Cheap broadband no longer means slow broadband. Several providers now sell full fibre and fast 5G connections for less than many households pay for a part fibre line they signed up to years ago. The catch is that the cheapest headline price is not always the cheapest deal. Short discount periods, yearly rises and setup charges can turn a bargain into an average deal by the second year.
Our simple pick depends on where you live. If Virgin Media reaches your street, M250 broadband only gives you fast, widely available broadband at one of the lowest prices on a major network. In London, Community Fibre is hard to beat. And if you have a strong mobile signal and don’t need top upload speeds, Vodafone 5G Broadband is the cheapest way to get 150Mb with no installation.
Cheapest broadband deals this month
| Deal | Avg speed | Monthly price |
|---|---|---|
| Vodafone 5G Broadband 150 24 month contract | 150Mb | £14.00 |
| Community Fibre 150Mbps 24 month contract | 150Mb | £15.00 |
| Three 5G Home Broadband 24 month contract | 150Mb | £15.00 |
| Virgin Media M250 24 month contract | 264Mb | £18.99 |
| Community Fibre 1Gbps 24 month contract | 1Gb | £20.00 |
| Vodafone Full Fibre 500 24 month contract | 500Mb | £24 £130 Reward Card |
For yearly price rises and the prices you pay after your contract ends, see our broadband price rises guide.
How to spot a genuinely cheap deal
The monthly price in an advert tells only part of the story. Before you sign, work out what the whole contract will cost you.
- Discount periods. Some deals charge a low price for the first six or twelve months, then jump. A deal that starts cheaper can end up costing more over two years than one with a steady price.
- Yearly rises. Most providers add a fixed amount every spring, and those rises add up over a 24 month contract. A provider with no mid contract rises can work out cheaper even if its starting price is a little higher.
- Setup and router charges. Some budget providers charge for setup, for the router or for delivering it. Check the checkout page before you pay.
- Rewards. A voucher or Reward Card lowers the real cost, but only if you remember to claim it.
A simple test: add up every monthly payment over the contract, add any upfront charges, then take off any reward. Divide by the number of months, and compare that figure rather than the headline price.
The cheapest option for your situation
| Your situation | Where to look first |
|---|---|
| You live in London | Community Fibre, or Hyperoptic in a connected apartment block |
| Virgin Media reaches your street | Virgin Media broadband only packages |
| Only the Openreach network reaches you | Budget providers such as Onestream, or full fibre from BT, Vodafone and TalkTalk |
| You have a strong 5G signal | 5G home broadband |
| You claim Universal Credit or Pension Credit | A social tariff, with no exit fees and no mid contract rises |
| You only need broadband for a few months | No contract broadband |
| You’re a student | Student broadband deals |
Budget providers worth knowing
Smaller providers often undercut the big names, especially on full fibre. 4th Utility, Fibrely and Onestream regularly appear among the lowest prices, and altnets such as YouFibre and Community Fibre offer fast symmetrical speeds for less than many national providers charge for slower plans.
Low prices sometimes come with trade-offs, such as a basic router, extra charges for equipment or a price that jumps after an introductory period. Read our provider reviews before you choose, and see all the options on our broadband providers page.
Ways to pay less
- Don’t pay for speed you won’t use. Most homes manage well on 100Mb to 150Mb, as our guide to what broadband speed you need explains.
- Skip the landline if you don’t use it. Many full fibre deals are sold as broadband only, and a home phone adds to the bill.
- Avoid bundles you don’t need. TV packages tie both services into the same contract.
- Act when your contract ends. Out of contract prices are usually much higher, so switch or ask your provider for a new deal. Our switching guide shows how simple it is.
- Ask about switching credit if you’re still in contract. Some providers pay part of your exit fee, as our guide to leaving a broadband contract early explains.
FAQs
What is the cheapest broadband in the UK?
Vodafone 5G Broadband and some altnet full fibre deals currently have the lowest monthly prices, but availability depends on your address. Enter your postcode in our broadband checker to see the cheapest options where you live.
What is the cheapest full fibre broadband?
Community Fibre in London and smaller providers such as 4th Utility often have the lowest full fibre prices. Check how long any discount lasts before you compare.
Is cheap broadband good enough?
Usually, yes. A low cost full fibre or cable connection is faster and more reliable than an older part fibre line. Choose a package by the speed your household needs rather than the price alone.
Can I get cheap broadband without a contract?
Yes, but rolling deals usually cost more each month than 12 or 24 month contracts. Our no contract broadband guide shows when they work out cheaper.
Is there cheap broadband for people on benefits?
Yes. Social tariffs offer discounted broadband to people who claim Universal Credit, Pension Credit and certain other benefits, with no exit fees. Our social tariffs guide lists every option.
Will my cheap broadband price go up?
On most deals, yes. Providers usually add a fixed amount each spring, and some introductory prices rise after a set number of months. Check the full price schedule before you order.