Secure Speedtest: Install Speedtest CLI With HTTPS

Oct 31, 2025 by Jhon Lennon 51 views

Are you looking to test your internet speed securely using the Speedtest CLI? This guide walks you through the process of installing and configuring the Speedtest Command Line Interface (CLI) with HTTPS for secure and accurate speed testing. In today's digital age, ensuring the security of your data is paramount, even when conducting something as simple as a speed test. By using HTTPS, you encrypt the data transmitted between your computer and the Speedtest servers, preventing eavesdropping and ensuring the integrity of your results. Let’s dive into how you can achieve this, making your speed tests not only accurate but also secure.

Understanding the Importance of HTTPS in Speed Testing

When we talk about HTTPS, we're referring to Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure. It's the secure version of HTTP, the primary protocol used to send data between a web browser and a website. The 'S' at the end stands for 'Secure,' meaning all communications between your browser and the website are encrypted. This encryption is crucial because it protects your data from being intercepted or tampered with by third parties. Think of it as a private tunnel for your data, ensuring that only you and the server you're communicating with can understand the information being exchanged.

Now, you might wonder, why is this important for speed testing? After all, we're just measuring internet speed, right? While that's true, the process involves sending and receiving data, which could potentially expose your network to vulnerabilities if not done securely. By using HTTPS with the Speedtest CLI, you ensure that the data transmitted during the speed test is encrypted, safeguarding your privacy and security. This is especially important if you're testing your internet speed on a public network or if you're concerned about your data being monitored.

Moreover, using HTTPS ensures the integrity of your speed test results. Without encryption, there's a risk that the data could be tampered with, leading to inaccurate results. This is particularly critical for professionals who rely on accurate speed test data for network diagnostics, troubleshooting, or performance monitoring. By implementing HTTPS, you can trust that the results you're getting are reliable and haven't been compromised in any way. In summary, HTTPS provides a layer of security and trust, making your speed tests more accurate and secure, which is essential in today's interconnected world.

Prerequisites for Installing Speedtest CLI with HTTPS

Before we get started with the installation process, let's make sure you have everything you need. Installing the Speedtest CLI with HTTPS requires a few prerequisites to ensure a smooth and successful setup. First and foremost, you'll need a computer running a compatible operating system. The Speedtest CLI is available for Windows, macOS, and Linux, so you should be covered no matter what platform you're using. Make sure your operating system is up to date to avoid any compatibility issues.

Next, you'll need to have a stable internet connection. This might seem obvious, but it's worth mentioning. Since we're installing a tool to test your internet speed, you'll need a working internet connection to download the necessary files and dependencies. A wired connection is generally more reliable than Wi-Fi, so if you're experiencing issues, consider using an Ethernet cable to connect your computer directly to your router.

Another important prerequisite is having administrative privileges on your computer. This is necessary because installing the Speedtest CLI involves making changes to system files and directories. On Windows, you'll need to run the installer as an administrator. On macOS and Linux, you'll need to use the sudo command to execute commands with elevated privileges. Without administrative privileges, you won't be able to install the Speedtest CLI correctly.

Lastly, it's a good idea to have some familiarity with the command line interface (CLI) or terminal. While the installation process is relatively straightforward, you'll need to use the CLI to download, install, and run the Speedtest CLI. If you're not comfortable with the CLI, don't worry! We'll provide detailed instructions and examples to guide you through the process. With these prerequisites in place, you'll be well-prepared to install the Speedtest CLI with HTTPS and start testing your internet speed securely.

Step-by-Step Installation Guide

Alright, let's get down to the nitty-gritty and walk through the installation process step by step. Installing the Speedtest CLI with HTTPS is a breeze if you follow these instructions carefully. We'll cover the installation process for Windows, macOS, and Linux, so you can choose the instructions that apply to your operating system. Ready? Let's dive in!

Windows

Download the Speedtest CLI: First, you'll need to download the Speedtest CLI for Windows. You can find the latest version on the official Speedtest website or through a trusted download source. Make sure you download the correct version for your system architecture (32-bit or 64-bit).
Run the Installer: Once the download is complete, locate the installer file and double-click it to run. You may be prompted to allow the app to make changes to your device. Click “Yes” to continue.
Follow the Installation Wizard: The Speedtest CLI installer will guide you through the installation process. Follow the on-screen instructions, accepting the license agreement and choosing the installation directory. It's generally recommended to install the Speedtest CLI in the default directory.
Add Speedtest CLI to PATH: To run the Speedtest CLI from any command prompt window, you'll need to add the installation directory to your system's PATH environment variable. To do this, search for “environment variables” in the Start menu and select “Edit the system environment variables.” Click the “Environment Variables” button, then locate the “Path” variable in the “System variables” section. Click “Edit” and add the directory where you installed the Speedtest CLI (e.g., C:\Program Files\Speedtest).
Verify Installation: Open a new command prompt window and type speedtest followed by Enter. If the Speedtest CLI is installed correctly, you should see the Speedtest CLI version and a list of available commands.

