What broadband speed do I need?
The broadband speed you need is a 36 Mbps plan for two people streaming in HD, and a 100 Mbps plan for a family of four with two 4K streams and a video call. That’s 25 Mbps for each 4K stream, the figure Disney+ asks for and the most of the big services, 5 for each HD stream and 4 for a video call, plus 30% headroom. Count your own busiest hour and we’ll price it where you live.
- Sized for your busiest hour, with room to spare.
- Real prices for each speed at your address, not a national average.
Add up the busiest hour.
We add up everything happening at once at your busiest time, then leave 30% headroom so a busy evening never feels slow. Our allowances are at least what the big streaming and calling services ask for.
Faster costs less than you’d think.
At our example address in Telford, going from 100 Mb to 900 Mb adds £5 a month. Most of a high bill is the provider’s price, not the speed, so a cheaper deal usually matters more than a slower one.
Our live deal data for one Telford address, 10 October 2026. Each price is the deal’s whole contract cost divided by its months.
Speed, plainly.
Is faster broadband worth paying for?
Only if your busiest hour needs it. Beyond that it rarely costs much more, so pick on price and choose the faster plan if the difference is small.
Does gaming need fast broadband?
Less than you’d think. A steady connection with low lag matters more than top speed for playing. Faster plans help with downloading big games.
What speed do I need to work from home?
Video calls use a few megabits each, so most homes are fine on 100 Mb. If you send big files, look at upload speed too. Full fibre plans usually upload much faster than part-fibre ones.
Why is my speed lower than my plan says?
Wi-Fi, distance from the router and busy times all take their share. Run our speed test next to the router, then in the room you use most, to see where the speed goes.
More ways to cut the bill.
Landline check
Do you still need it before the 31 January switch-off?
→ On benefitsSocial tariff finder
Broadband from £12.50 a month on Universal Credit and more.
→ AprilApril price rise calculator
Your new price, worked out from the date you signed.
→ Your townTown broadband prices
What decent broadband costs where you live.
→ MovingMoving home check
Take your provider with you, or switch on the way.
→ The full checkBroadband cost of living check
Your bill against the deals we list at your exact address.
→See who’s cheapest at that speed.
The broadband cost of living check compares your bill with deals at your exact address, April price rises included.
Run the free check →