How Do I Check My Broadband Speeds?

So, you've got your shiny new broadband all set up, and everything's ticking along nicely. But how do you know if you're actually getting the speeds you've been promised? The easiest way to check your broadband speed is by using an online broadband speed test. These tests measure your download speed, upload speed and latency to show how well your BrawBand internet connection is performing.

Why bother checking your broadband speeds?

It gives you peace of mind that your internet is keeping up with all your streaming and scrolling. Knowing your actual speeds can help you decide if you need to make a few tweaks, like upgrading your router or shifting it away from the microwave – aye, that thing's a Wi-Fi killer.

How to check your broadband speed

Step 1: Disconnect unused devices

Before running a broadband speed test, disconnect any devices you're not using. If half the house is streaming Netflix, gaming or downloading massive updates in the background, your results might look slower than they actually are.

Step 2: Stay close to your router

For the most accurate results, stay fairly close to your router while running the speed test. Thick walls, furniture and distance can weaken your WiFi signal and affect your broadband speeds.

Step 3: Run a broadband speed test

Speedtest.net by Ookla: this one’s the big daddy of speed tests. Just click “Go,” and it’ll measure your download and upload speeds faster than you can say “Haste ye back!”

Fast.com by Netflix: perfect for when you’re wondering if your broadband’s up to snuff for a boxset marathon. It focuses on download speed, which is what matters most when you’re streaming.

Broadband Genie: this one tests your speed and gives you some handy tips to get the most out of your broadband.

Which: super simple to use and it gives you your response time too, which is handy to know.

The site will give you a reading in Mbps (megabits per second). Compare this with the speeds your broadband provider promised.

Step 4: Compare your results

Once the test is finished, compare your results with the speeds your broadband provider promised when you signed up. Keep in mind that speeds can vary slightly throughout the day, especially during busy evening hours when everyone and their dug is online.

Step 5: Test at different times of day

For the full picture, run the test at different times of day. Internet speeds can vary depending on how many folk are online – kind of like how the queue for the chippy gets longer on a Saturday night. If you're testing during peak times, like the evening, you might see slightly slower speeds compared to the crack of dawn.

What do broadband speed test results mean?

When you run a broadband speed test, you'll usually see three main results: download speed, upload speed and ping (sometimes called latency). If those sound mildly confusing, don't worry – BrawBand has your back.

Download speed

Download speed measures how quickly information travels from the internet to your device. This affects things like streaming Netflix, scrolling social media, downloading files and loading websites without wanting to throw your laptop out the window.

The higher your download speed, the smoother your online experience is likely to be.

Upload speed

Upload speed measures how quickly your device can send information back to the internet. This matters most for video calls, uploading files, online gaming and posting your holiday photos that absolutely nobody asked for.

If you regularly work from home or use Zoom, upload speed is more important than you might think.

Ping (latency)

Ping measures how quickly your connection responds, usually in milliseconds (ms). Lower ping means a more responsive connection, which is especially important for gaming, video calls and avoiding awkward “sorry, you go first” moments on Teams calls.

What does Mbps mean?

Broadband speeds are measured in Mbps, which stands for megabits per second. Generally speaking, the higher the Mbps, the faster your internet connection can handle streaming, gaming and multiple devices at once.

What affects broadband speed?

Lots of things can affect your broadband speed – and surprisingly, it's not always your broadband provider's fault. Sometimes your setup, devices or even your kitchen appliances can be the culprit.

Here are some of the most common things that can impact your internet speeds:

Router placement

Where you place your router makes a huge difference. Hiding it behind the TV or stuffing it in a cupboard might keep things tidy, but it can weaken your WiFi signal significantly.

Routers work best in open spaces, ideally somewhere central in your home.

Too many connected devices

Every device connected to your network uses a slice of your broadband bandwidth. So if somebody's streaming 4K Netflix, another person's gaming and your smart doorbell is having an existential crisis, your speeds may slow down a bit.

Older routers and equipment

Older routers sometimes struggle to keep up with modern broadband speeds and multiple connected devices. If your router has survived several house moves and at least one emotional breakdown, it might be time for an upgrade.

Peak-time congestion

Broadband speeds can slow slightly during busy evening hours when lots of people are online at the same time. Think of it like traffic on the motorway – except everyone's trying to stream telly instead of getting home from work.

