UK broadband speed by provider — how does yours compare?
No single table can crown a “fastest UK ISP” for every home. Technology, postcode, package tier, and your own Wi-Fi matter more than brand loyalty. Use the independent figures below as national context, then run the Pulse speed test on Ethernet when you need evidence you can trust for your household.
Independent benchmark table (typical download experience)
Source note: Opensignal Fixed Broadband Experience Report — data July–September 2025. Speeds reflect a mix of package choices across customers; they are not maximum advertised speeds.
| Provider | Network type | Typical download (Mbps) | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virgin Media | Cable (DOCSIS 3.1) | 187.8 | Opensignal 2025 |
| Community Fibre | Own FTTP | 208.7 (London) | Opensignal 2025 |
| Hyperoptic | Own FTTP | 164.3 (London) | Opensignal 2025 |
| Vodafone | Openreach / CityFibre | 72.5 | Opensignal 2025 |
| BT (inc. EE) | Openreach | 64.7 | Opensignal 2025 |
| Sky Broadband | Openreach | 57.7 | Opensignal 2025 |
| TalkTalk | Openreach | 44.3 | Opensignal 2025 |
| Three UK | 5G wireless | 78.9 | Opensignal 2025 |
All 50 providers — summaries and speed test pages
Each link opens a long-form Pulse guide with provider-specific testing steps, realistic scenarios, and escalation advice. Every page links back here so you can compare context across ISPs.
BT speed test
BT sells consumer broadband over Openreach access networks — fibre where available — and can bundle Halo-style resilience options. Independent reporting (Opensignal Fixed Broadband Experience Report, July–September 2025) includes a blended typical download experience around 64.7 Mbps where BT appears in the published table — this mixes tariffs and homes, so your address can differ sharply.
Sky speed test
Sky uses Openreach access networks for most Sky Broadband installs — TV bundles are the familiar upsell. Independent reporting (Opensignal Fixed Broadband Experience Report, July–September 2025) includes a blended typical download experience around 57.7 Mbps where Sky appears in the published table — this mixes tariffs and homes, so your address can differ sharply.
Virgin Media speed test
Virgin Media runs DOCSIS cable — not Openreach — with high headline speeds in cabled streets. Independent reporting (Opensignal Fixed Broadband Experience Report, July–September 2025) includes a blended typical download experience around 187.8 Mbps where Virgin Media appears in the published table — this mixes tariffs and homes, so your address can differ sharply.
EE speed test
EE broadband runs on Openreach access for fixed-line services, with BT Group convergence perks like Hybrid Connect on eligible setups. Independent reporting (Opensignal Fixed Broadband Experience Report, July–September 2025) includes a blended typical download experience around 64.7 Mbps where EE appears in the published table — this mixes tariffs and homes, so your address can differ sharply.
TalkTalk speed test
TalkTalk is an Openreach retailer with budget positioning and fixed-price promises on many propositions. Independent reporting (Opensignal Fixed Broadband Experience Report, July–September 2025) includes a blended typical download experience around 44.3 Mbps where TalkTalk appears in the published table — this mixes tariffs and homes, so your address can differ sharply.
Vodafone speed test
Vodafone uses multiple wholesale access partners — Openreach, CityFibre, and Community Fibre in places — so two “Vodafone” homes can be different networks entirely. Independent reporting (Opensignal Fixed Broadband Experience Report, July–September 2025) includes a blended typical download experience around 72.5 Mbps where Vodafone appears in the published table — this mixes tariffs and homes, so your address can differ sharply.
Plusnet speed test
Plusnet is BT Group–owned, Openreach-based, and positions around plain Yorkshire-flavoured support and simple pricing. National blended studies do not always break out Plusnet separately — treat your own fair Ethernet tests as the authority for your postcode, then compare against your package minimums and real usage.
NOW Broadband speed test
NOW Broadband is Sky-owned, Openreach-based, and famous for rolling monthly flexibility — router hardware is often basic. National blended studies do not always break out NOW Broadband separately — treat your own fair Ethernet tests as the authority for your postcode, then compare against your package minimums and real usage.
Three Home Broadband speed test
Three Home Broadband is fixed-wireless style service using Three’s 5G network — no Openreach fibre required, but coverage and congestion dominate outcomes. Independent reporting (Opensignal Fixed Broadband Experience Report, July–September 2025) includes a blended typical download experience around 78.9 Mbps where Three Home Broadband appears in the published table — this mixes tariffs and homes, so your address can differ sharply.
