With the average UK household now connected to multiple smartphones, smart TVs, laptops, and smart home devices simultaneously, broadband speed matters more than ever. But what actually counts as a good broadband speed in the UK — and how much do you really need?
This guide explains what Mbps means, how download and upload speeds differ, what Ofcom considers "good", and the exact speeds you should look for based on your household size and usage.
UK Broadband Speed: The Key Numbers
According to Ofcom's Connected Nations 2024 report, the UK average fixed broadband download speed is approximately 69 Mbps. Full-fibre (FTTP) connections achieve a median of around 150 Mbps, while older copper-based connections average considerably less.
What Does Mbps Mean?
Mbps stands for megabits per second. It measures how many megabits of data travel over your internet connection every second. This is the standard unit used to advertise and measure broadband speed in the UK.
A common point of confusion: broadband speeds are measured in megabits (Mb), but file sizes on your computer are shown in megabytes (MB). These are not the same:
| Unit | Symbol | Relationship | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Megabit | Mb or Mbit | Used for speed | 80 Mbps connection |
| Megabyte | MB | 1 MB = 8 Mb | 10 MB file download |
| Gigabit | Gb | 1 Gb = 1,000 Mb | 1 Gbps full-fibre |
| Gigabyte | GB | 1 GB = 8 Gb | 4GB game file |
Practical rule: divide your speed in Mbps by 8 to get your actual download rate in megabytes per second. An 80 Mbps connection downloads approximately 10 MB per second — meaning a 1 GB (1,000 MB) file would take about 100 seconds (around 1 minute 40 seconds).
Download Speed vs Upload Speed
Your broadband connection has two speeds that serve very different purposes:
| Speed Type | What It Does | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|
| Download speed | Receives data from the internet to your device | Streaming Netflix, loading websites, gaming, downloading files |
| Upload speed | Sends data from your device to the internet | Video calls, uploading photos/videos, cloud backup, live streaming |
For most households, download speed is more critical because the majority of internet activity — streaming, browsing, gaming — involves receiving data. However, upload speed has become increasingly important with the rise of remote working, video conferencing, and social media content creation.
On ADSL and FTTC broadband, upload speeds are typically much lower than download speeds (hence "asymmetric"). A 70 Mbps FTTC service often only provides 17-20 Mbps upload. Full-fibre (FTTP) broadband is often symmetrical — offering the same speed in both directions, which is ideal for remote workers.
How Much Broadband Speed Do You Need?
The right broadband speed depends on how many people are in your household and what they use the internet for simultaneously. Use this table as a guide:
| Household Size | Minimum Speed | Recommended Speed | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 person | 10 Mbps | 30 Mbps | Basic browsing, streaming, occasional video calls |
| 2-3 people | 25 Mbps | 50 Mbps | Simultaneous streaming, working from home, online gaming |
| 4+ people | 50 Mbps | 100+ Mbps | Multiple 4K streams, gaming, remote work, smart home |
| Heavy users / power users | 100 Mbps | 500 Mbps+ | 4K streaming on multiple screens, fast game downloads, content creation |
Speed Requirements by Activity
| Activity | Minimum Download | Recommended Download | Upload Needed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Web browsing / email | 1 Mbps | 5 Mbps | 1 Mbps |
| SD video streaming | 3 Mbps | 5 Mbps | 1 Mbps |
| HD (1080p) streaming | 5 Mbps | 10 Mbps | 1 Mbps |
| 4K Ultra HD streaming | 25 Mbps | 50 Mbps | 2 Mbps |
| Video call (Zoom/Teams) | 3 Mbps | 10 Mbps | 3-5 Mbps |
| Online gaming | 3 Mbps | 25 Mbps | 1 Mbps |
| Smart home / IoT devices | 1 Mbps each | — | — |
| Working from home (general) | 10 Mbps | 30 Mbps | 10 Mbps |
Types of Broadband in the UK
Not all broadband is created equal. The type of connection available at your address determines the maximum speeds you can achieve:
ADSL
Uses existing copper phone lines. Available virtually everywhere but slow by modern standards. Often 3-10 Mbps in practice due to distance from the exchange. Being phased out by most providers.
FTTC (Fibre to the Cabinet)
Fibre runs to a green street cabinet; copper then connects to your home. The most common "superfast" broadband type in the UK. Speed degrades with distance from the cabinet.
