How to Check Your Broadband Speed in the UK

Check what broadband you can get: Ofcom’s checker

Ofcom runs a free checker at checker.ofcom.org.uk. Enter your postcode to see the broadband services available at your address and the fastest estimated speeds predicted by the network operator. The checker shows three categories:

Category	Download speed
Standard broadband	Less than 30Mbps
Superfast broadband	30Mbps to 300Mbps
Ultrafast broadband	More than 300Mbps

The speeds shown are the fastest predicted speeds for your area — the actual speed at your property may be different. Ofcom also has a free mobile and broadband checker app, available from Apple’s App Store and Google Play, which lets you test the performance of your connection and check mobile coverage by provider.

How to run an accurate speed test

A single test can mislead you, because speeds vary by time of day and by what else is using your connection. To get a true picture:

1. Use a wired connection if you can. Plug a laptop directly into the router with an ethernet cable. Wi-Fi speeds are always lower than the speed coming into your home, and they vary by room.
2. Close everything else. Shut down streaming, downloads, video calls and cloud backups on all devices before you test.
3. Test at different times. Run tests over a few days, at different times of day — evenings are usually the busiest and slowest.
4. Test in different places. If you test over Wi-Fi, try next to the router and in the rooms where you actually use the internet. A big drop between rooms points to a Wi-Fi problem, not a broadband problem.
5. Use more than one tester. Ofcom’s checker app, your provider’s own speed test, and independent speed test sites should all give similar results. If one is far out of line, ignore it.

What speed do you actually need?

What counts as “fast enough” depends on how your household uses the internet. A single person browsing and streaming in HD needs far less than a family with several people on video calls, gaming and streaming in 4K at the same time. The useful comparison is not a generic number — it is the speed your provider promised you when you signed up. Check your contract or your provider’s app for the speed you are paying for, and compare it with your test results.

What to do if your speed is too slow

1. Rule out your Wi-Fi first

If wired speeds are fine but Wi-Fi is slow, the problem is inside your home. Move the router to a central, open spot — not inside a cupboard or behind the TV. Keep it away from thick walls, fish tanks and microwave ovens. If some rooms still struggle, a Wi-Fi extender or a mesh system can help. Your provider’s website will have guidance on improving your signal around the home.

2. Restart your router

Turn the router off for 30 seconds and back on. It is a cliché because it works: it clears temporary faults and reconnects you to the best available line.

3. Complain to your provider

If your speed is consistently below what you were promised, contact your provider. Providers must give you a minimum speed estimate when you sign up, and if your speed falls below it, you have the right to complain — and to leave your contract if the provider cannot fix it.

4. Check whether you can get faster broadband

Use Ofcom’s checker to see if full fibre is available at your address. Full fibre runs fibre optic cables all the way to your home and is usually faster and more reliable than part-fibre services, where copper wire carries the signal from the street cabinet. If no fibre or cable is available, you could also look at broadband using 5G mobile data or a satellite connection.

The broadband Universal Service Obligation

If you cannot get a download speed of 10Mbit/s, you may be eligible for the broadband Universal Service Obligation (USO). Under the USO, you can request a decent broadband service — at least 10Mbps download and 1Mbps upload — and BT or KCOM must provide it if you are eligible. Check Ofcom’s website for the details and how to apply.

Frequently asked questions

What is a good broadband speed in the UK?
It depends on your household. The right question is whether you are getting the speed you pay for. Compare your test results with the speed in your contract.

Why is my broadband slower in the evening?
Evenings are peak time. More people are online, and more devices in your own home are streaming and downloading. Test at different times before you conclude there is a fault.

Is Ofcom’s speed checker free?
Yes. The checker at checker.ofcom.org.uk and the Ofcom checker app are both free.

What is the difference between superfast and ultrafast?
Superfast broadband has download speeds between 30Mbps and 300Mbps. Ultrafast is more than 300Mbps.