Hyperoptic speed test
Hyperoptic operates its own full-fibre network, focused heavily on multi-dwelling units, with symmetric speed tiers in many buildings. Independent reporting (Opensignal Fixed Broadband Experience Report, July–September 2025) includes a blended typical download experience around 164.3 Mbps where Hyperoptic appears in the published table — this mixes tariffs and homes, so your address can differ sharply.
Community Fibre speed test
Community Fibre is a London-focused altnet with its own FTTP build and strong typical speeds in independent reporting. Independent reporting (Opensignal Fixed Broadband Experience Report, July–September 2025) includes a blended typical download experience around 208.7 Mbps where Community Fibre appears in the published table — this mixes tariffs and homes, so your address can differ sharply.
Zen Internet speed test
Zen is a premium Openreach-based ISP with a Yorkshire support story, static IP options, and a no-nonsense networking reputation. National blended studies do not always break out Zen Internet separately — treat your own fair Ethernet tests as the authority for your postcode, then compare against your package minimums and real usage.
Gigaclear speed test
Gigaclear is a rural-focused altnet with its own FTTP footprint; ownership and financial news have been turbulent — check current status as you read. National blended studies do not always break out Gigaclear separately — treat your own fair Ethernet tests as the authority for your postcode, then compare against your package minimums and real usage.
YouFibre speed test
YouFibre builds its own FTTP in selected UK towns and cities, often marketing aggressive gigabit pricing. National blended studies do not always break out YouFibre separately — treat your own fair Ethernet tests as the authority for your postcode, then compare against your package minimums and real usage.
KCOM speed test
KCOM serves Hull and East Yorkshire with its own network — a historically unique footprint separate from Openreach. National blended studies do not always break out KCOM separately — treat your own fair Ethernet tests as the authority for your postcode, then compare against your package minimums and real usage.
Cuckoo speed test
Cuckoo sells Openreach FTTP with ethical branding, no mid-contract price-rise promises on many plans, and a renter-friendly tone. National blended studies do not always break out Cuckoo separately — treat your own fair Ethernet tests as the authority for your postcode, then compare against your package minimums and real usage.
Brsk speed test
Brsk (pronounced “brisk”) is building its own FTTP in urban and suburban pockets across Yorkshire, Greater Manchester, and other northern communities. National blended studies do not always break out Brsk separately — treat your own fair Ethernet tests as the authority for your postcode, then compare against your package minimums and real usage.
Zzoomm speed test
Zzoomm targets market towns and Home Counties areas with its own FTTP build. National blended studies do not always break out Zzoomm separately — treat your own fair Ethernet tests as the authority for your postcode, then compare against your package minimums and real usage.
Trooli speed test
Trooli builds FTTP across parts of Kent, Surrey, and the wider South East. National blended studies do not always break out Trooli separately — treat your own fair Ethernet tests as the authority for your postcode, then compare against your package minimums and real usage.
Fibrus speed test
Fibrus is a major Northern Ireland altnet expanding with Project Gigabit involvement and English regions such as Cumbria in some builds. National blended studies do not always break out Fibrus separately — treat your own fair Ethernet tests as the authority for your postcode, then compare against your package minimums and real usage.
Ogi speed test
Ogi focuses on Wales with Welsh-language service options — a genuine differentiator for Cymraeg-first households. National blended studies do not always break out Ogi separately — treat your own fair Ethernet tests as the authority for your postcode, then compare against your package minimums and real usage.
Connect Fibre speed test
Connect Fibre builds FTTP across parts of the East of England including Essex, Suffolk, and Norfolk. National blended studies do not always break out Connect Fibre separately — treat your own fair Ethernet tests as the authority for your postcode, then compare against your package minimums and real usage.
Hey Broadband speed test
Hey Broadband serves Yorkshire and Humberside with its own FTTP in selected areas. National blended studies do not always break out Hey Broadband separately — treat your own fair Ethernet tests as the authority for your postcode, then compare against your package minimums and real usage.
Lightspeed speed test
Lightspeed is a growing altnet brand across multiple UK regions — verify your exact build on official maps. National blended studies do not always break out Lightspeed separately — treat your own fair Ethernet tests as the authority for your postcode, then compare against your package minimums and real usage.
Rebel Broadband speed test
Rebel Broadband focuses on full-fibre delivery across parts of the South East. National blended studies do not always break out Rebel Broadband separately — treat your own fair Ethernet tests as the authority for your postcode, then compare against your package minimums and real usage.