FTTP / Full Fibre
Pure fibre all the way to your home. Fastest, most reliable option. Symmetrical speeds mean upload equals download. Rollout is ongoing — available to around 60% of UK premises as of 2024.
The UK government has an ambition to make gigabit-capable broadband available to at least 85% of UK premises by 2025, with a longer-term target of nationwide coverage. Full-fibre availability is expanding rapidly, so it is worth checking if it has reached your area even if it was not previously available.
How Does Your Speed Compare?
Here is how the UK's average broadband speeds have improved over recent years, and how they compare internationally:
| Year | UK Average Download (Mbps) | UK Average Upload (Mbps) |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 44 | 9 |
| 2021 | 50 | 11 |
| 2022 | 59 | 15 |
| 2023 | 64 | 18 |
| 2024 | 69 | 22 |
Source: Ofcom Connected Nations reports. The improvement is driven largely by full-fibre rollout across the UK.
- Connect via Ethernet cable where possible — Wi-Fi speeds can be 20-50% slower than a wired connection
- Place your router in a central location, away from microwaves and cordless phones
- Use the 5 GHz Wi-Fi band for devices close to the router (faster but shorter range)
- Use the 2.4 GHz band for devices further away or behind walls
- Restart your router monthly — this can improve speeds by clearing memory and refreshing your connection
- Check for any network congestion in your area using your ISP's app or status page
What to Do If Your Speed Is Too Slow
If your broadband is not meeting your needs, you have several options:
- Run a speed test at different times of day to establish your actual speeds versus your advertised package speeds.
- Contact your ISP — if speeds are consistently below the minimum guaranteed in your contract, you may be entitled to a free upgrade or to exit your contract penalty-free under Ofcom's Automatic Compensation Scheme.
- Switch provider — use Ofcom's comparison tools or a switching service. Ofcom's One Touch Switching (OTS) scheme, fully launched in 2023, makes moving broadband providers faster and easier.
- Upgrade to full fibre — if FTTP is available in your area, this is usually the best long-term solution.
- Use a Wi-Fi booster or mesh system if the issue is Wi-Fi coverage rather than the broadband connection itself.
Check Your Internet Speed
Use our free internet speed calculator and comparison tool.
Open Speed Calculator →Frequently Asked Questions
What is a good broadband speed in the UK?
Ofcom's Universal Service Obligation sets 10 Mbps download and 1 Mbps upload as the minimum. In practice, 30-50 Mbps is good for a typical household, 100+ Mbps is very good, and anything above 500 Mbps is excellent. The UK average is around 69 Mbps (2024).
What does Mbps mean?
Mbps stands for megabits per second. It measures your broadband connection speed. Note that 1 megabyte (the unit used for file sizes) = 8 megabits, so an 80 Mbps connection downloads about 10 MB of data per second.
What is a good upload speed?
For general use, 10 Mbps upload is sufficient. For remote working with frequent video calls or large file uploads, 20+ Mbps is recommended. Full-fibre (FTTP) broadband offers symmetrical speeds so your upload matches your download.
What broadband speed do I need for 4K streaming?
Netflix and most streaming services recommend 25 Mbps for 4K Ultra HD per stream. If multiple people stream simultaneously, multiply accordingly. A 100 Mbps connection comfortably supports four simultaneous 4K streams.
What is the difference between FTTC and FTTP broadband?
FTTC (Fibre to the Cabinet) runs fibre to a street cabinet, then copper to your home — typically 30-80 Mbps. FTTP (Fibre to the Premises) runs fibre all the way to your home, delivering 100 Mbps to 1 Gbps with symmetrical upload speeds. FTTP is superior but not yet universally available.
How do I check my actual broadband speed?
Visit Speedtest.net, Fast.com, or Ofcom's broadband checker. For the most accurate result, connect via Ethernet cable, close all other applications, and test at different times of day. Evening speeds (8-10pm) are usually slowest due to network congestion.
Can I get better broadband speeds without switching provider?
Often yes. Try: connecting via Ethernet, moving your router, restarting the router, upgrading your router (many ISPs provide an older model), checking for interference from other electronics, and contacting your ISP if speeds are below your guaranteed minimum.