When you're choosing a VPS provider, raw specs only tell half the story. What really matters is real-world performance — latency, download speed, and routing quality from different locations.
In this guide, I'll show you how to benchmark your VPS speed using free, open-source tools, and share actual test results from a BandwagonHost VPS.
Why Speed Testing Matters
Most VPS providers advertise bandwidth limits (e.g., "1 Gbps port"), but actual performance varies wildly depending on:
- Server location — closer data centers = lower latency
- Network routing — some providers use premium routes (CN2 GIA, etc.)
- Time of day — peak hours can significantly impact speeds
- Peering agreements — how well the provider connects to major ISPs
Tools You'll Need
1. speedtest-cli
The classic speed test tool, now available as a CLI:
# Install
curl -s https://packagecloud.io/install/repositories/ookla/speedtest-cli/script.deb.sh | sudo bash
sudo apt install speedtest
# Run with specific server
speedtest --server-id=5145
2. iperf3
For testing raw network throughput between two points:
# Install
sudo apt install iperf3
# Server mode (on your VPS)
iperf3 -s
# Client mode (from your local machine)
iperf3 -c YOUR_VPS_IP -t 30
3. mtr (My Traceroute)
Combines ping and traceroute for route analysis:
# Install
sudo apt install mtr
# Run
mtr --report --report-cycles 100 YOUR_VPS_IP
4. bench.sh
A comprehensive one-liner benchmark:
wget -qO- bench.sh | bash
This tests CPU, disk I/O, and network speed to multiple locations worldwide.
Real Test Results: BandwagonHost DC6 (Los Angeles CN2 GIA)
Here are actual results from a BandwagonHost VPS running the DC6 CN2 GIA plan:
Network Speed
| Location | Download | Upload | Latency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles | 923 Mbps | 887 Mbps | 0.5 ms |
| San Jose | 912 Mbps | 845 Mbps | 8 ms |
| Tokyo | 534 Mbps | 412 Mbps | 105 ms |
| Singapore | 423 Mbps | 356 Mbps | 168 ms |
| Shanghai (CT) | 312 Mbps | 287 Mbps | 142 ms |
| Beijing (CU) | 298 Mbps | 265 Mbps | 155 ms |
Disk I/O
fio Disk Speed Tests (Mixed R/W 50/50):
Block Size | 4k (IOPS) | 64k (IOPS)
---------- | --------- | ----------
Read | 45.2 MB/s (11.3k) | 298.5 MB/s (4.6k)
Write | 45.3 MB/s (11.3k) | 300.1 MB/s (4.6k)
Automating Speed Tests
Want to track performance over time? I built an open-source tool for this:
bwg-speed-test — Automated VPS speed testing with historical data tracking.
# Clone and run
git clone https://github.com/devguoo/bwg-speed-test.git
cd bwg-speed-test
chmod +x speedtest.sh
./speedtest.sh
It runs tests to multiple locations and saves results in a structured format for easy comparison.
Tips for Choosing a VPS Based on Speed
- Test before you commit — Most providers offer money-back guarantees. Use that window to run thorough benchmarks.
- Match location to audience — If your users are in Asia, pick a data center with good Asian routing.
- Check for premium routing — CN2 GIA, AS9929, and similar premium routes make a huge difference for cross-Pacific traffic.
- Test at different times — Run benchmarks during both peak and off-peak hours.
- Monitor long-term — A single test isn't enough. Track performance over weeks.
For a detailed comparison of BandwagonHost plans and data centers, check out bwhhost.com.
Conclusion
Speed testing your VPS doesn't have to be complicated. With the right tools and a systematic approach, you can make data-driven decisions about your hosting.
The key takeaway: don't trust marketing specs alone — always verify with real-world benchmarks.
👉 Check current pricing — use code BWHCGLUKKB for a discount on any plan.
Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
What tools do you use to benchmark your VPS? Drop your favorites in the comments!
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