Broadband speed test

The broadband speed test measures your internet connection by downloading and uploading small bits of data and then calculating how long the process takes.

To get the most accurate result it’s best to connect to your router using an ethernet cable, unless you’re testing what WiFi speeds you can get in certain parts of your property.

Overall yes, but there are some things you can do to improve the accuracy of the reading.

• Try not to have other browser tabs open and close other windows or apps that may be open.
  
  
• Make sure you don’t have other devices or consoles connected to the WiFi as they can interfere with the signal.
  
  
• Connect to your router with a wired connection, if you can, and turn off the WiFi on your computer.
  
  
• Switch off antivirus software and firewalls, if possible.
  
  
• Test your broadband speed at different times in the day to get an average reading.

There are a few factors that will affect the internet connection and speed of broadband service you can get at home. This could be anything from how far your property is from the telephone exchange, to where you’ve placed your router or even how large your home is. It is worth being aware of these factors when assessing how well your broadband is performing.

Find out more about what affects your broadband speed

There are a number of good reasons to start checking your broadband. For example:

• To make sure your broadband provider is giving you the speeds you were promised
  
  
• To check for WiFi blackspots in certain areas of your property
  
  
• To see if your broadband speeds vary at different points in the day
  
  

It’s important to know how well your broadband is performing, and that you’re getting what you pay for. Our internet speed checker will check if your internet provider’s broadband is right for your household. The results from your broadband speed test could help you find a better broadband deal to suit your work, streaming or browsing needs.

Why is my internet connection so slow?

There could be any number of issues affecting your broadband connection and making it slow. Once you have disconnected and double-checked everything that could affect your broadband speed result, it might be best to do another check of your set-up.

Make sure all routers and cables are correctly connected and your wireless passwords are all right. If that all seems as it should be, there could be a fault on your line, faulty equipment or a temporary problem with the service. Contact your broadband provider to ask if there are any known issues that could be affecting your service.

How can I improve my internet speed?

There are a few tips and tricks that could help improve your broadband speed.

• Adjust your router position: moving it as far away as possible from electrical devices, especially wireless ones like baby monitors
  
  
• Upgrade your router. Having more up to date equipment may help improve your speed. Some broadband routers are not able to supply the fast broadband speeds available from providers.
  
  
• Plug your router directly into your home’s main phone socket. If you’re not sure which socket this is, get in touch with your broadband provider
  
  
• Update all your internet browsers
  
  
• Try using a wired internet connection using an ethernet cable (if you can) instead of a WiFi connection
  
  
• Talk to your internet service provider or have a look around for a new one