Check how fast your broadband connection is using our free broadband speed test.
The test should take around 20 seconds, but may take up to 1 minute on slower connections. Results can vary depending on network traffic and device performance.
Entering your postcode helps to provide statistical information for ThinkBroadband, a broadband analyst site, but it's not required to use the speed test.
More about broadband speeds
What do broadband speeds mean?
Download speed refers to how quickly data is received by your device. This affects activities like loading web pages, streaming TV and films, downloading files, and receiving emails.
Upload speed refers to how quickly data is sent from your device to the internet. This matters for tasks like uploading photos or videos, backing up files to cloud storage, making video calls, online gaming, and sending emails.
Most broadband connections have asymmetrical speeds, meaning download speeds are much faster than upload speeds. However, many newer full fibre connections offer symmetrical speeds, where uploads are as fast as downloads.
Broadband speed is measured in Mb, Mbps, or megabits per second. Faster connections may be measured in Gb or Gbps, where 1Gbps is equal to 1000Mbps.
There are also other factors that affect how fast your internet feels in everyday use.
One of these is latency, also known as ping. This is the time it takes for data to travel between your device and its destination. While download and upload speeds determine how much data can be transferred, latency affects how responsive your connection feels.
Latency is typically between 5 and 30 milliseconds and is most noticeable for online gaming, video calls, live streaming, and VoIP services.
Why am I not getting the broadband speed that was advertised?
Since late 2017, broadband providers have been required to advertise speeds that at least 50% of customers receive during peak hours (8pm-10pm).
These advertised speeds are more realistic than in the past, but they are still averages rather than guarantees.
Your actual speed can also be affected by factors inside your home, such as internal wiring, router placement, or wireless interference.
When troubleshooting speed issues, it's best to test your connection using an Ethernet cable directly between your device and the router. This helps rule out WiFi-related problems.
Many providers also offer a minimum guaranteed download speed. If your speed at the router regularly falls below this and the issue isn't fixed, you may be able to leave your contract without penalty.
How do I know if my broadband speed result is any good?
The result shown in the speed test above should be reasonably close to the average speed advertised when you signed up.
If you're testing over WiFi, speeds may be lower due to distance from the router or interference from other devices.
Speeds of around 10Mbps are sufficient for light internet use such as browsing and email for one or two users.
The average broadband speed in the UK is currently 223Mbps, but many households will find 60 - 70Mbps more than adequate for streaming and everyday use.
As more people and devices use the connection at the same time, demand increases. Faster speeds become more beneficial in larger households or where multiple people are streaming, gaming, or working from home.
Homes with lots of smart devices may also benefit from higher speeds, as these devices place additional demand on the connection.
What can help speed up my broadband connection?
Aside from switching to a faster broadband deal, there are several simple steps you can take at home to improve performance.
Upgrading your router or taking a WiFi guarantee add-on can improve wireless speeds and coverage, especially if your broadband is fast at the router but slow around the home.
Repositioning your router, updating device software, and reducing sources of wireless interference are also low-cost ways to improve broadband speed.
Who offers the fastest broadband?
If you're unhappy with your current speeds, it may be worth checking whether faster broadband is available in your area.
The fastest broadband in the UK now exceeds 5Gbps and is offered by a growing number of providers, including major names such as Sky.
More than 88% of UK homes can now access gigabit broadband, with speeds around 900Mbps available over full fibre or cable connections from providers such as Virgin Media and Openreach-based networks.
To see what's available where you live, use our broadband comparison tool and sort deals by speed.
Where can I find out more about broadband speeds?
Choose has been covering the broadband market for over 20 years, with a wide range of in-depth guides on broadband speeds and performance.
Our guides cover topics including:
- What broadband speeds mean
- Minimum guaranteed download speeds
- How to improve broadband speeds
- What broadband speed you need
- The fastest broadband in your area
You can also search all of our content or browse our archive of broadband guides.
For official consumer guidance, Ofcom also publishes advice on broadband speeds.
