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Broadband speed test

Independent speed checker, powered by SamKnows. Gives you an accurate reading of your broadband speeds on any UK network.

Speed test phone on pink flares



How to run an internet speed test


When you’re ready, tap ‘Start’ to run the internet speed check. If you want to run the test again in another room, just tap ‘Restart’ and the speed checker will do the rest.

How does the broadband speed checker work?

The broadband speed test mimics your online activities by uploading and downloading files, and measures how long this takes. Here’s how to check internet speed.

Get ready

To check broadband speed, please make sure you’re directly connected to your home network and not through a VPN (Virtual Personal Network). Use an Ethernet cable from the Hub to your device, if you can, for the most accurate results.

Tap 'Start'

Your device will try to download a file from the test server and the internet speed test will record the speed. Next, your device will try to upload a file to the server and the speed checker will measure the upload speed.

Results in a matter of seconds

You’ll see the test running in real-time, giving you the download speed test results, as well as the upload, latency and jitter speeds your device received during the broadband speed test. Repeat the test throughout the day and around your home to come up with average speeds.

What do the broadband speed test results show?

This internet speed check includes your download speed test results, upload speed, jitter and latency times, giving you an accurate overall picture of how fast your connection was to your device during the test.

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How long does it take to check my internet speed?

A matter of seconds. You might like to repeat the WiFi test in rooms around your home and at different times of the day, to come up with an average speed.

How accurate is the WiFi speed test?

Our broadband speed test is generally pretty accurate and the results are a good reflection of the speeds you were getting during the test. If anything, it’s more likely to underestimate speeds – it’s a strict, Ofcom-approved test (other speed checkers may not be). And if your results vary, don’t worry that’s normal, due to factors such as the time of day and number of devices sharing your broadband when you repeat the internet speed test.

Obviously, you can run a WiFi test to check what speeds you’re getting around your home. But using an Ethernet cable to connect your device to the Hub will give you the most accurate broadband speed test results and a faster connection than wireless broadband.

Ways to make your internet speed check more accurate

  • Close all other browser tabs, windows and apps.
  • Disconnect your other devices or consoles from the WiFi as they can interfere with the signal.
  • Switch off antivirus software and firewalls, if possible.
  • Check your device is not too old to be compatible with high broadband speeds.
  • Test your broadband speed at different times of day for an average reading.

Where can I compare broadband speeds?

See Gig1 Fibre Broadband to learn more about our fastest-ever speed and check availability where you are.

Provider
Fastest average speed

Virgin Media

1,130Mbps - 16x faster than UK average download speed*

Talk Talk

944Mbps

BT

910Mbps

Vodafone

900Mbps

EE

300Mbps

Sky

285Mbps

Post Office

67Mbps

Plusnet

66Mbps

*Subject to availability, network capacity and credit check. UK’s Fastest Major Broadband Provider: based on Gig1 Fibre avg download speed 1,130Mbps vs avg download speeds of major UK ISPs. To verify, see virginmedia.com/broadband/speeds. Virgin Fibre areas only. Availability of services from other major UK ISPs will differ from Virgin Media’s services. 16x faster: Virgin Media Gig1 Fibre Broadband (avg 1,130Mbps) vs UK average speed 8-10pm (69.4Mbps), based on UK Home Broadband Performance Report, measurement period March 2023.

Why should I test my broadband speed?

It’s quick and easy

The WiFi test is a useful tool to help you check how well your broadband is performing and whether you’re really getting the speeds you were promised. After taking the test, you can enter your result into our download time calculator to learn more about your home network.

Address any slow speeds

Internet speed test results can help you find and address potential connection problems, such as fixable WiFi blackspots.

Maximise fastest times of day

Multiple broadband speed tests over time can show if and when speed fluctuates. The best times to game online or make big downloads, for example, would be when connection is fastest.

Find right speeds for you

Results give you an idea of what speed you really need. The speed checker helps narrow your options when you’re looking for your next deal, such as cheap broadband deals or any broadband no setup offers, which are available from time to time.

FAQs