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Compare broadband deals

Looking for cheap broadband? Compare prices from top providers and get a great deal

Explore the best broadband deals

Finding the best broadband deals for your household can be a complicated affair, which is why our expert team has catalogued all the best deals on offer, as well as several common questions and queries to help you on your journey. We considered a wide range of broadband providers, broadband types, contract lengths, speeds and prices to ensure you move ahead with a broadband deal that really works for you.

Our picks of the best broadband deals available

Finding the best broadband deal should not just come down to the price, you also must consider the broadband provider itself. Our expert team has catalogued all of the best broadband deals from a wide range of providers, considering different price points, speeds and contract lengths.

Plusnet Full Fibre 145
Monthly Cost
£27.99
Average speed
145 Mb
Contract length
24 months
Upfront Cost
£0
Virgin Media M125
Monthly Cost
£26.50
Average speed
132 Mb
Contract length
18 months
Upfront Cost
£0
Vodafone Fibre 2
Monthly Cost
£26.00
Average speed
67 Mb
Contract length
24 Months
Upfront Cost
£0
Sky Broadband Superfast
Monthly Cost
£27.00
Average speed
61 Mb
Contract length
18 Months
Upfront Cost
£5

Monthly cost may rise during contract

Find the best broadband packages for you

Depending on which broadband provider you’re looking at, you can choose between a wide variety of broadband packages. There are several types of broadband packages, with some companies offering bundles featuring more than one service.

Broadband-only deals

Broadband-only deals only come with an internet connection, negating any additional features. Broadband only deals are ideal for those working on a budget, or someone looking for a no-frills package that only comes with the necessities.

Compare the best broadband-only deals
BT Full Fibre 300
Monthly Cost
£32.99
Average speed
300 Mb
Contract length
24 months
Upfront Cost
£0
£50 Reward card
Plusnet Full Fibre 145
Monthly Cost
£27.99
Average speed
145 Mb
Contract length
24 months
Upfront Cost
£0
Virgin Media M125
Monthly Cost
£26.50
Average speed
132 Mb
Contract length
18 months
Upfront Cost
£0
TalkTalk Full Fibre 150
Monthly Cost
£28.00
Average speed
152 Mb
Contract length
18 Months
Upfront Cost
£0
£50 Gift card

Monthly cost may rise during contract

Broadband and phone deals

Broadband and phone deals come with a landline service. This package is mandatory for households that require copper landline wires for a broadband connection or those who wish to use a landline service.

Compare the best broadband and phone deals
Vodafone Fibre 2
Monthly Cost
£26.00
Average speed
67 Mb
Contract length
24 Months
Upfront Cost
£0
TalkTalk Full Fibre 65
Monthly Cost
£28.00
Average speed
77 Mb
Contract length
18 Months
Upfront Cost
£0
Sky Broadband Ultrafast
Monthly Cost
£30.00
Average speed
145 Mb
Contract length
18 Months
Upfront Cost
£5
Plusnet Unlimited
Monthly Cost
£26.99
Average speed
10 Mb
Contract length
24 months
Upfront Cost
£0

Monthly cost may rise during contract

Broadband and TV deals

Broadband and TV deals come in a variety of shapes and sizes, with the potential to include additional TV channels or subscriptions to services such as Netflix or NOW TV. Broadband and TV deals can actually work out cheaper in the long run and can make it easier to handle multiple subscriptions since they all fall under one contract.

Compare the best broadband and TV deals
Sky Broadband Superfast
Monthly Cost
£27.00
Average speed
61 Mb
Contract length
18 Months
Upfront Cost
£5
BT VIP + Fibre 2
Monthly Cost
£114.99
Average speed
67 Mb
Contract length
24 months
Upfront Cost
£50
£50 Reward card
Virgin Media Big Bundle
Monthly Cost
£31.00
Average speed
132 Mb
Contract length
18 months
Upfront Cost
£0
TalkTalk Fibre 150 + Now
Monthly Cost
£44.99
Average speed
145 Mb
Contract length
18 Months
Upfront Cost
£0

Monthly cost may rise during contract

What are the cheapest broadband deals available?

