Test your broadband speed
You can perform a quick speed check at Speedtest by Ookla - The Global Broadband Speed Test.
For the most accurate results, use an ethernet cable to connect your computer to your router. If you need to test wirelessly, position yourself as close to your router as possible. Make sure that nothing else is using your internet connection, or running on your computer, while performing the test.
Get better broadband speeds
If you have speeds of 24mbps or more, you already have superfast broadband (other websites might use different definitions of standard and superfast broadband).
You could be paying more than you need to for your broadband if you haven't switched to a faster speed or changed providers after your contract period has ended.
Ofcom gives advice on practical things you can do to improve your broadband speed.
What your connection speed means
Broadband speeds are measured in megabits per second (mbps). The higher the mbps, the speedier your online activity should be, meaning downloads complete more quickly, webpages load faster, streaming of music or videos begins more rapidly and any video calls or online games played should display smoothly.
The table below gives a rough idea of how your connection speed will affect the time it takes to do tasks online:
| Internet connection speed | Time to load a typical web page | Time to download a typical 5 minute song | Streaming video quality |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1mbps broadband | 0.8 seconds | 41secs | Low quality |
| 2mbps broadband | 0.4 seconds | 20 secs | Medium quality |
| 4mbps broadband | 0.1 seconds | 5 secs | |
| 6mbps broadband | Instant | 3.5 secs | |
| 8mbps broadband | Instant | 2.5 secs | TV quality |
| 12mbps broadband | Instant | 1 sec | |
| 24mbps broadband | Instant | Instant | Superfast |
| 50mbps broadband | Instant | Instant | |
| 100mbps broadband | Instant | Instant | |
| +100mbps broadband | Instant | Instant | Ultrafast |
What speed you need
17mbps - Ideal for browsing and downloading
- great for small households
- good for multiple devices online
- 30 mins to download an HD movie
- good to stream online TV
38mbps - Great for multi-user downloading and streaming
- ideal for families with many devices
- better for multiple devices online
- 15 min to download an HD movie
- better to stream online TV
76mbps - Best for multi-user downloading and streaming
- ideal for families with many devices who want the fastest possible speed
- best for multiple devices online
- 8 min to download an HD movie
- the best to stream online TV