The ideal broadband speed is one that matches your household’s online activities—no more, no less.
Broadband speeds in the UK range from 10 Mbps (basic ADSL) to over 1 Gbps (ultrafast full fibre), which is 100 times faster.
A good speed is fast enough for your needs but not so excessive that you’re overpaying for bandwidth you won’t use.
Our Expert Top Tip: Start with a fibre broadband deal. While some providers still offer 10 Mbps copper broadband, these packages are often as expensive—or even pricier—than faster fibre options.
For example, full fibre deals now start from as little as £19 per month (such as the Be150 fibre deal from BeFibre), making them not only faster but also better value than traditional ADSL packages.
Choosing fibre gives you more speed and stability for less money.
For households juggling streaming, gaming, and remote work, fibre is the smart choice.
We’ve provided a run down below of common online activities and the Wi-Fi speeds that they require.
What Broadband Speed Do You Really Need?
Broadband plans come in all shapes and sizes, but do you know what speed best suits your needs? Here’s a breakdown to help you choose wisely:
Browsing Basics
For casual internet users who check emails or surf occasionally, speeds of up to 11 Mbps (via budget ADSL plans) are more than sufficient. These affordable packages are great for light internet use.
Streaming & Downloading
Streaming in 4K requires 25 Mbps per stream, so multi-screen households should look at speeds of at least 60 Mbps. This ensures smooth playback, even with multiple devices running.
Remote Working
Video calls demand reliable speeds. A minimum of 25 Mbps download and 2 Mbps upload is recommended for seamless online meetings. No more frozen screens!
Smart Homes
Most smart devices use minimal bandwidth, but security cameras and video doorbells can consume up to 4 Mbps each. For a house full of connected gadgets, aim for a broadband plan with at least 5 Mbps extra for every 10 devices.
Gaming
Online gaming requires low latency and fast speeds. A download speed of 3 Mbps, upload speed of 1 Mbps, and a ping rate under 150 ms are essential for a smooth experience. Multiply these speeds by the number of gamers in your household.
Take stock of your internet habits and the number of connected devices at home.
Tailoring your broadband speed to your specific needs will save money and improve your overall experience.
Is Your Broadband Speed Living Up to Its Promise?
Fancy broadband speeds plastered across adverts are one thing, but the reality of your home connection might tell quite a different story.
That’s why running a speed test is crucial – it reveals the actual pace of your internet connection, helping you determine whether you’re truly getting what you pay for.
After all, the practical difference between various speeds – be it 8Mbps, 50Mbps, 100Mbps or even a whopping 1000Mbps – isn’t always immediately apparent.
Can I Speed Up My Broadband Without Switching Providers?
Indeed, you can. If you have a wired connection, a few clever tweaks might do the trick.
Try relocating your router to a more central, unobstructed spot in your home, or tinker with your router’s channels and broadcast settings.
A Wi-Fi extender could work wonders in boosting your signal throughout the house.
For the more technically adventurous, port forwarding might be worth exploring.
While this works brilliantly for various programs, games and utilities, it’s not applicable for internet browsers like Chrome or Firefox.
If your speed tests consistently disappoint, you might consider upgrading your package. This might mean switching suppliers, especially if you’re nearing the end of your contract.
Get in touch with us for more information.
Why Is My Wi-Fi Speed Slow?
Struggling with sluggish speeds?
Here are a few common culprits:
1️. Router Placement: Furniture, walls, or cupboards blocking your Wi-Fi signal? Move your router to a central, open spot for better coverage.
2️. Router Quality: An outdated or damaged router can compromise your connection. If it’s been years, consider upgrading.
3️. Broadband Package: Check if your current plan is enough for your household. Multiple devices, online gaming, or working from home can strain slower packages.
Why Is My Broadband Speed Slower in the Evening?
Evening slowdowns are common with copper or part-fibre connections due to high contention ratios—too many people in your area sharing the network at once.
Peak times are typically between 8pm and 10pm.
Full fibre broadband was designed to be less affected by peak congestion, however, speeds might be impacted in busy households sharing the same connection between multiple users.
How to Find the Best Internet Provider in Your Area
Finding the best broadband provider for your home starts with identifying what you need.
Begin by entering your postcode into our free deal checker in order to see which providers are available in your area.
The “best” provider depends on your priorities:
- Need speed? Look for ultrafast full-fibre options.
- Want value? Compare deals offering your required speed at the lowest price.
- Reliable service? Check customer reviews and performance ratings.
Having a clear idea of your internet needs before comparing providers will help you find a deal that ticks all the boxes. It’s also crucial to know that advertised speeds are dependent on location, and actual speeds may also be affected by external factors.
This is something that our experts can explain in detail for you.
Need help choosing a plan? Get in touch today!
