Broadband Speed Test – Check your internet speed instantly

UK average broadband speeds for March 2025

Chart showing the average download speeds across tests carried out by users of the broadbandgenie.co.uk speed test in March 2025.

Why your broadband speed matters

A slow broadband connection can impact everything from video streaming to remote work.

Here’s why you should regularly use a speed checker:

Verify your broadband speed – Make sure you’re getting the service your provider promised.
Troubleshoot connection issues – Identify problems with your ISP or home network.
Find out if you’re being throttled – Monitor if your speeds vary at different times of day.
Contribute to our monthly internet speed test results – Help us find the fastest and slowest broadband providers in the UK – After all, without broadband speed test tools, there would be no way of holding suppliers to account. You simply wouldn’t know if you were getting the service you’re paying for!

How to get accurate broadband speed test results

Follow these steps to ensure the most precise results when checking your internet speed:

Close background apps – Close down all other online activities. Make sure to check other computers, games running on your consoles, or apps on your mobile phone. Don’t forget to check Netflix isn’t running on your TV.
Shut everything off – Disconnect or switch off any other Wi-Fi enabled devices in your home. Remember any Smart appliances you might have, like freezers or washing machines.
Connect via Ethernet cable – If possible, use a wired connection instead of Wi-Fi.
Back off – If you’re using your home Wi-Fi connection, stay close to your router. Avoid running equipment that can cause interference, such as microwaves or baby monitors.
Avoid the boosters – Don’t connect to any Wi-Fi boosters.
Run multiple tests – Collect the speed test results at different times of the day, including peak times.

Take a look at our guide to why your broadband connection may be slow for further help and information.

Is your speed lagging, and you're ready to buy a new broadband package? Use our broadband checker to see the best deals in your area.

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What’s my broadband speed good for?

Typical speed requirements:

Browsing & Email: 10-11Mb
Streaming gaming and working from home (small households): 30-100Mb
Large households, 4K streaming, cloud backups: 300+Mb

Find out more, in our ‘ultimate guide to broadband speeds’

Why is my broadband slower than expected or advertised?

There are a few reasons why the speed test may report a different figure to the speed advertised when you signed up for the broadband.

Home broadband is advertised with an 'average' download speed which is achieved by 50% of customers, but of course, your broadband service could be slower than average.

But there are other reasons why the connection might be slower than expected, including:

Too many devices connected – Disconnect unused devices.
Router placement – Keep in a central, open area.
Wi-Fi issues – Wi-Fi can be slower than a cabled connection. Check your router is plugged into your main internet socket.
Your service may be throttled – Your supplier may be prioritising different types of broadband traffic using traffic management.

How to complain to your broadband provider if you’re consistently getting a slow speed

If you’ve run a few tests, and you’re consistently getting records of speeds well below what you were advertised, it’s time to take steps.

Your first port of call should be your provider’s technical support, or its social media page. There could be a fault on the line, problems with the Wi-Fi router you’ve been supplied, or other temporary issues.

Here are a few handy contact pages:

Your broadband package might be covered by Ofcom’s Voluntary Code of Practice on broadband speeds. This means you’re entitled to compensation if you’re not getting the speeds advertised.

FAQs about broadband speed tests

Will switching providers actually improve my maximum speed?

It depends. If you’re currently signed up to an Openreach provider such as BT, TalkTalk, Sky, Plusnet or Vodafone and on a superfast package with speeds between 36-70Mb, you’re unlikely to see much improvement by switching to another provider that advertises similar speeds.

On a part-fibre (FTTC) service, your distance from the street cabinet can reduce the maximum speed that your line can support. If you’re unsure, your provider will be able to give you an accurate estimate of the maximum speed your line can support.

However, if you’re moving from a superfast deal to full fibre (FTTP) speeds, this will involve different technology, and you should see an improvement.

If you’re already on cable or a full fibre service but on a slower package, speed reductions are likely to be artificially enforced. Switching to a package with a higher advertised average download speed should mean you see significant increases to your speeds.

On Virgin Media cable broadband services, this is likely to be the case. Its lines are rated to be able to achieve maximum speeds.

Before you sign a contract and commit to any deal, we recommend checking the estimated download speed for your property. You may have to inspect a contract carefully for this figure.
How do you work out speed tests?

Here's the sum we use for our broadband speed tests:

Amount of data transmitted over the connection / Duration of the test.

The maths is that simple! This sum provides a simple, clear, real-world measurement of the broadband speed you’re receiving at home.

The test provides accurate measurements of the download and upload speeds for any type of broadband connection. It doesn’t matter if you’re on fibre broadband, ADSL broadband or a full fibre service.

During our broadband speed tests, data transferred during the test is not saved to your computer.