Thick walls and interference

Brick walls, metal surfaces, microwaves and even some baby monitors can interfere with your WiFi signal. Older homes with thicker walls are particularly good at making broadband signals cry.

Device limitations

Sometimes the issue isn't your broadband at all – it's the device you're using. Older phones, tablets and laptops may not support the latest WiFi standards or faster broadband speeds.

Why is my broadband speed slow?

If your broadband speeds are slower than expected, there are a few common causes worth checking before you start dramatically threatening to “cancel everything.”

Router placement

If your router is hidden away in a cupboard, shoved behind furniture or banished to the darkest corner of the house, your WiFi signal may struggle to reach certain rooms properly.

Try moving it somewhere more open and central if possible.

Too many connected devices

Modern homes are packed with connected devices – smart TVs, phones, tablets, speakers, consoles, doorbells and probably a fridge that somehow connects to WiFi too.

The more devices using your network at once, the more your broadband speeds can be stretched.

Older routers

An outdated router can bottleneck your connection, even if you're paying for super-fast broadband. Newer routers are generally much better at handling multiple devices and faster WiFi speeds.

Peak-time congestion

You may notice slower broadband speeds in the evenings when more people are online. This is completely normal to some extent, particularly during peak streaming hours.

Thick walls and WiFi interference

Walls, floors and electronic devices can all interfere with your WiFi signal. If your broadband seems fine in one room but terrible in another, your home layout could be part of the problem – a WiFi extender can often help.

Device limitations

Older devices may not support modern broadband speeds or newer WiFi standards like WiFi 6. Sometimes your broadband is performing perfectly – your ancient laptop just hasn't got the memo.

How to improve broadband speed

Restart your router

Yes, it's the oldest trick in the book, but turning your router off and back on again genuinely works more often than you'd think. Routers can get overwhelmed after running continuously for long periods.

Give it a quick reboot and see if things improve.

Move your router

Router placement can massively affect your WiFi performance. Try placing it somewhere open, central and away from thick walls or electronic devices that could interfere with the signal.

Basically: your router deserves better than being shoved behind the telly.

Upgrade old equipment

If your router is several years old, it may struggle to keep up with modern broadband speeds and connected devices. Upgrading your equipment can improve coverage, speed and overall reliability.

Use Ethernet where possible

For devices that need the most stable connection – like gaming consoles or work computers – using an Ethernet cable can provide faster and more reliable speeds than WiFi.

Not glamorous, but very effective.

Consider a WiFi extender or mesh system

If certain rooms in your home struggle with weak WiFi signal, a WiFi extender or mesh WiFi system can help improve coverage and reduce dead zones.

Contact your broadband provider

If you've tried everything and your broadband speeds still aren't where they should be, it might be time to contact your provider. At BrawBand, our local support team is always happy to help – and yes, we really do understand your accent.

Frequently asked questions about broadband speeds

How can I test my broadband speed?
You can test your broadband speed using a free online broadband speed test like Speedtest.net, Fast.com or Broadband Genie. These tools measure your download speed, upload speed and ping in just a few seconds.

What is a good broadband speed?
A good broadband speed depends on how you use the internet. Around 25–50 Mbps is usually fine for streaming and browsing, while larger households and gamers may benefit from speeds of 100 Mbps or more.

Why is my broadband speed slower than promised?
Broadband speeds can be affected by router placement, connected devices, older equipment, WiFi interference and peak-time congestion. Speed tests can also vary depending on where and when you test.

Why is my WiFi slow but broadband fast?
If your broadband speed is fine but your WiFi feels slow, the issue is often related to signal strength, router placement or interference inside your home rather than the broadband connection itself.

What affects broadband speed?
Things like router location, the number of connected devices, older routers, thick walls and busy evening usage can all affect broadband performance.

How often should I run a broadband speed test?
It's a good idea to run a broadband speed test occasionally, especially if you notice buffering, slow downloads or connection issues. Testing at different times of day gives a more accurate picture of performance.

What's the difference between download and upload speed?
Download speed measures how quickly you receive information from the internet, while upload speed measures how quickly your device sends information back online. Both are important for smooth browsing, streaming and video calls.

Does router placement affect broadband speed?
Absolutely. Placing your router in a central, open location can significantly improve WiFi coverage and broadband performance throughout your home.