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How to improve your broadband speed
Tips to improve and check broadband speeds
Updated 29 August 2023
As remote or hybrid working seems here to stay for many, a reliable broadband connection remains vital. So if your connection is frustratingly slow, we've a round-up of tricks to give your speed a boost. If you're just looking for a new deal, see our Broadband Unbundled tool.
Check your speeds with free tools
Try a free test for an indication of both your download speed (the rate at which you get data from the web) and upload speed (the rate at which you can send data to the web).
Use a couple from the list below to get a range of results, and perform the tests at different times to get an idea of how speeds fluctuate:
- Broadband Genie*
- Fast.com (powered by Netflix)
- MoneySupermarket*
- Speedtest.net
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Top tips to boost your internet speeds
If the speed you're currently getting is way off what you need, you may have to move to a new deal or provider (see below for switching help).
But if you're generally comfortable with the average speed, there are a few things you can do to marginally increase it.
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Make sure your router is in the best place
When using Wi-Fi, obviously the nearer you are to the router, the better your signal will be, and therefore the faster your broadband. Because Wi-Fi signals can't travel through large objects such as thick walls, it's crucial you have a clear path for the signal to travel to your laptop, tablet or smartphone.
The position you place your router can therefore make a massive difference to the speeds you get. Where possible, try to:
- Choose a central location.
- Position it high up with no obstacles around it.
- Don't hide your router away in a cupboard or drawer.
- Don't camouflage it with picture frames or ornaments.
It's also worth making sure it's plugged into the best socket. Try using multiple phone sockets to see if you can get better speeds, though plugging your router directly into your main phone socket will generally work best. Just remember the distance between your router and devices should be kept to a minimum where possible.
Other things to check -
Opt for wires, not Wi-Fi
![Ethernet cable]()
It may not be an immediately appealing option, but if you're desperate, reverting to good ol' cables should boost your speed. An Ethernet cable is able to transfer data at a faster rate than Wi-Fi can because it doesn't encrypt data as wireless routers do.
Other benefits include much less interference, so you don't have to worry what frequency your neighbour is on, and a more reliable connection for devices such as games consoles and PCs, which don't need to be moved around the room.
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Keep your router away from other devices
Like all wireless devices, routers are prone to interference, including from nearby electrical equipment. Try switching everything bar the router off, then do another speed test to see if it makes a difference.
Cordless phones, baby monitors, halogen lamps, dimmer switches, stereos, speakers, TVs and monitors can all affect your signal if they're too close to your router, so try to place these as far away as possible.
What's more, surprisingly microwave ovens can also reduce Wi-Fi signals according to regulator Ofcom, so it's best not to heat up your lunch at the same time as an important video call...
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Try a wireless booster
Wireless boosters are designed for folks with big homes or those with signal blackspots where the signal isn't strong enough. However, the gadget just extends the wireless signal – it won't improve your general broadband speed or bandwidth. Boosters generally work with any provider, so you don't have to be with one in particular to use them.
Check before buying though as your supplier may send you one out for free if you're having difficulties connecting in certain rooms. Also, if you've signed up to either Sky Boost (after 4 Sep 2019) or the BT Complete package, these guarantee Wi-Fi coverage throughout your home, which means you can request an unlimited amount of wireless boosters.
If not, you could try something like the:
- Netgear booster*, a decent cheap option available from Amazon from about £30.
- TP-Link booster, a big brand name, also available from Amazon for less than £20.
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Turn off Wi-Fi on devices you're not using
The more devices attached to your Wi-Fi, the lower the speed you'll get. Even if you have a decent fibre or cable connection, you may think you're not prone to slow speeds, but devices such as tablets and smartphones often work in the background, so try switching Wi-Fi reception off on these when you're not using them.
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Working from home? Switch to audio-only conference calls
If you're carrying out video calls or meetings and you're having problems, turning the video off and only using audio will require much less of your internet connection. But if things are working fine, for your general wellbeing you may opt to keep your video on so you can better interact with colleagues – particularly important now as many of us are working from home more.
Another trick is to try starting conference calls at less common times, rather than on the hour or half-hour.
You might also want to manage your family's online activity, so that different people aren't carrying out data-heavy tasks (such as HD streaming, gaming or video calls) all at the same time. Downloading video in advance, instead of streaming it, can also help.
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Use your home electrics to extend your router's range
Virgin Media recommends powerline adapters over boosters, which use your electric wiring to send the router signal to other parts of your home. This is how it works:
- Connect your router to the nearest plug socket using the adapter.
- Your internet connection is then routed around your home through the electrical wiring.
- Plug another adapter into a socket, ideally where you are experiencing weak signal, and you should see a noticeable improvement in the connection strength.
- You can then connect your laptop or another device either by Ethernet cable or Wi-Fi, depending on the kit you choose.
Here are a couple of options we've found:
- The Netgear Powerline* range of adaptors cost £42 to £58 (including postage) direct from Virgin. They can also be bought from other retailers that stock computer equipment, such as Argos.
- The TP-Link* powerline adaptor starter kit (two pack) is usually around £30 to £40 from Amazon.
Before you buy, check adaptors are compatible with your router. If they're not, they may not significantly boost your speed. For a starting point, try Tech Advisor's best powerline adaptors.
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Give your computer a spring clean
You may be surprised by the effect changing settings and having a 'spring clean' has. A few simple things to check and try are:
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Can you ditch & switch to a speedier provider?
If you've tried all the tips above and you still see no improvement – or your connection just can't keep up with your internet needs – then you may want to consider a new deal, or a new provider entirely.
To keep costs down, don't go for a faster connection than you need. If you just use the web for basic tasks such as emails and the odd bit of browsing, then standard speed (averages of 11Mb) should be fine, yet if you have a busy household or do a lot of streaming or gaming, you may need to opt for a faster fibre deal.
Whether or not you're in or out of contract will determine how easy it is to switch, so we've the different steps below.
If you're out of contract, you're free to leave
When your initial promo deal is over, it's highly likely you'll already be overpaying, as most providers hike costs. Yet have no fear, you're actually then free to switch away to a different provider, or to haggle a new deal if you'd prefer to stick with your current one.
Simply give your provider notice that you're leaving (usually 30 days) and start comparing deals that are available to you. Though always remember that advertised speeds are just an indication of the speed you may get – they're based on the average speed received by at least 50% of a provider's current customer base between 8pm and 10pm.
- Easily compare deals with just your postcode. Use our Broadband Unbundled tool to compare broadband, phone line and TV deals in your area or our Broadband guide for full switching need-to-knows.
- Don't want to switch? Haggle a better deal. Broadband firms are among the easiest to haggle with. For top tips, see our Haggle with Service Providers guide.
It's trickier if you're still within your minimum contract period – but there are ways
Even if you're in contract – which means you are tied in for a set period (often 18 or 24 months) and would be charged to leave early – there could be a way to ditch and switch penalty-free, depending on when you signed up to your current broadband deal.
If you're in contract and experiencing slow speeds – but above the guaranteed minimum – your provider may allow you to upgrade or send better equipment to boost your speed.
Boost broadband speed FAQs
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