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Broadband buying guide
Choosing a broadband deal for your home
A lower monthly charge is useful only if the connection does what you need. Compare the networks available at your address, the speed you will use and the cost over the whole contract. Then check the router, support and any extras you are paying for.
Guide checked
Start with your address
Check which networks and packages can actually connect your home.
Choose the speed you need
Allow bandwidth for simultaneous activities and compare average upload speed separately.
Count the whole contract
Include scheduled increases, setup charges and the conditions attached to rewards.
Check what comes with it
The router, Wi-Fi options and fault support can make a practical difference.
Broadband availability at your address
A provider covering your town does not mean every home can order its full range of plans. The network must reach your premises, and the provider must offer service over that connection. Flats can also need permission or work inside the building before orders can go ahead.
Use the postcode checker above, then select your exact address with the comparison service. Confirm the connection type, estimated speed and installation arrangements before ordering. The packages displayed before an address check are a starting point for comparison.
The network and the provider
Openreach and CityFibre supply connections used by multiple broadband providers. Changing between providers on the same network can change the bill, router and support without changing the cable to your home. Virgin Media has a separate cable and full fibre footprint, while regional networks bring additional choices in the areas they cover.
Check more than one network where possible. A home with an existing Openreach connection can still have an alternative full fibre service available. Our provider directory covers both major brands and regional providers.
Full fibre, part fibre and other connections
Broadband is the connection to the internet; Wi-Fi is one way your devices connect to the router. The broadband technology determines what can reach your home. It does not, by itself, guarantee a fast wireless connection in every room.
| Connection | How it reaches your home | What to consider |
|---|---|---|
| Full fibre / FTTP | Fibre-optic cable runs into the premises. | A wide choice of speeds, including gigabit packages. Average upload speed depends on the network and plan. |
| Part fibre / FTTC | Fibre reaches a street cabinet; copper completes the connection. | The copper length and condition affect speed. Compare the address estimate with entry-level full fibre. |
| Cable | Virgin Media's cable network uses coaxial cable for the final connection. | Fast packages are available, but it is a different connection from Virgin Media's full fibre service. |
| 4G / 5G home broadband | A router connects through a mobile network. | Check indoor reception, evening performance, placement and the returns policy. |
| Satellite | A dish communicates with satellites. | An option where fixed or mobile services are inadequate. Check equipment costs and the required clear view of the sky. |
| ADSL | Copper carries the connection from the exchange. | Older technology with limited speed. Check for an FTTC, full fibre, cable or wireless alternative. |
FTTP describes the connection, not a particular package speed. A 74Mbps full fibre package and a 900Mbps full fibre package can use the same fibre cable, with different speed limits applied to the service.
Choosing the right broadband speed
Count the activities that happen together at the busiest time in your home. A family watching one television and browsing on phones needs less bandwidth than two people downloading games while others watch separate 4K streams.
Mbps means megabits per second; 1Gbps equals 1,000Mbps. A faster package shortens large downloads and gives simultaneous activities more bandwidth. It does not make every website load proportionately faster.
| Average download speed | Suitable use | Reason to choose more speed |
|---|---|---|
| 35–75Mbps | Browsing, video calls and a limited number of simultaneous streams. | Large downloads take time and compete with streaming. |
| 100–150Mbps | Several everyday activities together, including 4K streaming and home working. | Frequent game downloads or many demanding activities at once. |
| 250–350Mbps | Shared homes with multiple streams, calls and regular downloads. | Shorter waits for very large files rather than a need for faster ordinary browsing. |
| 500Mbps | Busy households and people who download large games or work files frequently. | Time saved on repeated large transfers justifies a gigabit package. |
| 900Mbps and above | Frequent large downloads or several heavy users sharing the connection. | Check device, Ethernet and Wi-Fi limits before paying for multi-gigabit speed. |
Average, estimated and guaranteed speeds
The average download speed used in advertising must be available to at least 50% of customers at peak times, between 8pm and 10pm. Your address estimate is more relevant when ordering. Read the minimum guaranteed speed separately: it is not the same number as the package's average download speed.
Compare your current connection before upgrading. Run a wired test with other downloads paused, then compare it with Wi-Fi tests in the rooms you use. That helps distinguish a slow broadband connection from weak indoor coverage.
Streaming, gaming and working from home
Streaming on several devices
Netflix recommends 5Mbps for a Full HD stream and 15Mbps for 4K. NOW Ultra Boost requires at least 30Mbps per device for 4K streaming. The subscription, content and device must also support the quality you want.
