Often when traveling I have to rely on my trust Nexus 4 android phone to connect to the interwebs, be it on the phone itself or when tethered to my laptop. As such, I often want to test both the wifi and cell data connection on my phone. Most of the time I need to run these test when looking at a new hotel or condo to rent, but also when the connection seems a bit dodgy in an area that was good.

Here is my list of recommendations of apps to test your mobile data connection

3G 4G WiFi Map & Speedtest

This is the app that I have used the most lately when testing my connection.One of the main reasons being is that it has a coverage map built in allowing you to see what mobile carrier has the best coverage, and also which carrier has no coverage in your area. I think this data is collected from people using their app which may be a good or a bad thing in your opinion, but it if it improves the app and does not collect any of my other data, then why not (this feature can be turned off).

The good

• Good dashboard giving much information
• Cell data and Wifi
• Signal Compass
• Coverage map
• Cell tower map
• Free
• No ads

The bad

• More detailed information would be good
• Speedtest download reported in "KBPS" (all capital). unclear is this is Kilobits or KiloBytes

Network Signal Info

This app seems to be a more general purpose app rather than an app to help you improve or find a better signal. What I really like about it is the extensive information that it provides.

The good

• Very detailed information
• Cell data and Wifi data

The bad

• Ads (though there is a pro version without ads)

Speedtest.net

The Speedtest.net website has been around for ages and I have been using it for years. Their mobile app is just as good and is my goto app when all I want to to is test my mobile internet speed.

The good

• One click to test
• Saves test results
• Choose how to display results (Mbps or kBps)
• Saves location (lat/lon)
• Saves / displays data connection type (cell / wifi)

The bad

• Does not integrate a map for result locations