If low-cost broadband is your number one priority, then you may want to look towards slower broadband deals. Standard broadband, also known as ADSL, is the cheapest type of broadband, offering speeds averaging around 11Mbps, although some deals can go as high as 24Mbps. 

Standard broadband requires a telephone line and is the most widespread in terms of accessibility, meaning you’re more likely to be eligible for ADSL than any other type of broadband.

Independent Advisor’s top deal

We’ve chosen this deal because it offers a balance of speed and affordability for the everyday user, with no upfront cost.

Plusnet – Full Fibre 145
Monthly Cost
£27.99
Average speed
145 Mb
Contract term
24 months

Monthly prices are subject to increase each year on 31 March by Consumer Price Index rate of inflation + 3.9%.

Find broadband deals for gaming

Those looking to play video games online will want to invest in a gaming broadband deal, ideally with an FTTP connection type. EE is one of the fastest broadband providers available throughout the country, offering speeds of up to 1,600Mbps. While ultrafast connections are generally more expensive, they are a necessity for gamers.

What types of broadband connections are there?

There are several different types of broadband, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. While you may not be eligible for every broadband solution, your postcode likely supports at least one connection. 

Here is a selection of some of the most common types of broadband.

Broadband typeSpeeds availableAdvantagesDisadvantages
Ultrafast full fibre broadband (FTTP)Up to 1GbpsFastest full fibre broadband solution in the UKHighly dependent on infrastructure, poor coverage in rural areas
Superfast fibre broadband (FTTC)30-70MbpsPartial fibre optic cables enable high speedsRequires landline cables
Standard broadband (ADSL)10-24MbpsHigh coverage across the UKLower speeds than fibre optic solutions and requires a landline
Hybrid fibre broadband30Mbps-100MbpsOffers high speedsCan suffer lower speeds during peak times and generally slower than FTTP
Mobile broadband32-133MbpsPortable Signal is not always consistent, can incur rolling charges and potentially low speeds
Satellite broadband30-220Mbps Offers broadband access to remote areas Can be expensive with slower speeds than fibre optic

How to compare broadband deals

Working out the most effective way to compare broadband deals comes down to a couple of key factors. Here are some of the most important factors to consider before committing to a new broadband deal.

  1. Availability: not every broadband provider will operate in your area or offer adequate packages or speeds for your household, especially if you live in a rural community. Check which broadband is available in your area using the postcode checker at the top of this page
  2. Cost: superfast and ultrafast speeds are more expensive, so you may not be able to opt for the cheapest package when comparing broadband deals. Keep in mind that factors like inflation and upfront costs will also have an impact on the overall price 
  3. Speed: the faster your internet speed, the better your loading times, and the more easily you will be able to browse the web. Faster fibre broadband is increasingly becoming available up and down the country, so it is worth checking if it is available in your area 
  4. Packages: if you want to indulge in additional services, such as a landline or streaming subscription, ensure you’re working with a provider that offers these features. Keep in mind that these types of packages are generally more expensive than broadband-only contracts, especially if you’re looking for TV packages 
  5. Contract length: most contracts operate on a 12-, 18- or 24- month basis, however some providers do offer monthly rollover or no-contract broadband deals. These deals are usually more expensive but work well for students or people who won’t be living at their current residence for more than a year. 
  6. Download limits: not all broadband packages offer unlimited data allowance, meaning you may be charged for extra internet usage that’s over your contractual limit. If you need unlimited broadband, ensure the provider and package you desire are compatible
  7. Customer service: effective customer support is essential in the unfortunate instance that something does go wrong with your broadband. Check for dedicated customer support phone lines or online chat features
  8. Perks and benefits: some providers offer incentives for new and existing customers, with perks ranging from exclusive deals to gift cards. If you want to find broadband deals that come with rewards, use our comparison tool and enable the reward filter

What broadband speed do I need?

Picking the right broadband speed will depend on a few factors, namely how much you use the internet and what you are using it for. Your internet can only handle so much traffic at once; slower speeds will be suitable for only one or two residents, but you will need faster speeds for a busier household with multiple people. 

