Compare broadband speeds at your address
How our broadband speed checker works
Our postcode checker uses data from leading UK networks to calculate expected speeds at your address.
- Enter your postcode: A list of properties in your area will be displayed.
- Select your address: This ensures results are tailored to your location.
- View broadband options: See available broadband types, including ADSL, Fibre to the Cabinet (FTTC), and Full Fibre (FTTP).
- Check expected speeds: Get realistic download and upload speeds based on network data.
Why use this broadband speed tool?
- Upgrade opportunities: See if faster broadband is available in your area
- Moving home? Check broadband speeds at your new address.
- Student accommodation:Use broadband speeds to help you choose the best-connected student accommodation.
- Tenants & landlords: Tenants can check broadband speeds before signing a rental agreement, while landlords can use faster broadband availability as a selling point for prospective tenants.
- Compare providers: Your current provider may not offer the fastest speed. Compare alternative providers in your area.
- Discounted broadband deals: Find the latest broadband offers for your postcode.
Advertised broadband speeds vs. actual speeds
ISP's advertise broadband speeds based on peak-time averages (8–10pm), but actual performance can vary due to:
- Distance from the exchange or street cabinet – longer copper line lengths will reduce speed.
- Degrading copper phone lines, used in ADSL and part-fibre broadband (FTTC), can weaken broadband signals and reduce reliability.
- Network congestion – speeds can drop when many users are online at the same time.
- Home wiring and electrical interference – internal phone lines can be affected by interference from other household devices, impacting performance.
- Router placement and Wi-Fi interference – walls, furniture, and other electronic devices can disrupt your Wi-Fi signal.
- Broadband technology (ADSL, FTTC, FTTP) – the type of connection you have determines your maximum possible speed.
Understanding your broadband speed results
- Standard broadband (ADSL) – Uses copper phone lines.
- Superfast broadband (FTTC) – Uses fibre to the cabinet.
- Ultrafast broadband (FTTP / Full Fibre) – Provides speeds over 1000Mbps.
Speed results example
Right to exit (RTE) if your broadband speed is too slow
Ofcom has introduced a voluntary Right to Exit (RTE) process, which allows broadband customers to leave their contract early if speeds fall below the agreed minimum performance levels. However, not all internet providers have signed up to this scheme.
How the Right to Exit process works:
- If your broadband speed falls below the minimum guaranteed speed, you can exit your contract early without penalty if the issue is not resolved within 30 days of reporting it.
- You must allow reasonable access for any required engineer visits during the 30-day period.
- If you fail to make yourself available for an engineer visit, the 30-day resolution period may be extended.
- This right to exit also applies to bundled TV services using the same broadband line.
Which broadband providers follow this Ofcom code of practice?
Not all ISPs have signed up for Ofcom’s voluntary Right to Exit (RTE) process. The following providers currently comply:
Vodafone and the Right to Exit (RTE) Process
Vodafone was previously part of Ofcom’s voluntary Right to Exit (RTE) process but is no longer a signatory. However, Vodafone has its own policy for customers experiencing significantly reduced broadband speeds, which is outlined in their terms and conditions (effective from 11 September 2024).
Vodafone’s policy on exiting due to slow speeds
Vodafone minimum speed guarantee
- If your sync speed (the speed from the street cabinet/exchange to your router) continuously or regularly falls significantly below the minimum guaranteed speed stated in your service confirmation letter, you can report the issue to Vodafone.
- If Vodafone cannot resolve the issue, you may be allowed to exit the contract early without paying a termination fee.
Vodafone speed resolution process
- Contact Vodafone and allow them the opportunity to investigate and resolve the issue.
- If Vodafone is unable to fix the problem, they may offer you an alternative lower-speed product (if available).
- If no suitable alternative is available, Vodafone allows contract termination without penalty.
A full copy of Ofcom's current RTE guidelines can be viewed here: Ofcom Voluntary Code of Practice (Residential) PDF .
Search Full FibreWhich broadband is best for you?
Understand your broadband options Standard ADSL, Superfast FTTC, Ultrafast FTTP or Hyperfast 1Gbps +
Superfast broadband is the most popular broadband option in the UK, largely due to its affordability and widespread availability. It is accessible to over 97% of UK households and is defined as a broadband connection speed of over 30Mb. Superfast broadband is often marketed as 'Fibre Broadband'; however, this can be somewhat misleading as the connection is still partially delivered to your property via copper telephone lines. Typically, the maximum achievable download speed with a Superfast broadband connection is 80Mb. However, if your property is more than 850 metres from the street cabinet, you may experience at least a 50% reduction in speed.
Ultrafast broadband, defined as delivering speeds between 300Mb and 1000Mb, is currently available to over 57% of UK households. GFast, a technology designed to boost FTTC (Fibre to the Cabinet) speeds up to 300Mb, offers a cost-effective way to enhance broadband performance without requiring full Fibre to the Premises (FTTP). However, GFast is not universally available, as your local exchange must be upgraded to support the technology. Even where available, GFast is limited to properties within 500 metres of the street cabinet due to signal degradation over copper lines. Its reliance on ageing copper infrastructure makes it a transitional solution, rather than a long-term answer to improving the UK's broadband speed.
Hyperfast broadband represents the future of connectivity in the UK. Unlike its predecessors, it does not rely on outdated copper cables. Instead, Hyperfast broadband uses fibre-optic cables to deliver a direct connection to your property, a technology known as ‘fibre to the premises’ (FTTP). This advanced solution offers symmetrical speeds, where upload and download rates are identical. However, not all Hyperfast broadband providers deliver symmetrical services. For example, BT currently offers FTTP with asymmetric speeds of 900Mb download and 115Mb upload for residential customers. Alongside FTTP, technologies such as DOCSIS 3.1 used by Virgin Media enable gigabit broadband over cable networks, offering ultrafast speeds to millions of UK homes. Established providers, such as TalkTalk, also offer FTTP broadband packages to UK households.