How accurate is this speed test?
SpeedPulse measures your actual connection by downloading and uploading real data to test servers. Results are affected by WiFi signal strength, number of connected devices, and current network load. For the most accurate result, test on a wired connection or close to your router.
What is a good internet speed in the UK?
Ofcom defines "decent" broadband as at least 10 Mbps download and 1 Mbps upload. For modern households, 30–100 Mbps is comfortable. Ultrafast full-fibre (100 Mbps+) is increasingly common across the UK and ideal for streaming, gaming and working from home.
Why is my speed lower than my broadband package?
Several factors reduce real-world speeds: WiFi interference and distance from router, older devices with slower network cards, other devices using your connection simultaneously, peak-time congestion, and home wiring quality. A wired ethernet connection gives the truest indication of your broadband speed.
What is ping and why does it matter?
Ping (latency) measures how long it takes data to travel to a server and back, in milliseconds (ms). Lower is better. Under 20ms is excellent for gaming. Under 50ms is fine for video calls. Over 100ms can cause noticeable lag in real-time applications like gaming or live calls.
What is download vs upload speed?
Download speed is how fast data comes to your device — important for streaming, browsing and downloading files. Upload speed is how fast your device sends data — important for video calls, cloud backups and working from home. Most UK broadband has much faster download than upload.
How can I improve my internet speed?
Move closer to your router or use a wired connection. Restart your router. Reduce connected devices. Update router firmware. Switch to a less congested 5GHz WiFi band. If speeds are consistently below your contracted rate, contact your ISP — you may be entitled to a free upgrade or to exit your contract.