Internet speeds in the UK have increased substantially in recent years, with average maximum download speeds rising from 223 Mbps in 2024 to 285 Mbps in 2025, according to data from Ofcom. However, despite these improvements, household demand for data continues to grow, with the average monthly usage reaching 583 gigabytes, marking a 10 percent increase compared to the previous year.
Many users still experience slow or inconsistent internet connections, which can affect activities ranging from streaming and video calls to working from home and gaming. Experts indicate that such issues often stem either from the broadband speed provided by the internet service provider (ISP) or from poor Wi-Fi performance within the home network.
Natalie Hitchins, head of home products and services at consumer organization Which?, recommends that users first determine whether the broadband speed being delivered matches their provider’s advertised or guaranteed rates before investing in Wi-Fi boosters or additional equipment. This can be done by connecting a device directly to the router using an Ethernet cable, pausing any ongoing downloads or streams, disabling VPNs, and conducting speed tests via resources such as speedtest.net or broadbandtest.which.co.uk. Comparing the direct Ethernet speed to wireless speeds in different parts of the home can help isolate whether issues are related to the broadband service itself or the internal Wi-Fi setup.
If the wired speed is significantly below the expected level, the problem may lie with the provider’s infrastructure, incoming line faults, or network congestion. Consumers have the right to cancel contracts without penalty if speeds consistently fall below minimum guaranteed levels. In cases where the wired speed is adequate but Wi-Fi performance deteriorates in certain areas, the issue is usually related to the home network's configuration and environment.
To improve Wi-Fi coverage and reliability, several practical steps are advised. Positioning the router centrally and elevated within the home helps minimize signal obstacles, while avoiding placement near windows prevents signal loss outside. It is recommended to keep the router powered on continuously, as frequent shutdowns can cause providers to reduce delivered speeds, mistaking the connection for unstable. Using short cables when connecting the router to the master socket reduces potential signal degradation, and upgrading outdated hardware can enhance both speed and security.
Network congestion within the home is another common cause of slow speeds, as multiple devices competing for bandwidth—often simultaneously connected and some running in the background—can strain the available capacity. Users are encouraged to disable Wi-Fi on unused devices and, where possible, adjust the router’s wireless channel to avoid interference from neighboring networks, particularly in densely populated areas.
If basic adjustments do not resolve issues, additional equipment such as Wi-Fi range extenders, Powerline adapters that utilize home electrical wiring, or mesh Wi-Fi systems can help expand and stabilize coverage. Entry-level extenders like the TP-Link RE315 are available at moderate prices, while mesh systems supporting Wi-Fi 6 or the newer Wi-Fi 7 standard provide solutions for homes with high-speed broadband subscriptions and multiple connected devices. However, components compatible with Wi-Fi 7 tend to be more costly and require compatible devices, such as recent smartphone models including the iPhone 16 and later.
Consumer testing groups have awarded positive recommendations to various mesh network products, including the Asus ZenWiFi AX Mini XD4 and TP-Link Deco X50 Wi-Fi 6 PoE model, highlighting these as cost-effective and reliable choices for enhancing home internet performance.