Four simultaneous Netflix 4K streams account for 60Mbps of recommended bandwidth. Two NOW 4K streams also need 60Mbps. A 100–150Mbps package leaves more room for other devices than a connection delivering 67Mbps, especially when someone starts downloading a large file.
Check Wi-Fi at the television as well as the package speed. Replacing a slow wireless link or using Ethernet can fix buffering without changing the broadband plan.
Online gaming and game downloads
Playing a game installed on a console or PC is different from downloading it. During play, latency, packet loss and the consistency of the connection affect responsiveness. A faster package is particularly useful for installing games and updates, or keeping a download from occupying all the available bandwidth.
Cloud gaming also sends a continuous video stream. GeForce NOW specifies 25Mbps for 1080p at 60 frames per second and 45Mbps for 4K at 120 frames per second, with compatible equipment and membership. It requires latency below 80ms to its data centre. That is a service requirement, not a promised ping from your broadband provider.
Connect a console or gaming PC by Ethernet where practical. If game responsiveness deteriorates during uploads or downloads, test with those transfers paused before deciding that the package speed is the problem.
Video calls and home working
Zoom specifies 3Mbps download speed and 3.8Mbps upload speed for a 1080p video call. Two simultaneous calls therefore need 6Mbps download bandwidth and 7.6Mbps upload bandwidth before allowing for other traffic. Actual video quality also depends on account settings and equipment.
For documents, email and calls, a consistent connection matters more than a very high package speed. Video editing, cloud backups and sending project files make average upload speed more important. Schedule large backups outside meetings if they fill the available upload bandwidth.
Anyone whose work depends on staying online should compare fault support and mobile backup options. A backup connection also needs usable mobile coverage at the home.
Calculated game and large-file download times
| Download speed | 50GB download | 100GB download |
|---|---|---|
| 67Mbps | 1h 39m 30s | 3h 19m |
| 150Mbps | 44m 27s | 1h 28m 53s |
| 300Mbps | 22m 13s | 44m 27s |
| 500Mbps | 13m 20s | 26m 40s |
| 900Mbps | 7m 24s | 14m 49s |
Calculated using decimal gigabytes, with 1GB equal to 8,000 megabits, rounded to the nearest second. These are transfer estimates at a constant speed. Wi-Fi, server limits, network overheads and other devices can lengthen the download; installation and unpacking take additional time.
Calculate a file download time
Calculated transfer time using the same assumptions as the table above.
Measured performance and latency
Ofcom's March 2023 measurements recorded median average 24-hour latency of 4.9–7.3ms across the full fibre packages analysed. Virgin Media's 516Mbps cable package recorded 12.5ms, the lowest cable result in that comparison.
| Connection tested | Measured latency | Measurement |
|---|---|---|
| Full fibre packages analysed | 4.9–7.3ms | Median average over 24 hours |
| Virgin Media 516Mbps cable | 12.5ms | Median average over 24 hours |
The same research recorded a median average download speed of 1,137Mbps for Virgin Media's then-advertised 1.13Gbps cable package. This measured performance to the router, rather than a wireless device.
These dated results illustrate the difference between speed and responsiveness. They are not current measurements of every package or a prediction of ping to a particular game server. Routing, server location and your home network also affect the result.
Average upload speed and large file transfers
Sending a video, synchronising a cloud drive and broadcasting a live stream use upload bandwidth. A package with a high average download speed can still take a long time to send a large file.
Compare the average upload speed for the network serving your address. Community Fibre's 500Mbps package offers equal download and upload speeds. Vodafone Full Fibre 500 on Openreach has a lower average upload speed, despite the same average download speed.
| Package | Average upload speed | Calculated 10GB upload |
|---|---|---|
| Vodafone Full Fibre 500 Openreach connection | 68Mbps | 19m 36s |
| Community Fibre 500Mbps | 500Mbps | 2m 40s |
Upload calculations use decimal GB and a constant transfer speed, excluding overheads and other traffic. Check the average upload speed in your order summary; provider and network combinations can differ.
For occasional photos and documents, the difference is less significant. For repeated transfers of several gigabytes, the time saved is substantial. Buying a faster download package helps only if its average upload speed also meets your needs.
Comparing the full cost of broadband
Add every monthly payment across the minimum term, including scheduled increases, then add setup, delivery and compulsory equipment charges. Dividing that total by the number of months gives the average monthly cash cost.
Compare rewards separately. A shopping voucher does not reduce your Direct Debit, while bill credit reduces the amount charged to the account. Only count a reward you can claim and use, checking its deadline and any activation requirements.
