Considering it for two different flights: Gatwick to AMS ...then AMS to Rome. What do you really get for the upcharge, and do/did you consider it worth the price?

I paid it once. That got me on the bus to the plane first, but then several people who got on the bus after me made it to the actual plane before me. Unless you want to stand (not sit) right by the door, don't pay it.

Is it essential you get a seat in the front row or an exit row? Do you really want a window seat or one close to the toilets?

If not then it's not worth the extra.

What happens is they call the people with speedy boarding passes up to the desk first. You get onto the bus first. They then call up the people in A group. They get on to the same bus.

Once upon a time it was first on last off the buses, so speedy boarding was no value at all - now they seem to have fixed it so the doors on the other side of the bus open first so it is now first on first off and first up the steps to the aircraft.

So if you check in early, or online 24 hours ahead, you will be in boarding group A, and have plenty of choice of seating.

Being in Boarding Group B means many people will already be on the plane in their seats by the time you climb the steps and get in there, but it is unlikely you will be really struggling to find somewhere to sit, even if there are two of you. Note, window seats are often taken first, but even in Group B you can almost always find one.

I fly Easyjet often and never bother with speedy boarding. The only time I might consider it is if I was with more than one other person and we all particularly wanted to sit together.

I don't think it is worth it unless you think you will be late checking in.
We checked in and went to the gate early and sat near the front. Once the flight was called we were one of the first to head for the plane. We did not catch a bus but joined a queue on the tarmac to board the plane.
I wouldn't pay the extra

Got it; thanks all!

And a good thing about Ryanair, they usually board at both ends of the plane. So, when you get off the bus, walk quickly to the farther away stairs and you will be amongst the first passengers on board.

I meant to add, I'm not sure if this applies to Easyjet as well.

I know this thread is old, but still really helpful for trip planning! My July 2011 Easyjet experience at the airport in Dubrovnik, Croatia (flight to Rome): Speedy boarding folks were escorted to a bus and driven to the plane. Everyone else then boarded a second bus and were driven to the plane. These were brand new electric buses, so I wasn't bothered by what would have been non-environmentally sound. I liked the system and thought it was well worth the small extra charge to avoid the stress of the general stampede and to take my time in choosing a seat.

Thanks for your feedback.
We have an Easyjet flight later this month. Orly (Paris) to Pisa.

Aren't old posts funny? I don't remember these flights, taking easy jet or whether I ultimately took the early board option or not. But I do remember that vacation! Yes, thanks for the feedback. Good to rely on your documented experience rather than my nonexistent memory!