How to Improve Your Broadband Speed (2026)

To improve your broadband speed, start by repositioning your router to a central, elevated location away from walls and electronic devices. Switch to the 5GHz Wi-Fi band for faster short-range speeds, use Ethernet cables for bandwidth-heavy devices, and check whether your provider offers a faster plan or free router upgrade before considering a full switch.

Optimise Your Router Position and Settings

Your router's position has the single biggest impact on Wi-Fi performance. Place it centrally, at desk height, away from thick walls, mirrors, fish tanks and microwave ovens — all common sources of signal interference. Most modern routers broadcast on both 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands. The 5GHz band delivers faster speeds over shorter distances, while 2.4GHz reaches further but at lower throughput. Log into your router's admin panel to check which channel is least congested in your area. BT Smart Hub 2 users can use the BT Complete Wi-Fi app to scan for interference automatically. Firmware updates also improve stability, so enable automatic updates where possible. If your router is more than three years old, contact your provider about a free replacement — many ISPs including Sky Broadband now supply Wi-Fi 6 routers as standard on new contracts.

Use Ethernet and Powerline Adapters for Key Devices

Wi-Fi is convenient, but a wired Ethernet connection consistently delivers speeds 30-50% faster with far lower latency. Use Cat5e or Cat6 cables to connect your work PC, games console and smart TV directly to the router. If your router is too far away, powerline adapters send internet signals through your home's electrical wiring — a pair typically costs £25-£40. Mesh Wi-Fi systems offer another solution, creating a blanket of coverage across larger homes. Virgin Media includes its Intelligent Wi-Fi pods free on selected plans, and Vodafone xStream bundles come with a mesh extender in the box. For remote workers on video calls all day, even a 10-metre Ethernet cable running along a skirting board eliminates buffering and dropped connections that Wi-Fi can cause during peak evening hours between 7pm and 11pm.

Check Your Plan and Upgrade Options

Sometimes the issue is not your setup but your plan. FTTP full fibre now covers 82% of UK premises, so there is a good chance faster packages are available at your address. Run a postcode check to compare options. Plusnet Fibre Extra offers 66 Mbps average for around £28 per month — solid for moderate households. EE Full Fibre Max delivers average speeds of 900 Mbps for heavy users with multiple devices. If your current contract is nearing its end, you may find better deals by switching. The One Touch Switch process introduced in April 2023 has already handled 1.6 million switches, letting you move provider within one working day with no contact needed to your old ISP. Always compare the minimum guaranteed speed, not just the headline figure.

When to Switch Provider for Better Speed

If you have tried all the above steps and speeds are still poor, it may be time to switch. Check whether a different network serves your address — Openreach, CityFibre, and independent altnets like Hyperoptic and Community Fibre often deliver faster real-world speeds because their networks carry less congestion. Hyperoptic offers symmetrical speeds up to 1 Gbps in apartment buildings, with an average upload of 900 Mbps. Community Fibre covers over 1.4 million London premises with plans from 50 Mbps to 3 Gbps. Before switching, confirm your cooling-off rights: all new broadband contracts include a 14-day cancellation window. If your current provider has not met its minimum speed guarantee for 30 days, Ofcom rules let you leave penalty-free. Compare deals at your postcode to find the fastest option.

Compare Broadband Deals at Your Address

Enter your postcode to see which providers and speeds are available at your home. Compare deals, speeds and prices to find the best broadband for your address.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will a new router improve my broadband speed?

A Wi-Fi 6 router can significantly boost wireless speeds, especially if your current router is more than three years old. However, a new router will not increase the speed delivered to your premises — that depends on your plan and line. Contact your ISP for a free upgrade first.

Does the time of day affect my broadband speed?

Yes. Speeds typically drop during peak hours between 7pm and 11pm when more people in your area are online. FTTP full fibre connections are less affected by congestion than older copper-based ADSL or FTTC lines. Testing at off-peak times will usually show higher results.

Can I use a Wi-Fi extender to improve speed?

Wi-Fi extenders can improve coverage in dead spots, but they typically halve your available bandwidth because they communicate with the router on the same channel. Mesh Wi-Fi systems are a better option as they create a seamless network across your home without the speed penalty.

How do I check if faster broadband is available at my address?

Enter your postcode into a broadband comparison tool to see which providers and speeds serve your address. FTTP full fibre covers 82% of UK premises as of early 2026, and gigabit speeds are available to around 90% of homes nationwide.

Related Guides

Broadband Speed Test Guide · What Is a Good Broadband Speed · Broadband Router Guide · Wi-Fi vs Ethernet Speed Difference

Methodology & Sources

Information in this guide is sourced from Ofcom market reports, Openreach coverage data, ISPreview.co.uk, provider websites and independent broadband research from Point Topic and Thinkbroadband. Prices and availability are checked monthly. Speed data reflects advertised average speeds from provider Key Facts documents.