4th Utility speed test
4th Utility targets new-build housing developments nationwide with fibre infrastructure partnerships. National blended studies do not always break out 4th Utility separately — treat your own fair Ethernet tests as the authority for your postcode, then compare against your package minimums and real usage.
BeFibre speed test
BeFibre is expanding FTTP across parts of the East Midlands and beyond. National blended studies do not always break out BeFibre separately — treat your own fair Ethernet tests as the authority for your postcode, then compare against your package minimums and real usage.
Quickline speed test
Quickline mixes fixed wireless access and fibre in rural Yorkshire, Lincolnshire, and similar regions — know which product you bought. National blended studies do not always break out Quickline separately — treat your own fair Ethernet tests as the authority for your postcode, then compare against your package minimums and real usage.
Airband speed test
Airband serves rural England and Wales with a mix of fixed wireless and fibre solutions depending on programme and postcode. National blended studies do not always break out Airband separately — treat your own fair Ethernet tests as the authority for your postcode, then compare against your package minimums and real usage.
Toob speed test
Toob builds FTTP on the South Coast with a strong presence around Southampton and neighbouring towns. National blended studies do not always break out Toob separately — treat your own fair Ethernet tests as the authority for your postcode, then compare against your package minimums and real usage.
Swish Fibre speed test
Swish Fibre focuses on fibre builds across Surrey, Berkshire, and parts of West London. National blended studies do not always break out Swish Fibre separately — treat your own fair Ethernet tests as the authority for your postcode, then compare against your package minimums and real usage.
G.Network speed test
G.Network focuses on London boroughs with its own full-fibre infrastructure. National blended studies do not always break out G.Network separately — treat your own fair Ethernet tests as the authority for your postcode, then compare against your package minimums and real usage.
Grain speed test
Grain connects parts of Kent and Essex with its own FTTP network. National blended studies do not always break out Grain separately — treat your own fair Ethernet tests as the authority for your postcode, then compare against your package minimums and real usage.
BT Business speed test
BT Business sells leased lines, FTTP, and hybrid connectivity for SMEs and larger sites — consumer home-broadband advice only partially applies. National blended studies do not always break out BT Business separately — treat your own fair Ethernet tests as the authority for your postcode, then compare against your package minimums and real usage.
Virgin Media Business speed test
Virgin Media Business delivers DOCSIS-based services and leased options in cabled areas — static IPs are common, but products vary. National blended studies do not always break out Virgin Media Business separately — treat your own fair Ethernet tests as the authority for your postcode, then compare against your package minimums and real usage.
Vodafone Business speed test
Vodafone Business offers converged mobile and fixed solutions, SD-WAN, and broadband products for SMEs and enterprises. National blended studies do not always break out Vodafone Business separately — treat your own fair Ethernet tests as the authority for your postcode, then compare against your package minimums and real usage.
Sky Business speed test
Sky Business provides SME connectivity over Openreach access in many cases — bundles and hardware differ from consumer Sky. National blended studies do not always break out Sky Business separately — treat your own fair Ethernet tests as the authority for your postcode, then compare against your package minimums and real usage.
TalkTalk Business speed test
TalkTalk Business targets SMEs with a range of Ethernet and broadband services — product specifics determine whether you’re on dedicated fibre or contended tails. National blended studies do not always break out TalkTalk Business separately — treat your own fair Ethernet tests as the authority for your postcode, then compare against your package minimums and real usage.
Zen Business speed test
Zen Business mirrors Zen’s premium consumer ethos with business-grade options — often Openreach-based FTTP and Ethernet where available. National blended studies do not always break out Zen Business separately — treat your own fair Ethernet tests as the authority for your postcode, then compare against your package minimums and real usage.
AAISP speed test
Andrews & Arnold (AAISP) is a technical specialist ISP with strong IPv6, transparent stats, and a tiny but loyal customer base. National blended studies do not always break out AAISP separately — treat your own fair Ethernet tests as the authority for your postcode, then compare against your package minimums and real usage.
Utility Warehouse speed test
Utility Warehouse bundles broadband with energy and other household services — one bill, multiple operational teams. National blended studies do not always break out Utility Warehouse separately — treat your own fair Ethernet tests as the authority for your postcode, then compare against your package minimums and real usage.
Onestream speed test
Onestream is a budget Openreach retailer with straightforward propositions and lower brand recognition than giants. National blended studies do not always break out Onestream separately — treat your own fair Ethernet tests as the authority for your postcode, then compare against your package minimums and real usage.
