Want to know how fast you're going without spending money? There are several free ways to measure your speed. Here's an honest look at the options and when each is the right choice.

1. A GPS web tool (no install)

The simplest option is a browser-based GPS speedometer — nothing to download, works on any phone.

Pros: Instant, free, no app store, no permissions beyond location, and nothing is uploaded. Works on any device with a browser. Cons: Needs the page open and a data/offline cache; not as feature-heavy as a dedicated fitness app.

The GPS Speedometer here is this kind of tool — it shows live speed in km/h, mph or knots, plus max speed, distance, a 0–100 test and more, and runs entirely in your browser.

2. Installed phone apps

App-store speedometer and fitness apps (for running, cycling, driving) offer route maps, history and social features.

Pros: Rich features, background tracking, maps. Cons: Downloads, sign-ups, ads or subscriptions, and many upload your location to their servers.

Good if you want detailed logs and route maps; overkill if you just want to see your speed.

3. Your vehicle's own speedometer

Already built in and reliable — but it reads a little high by design (a legal safety margin), so it's not your true speed.

Pros: Always there, no setup. Cons: Reads a few percent high; useless if broken.

4. Dedicated GPS devices

Cycling head units and marine GPS give the most robust tracking.

Pros: Rugged, long battery, precise. Cons: Cost money; unnecessary for casual use.

Which should you use?

The privacy angle

One underrated point: a browser GPS tool that runs on-device keeps your location private, while many free apps monetise by collecting location data. If privacy matters, an on-device tool is the safer pick.

Try the free, no-install option first: open the GPS Speedometer and tap Start.