And not all online activity is created equal; streaming video content, playing video games and video calls use a lot more data than answering emails or editing documents. Consider which activities you often engage in and pick a package that can handle your workload. 

Generally, speeds between 20-30Mbps are suitable for streaming, 50Mbps is ideal for gaming and 100Mbps or above is more luxurious. For a comprehensive view of which broadband speeds you require, consult our table below.

SpeedHD streaming4K streamingOnline gamingWorking from homeFor how many users
Up to 10Mbps1
10-30Mbps1-2
30-100Mbps2-4
100-900Mbps4-10
1GBps +10+

How fast is my broadband?

Using a broadband speed test is the best way to check how fast your broadband speeds are. Knowing your current broadband speeds can offer insight into if you need an upgrade, whether in terms of speed or additional services. 

Your current broadband provider may have a speed checker on its website; otherwise, use broadbandspeedchecker.co.uk.

Do I need fibre broadband?

Your need for fibre broadband will depend on your internet usage – a busy household with multiple people engaging in intensive tasks like gaming, streaming, or video calls will be more likely to require fibre broadband than someone living alone.

Fibre broadband – or, more accurately, fibre optic broadband – uses thin cables made of glass or plastic to send rays of light across large distances. This is much more efficient than traditional broadband cables, which transmit electrical signals through an insulated copper core. 

Major broadband providers these days will offer fibre optic, due to its faster connections, increased reliability, and signal quality over large distances compared to traditional cable. So, get if you can: the fastest broadband deals use so-called ‘full fibre’ connections, whereas slower ‘fibre’ plans will use a mix of fibre optic and copper-wire cables.

icons8-question-64

Fibre optic broadband does not yet have the same scope as traditional broadband across the UK; according to a recent report from Ofcom, 52 per cent of UK households have access to fibre broadband, with availability being more common in urban areas. 

 

Use the postcode checker at the top of this page to understand if your postcode is eligible for fibre broadband. Fibre broadband has speeds ranging from 35Mbps to 60Mbps, with full fibre broadband reaching above 100Mbps. If you’re only finding deals below these numbers, then it’s very likely your house is not suitable for fibre broadband.

What’s the best contract length to go for?

The best contract length will depend on how long you plan to stay at your current residence and how long you want to stay with one company. 

Most contracts last up to 12, 18 or 24 months. Generally, long-term contracts are more cost-effective, however, you’ll be liable for cancellation fees if you decide to terminate your contract before its end date. The fee will be dependent on the remaining length of your contract and if you opted for any additional services or features.

If you want to avoid this issue, some providers offer no-contract broadband deals. No-contract broadband deals are ideal for students and renters, but they usually are more expensive, whether that be in the monthly fee or the upfront costs. 

Ultimately, if you’re able, investing in a long-term broadband contract will be cheaper than a shorter or no-contract deal. Consider how long you’ll be living at your current address and how much you’re willing to pay when comparing broadband deals and contract lengths.

icons8-wifi-100

Switching broadband deals is a relatively simple task. You can switch broadband deals by following these three steps. 

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Check you’re out of contract

You can switch broadband providers at any time in your contract. However, if you’re still in contract with your current provider, you’ll most likely face a pricey cancellation fee. You should first make sure you’re no longer within the minimum terms of your current contract with your broadband provider. You can find out this information by either contracting the provider’s customer service or by checking your original confirmation email. 

icons8-circled-2-100

Use our comparison tool

Use the postcode checker at the top of this page for instant access to all the best deals in your location.

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Choose a broadband deal 

Choose your broadband deal and pick a date for your service to go live. You might be required to arrange for an engineer to visit. Most providers will take care of the whole switch, as well as serve notice to your current provider and send you a brand new router via post. Your old provider will most likely send you instructions for returning your old router.

Frequently asked questions about comparing the best broadband deals

Broadband is your internet connection: the back-and-forth data stream enabled by your internet provider. Wifi is just one of the technologies that lets you connect your own devices to that broadband, like a wireless extension cable.

