or interference from other devices.
Are the results from FireStick speed test apps accurate?
Speed test apps available on FireStick like Internet Speed Test and Analiti are generally reliable and provide detailed results. However, external factors like server location and network traffic can influence the numbers, so it’s good to run tests a few times or compare with browser-based tests.