Shell Energy Broadband speed test
Shell Energy Broadband packages Openreach-based home broadband alongside energy branding — operations are telecom-standard even when the logo looks like your gas bill. National blended studies do not always break out Shell Energy Broadband separately — treat your own fair Ethernet tests as the authority for your postcode, then compare against your package minimums and real usage.
iDNET speed test
iDNET targets users who want premium service and minimal traffic management on Openreach access products. National blended studies do not always break out iDNET separately — treat your own fair Ethernet tests as the authority for your postcode, then compare against your package minimums and real usage.
Aquiss speed test
Aquiss is a regional reseller with a strong reputation among users who want attentive support on Openreach FTTP products. National blended studies do not always break out Aquiss separately — treat your own fair Ethernet tests as the authority for your postcode, then compare against your package minimums and real usage.
Giganet speed test
Giganet sells full-fibre over Openreach and other access partners depending on address — strong gigabit marketing in parts of southern England. National blended studies do not always break out Giganet separately — treat your own fair Ethernet tests as the authority for your postcode, then compare against your package minimums and real usage.
Netomnia speed test
Netomnia is an urban altnet with industry consolidation headlines — verify current ownership and brand routing on official pages while troubleshooting. National blended studies do not always break out Netomnia separately — treat your own fair Ethernet tests as the authority for your postcode, then compare against your package minimums and real usage.
Full Fibre Limited speed test
Full Fibre Limited focuses on rural and subcontracted rollouts with Project Gigabit involvement in places — names can collide with generic “full fibre” jargon, so use official domains carefully. National blended studies do not always break out Full Fibre Limited separately — treat your own fair Ethernet tests as the authority for your postcode, then compare against your package minimums and real usage.
Starlink speed test
Starlink is SpaceX low-earth orbit satellite broadband — high speeds possible, latency and jitter differ from fixed fibre. National blended studies do not always break out Starlink separately — treat your own fair Ethernet tests as the authority for your postcode, then compare against your package minimums and real usage.
Voneus speed test
Voneus delivers fixed wireless and related solutions for harder-to-reach communities — a challenger to “no internet” more than a city speed king. National blended studies do not always break out Voneus separately — treat your own fair Ethernet tests as the authority for your postcode, then compare against your package minimums and real usage.
Fair testing before you compare
Read how to run an accurate broadband speed test, then Pulse methodology. If speeds stay low after fair tests, start with UK broadband rights when speeds stay low. Compare tools in UK speed test comparison — Pulse vs Ookla vs Fast.com.
FAQs
Which UK broadband provider is fastest overall?
There is no honest single winner for every home. National studies blend technologies, package mixes, and regions — cable, full fibre, and wireless behave differently. Use the Opensignal table below as directional context, then run fair repeat tests on Ethernet at your address during the hours you actually use the internet. Pulse gives you a household-specific snapshot; a league table cannot.
How do I compare UK broadband providers fairly?
Match technology before you compare brands. Two “fibre” homes might be on different access networks, and a 5G home is not comparable to FTTP without naming that fact. Use the same device, the same test tool, and the same room where you feel pain — ideally with one wired baseline near the router and one in-problem location on Wi-Fi. Log dates and times so you compare medians, not one lucky run.
Are the Opensignal Mbps figures on this page a guarantee?
No. They reflect a mix of customers, packages, and measurement methodology during the published window (July–September 2025 in the Fixed Broadband Experience Report). They are useful for understanding typical national blends — not for predicting your bedroom Wi-Fi on a rainy Tuesday. Always pair benchmarks with your own tests and your contract’s minimum speed rules where they apply.
Why is my provider slower than the table even on Ethernet?
Tables are averages; your line might be on a different technology tier, a faulted segment, or a heavily contended cabinet. Start with fair tests on Ethernet directly into the ISP router, pause uploads, and check provider status. If wired results stay poor across multiple days, escalate with evidence — see our slow broadband rights guide linked below.
Should I switch ISP because another brand looks faster online?
Not based on one article. Switch when fair tests show persistent underperformance that affects real life, after practical in-home fixes, and when you have compared what is actually available at your postcode. Use BroadbandSwitch.uk for deal comparison once your evidence is solid — not because a forum said “X is fastest”.
Where can I read methodology for Pulse and third-party studies?
Read Pulse methodology on this site, then read Opensignal’s methodology PDF for their fixed broadband reports. Understanding what is measured — download, latency, jitter — stops you from arguing against the wrong number.