FastTypings vs Ratatype — Which Typing Test is Better? (2026)

Ratatype is an online touch-typing tutor: multi-lesson courses in ten languages, a typing test, two typing games, classroom tools and typing certificates, with a free tier and a paid Ratatype Plus plan. FastTypings is a free, no-signup speed-practice site built around quick tests and races. They overlap less than you might think, so this page sets out what each one actually offers (checked on ratatype.com in October 2026) and when to pick which.

Feature comparison table

Speed and accuracy measurement

Both sites measure speed in words per minute (WPM) and track accuracy. Ratatype's test runs for 1, 2 or 5 minutes in a range of languages and layouts, and it will not let you continue past a typo until you fix it. FastTypings offers 15-second, 30-second, 1-minute and 2-minute timed tests plus word-count tests, and shows your live WPM while you type.

FastTypings also colour-codes each character as you go, so a wrong keystroke is visible the moment you make it rather than at the end of the passage.

Racing and games

Both sites let you race. Ratatype's Ratarace is a real-time race against other players, and Ratashooter is a word-shooting game. FastTypings has a bot racer at three fixed paces (40, 70 and 100 WPM), live multiplayer races, a voice race and its own typing games. Picking the bot pace just above your current average turns a routine test into a target you can actually chase.

Accounts, pricing and ads

Ratatype's FAQ says the free version lets you take the typing test as often as you like and do up to 10 typing exercises per day, with ads. Ratatype Plus ($9.99 a month, or $49.99 a year) removes the limits and ads and adds typing speed certificates and dark mode. You need to register to get a certificate, and courses and progress are tied to your account.

FastTypings has no paid tier, no ads and no registration gate: open the site and type. Your results are kept in an anonymous session in your browser, so there is no email or password to manage on a shared or school computer.

Keyboard sound feedback

FastTypings can play a recorded mechanical-keyboard click on every keystroke, with several switch sounds to choose from (or turn it off). Some typists find the audio rhythm helps them settle into a steady pace. We found no mention of keystroke sounds on Ratatype's site.

Mobile and tablet support

Ratatype's FAQ says it supports tablets and smartphones. On FastTypings, tapping the typing area opens your phone's soft keyboard, and the test and race modes both work on mobile without an app. Either way, a hardware keyboard gives the most meaningful WPM result.

When to choose Ratatype instead

Ratatype is the better choice if you need a typing certificate an employer can check. Its course-completion certificate includes your name, a certificate number and a verification link, and can be downloaded, printed or added to LinkedIn; its typing speed certificate (silver, gold and platinum levels) is a paid option. The FastTypings certificate is a free, shareable web page with LinkedIn and X share buttons, but it has no PDF or image download and is not verified or proctored.

Ratatype also has the deeper curriculum: courses in ten languages, including English QWERTY, AZERTY and Dvorak, with up to 20 lessons each, plus classes and Google Classroom sync for teachers. FastTypings has a free touch-typing course that adds two keys per lesson, but it is shorter and has no classroom features. If you are starting from zero, or teaching a group, Ratatype is the more complete tool.

Verdict

For quick, free speed practice, FastTypings is the simpler tool: no account, no ads, no paywall, live WPM, bot and multiplayer races, and optional keyboard sounds. For a structured course, classroom use or a verifiable certificate, Ratatype does more. Many typists will happily use both.

Frequently asked questions