macOS

Download the Speedtest CLI: Download the Speedtest CLI for macOS from the official Speedtest website. The file will typically be a .dmg file.
Mount the DMG File: Double-click the .dmg file to mount it. A new Finder window will open, showing the contents of the DMG file.
Copy the Speedtest CLI to /usr/local/bin: Open a Terminal window and use the following command to copy the Speedtest CLI executable to the /usr/local/bin directory:
```
sudo cp /Volumes/Speedtest/speedtest /usr/local/bin
```
You'll be prompted for your password. Enter it and press Enter.
Make the Speedtest CLI Executable: To make the Speedtest CLI executable, use the following command:
```
sudo chmod +x /usr/local/bin/speedtest
```
Verify Installation: Type speedtest in the Terminal and press Enter. If the installation was successful, you should see the Speedtest CLI version and a list of available commands.

Linux

Download the Speedtest CLI: Download the Speedtest CLI for Linux from the official Speedtest website. Choose the appropriate package for your Linux distribution (e.g., .deb for Debian/Ubuntu, .rpm for Fedora/CentOS).
Install the Package:
- Debian/Ubuntu: Use the following command to install the package:
```
sudo dpkg -i speedtest_x.x.x_linux_$(uname -m).deb
```
  Replace speedtest_x.x.x_linux_$(uname -m).deb with the actual name of the downloaded package. You may also need to run sudo apt-get install -f to resolve any dependency issues.
- Fedora/CentOS: Use the following command to install the package:
```
sudo rpm -i speedtest-x.x.x-linux-$(uname -m).rpm
```
  Replace speedtest-x.x.x-linux-$(uname -m).rpm with the actual name of the downloaded package. You may also need to run sudo yum install -y <package_name> or sudo dnf install <package_name> to resolve any dependency issues.
Verify Installation: Open a Terminal window and type speedtest followed by Enter. If the Speedtest CLI is installed correctly, you should see the Speedtest CLI version and a list of available commands.

With these steps completed, you should now have the Speedtest CLI installed on your system. In the next section, we'll explore how to configure it to use HTTPS for secure speed testing.

Configuring Speedtest CLI for HTTPS

Now that you've successfully installed the Speedtest CLI, let's configure it to use HTTPS for secure speed testing. By default, the Speedtest CLI may not automatically use HTTPS, so we need to make a few adjustments to ensure all data transmitted during the speed test is encrypted. Here’s how you can configure the Speedtest CLI to use HTTPS:

Check Speedtest CLI Version: Ensure that you have the latest version of the Speedtest CLI installed. Newer versions often include better support for HTTPS and security features. You can check the version by running speedtest -v in your terminal or command prompt.
Review Configuration Options: The Speedtest CLI provides several command-line options that allow you to customize its behavior. To see a list of available options, run speedtest -h or speedtest --help. Look for options related to secure connections or HTTPS.
Specify HTTPS Server (If Necessary): In some cases, you may need to specify an HTTPS server to use for the speed test. This is particularly useful if you want to test your connection to a specific server that supports HTTPS. You can use the --server option followed by the server ID. To find a list of available servers and their IDs, run speedtest --list.
Enforce HTTPS (If Available): Some versions of the Speedtest CLI may have an option to enforce HTTPS connections. If this option is available, use it to ensure that all connections are made over HTTPS. The exact command-line option may vary depending on the version of the Speedtest CLI you're using, so consult the documentation or help text for details.
Test the Configuration: After making the necessary changes, test the configuration by running a speed test. Monitor the output to ensure that the connection is being made over HTTPS. You can use network monitoring tools like Wireshark to verify that the traffic is encrypted.
Update Regularly: Keep your Speedtest CLI updated to the latest version to take advantage of security patches and improvements. This will help ensure that your speed tests remain secure and accurate.

By following these steps, you can configure the Speedtest CLI to use HTTPS and ensure that your speed tests are conducted securely. This is especially important if you're testing your internet speed on a public network or if you're concerned about your data being monitored. Now, let's move on to using the Speedtest CLI for secure speed testing.