Most broadband providers will list two speed measurements in their deals: average speed and minimum guaranteed speed. The latter will most likely be a fair bit lower than the average speed and will be bespoke to your location; it’s a more accurate estimate of the speeds you can expect at your postcode during busier times of the day, when average speeds are usually lower because more people are using the network. In theory, you should at least get the minimum guaranteed speed. If your speeds are regularly below this promise, your broadband provider can try to fix the problem, but if they can’t, you might be entitled to compensation or an early exit from your contract to switch providers without paying any fees.

It’s advisable to run broadband speed tests every now and then, particularly if you think your internet speeds are lagging behind what your provider has promised.

If you live in an area without access to FTTP broadband and require copper lines for a connection, then you may need to pay for a line rental. Many providers are starting to phase out traditional landline services in place of digital landlines, with the move to digital home phones taking place by December 2025.

The move over to a digital landline will depend on your provider and other factors, such as your age, broadband accessibility and any other disclosed additional needs.

4G and 5G home broadband, also called mobile broadband, provides broadband speeds without the need for a landline or fibre optic/copper cables connecting to your home; it works in the same way as the cellular data that connects smartphones to the internet on the go.

Since 2019, 5G  (5th Generation) has been the leading standard for mobile data connections, thanks to faster upload/download speeds, increased efficiency, and lower latency compared to previous iterations. It’s still common to find yourself with a 4G connection sometimes, though, as 5G coverage isn’t quite as widespread outside of urban areas.

While cheaper broadband options might raise concerns about reliability, the reality is that many budget-friendly broadband providers maintain good, consistent service levels. Advances in technology and regulatory oversight have paved the way for providers to offer reliable connectivity without a hefty price tag.

Contrary to what you would expect, the cheapest deals are usually found on broadband and landline packages since these types of broadband require copper phone lines to connect to the network. However, if your home has access to fibre broadband, you can find cheaper broadband-only deals.

Low-income households can benefit from a selection of social tariff broadband deals. These discounted plans are available to customers on certain government benefits, such as Income Support, Jobseeker’s Allowance, or Universal Credit, among others. To find out more about social tariff broadband and if you qualify, consult our article.

Gemma Ryles

Home Tech Writer

Gemma Ryles is a BJTC and PPA-accredited journalist with three years of experience writing across various publications. As a home tech expert at Independent Advisor, Gemma tests, researches and writes about broadband and home security. 

Previously, Gemma reviewed and curated lists about consumer technology at Trusted Reviews, where she honed her skills in creating buying guides and features to help customers make informed decisions. She has previously worked at Yorkshire Post, BBC Yorkshire, Glitterbeam Radio and Bonus Stage. 

Gemma has a BA in Journalism and in her free time can be found writing short stories, gaming and crocheting. 

rachel

Rachel Sadler

Home Tech Writer

Rachel is a seasoned writer who has been producing online and print content for seven years. 

As a home tech expert for Independent Advisor, Rachel researches and writes buying guides and reviews, helping consumers navigate the realms of broadband and home security gadgets. She also covers home tech for The Federation of Master Builders, where she reviews and tests home security devices. 

She started as a news and lifestyle journalist in Hong Kong reporting on island-wide news stories, food and drink and the city’s events. She’s written for editorial platforms Sassy Hong Kong, Localiiz and Bay Media. While in Hong Kong she attended PR events, interviewed local talent and project-managed photoshoots. 

Rachel holds a BA in English Language and Creative Writing and is committed to simplifying tech jargon and producing unbiased reviews.

henry st leger

Henry St Leger

Consumer Tech and Software

Henry is a freelance technology journalist, and former news and features Editor at TechRadar, where he specialised in consumer technology, software, and home entertainment gadgets such as TVs, soundbars, and smart speakers.

He has been writing about technology and related topics for over six years. His work for the Independent Advisor focuses on cyber security and internet-connected software including VPNs.

Henry has written for a wide number of prominent websites including NBC News, Healthline, The Times, Edge, T3, iMore, and GamesRadar.