Broadband speed test

If you’re downloading anything through your connection, this could be taking up bandwidth – which means your speed may seem slow.

Likewise, if you’re running software or playing games that’s using your internet connection, this may be slowing it down.

Disconnect any other devices that are sharing your wireless network (if you’re able to), such as games consoles, laptops and tablets, smart TVs, and other Wi-Fi enabled devices.

If your computer is a long way away from your router, or you have lots of thick walls in the way, your connection will probably be slower as it’s harder for signals to reach you.

Your broadband speed will typically be faster if your device (like a smart TV or desktop computer) is connected via an ethernet cable.

If you’re testing a mobile connection, you might find that the speed varies depending on your location, especially if you’re on the move. It’s best to run the test in a single location for a more accurate result - so remain stationary.

While we do everything we can to make our broadband speed test accurate, it will only offer you a result based on your connection speed at the time of taking the test. The tests won’t always represent a conclusive result about the general performance of your broadband.

So, if you want a more accurate idea of your broadband speed, you can carry out multiple tests at different times of the day. You could also try plugging in your device with an Ethernet cable, which offers faster speeds and lower latency.

You might get varying results if you’re trying several different speed testers.

While this can be down to a number of factors (see above), if you’ve made sure the conditions are the same for each test, it might just be that the software or technology used by the tests is different.

Some tests are even adjusted to perform well on certain sites and poorly on others. So, it’s worth using a variety of tests to get a more complete picture.

If you're upgrading your connection, for example from part-fibre to full-fibre, then you'll likely get faster and more reliable broadband connectivity.

If you run a broadband comparison with MoneySuperMarket, we can show you the average speeds in your area (and even your home), so you can compare and switch with confidence knowing what you'll get vs. what speeds are advertised.

The Voluntary Code of Practice on Broadband Speed is a scheme set up by the regulator, Ofcom, to help users get a better estimate of the speed they’ll get with their broadband deal when they sign up. It also holds providers responsible for making sure the customers have access to the speeds they’re promised.

If the provider you’ve chosen have opted in to the Voluntary Code of Practice on Broadband Speed at the time you sign up or renew your contract, it will give you two figures:

1. The estimated broadband speed you can expect during peak hours (the busiest time on the network)

2. A guaranteed minimum broadband speed

If your broadband speed isn’t meeting the minimum your provider has guaranteed, you can make a complaint – and if the problem isn’t resolved in 30 days, you’ll be able to leave your contract without paying a penalty.

You can always go to your broadband provider directly if you aren’t happy with the speed you’re getting. If they haven’t resolved the issue, you can also escalate the issue to the ombudsman.

You can usually use your speed test results to back up your complaint, which can be particularly useful if you took out your broadband agreement after 1 March 2019 and your provider is signed up to Ofcom’s Voluntary Code of Practice on Broadband Speed.