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.
Understanding your broadband speed results
Standard ADSL, Superfast FTTC, Ultrafast FTTP and Hyperfast 1Gb+ explained
Superfast broadband usually means part fibre (FTTC) connections, where fibre runs to the street cabinet and the last stretch into your home uses copper telephone lines. It’s available to more than 97% of UK homes, with maximum speeds of up to around 80Mbps.
Because the final section is copper, performance depends on how far your property is from the cabinet. The further the distance, the more speed is lost. If you’ve entered your postcode and address into the checker above, the results you see are based on your exact property, giving a more realistic figure than the averages advertised by providers.
Whilst a good Superfast connection is adequate for most households, supporting streaming, video calls, online gaming, and working from home. Those with a slower connection or larger households may want to consider an Ultrafast upgrade. Unsure what speed you need? Check the broadband speed recommended for your household.
Ultrafast broadband is typically achieved by a full fibre connection, also known as Fibre to the Premises (FTTP). This removes the copper line completely, delivering speeds from 300Mbps up to 1Gbps or more.
If you’ve used the postcode checker above, your results will show whether FTTP is available to your property and the realistic speeds you can achieve. Our postcode checker uses data from leading UK networks to calculate expected speeds at your address, rather than the UK averages used for advertising purposes.
Ultrafast broadband is perfectly suited to households with multiple heavy users, for example people who need fast uploads for large files, a pro gaming experience, live streaming content, or a more reliable home network connection. Not sure you need Ultrafast? See the recommended broadband speed for your household.
Hyperfast broadband describes connections faster than 1Gb. Providers that utilise the Openreach network typically market their fastest full fibre packages at around 900 - 1000Mb. Openreach has begun to open up a higher 1.8Gb tier, but availability is being introduced gradually and is not yet widely offered.
Alternative networks are already pushing beyond this. Companies such as 4th Utility, Zzoomm, Trooli, BRSK, Community Fibre, and Sky (via CityFibre) sell services over 2000Mb, while YouFibre advertises a residential connection up to 7000Mb.
If you’ve entered your postcode and address into the checker above, the results shown are based on your property, so you’ll know whether Hyperfast speeds are realistically available.
For most households, multi gigabit packages are more about trading time over cost. The benefit is cutting down on very large uploads and downloads, but they aren’t essential for everyday online use. It’s usually better value to choose the speed you need now and upgrade later if required. Compare the fastest broadband deals in your area.
Advertised broadband speeds vs. actual speeds
ISPs 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.
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 .
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