Annual increases and introductory prices
For new contracts taken out since 17 January 2025, specified increases to the main monthly price must be stated in pounds and pence, with the timing made clear. Read each increase date: a 24-month contract can include two annual rises.
A disclosed increase does not automatically give you a free exit. Different rights apply if a provider introduces an increase that was not specified, or exceeds the agreed amount. Our broadband price rises guide covers the details.
Worked example: monthly bills versus a reward
This illustrative contract has three billing periods and a separately claimed voucher. Compare the payments first, then decide what the voucher is worth to you.
| Item | Calculation | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| First 6 months | 6 × £25 | £150 |
| Next 12 months | 12 × £28.50 | £342 |
| Final 6 months | 6 × £32 | £192 |
| Setup and delivery | No charge in this example | £0 |
| Total payments | £150 + £342 + £192 | £684 |
| Average monthly cash cost | £684 ÷ 24 | £28.50 |
| Separate voucher | Value if claimed and used in full | £120 |
| Effective monthly cost after voucher | (£684 − £120) ÷ 24 | £23.50 |
The effective figure accounts for the voucher's value. Your broadband bills still total the full payment amount shown above.
Also check what happens when an introductory discount finishes, the charge after the minimum term and the renewal options. A low first-month price is not a complete comparison.
Broadband contracts and flexibility
Choose a minimum term you can keep. A lower monthly price on a longer contract can lose its advantage if you leave early or move somewhere the provider cannot serve.
| Minimum term | When it suits | Check before ordering |
|---|---|---|
| Rolling monthly | A temporary home or uncertain moving date. | Notice period, setup charges and whether the equipment must be returned. |
| 12 months | A year-long tenancy or a shorter fixed commitment. | The full cost compared with a longer deal and the charge after month 12. |
| 18 or 24 months | A home where you expect to stay throughout the term. | Annual rises, early exit charges and home-move conditions. |
Availability varies by provider and network. A 12-month package is still a fixed contract; it should not be confused with a rolling monthly plan. Student offers also need to match the tenancy dates, including any summer period when nobody is using the connection.
Ask for the early termination amount before switching during the minimum term. Switching credit can offset some charges, but check the maximum contribution, accepted order routes, claim deadline and proof required. Do not assume every offer from a provider includes it.
Comparing UK broadband providers
Shortlist providers after checking availability. Compare the package you would actually order, including the router and extras, rather than choosing on a brand's fastest advertised service.
| Provider | Useful comparison | Read more |
|---|---|---|
| BT | Compare the standard package with the extra cost of home phone, TV and extended Wi-Fi coverage. | Full Fibre 150 / Full Fibre 900 |
| Sky | Check the total broadband and TV bill, which subscriptions are included and the router supplied. | Full Fibre 300 / Gigafast |
| Virgin Media | Compare the connection type at your address, average upload speed and the Hub confirmed with the order. | M250 / Gig1 |
| Vodafone | Average upload speed varies by network. Compare standard broadband with Pro 3 if you need mesh Wi-Fi and mobile backup. | Full Fibre 150 / Pro 3 |
| Plusnet | Its Full Fibre service is broadband only, without a home phone service. Check this before transferring a landline number. | Full Fibre 145 / Full Fibre 500 |
| Community Fibre | Compare its equal download and upload speeds with the alternatives available at your address. | 300Mbps / 1Gbps |
| Hyperoptic | Check availability for your exact flat or home, then compare contract length and equipment for the chosen package. | 500Mb / 1Gb |
Other providers can be relevant to your address or requirements. Browse EE, TalkTalk, NOW Broadband, YouFibre and Zen, or use the full provider directory.
Customer service and reliability
Complaint rates, customer satisfaction and connection measurements answer different questions. Ofcom's complaints report published on 26 October 2026, covering April–June 2026, placed Plusnet, Sky and Virgin Media among the least complained-about broadband providers, and BT, EE, TalkTalk and Vodafone among the most complained-about.
Those figures concern complaints received by Ofcom. They are not an outage league table or a guarantee of individual service. Check fault-reporting options and support hours alongside the results, particularly if you rely on broadband for work.
