What Websites Can Test IPv6 Readiness?
As the internet continues its transition from IPv4 to IPv6, understanding your network's IPv6 readiness has become increasingly important. Whether you're a network administrator, web developer, or curious internet user, several specialized websites offer comprehensive IPv6 testing capabilities. This guide examines the leading IPv6 testing platforms, their unique features, and how to interpret their results.
test-ipv6.run - Next-Generation IPv6 Testing
test-ipv6.run represents the latest evolution in IPv6 testing technology. This pure frontend application runs all tests directly in your browser with no backend dependencies, providing real-time connectivity analysis across multiple dimensions.
Key Features:
- Parallel Testing Architecture: Runs 6 simultaneous tests including IPv4-only, IPv6-only, dual-stack, latency measurements, and protocol preference detection
- Intelligent Scoring System: Provides detailed readiness scores (0-10) with specific categorization including detection of "broken IPv6" configurations
- Real-time Results: Instant feedback with progress tracking and comprehensive status indicators
- Fallback Resilience: Multiple API endpoints ensure reliable testing even if primary services are unavailable
- Educational Content: Includes detailed comparison pages explaining IPv4 vs IPv6 differences
- Privacy-Focused: All tests run client-side with no data collection or tracking
The platform excels at identifying problematic configurations, particularly the "broken IPv6" scenario where IPv6 is configured but timing out - a common issue that can severely impact user experience. The scoring system provides actionable insights with clear color-coded feedback: green for optimal dual-stack setups, blue for IPv6 capabilities, and red for connectivity issues.
Long considered the gold standard for IPv6 testing, test-ipv6.com offers comprehensive browser and connection readiness testing.
What It Tests:
- IPv4 and IPv6 address detection
- Browser IPv6 capability
- DNS resolver IPv6 support
- Connection quality and reachability
- Ability to reach IPv6-enabled websites
Features:
- Simple pass/fail interface for quick checks
- Detailed diagnostic mode with technical information
- Shareable results via unique URLs for technical support
- Mirror testing for additional verification
- ISP-specific testing pages
The site instructs your browser to reach multiple URLs, and the pattern of successes and failures reveals your IPv6 readiness level. Results can be easily shared with technical support teams, making it valuable for troubleshooting.
This free service goes beyond basic connectivity testing by incorporating performance measurements.
Testing Capabilities:
- IPv4 and IPv6 connectivity verification
- Protocol preference detection (which protocol your browser chooses when both are available)
- Broadband speed testing for both protocols
- Connection problem diagnosis
- Current IP address display for both protocols
Unique Features:
- Speed comparison between IPv4 and IPv6 connections
- Website validation tool for checking IPv6 configuration of web servers
- API access for programmatic testing (JSON/JSONP support)
- Address discovery API for automated monitoring
The speed testing component helps identify performance differences between protocols, which can be crucial for understanding real-world user experience.
Designed specifically for comprehensive dual-stack testing, testmyipv6.com emphasizes the simultaneous operation of both protocols.
Testing Focus:
The site provides simple, effective testing through browser-based protocol tests, making it accessible for users at all technical levels.
Google IPv6 Test
Google's minimalist approach at ipv6test.google.com provides quick verification from a trusted source.
What It Offers:
- Basic IPv6 connectivity check
- Simple pass/fail result
- Google infrastructure reliability
- Minimal interface for quick testing
While less detailed than other options, Google's test serves as a quick sanity check backed by Google's extensive global infrastructure.
Website IPv6 Readiness Checkers
Several tools focus specifically on checking whether websites (rather than your connection) support IPv6:
ready.chair6.net
- DNS AAAA record verification
- IPv6-addressable nameserver testing
- DNS glue record checking
- Port 80 IPv6 connectivity verification
- Comprehensive domain readiness assessment
dnschecker.org/ipv6-compatibility-checker
- Domain IPv6 compatibility verification
- DNS record queries for AAAA records
- Resolution validation
- Global DNS propagation checking
domsignal.com/ipv6-test
- Website IPv6 readiness assessment
- Network transition preparation
- Configuration validation
ip6.nl
Wireshark IPv4/IPv6 Connectivity Test
- Image-based loading tests from IPv4-only and IPv6-only locations
- Visual success/failure indicators
- Simple technical verification
KeyCDN IPv6 Ping Tool
- Global IPv6 ping testing
- Simultaneous testing from multiple locations
- Latency measurements worldwide
IPv6 Port Checker (ipv6portchecker.com)
- IPv6 port scanning
- Common ports database
- Security assessment
Mythic Beasts IPv6 Health Check
- Comprehensive health assessment
- Configuration verification
- Best practices checking
API-Based and Programmatic Testing
For automated monitoring and integration into development workflows:
ipv6-test.com API
- Address discovery API
