If you’ve ever questioned how strong or stable your internet really is, you’ve likely turned to a browser-based speed test like Speedtest.net for answers. While it’s a popular option for measuring quick performance stats, it barely scratches the surface when it comes to understanding the full picture of your connection. Enter Orb, a new app launched by the creators of Speedtest, which aims to bring real-time, holistic internet diagnostics to everyone—from casual users to hardcore network enthusiasts.
Available now for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS, Orb offers much more than a snapshot. It continuously tracks your internet’s responsiveness, reliability, and speed with real-time scores that are based on latency, jitter, packet loss, and throughput. Each aspect is rated on a scale from 0 to 100, making it easy to understand even if you’re not a network expert. More advanced users, meanwhile, will appreciate the granular data presented alongside those simplified scores.
One of Orb’s standout features is its ability to monitor multiple devices and connections simultaneously, as long as you’re logged into the app. This means you can keep tabs on your work PC’s Ethernet connection and your mobile phone’s 5G link all in one dashboard. Even better, you can install Orb on a low-cost device like a Raspberry Pi to serve as a dedicated network monitor, silently collecting data about your LAN’s performance over time.
And there’s more on the way. According to a company representative, Orb plans to introduce customizable “recipes” that test your connection’s quality with specific platforms—like streaming services or video conferencing tools—so you can assess how well your internet handles real-world usage. YouTube and Microsoft Teams are already on their list, with more likely to follow, including potential game services from Valve, EA, or Xbox.
Even in its current form, Orb is already a robust and insightful tool. It’s free to download and mostly functional without an account, though signing in unlocks advanced multi-device capabilities. Whether you’re a remote worker, gamer, or just someone who demands reliable internet, Orb could be the diagnostic companion you didn’t know you needed.