We all want faster and more impressive download speeds beamed around our rooms but a new report from the team at thinkbroadband says many homes simply don't need ultrafast connectivity.

Most Internet Service Providers (ISPs) including BT, Sky and Virgin Media now offer blisteringly quick broadband with some plans able to blast the web through walls at over 1Gbps. Thanks to the rollout of full-fibre, more than 15 million UK properties can link up to these speeds which are over 10 times faster than the UK average and allow those with it installed to download full HD movies in under 40 seconds.

It's clearly enticing but those epic downloads don't come cheap. For example, a standard plan with Sky Broadband starts from £27 per month but switch to its fastest Gigafast option and you'll pay £43 - that's £192 more over a 12-month period.

According to thinkbroadband, a lot of homes simply don't need that rapid technology. To help consumers understand what's best for them, the broadband help and comparison site has launched a speed check calculator which uses a simple method to work out what downloads homes really need.

For example, thinkbroadband says that customers with 2 people in a home using 2 phones and a tablet along with a 4K TV, 1 console and up to 20 other connected gadgets will be fine with a 50 Mbps connection.

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

SEE THE BROADBAND CHECKER HERE

Speaking about faster broadband, Sebastien Lahtinen, Director at thinkbroadband.com said: “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. 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