- JSON/JSONP response formats
- IPv4, IPv6, and default address detection
- Suitable for automated monitoring
Wormly HTTP Client
- Remote HTTP request testing
- IPv6 and IPv4 support
- API endpoint verification
- Server configuration testing
| Platform |
Connectivity |
Speed Test |
Dual-Stack |
API Access |
Scoring |
Website Testing |
| test-ipv6.run |
✓ |
✓ (Latency) |
✓ |
- |
✓ (0-10 scale) |
- |
| test-ipv6.com |
✓ |
- |
✓ |
- |
✓ (Pass/Fail) |
- |
| ipv6-test.com |
✓ |
✓ (Full) |
✓ |
✓ |
- |
✓ |
| testmyipv6.com |
✓ |
- |
✓ |
- |
- |
- |
| Google IPv6 Test |
✓ |
- |
- |
- |
✓ (Pass/Fail) |
- |
| ready.chair6.net |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
✓ |
| dnschecker.org |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
✓ |
Understanding Test Results
Connectivity Status Indicators
Most testing platforms report several key metrics:
IPv4-Only Result:
- Success: Your connection supports IPv4 (universal compatibility)
- Failure: Indicates network configuration problems
IPv6-Only Result:
- Success: Your connection supports IPv6 (modern protocol support)
- Failure: IPv6 not available or configured
Dual-Stack Result:
- Success: Optimal configuration - both protocols work simultaneously
- Failure: Configuration issues even if individual protocol tests pass
- This is the most critical test for real-world compatibility
Protocol Preference:
- Identifies which protocol your browser/system prefers when both are available
- IPv6 preference indicates proper modern configuration
- IPv4 preference suggests fallback behavior
Common Test Scenarios and Their Meanings
10/10 Score (test-ipv6.run) or "Full Support":
- IPv4 connectivity: Working
- IPv6 connectivity: Working
- Dual-stack: Working
- Latency: Good performance on both protocols
- Interpretation: Optimal configuration, ready for the IPv6 future
0/10 Score with "Broken IPv6":
- IPv4 connectivity: Working
- IPv6 connectivity: Configured but timing out
- Critical Issue: This is worse than no IPv6, as browsers may attempt IPv6 first and fail, causing delays
- Action Required: Disable IPv6 or fix configuration immediately
0/10 Score with "IPv4 Only":
- IPv4 connectivity: Working
- IPv6 connectivity: Not configured
- Interpretation: Common configuration, works today but not future-ready
9/10 Score with "Partial Dual-Stack":
Best Practices for Comprehensive IPv6 Testing
No single test provides complete coverage. For thorough assessment:
- Start with test-ipv6.run or test-ipv6.com for comprehensive connectivity analysis
- Verify with Google's IPv6 test for a second opinion
- Use ipv6-test.com to measure performance differences
- Check website readiness with ready.chair6.net if you're a web publisher
2. Test from Multiple Locations
Your IPv6 connectivity may vary by location:
- Test from home network
- Test from mobile networks (cellular data)
- Test from work/corporate networks
- Use tools like KeyCDN's global ping for geographic diversity
3. Test at Different Times
Some connectivity issues are intermittent:
- Test during peak and off-peak hours
- Retest after network changes or ISP updates
- Monitor over time to detect degradation
Future-proof Configuration
Different users need different levels of IPv6 support:
End Users:
- Basic connectivity tests (test-ipv6.com, Google) are sufficient
- Focus on understanding if your connection is ready
Web Developers:
- Test your own websites with ready.chair6.net and dnschecker.org
- Verify both connectivity and content delivery
- Use API-based testing for continuous monitoring
Network Administrators:
- Comprehensive testing across all protocols
- Performance measurement and comparison
- Port scanning and security assessment
- Programmatic testing for monitoring
5. Act on Results
Testing is only valuable if you respond to findings:
If You Have Broken IPv6:
- Contact your ISP or network administrator immediately
- Consider temporarily disabling IPv6 until fixed
- This configuration actively harms performance
If You're IPv4-Only:
- Check if your ISP offers IPv6 service
- Consider requesting IPv6 support
- Understand you're not future-proof but currently functional
If You Have Partial Dual-Stack:
If You Have Full Support:
- Monitor periodically to ensure continued functionality
- Stay informed about IPv6 best practices
- Consider yourself ready for the IPv6 future
Conclusion
The IPv6 testing landscape offers robust tools for every need, from simple connectivity checks to comprehensive performance analysis. Platforms like test-ipv6.run provide modern, intelligent testing with detailed scoring and real-time feedback, while established services like test-ipv6.com and ipv6-test.com offer proven reliability and extensive features.
For most users, starting with a comprehensive platform like test-ipv6.run or test-ipv6.com provides the best initial assessment. Web publishers should additionally verify their sites with tools like ready.chair6.net, while network administrators may need API-based solutions for ongoing monitoring.
The key to effective IPv6 readiness testing is understanding that IPv6 support exists on a spectrum - from broken configurations that actively harm performance to optimal dual-stack setups ready for the future internet. Regular testing, combined with proper interpretation of results and appropriate action, ensures you're prepared for the continuing evolution of internet protocols.