Headline speed is only one part of the experience
Broadband packages are usually compared by download speed, but upload speed, latency, jitter, Wi-Fi coverage and congestion also affect how a connection feels. A household that streams on several televisions while people work from home needs more headroom than one person browsing and checking email.
Common connection types
ADSL uses copper telephone lines and is generally the slowest fixed-line option. Fibre-to-the-cabinet still uses copper for the final section. Full fibre connects the premises using fibre and can provide higher, more consistent speeds. Cable and fixed wireless services have different performance characteristics.
Choosing a package
| Typical use | Suggested capacity |
|---|---|
| Browsing and email | 10 Mbps+ |
| HD streaming and calls | 30–50 Mbps+ |
| 4K streaming and busy homes | 100 Mbps+ |
| Heavy downloads and creators | 300 Mbps+ with strong upload |
These are broad guides rather than guarantees. Count simultaneous users and choose enough spare capacity for peaks.
Test your connection
Return to the Speedly speed test to measure your current connection.