How to Check Your Internet Speed Properly (And What the Numbers Mean)

What download speed means

Download speed is measured in Mbps (megabits per second). It determines how quickly data comes to your computer. For reference: 10 Mbps is fine for one person browsing. 25 Mbps handles HD streaming. 100 Mbps is comfortable for a busy household. 500 Mbps and above is for power users with multiple heavy users at once.

Upload speed and why it matters

Upload speed determines how quickly you can send data — video calls, uploading files, sharing photos. Most UK broadband packages have much slower upload than download speeds. If you regularly video call or stream content, upload speed matters significantly.

What ping means

Ping measures how long it takes for a signal to travel from your computer to a server and back, measured in milliseconds. For general browsing, 50-100ms is fine. For video calls, under 50ms is comfortable. For online gaming, under 20ms is ideal. High ping makes everything feel sluggish.

How to get an accurate speed test

Close all other tabs and applications before testing. Use speedtest.net or fast.com. Run the test three times at different times of day. Evening speeds are often lower because more people in your area are online simultaneously. Test via WiFi and via an ethernet cable to separate WiFi issues from broadband issues.

Why your speed might be slower than expected

WiFi signal strength, distance from the router, the age of your router, the number of devices connected, time of day, and the quality of your telephone line all affect real-world speeds. If you are consistently getting less than 80% of your contracted speed, contact your provider.

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