Routers, Wi-Fi coverage and speed guarantees
A fast connection into the home can be held back by weak Wi-Fi or an older device. Check the router model included with your order, its wireless standard and its Ethernet ports. A newer Wi-Fi standard needs compatible devices to deliver its full benefit.
| Router | Wi-Fi standard | Practical detail |
|---|---|---|
| BT Smart Hub 3 | Wi-Fi 6 | Four 1Gbps LAN ports; its 2.5Gbps WAN port connects to the broadband equipment. |
| Vodafone Power Hub | Wi-Fi 6 | Compare with the Ultra Hub 7 and included extras on Pro 3. |
| Virgin Media Hub 5 | Wi-Fi 6 | One 2.5Gbps LAN port and three 1Gbps LAN ports. |
These are model specifications, not a promise that every package includes that router. Virgin Media Hub 3 and Hub 4 use Wi-Fi 5; Hub 5 and Hub 5x use Wi-Fi 6. Check the model supplied where a deal only confirms Wi-Fi 5/6.
A 1Gbps Ethernet connection limits a single wired device even when the broadband package is faster. To use multi-gigabit speed on one computer, the router's LAN port, computer network port and connecting equipment must all support it.
Coverage extras and guarantees
Mesh units and Wi-Fi boosters can improve coverage in rooms where the router's signal is weak. They do not increase the speed of the broadband line. Compare the extra monthly charge, number of units, room-speed threshold and remedy if a guarantee is not met.
A minimum broadband speed guarantee usually concerns the service reaching the router. For example, BT's Full Fibre 500 Stay Fast Guarantee specifies 250Mbps download speed to the Hub. It does not promise 250Mbps over Wi-Fi in every room. Where the provider is signed up to Ofcom's speeds code, an unresolved network problem below the minimum guaranteed speed can give a right to leave after 30 days.
Broadband only, TV, home phone and mobile
Start with the services you actually use. Compare the complete bundle with buying the same broadband and subscriptions separately, including any charges for extra screens, higher picture quality or additional channels.
Broadband without added services
Broadband-only packages suit homes that use mobiles for calls and buy streaming subscriptions independently. Check for optional security trials or other extras that become chargeable later.
No home phone service does not always mean no copper cable. A broadband-only FTTC connection can still use copper between the cabinet and your home. Full fibre uses an optical connection instead.
Choose the Broadband filter above to narrow the comparison to standalone packages, then check the provider's order summary for any extras.
Broadband and TV
Compare the actual channel package and streaming subscription level. A bundle including Netflix with adverts is different from one including an ad-free plan; access to a streaming app is different from a paid subscription.
Check sports and cinema separately, plus the cost of extra viewing devices and any UHD upgrade. Also read the TV notice period and price-rise terms, which can differ from broadband.
Our broadband and TV comparison links to the main options. For individual services, see Virgin Media Flex TV and Vodafone TV.
Digital home phone services
Check whether calls are pay as you go or included in a calling plan, and confirm that the provider can transfer your existing number. Arrange the number transfer when ordering rather than cancelling the phone service first.
Digital landlines use broadband and mains electricity. If you rely on a landline during power cuts, have poor mobile reception or use a telecare alarm, tell the provider before switching. Alarm compatibility and any backup arrangements need to be agreed in advance.
BT plans to retire its old analogue telephone network by 31 January 2027. That does not mean every home must buy a gigabit broadband package. Our digital landline guide explains the change, while broadband and phone deals covers package choices.
Broadband and mobile benefits
Mobile discounts and bundle benefits are useful when the mobile plan also suits you. Compare its price, data allowance, coverage and minimum term before adding it to a broadband order.
Check what happens to the benefits when either service ends. The broadband and mobile contracts can have different end dates, and a discounted combined bill is not necessarily the cheapest way to buy both.
Read about Virgin Media Volt if you are comparing Virgin Media broadband with an O2 mobile plan. For a connection delivered over the mobile network itself, compare 5G home broadband deals.
Switching broadband and arranging installation
For a residential fixed broadband switch, contact the provider you want to join and use One Touch Switch. The new provider manages the transfer, including switches between different networks. Do not separately cancel the connection you are transferring unless instructed as part of the agreed process.
- Check the current minimum-term end date and any early exit charges. Read the effect on TV, mobile discounts and other linked services.
- Order the chosen package after confirming the address estimate, future prices, equipment and any phone-number transfer.
- Agree the activation or installation date. A first full fibre connection can need an engineer to bring in a fibre cable and fit an optical network terminal.
- Connect the new router when instructed, test the service and return any equipment the old provider asks for.
An existing fibre socket does not guarantee instant activation: the network, equipment and order status must be suitable. Keep access clear for an engineer and discuss where the fibre box and router will go, including nearby power sockets.
Cooling-off periods and delays
Orders placed online or by phone normally have a 14-day cooling-off period. If you request activation during that period, check the cancellation conditions and any charge for service already supplied.
