Despite what most UK homes believe, the nation’s broadband is getting faster. Recent upgrades from BT’s Openreach – along with the ever-expanding full fibre network from other smaller providers – means millions of properties can now access downloads well in excess of 900Mbps. To put that into context, a standard 90Mbps connection will allow you to download a full HD movie in around 10 minutes, switch to the best Fibre to the Premises (FTTP) and that same film will be ready to watch in under 40 seconds.

It all sounds mightily impressive but moving to ultrafast speeds doesn’t come cheap. Most of the main Internet Service Providers (ISPs) want over £40 per month to access those more impressive downloads – that’s compared to around £25 for basic speeds. Over the course of an 18-month contract, you’ll end up paying more than £260 more to have that quicker service.

Although getting blisteringly quick internet whizzed around your home might sound enticing one broadband advice service is saying you probably don’t really need it.

Thinkbroadband, which offers provider comparisons and help, says that many UK consumers should be fine with speeds of under 100Mbps. To help people understand the downloads they really need, the firm has also set up a simple-to-use calculator where homes can answer a few simple questions about their usage and get an instant guide. 

For example, thinkbroadband says that customers with two people in a home using two phones and a tablet along with a 4K TV, one console and up to 20 other connected gadgets will be fine with a 50 Mbps connection.

A busier house with lots of televisions and tablets streaming in 4K might want to consider upgrading to around 200Mbps for the best experience according to thinkbroadband’s calculator.

Of course, the more and more people and devices in a property the faster the speeds you’ll need. 

SEE WHAT SPEEDS YOU REALLY NEED HERE

Think of it a bit like a motorway, the more traffic that runs along it, the slower things get. If you add more lanes to the road, it can cope with more cars – the same goes for your web connection.

“Consumers are being misled into believing that having the latest, fastest, more expensive contracts must surely be the best option for them, but this isn’t true,” said Sebastien Lahtinen, Director at thinkbroadband.com.

“Broadband providers offer faster and faster services in a bid to appear the fastest provider, but it’s not necessarily about getting consumers onto these fastest plans, but about perception of the provider being ahead of others.

“If consumers stood back and looked at what their broadband needs actually are, the majority would be shocked to discover they are paying way too much for broadband speeds they simply don’t need. We would encourage everyone to upgrade to full-fibre from existing services, but there is no need to go for 500 Mbps if you are just two people with one big TV, a 4K streaming subscription, and mobile phones.”

Here’s what the big ISPs are currently charging for 1Gbps speeds

• SKY BROADBAND – £43 per month

• VIRGIN MEDIA – £41 per month

• BT BROADBAND – £44.99 per month

• VODAFONE – – £39 per month

• EE – £44.99 per month