Free UK internet speed checker
Broadband speed test
Measure your download speed, upload speed and ping in your browser. For the most useful result, stop large downloads and test once over Wi-Fi and once with an Ethernet cable.
Free to use · No registration · Reviewed 2026-08-01
What your broadband speed-test result tells you
Your result is a snapshot of the connection between your device and our test server. Download speed affects streaming and web use, upload speed affects video calls and file sharing, and ping affects responsiveness. One test is not proof of line performance: repeat it at different times and compare Wi-Fi with Ethernet.
Is your broadband speed good?
There is no single perfect speed. The useful benchmark is whether your connection supports everyone's activity reliably. These bands are practical guidance, not a guarantee for every app or household.
| Measured download | Guide | Typically suitable for |
|---|---|---|
| Under 10 Mbps | Slow | Basic browsing and email on one device |
| 10–30 Mbps | Everyday | Browsing, video calls and HD streaming for 1–2 people |
| 30–100 Mbps | Superfast | Several users, streaming and working from home |
| 100–300 Mbps | Fast | Busy homes, 4K streaming and large downloads |
| Over 300 Mbps | Ultrafast | Many devices, creators and frequent large transfers |
Terminology aligned with Ofcom's broadband speed guidance: superfast is 30–300 Mbit/s and ultrafast is above 300 Mbit/s.
How to run a more accurate broadband speed test
- Step 1
Pause other traffic
Stop streaming, cloud backups, games and large downloads on other devices.
- Step 2
Test near the router
Start beside the router over Wi-Fi, then use Ethernet if your device supports it.
- Step 3
Repeat the test
Run at least three tests, including an evening test when networks may be busier.
- Step 4
Record the evidence
Save the date, time, connection type and results if you need to contact your provider.
How BroadbandPicker measures your connection
Ping: five small requests are sent to the server; the median round-trip time is reported in milliseconds to reduce the effect of one unusual request.
Download: your browser receives a test payload and calculates megabits transferred per second. Upload: it sends a test payload and measures the transfer rate.
Limitations: this browser test measures the route to our server, not the access-line speed inside your provider's network. Wi-Fi, device capability, browser load, routing and congestion can affect it. We do not claim Ofcom accreditation.
Methodology reviewed by the BroadbandPicker editorial team on 1 August 2026.
What to do if your broadband is slower than expected
Test with Ethernet, restart your router and compare repeated results with the minimum guaranteed speed stated in your contract. If the shortfall continues, keep your results and contact the provider. Ofcom explains the speed information providers should give customers before purchase.
Availability and speeds vary by address. A provider may pay us commission if you purchase after clicking through; rankings are not changed by commission.
Broadband speed-test questions
What is a good broadband speed in the UK?
A good speed depends on the household. Around 30 Mbps can support everyday browsing, HD streaming and video calls for a small household. Busy homes, simultaneous 4K streaming and large downloads benefit from 100 Mbps or more. Ofcom classifies 30 to 300 Mbps as superfast and more than 300 Mbps as ultrafast.
Why is my speed-test result lower than my advertised speed?
Wi-Fi conditions, distance from the router, other devices, network congestion and the test server can all reduce a result. Advertised or estimated speeds are not always the same as the speed reaching one device. Test with Ethernet and repeat at different times before drawing a conclusion.
Should I test over Wi-Fi or Ethernet?
Use Ethernet for the best measure of the connection reaching your router. Test over Wi-Fi as well if you want to measure the experience in a particular room. Comparing both results can reveal whether the broadband line or the home Wi-Fi is the limiting factor.
What do download speed, upload speed and ping mean?
Download speed measures how quickly data reaches you, upload speed measures how quickly you send it, and ping measures response time in milliseconds. Streaming relies mainly on download speed; video calls and cloud backups also need upload speed; gaming and calls benefit from low ping.
What should I do if my broadband is consistently slow?
Restart the router, test with Ethernet, pause other traffic and repeat the test at different times. Compare the results with the minimum guaranteed speed in your contract. If results remain below it, record the tests and contact your provider before considering a switch.
Sources and editorial notes
- Ofcom: Get more from your broadband
- Ofcom: Clear information before you buy broadband
- BroadbandPicker review methodology and editorial policy
Last tested and reviewed: 1 August 2026. We review this page when the test method or relevant Ofcom guidance changes.