Are broadband speed checkers any use?

hannerrbabes

I've just got fibre broadband for my home, with a promise of 38mbps on average. I've been checking my speed using an online test and decided to use more than one. they've all given me different speeds:
speedtest.btwholesale.com/ gave download: 30.68 and upload 8.42
https://www.speedtest.net/ gave download: 19.93 and upload 9.01
https://www.thinkbroadband.com/speedtest.html gave download 14.51 and upload 8.28
Uswitch gave download: 25.3 and upload 8.5.
These tests were all done within minutes of each other and there were no differences on internet usage. With such varying download speeds, which ones do I trust?? How do I even know what my speed is??
Hanna

JJ_Egan

The BT test is the one that is more accurate it also has a further diagnostics test.
Speedtest.net can depend upon the selected server .I find a local server gives much the same as BT test .Tests also vary depending upon internet conditions and the relevant connections between you and the server .

~Chameleon~

This is the one to use if you suspect you might have a fault on your line... http://speedtest.btwholesale.com/

Otherwise the speedtest.net one is sufficient to find out the speed you're currently getting.

kwikbreaks

Were you using WiFi or ethernet?

WiFi speeds vary widely depending on other devices on the same channel even when the distance to the AP is constant. If you happen to move or other people move in the room then all bets are off.