What broadband speed do I need?

Speed is a crucial consideration when you're deciding which broadband package is right for you. Too slow and you'll struggle to do the things you need to do; too fast, and you may be paying for a service you don't really need.

The best speed for you, which will usually have an impact on price, depends on how you use the internet. We reveal what you can typically expect from different speeds, and help you pick the ideal connection. 

Check our list of the best and worst broadband providers to see which customers are most satisfied with speed, reliability and service. 

Do you need to switch to get faster broadband?

Not every broadband provider offers the same speeds – some providers will only let you choose between a few packages, while others have a wide range on offer. So you may be able to get a faster and cheaper connection, or one that's better suited to you, by choosing a different provider.

How fast a connection you'll get also depends on where you live – the fastest speeds aren't available everywhere. So before agonising over which speed to go for, it's worth finding out which deals are available where you are - and how much they cost. Enter your postcode below to get started.

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What broadband speed do I need?

If you already have a broadband connection, you should have a fair idea of whether the service you're getting is adequate for your needs. Our broadband speed test can help you find out what speed you're getting to your home, and to various devices connected to the internet. 

Though broadband speeds aren't an exact science, here's a rough guide to what could be suitable for you, depending on usage. 

• Up to 15Mbps – basic online activities such as web browsing, emails and watching low resolution videos.
• 15-50Mbps – HD video streaming and managing a small number of smart devices in the home.
• 50-100Mbps – 4K video streaming on one or two devices, online gaming, and supporting a limited number of smart devices in the home. 
• 100Mbps or more – 4K video streaming on multiple devices and supporting a good number of smart devices around the home.

Each month our experts scour the broadband market to hand-pick the best broadband deals.

How accurate are broadband speeds?

Speed is clearly important, but the reality is that not all of us will get the average speeds that providers quote in their ads. That is because companies advertise average speeds available to at least 50% of customers at peak times - meaning the other 50% of customer could get lower speeds.

This is a vast improvement on broadband ads used before May 2018, when providers could advertise lofty 'up to' speeds that only had to be available to 10% of customers. We're pleased that this change has been made, but we think there's still more that could be done to improve transparency around broadband in the UK.

When you sign up to a new broadband deal, you should be given a personalised speed for your address - the typical speed your provider can deliver to the router in your home. Some providers will also guarantee a minimum speed.

Standard vs fibre broadband

'Standard' broadband packages in the UK use ADSL technology and so transmit data over the existing Openreach phone/copper network. This means standard broadband is widely available, though average download speeds are just 10-11 megabits per second (Mbps). However, standard broadband deals are becoming less common, particularly with the rollout of Digital Voice. Eventually, we will move away from standard broadband entirely.

In the meantime, if you feel standard broadband is adequate for you, bear in mind that some faster fibre deals can actually be cheaper than standard broadband.

There are two types of fibre connection: 

• Fibre to the Cabinet or FTTC - offers average speeds of between 36Mbps and 76Mbps. More commonly available, these involve a fibre connection from the exchange to a cabinet in your street, with a separate connection running into your house.
• Fibre to the Premises or FTTP - can benefit from speeds of up to 1,000Mbps (1Gbps). A dedicated fibre connection from your house all the way through to the exchange.

Learn more about fibre connections in our guide on the benefits of fibre broadband.

The benefits of faster broadband speeds

Fast speeds allow for quicker downloads, uninterrupted streaming and also help to reduce the impact of different family members using connected devices at the same time. Fibre's faster upload speeds also make life easier when you're sharing photos online or making video calls.

Faster speeds can also improve the quality of video content from streaming services – meaning you're able to stream compatible content in full HD, or 4K.

As the table below illustrates, the difference between downloading content can vary dramatically depending on the connection. Even superfast fibre (average speeds of 38Mbps - 76Mbps) should put an end to any stuttering and buffering of on-demand TV.

Do I need Gigabit broadband?

Gigabit broadband refers to connections with speeds of one gigabit per second (1Gbps, ie 1,000Mbps) or faster, and is already available to more than four in five households. The UK government is aiming for at least 85% of the UK to have access to gigabit-capable broadband by 2025.

These fast connections build on the benefits offered by fibre to deliver even faster download speeds and increased reliability. It also future proofs homes, providing more than enough bandwidth to support connected gadgets and many individuals streaming high definition video, video conferencing, and online gaming.

Gigabit connections are predictably more expensive, but prices are falling. For those in large households, they are already an attractive and worthwhile upgrade over ultrafast broadband. 

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