The ultimate guide to broadband speeds

Author: Emma Davenport

Last updated: 21 February 2025

What is broadband speed, and why does it matter?

Broadband speed plays a key role in everyday online activities, from streaming and gaming to video calls and downloads. But choosing the right broadband speed isn’t just about getting the fastest option available—it’s about finding the right balance between performance and cost.

This guide will help you understand broadband speeds in the UK. We will look at how they are measured, what speeds you actually need, and the differences between superfast and ultrafast broadband.

By the end, you’ll know exactly what broadband speed to look for.

What is a good broadband speed in the UK?

Here are some UK broadband speed facts for you:

• The average download speed in the UK: 69.4Mb
• The average upload speed in the UK: 18.4Mb
• Superfast broadband: 30-80Mb
• Ultrafast broadband: 300+Mb
• Gigabit broadband: 1Gb+

Broadband providers advertise an average download speed, but your actual speed may vary depending on your location, provider, and network congestion.

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How is broadband speed measured?

Broadband speeds are usually measured in megabits per second (Mbps or Mb). You might also be lucky enough to have the option of broadband with download speeds measured in gigabits per second (Gbps or Gb).

When you’re comparing broadband, there are two key points you need to know:

• Gb is faster than Mb
• A higher number means a faster connection

At Broadband Genie, we make it easy to view broadband packages by speed, you can sort deals by the slowest, or the fastest. If you can’t sign up to a package at your address, you won’t be shown it!

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What is Superfast Broadband?

Superfast broadband refers to internet connections with download speeds of 30-80Mb. Most UK households can access a superfast broadband deal, making it the standard recommendation for general internet use.

Superfast broadband is delivered via Fibre-to-the-Cabinet (FTTC), which combines fibre optic cables with older copper phone lines. Faster broadband than this is known as 'Ultrafast Broadband'.

What broadband speed do I need? Do I need fast broadband?

Your broadband speed requirements will depend on how many people are in your home and how you use the internet. Here’s a rough guide:

If you use the internet mainly for browsing and social media, basic fibre broadband is enough. But if you’re streaming in 4K, gaming, or working from home, aim for a faster connection.

What broadband speed do I need for streaming?

Streaming services recommend different minimum speeds for smooth playback:

But, if multiple people in your household are streaming at the same time, faster broadband speeds will help you avoid buffering.

What is Upload Speed?

Upload speed measures how quickly data is sent from your device to the internet. This is especially important for:

• Video calls (Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Google Meet, Skype etc.)
• Uploading videos or photos (YouTube, cloud storage)
• Online gaming
• Live streaming

If your upload speed is too slow, you can notice drops in performance or ‘buffering’, especially during certain tasks like video chats.

What is a good upload speed?

Most broadband providers focus on download speeds, but a good upload speed is crucial if you regularly work from home or game online. There are broadband providers who offer symmetrical speeds – this is where upload speeds are as fast as download speeds. These tend to be smaller, alternative networks (we call these 'altnets'.

Why is my upload speed slow?

Your upload speed may be slow due to:

• A low-speed broadband plan
• Poor Wi-Fi signal
• Network congestion
• Traffic management by your provider

To improve upload speed, consider upgrading your broadband package and opt for a provider that offers symmetrical upload and download speeds or using an Ethernet cable instead of Wi-Fi.

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FAQs about broadband speeds

• Can I improve my broadband speed without switching providers?

  Yes! Try these tips:

  • Move your router to a central location
  • Use a wired Ethernet connection
  • Reduce the number of devices using your network
  • Upgrade your router
  • Move your Wi-Fi router away from electrical items such as microwaves, cordless phones or baby monitors

  For more help, visit our guide: 'where's the best place to put a router?'

• What is full fibre broadband?

  Superfast broadband (average download speeds between 30Mb-80Mb) relies on a mix of fibre optic cabling and copper wiring. Here, the fibre optic cable only reaches as far as the green cabinets you see on your street. From thereon, copper cables are then used to provide an internet connection to your home.

  This is why superfast, part-fibre deals are also known as ‘Fibre-to-the-Cabinet’ (FTTC). Copper cable telephone lines aren’t as reliable as fibre, and speeds can get slower over longer distances.

  With full fibre (FTTP), fibre optic cabling is used throughout the data journey. This delivers faster connection speeds and a more reliable broadband service.

• Why can’t I get faster broadband?

  Not all areas in the UK have access to full fibre yet. However, coverage is improving all the time. According to Ofcom, around 7 in 10 homes across the UK now have full fibre. And there is a Government target of 85% coverage by the end of 2025, which should be reached.

Tips for troubleshooting slow broadband

Having trouble with sluggish broadband? There might be a few reasons for this. This could include:

• Other people or devices using the connection: Got family or housemates? They might be downloading or streaming video. If your connection isn’t shared, check that your Wi-Fi is secure as it might be a neighbour using your broadband.
• Peak time slow-down. Broadband can get slower at busy periods when more people are using it.
• Poor Wi-Fi speed. A strong Wi-Fi signal will give you the best speeds.
• Apps and updates. Software on your devices may be using the broadband to download or upload. Software updates, in particular, can be substantial.
• Traffic management. Some providers have traffic management policies that prioritise different types of usage and slow down other tasks.

Get more tips in our guide: 'how to stop buffering and speed up video streaming'.

Final thoughts

• Faster broadband is useful for faster download times and improved performance, but isn’t always necessary.
• Many common tasks such as video streaming don’t require ultrafast speeds, but this becomes more necessary with every device connected in your home.
• The minimum speed requirement for most modern day online tasks is 30Mb. But if you can afford faster, and you have the option, we recommend this.
• A full fibre connection will give access to faster speeds. However, not all homes have access to these deals just yet.
• Carry out a broadband speed test before looking for upgrades.

If you’re nearing the end of your current broadband contract, or you’re out of contract, there’s a good chance you will be able to upgrade your broadband speed.

Find the latest deals available at your home quickly and easily using our postcode checker.