Using Speedtest CLI for Secure Speed Testing

Now that you've installed and configured the Speedtest CLI with HTTPS, it's time to put it to use and start testing your internet speed securely. Using the Speedtest CLI is straightforward, and with the added layer of HTTPS, you can be confident that your data is protected during the test. Here’s how to use the Speedtest CLI for secure speed testing:

Open a Terminal or Command Prompt: Launch your terminal or command prompt. On Windows, you can search for “cmd” and open the Command Prompt. On macOS, you can find the Terminal in the Utilities folder within the Applications folder. On Linux, you can typically find the Terminal in your applications menu.
Run the Speedtest Command: To run a basic speed test, simply type speedtest and press Enter. The Speedtest CLI will automatically connect to a nearby server and begin testing your download speed, upload speed, and ping.
Interpret the Results: Once the speed test is complete, the Speedtest CLI will display the results in your terminal or command prompt. The results will typically include the following information:
- Download Speed: The rate at which data is being transferred from the server to your computer, measured in Mbps (megabits per second).
- Upload Speed: The rate at which data is being transferred from your computer to the server, measured in Mbps.
- Ping: The latency or delay in the connection, measured in milliseconds (ms). A lower ping indicates a more responsive connection.
Customize the Test (Optional): The Speedtest CLI offers several options for customizing the speed test. For example, you can specify a particular server to test against using the --server option, or you can output the results in a specific format using the --format option. To see a list of available options, run speedtest -h or speedtest --help.
Verify HTTPS Connection: To ensure that the connection is being made over HTTPS, you can use network monitoring tools like Wireshark to inspect the traffic. Look for encrypted connections to the Speedtest server.
Repeat the Test: It's a good idea to repeat the speed test several times to get a more accurate measurement of your internet speed. Internet speeds can fluctuate due to various factors, so taking multiple measurements can help you get a more reliable result.

By following these steps, you can use the Speedtest CLI to securely test your internet speed and get accurate results. Remember to keep your Speedtest CLI updated to the latest version to take advantage of security patches and improvements. With the Speedtest CLI and HTTPS, you can confidently measure your internet speed while protecting your data.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even with the best instructions, you might encounter a few hiccups along the way. Don't worry; troubleshooting is a normal part of the process. Here are some common issues you might encounter when installing and using the Speedtest CLI with HTTPS, along with some troubleshooting tips to help you get back on track:

Installation Errors:
- Problem: The Speedtest CLI fails to install, or you receive an error message during installation.
- Solution: Ensure that you have administrative privileges on your computer. Try running the installer as an administrator. Also, make sure that you have a stable internet connection and that you've downloaded the correct version of the Speedtest CLI for your operating system.
Command Not Found:
- Problem: You type speedtest in the terminal or command prompt, but you receive a “command not found” error.
- Solution: Verify that the Speedtest CLI is installed correctly and that the installation directory is added to your system's PATH environment variable. Restart your terminal or command prompt after adding the installation directory to the PATH.
HTTPS Connection Errors:
- Problem: The Speedtest CLI fails to connect to the server over HTTPS, or you receive an error message related to secure connections.
- Solution: Ensure that you have the latest version of the Speedtest CLI installed. Check your system's date and time settings, as incorrect settings can cause issues with SSL/TLS certificates. Try specifying an HTTPS server using the --server option.
Inaccurate Speed Test Results:
- Problem: The speed test results seem inaccurate or inconsistent.
- Solution: Ensure that no other applications are using your internet connection during the speed test. Try testing your speed at different times of the day to see if there's a pattern to the fluctuations. Also, consider testing your speed using a wired connection instead of Wi-Fi.
Firewall or Antivirus Interference:
- Problem: Your firewall or antivirus software is blocking the Speedtest CLI from connecting to the server.
- Solution: Check your firewall and antivirus settings to ensure that the Speedtest CLI is not being blocked. You may need to add an exception for the Speedtest CLI in your firewall or antivirus software.

By following these troubleshooting tips, you can resolve most common issues that you might encounter when installing and using the Speedtest CLI with HTTPS. If you're still experiencing problems, consult the Speedtest CLI documentation or seek help from online forums or communities.

Conclusion

Alright, folks! We've reached the end of our journey on how to install and use the Speedtest CLI with HTTPS for secure speed testing. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can ensure that your internet speed tests are not only accurate but also secure. From understanding the importance of HTTPS to troubleshooting common issues, we've covered everything you need to know to get started.

In today's digital age, security is paramount. By using HTTPS with the Speedtest CLI, you're taking an important step to protect your data and privacy. Whether you're a casual user testing your home internet speed or a professional troubleshooting network performance, the Speedtest CLI with HTTPS provides a reliable and secure solution.

So go ahead, give it a try! Install the Speedtest CLI, configure it for HTTPS, and start testing your internet speed with confidence. And remember, if you encounter any issues along the way, don't hesitate to refer back to this guide or seek help from the online community.