Participating providers pay automatic compensation for specified problems. From 1 April 2026, the scheme's rates include the amounts below; exclusions and the scheme's conditions apply.
| Problem | Rate | When it applies |
|---|---|---|
| Delayed activation | £6.46 per calendar day | The provider misses the promised start date. |
| Missed engineer appointment | £32.31 per appointment | The engineer does not attend, or the appointment is cancelled with less than 24 hours' notice. |
| Delayed repair after total service loss | £10.34 per calendar day | The fault remains unresolved after two full working days following your report. |
Moving home
A home move needs its own arrangements: an ordinary provider switch at the old address does not transfer broadband to the new one. Check coverage at the new address, the provider's notice requirements, any installation charge and whether the move starts a new minimum term.
Lower-cost broadband and social tariffs
Compare the lowest-cost package that meets your needs, including slower full fibre plans. You do not need a TV bundle or a gigabit connection for ordinary browsing, calls and a small number of streams.
People receiving Universal Credit, Pension Credit or certain other benefits should also check social tariffs. Providers set their own application requirements and check the benefit claimant's details. These tariffs have no mid-contract price rises or early exit fees.
| Social tariff | Monthly charge | Minimum term |
|---|---|---|
| Virgin Media Essential Broadband | £12.50 | Rolling 30 days |
| Virgin Media Essential Broadband Plus | £20 | Rolling 30 days |
| Vodafone Essentials Broadband | £20 | 12 months; no early exit fee |
Virgin Media Essential Broadband has an average download speed of 15Mbps and average upload speed of 2Mbps. Essential Broadband Plus raises these to 54Mbps and 5Mbps respectively. Vodafone Essentials offers download speed up to 80Mbps, depending on the connection available at the address.
Apply through the provider's social tariff process; these plans are not necessarily listed in the standard deals above. Ask your current provider about moving to its own social tariff without an exit charge. If changing provider, confirm any existing contract charges before proceeding.
How this broadband comparison works
The table brings together a selection of broadband packages. Use the deal-type and provider filters, then narrow the results by minimum speed, monthly price and contract length. The postcode check takes you to the availability comparison provided through Broadband Genie, an Ofcom-accredited comparison service.
Our table includes selected UK broadband providers, and some listed deals may not be available at your home. Enter your postcode and select your address to see which packages you can order. Before signing up, check the monthly price, any annual increases, how to claim a voucher or reward, and whether installation involves a charge or an engineer visit.
What the sorting options mean
Featured deals shows a selection across providers, using the starting monthly charge and available reward value when ordering that selection. It is not a ranking of customer service or a full-contract cost calculation.
Lowest price sorts by the starting monthly charge. Fastest speed sorts by download speed, and Biggest reward sorts by the reward amount. Best speed for the price compares download speed with the starting monthly charge. None of those measures replaces checking the complete contract cost.
We may earn commission when you order through a link. Using the link does not add a fee to your bill. Prices and rewards can differ between sales channels, so compare the specific offer and its terms rather than assuming every route has the same deal.
Buying broadband: FAQs
Can existing customers order the deals shown?
Many offers are for new orders from people joining the provider. Existing customers should compare their renewal offer with available switching deals and check the provider's rules for returning customers.
Does changing provider mean changing the network?
No. Two providers can use the same Openreach or CityFibre connection. A move to Virgin Media or another network can require different equipment or a new installation. Check the network and connection type with the order.
Can I keep my home phone number?
Usually, if the new provider offers a phone service and can transfer the number. Request the transfer when ordering. A broadband-only package without a phone service will not keep the number as part of that package.
Can I get broadband without a home phone?
Yes. Full fibre and many other broadband packages are available without a home phone service. For part fibre, the connection can still use a copper cable even though you are not paying for calls.
Can I use my own router?
It depends on the provider and equipment. Check connection settings, the required Ethernet or DSL port and compatibility with the package speed. Digital phone services, mobile backup and provider support can require the supplied router.
Will ordering broadband involve a credit check?
Some providers run a credit check when you apply. Ask about the type of search and any deposit before completing the application. Browsing the deals on this page does not apply for a broadband contract.
Is unlimited broadband the same as unlimited speed?
No. Unlimited refers to the amount of data included. The package still has a speed limit, and the speed reaching a device depends on the connection, router and home network.
Will a faster package fix weak Wi-Fi?
Not by itself. Test near the router and by Ethernet first. If those results are good but distant rooms are slow, router placement, Ethernet cabling or mesh Wi-Fi is the more relevant improvement.