Broadband deals Edinburgh hero image

The Independent’s journalism is supported by our readers. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn commission. Why trust us?

What are the best broadband deals in Edinburgh 2024?

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

Edinburgh has access to some of the best broadband deals in the UK, with a variety of providers to choose from. Finding the best speeds and prices can be challenging, so our expert team has compiled everything you need to know when looking for the best broadband deals in Edinburgh.

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

Price could rise by CPI+3.9% next April

Our top recommended broadband providers
Hyperoptic
Ultrafast speeds at affordable prices
Plusnet
Fast speeds & reliable customer service
Vodafone
Perks for existing mobile customers
BT Broadband
The UK’s largest broadband provider

Best broadband providers in Edinburgh

Residents in Edinburgh have several options when it comes to broadband providers. Four of the largest providers, which include BT, Sky, Virgin Media and TalkTalk, are available, as well as a selection of smaller providers. However, not every company will offer the same speeds in your area, so you should investigate every supported provider to find the best speed for your household.

BT Broadband

BT Broadband works across wide swathes of Edinburgh, offering full fibre broadband packages with top speeds of 900Mbps for eligible postcodes. BT also offers landline and TV bundles that include NOW and Netflix subscriptions.

Virgin Media 

Virgin Media offers a wide range of broadband packages for those living in Edinburgh, including broadband only, broadband and phone and broadband and TV deals.

Sky Broadband

Sky is one of the largest broadband providers in the country, providing ultrafast full fibre speeds of up to 900Mbps for supported households. Residents can choose between multiple TV deals, which include film, TV and sports channels. 

TalkTalk

TalkTalk provides broadband speeds of up to 944Mbps for eligible postcodes and, where possible, Wifi 6 routers are available for increased speed and connectivity. The company offers broadband only, landline and TV bundles. Its TV packages include subscriptions to TalkTalk TV and NOW Entertainment for £5 and £9.99 per month, respectively.

NOW Broadband 

NOW Broadband offers no-contract deals that come with a £60 activation fee for residents in Edinburgh. The company also offers the NOW Entertainment Membership for an additional £6.99 per month alongside its full fibre broadband for supported postcodes.

Vodafone 

Vodafone provides free installation of its full fibre broadband for eligible customers. Vodafone mobile phone customers also receive a monthly discount on their broadband, with access to speeds up to 910Mbps, depending on their postcode.

Plusnet 

Plusnet offers broadband-only services to residents in Edinburgh, with the majority of deals without an activation fee. Speeds can reach up to 900Mbps, depending on your postcode, and no phone lines are required.

Hyperoptic 

Hyperoptic does not serve all households in Edinburgh, so we recommend checking your postcode to ensure your home is supported. Customers who do live in eligible areas can receive access to full fibre broadband and a landline, if necessary.

Giganet 

Giganet is not supported across the entirety of Edinburgh, but eligible households can receive speeds of up to 900Mbps, with a wifi router included in the package.

How do I find an internet provider in Edinburgh and which factors should I consider?

Before finding the best broadband provider for your needs, you should consider a couple of key factors. If you would like an overview of the best broadband deals in your area, use our postcode checker to see your options.

We surveyed over 2,000 broadband customers to better understand how people feel about their broadband service.

The three most common issues customers experienced were:

  • Increased prices mid-contract (30 per cent)
  • Slow speeds (28 per cent)
  • High prices (23 per cent)

The following are some of the most important factors you should consider when looking for a broadband provider in Edinburgh.

Speed for Edinburgh areas 

Not every broadband provider will offer the same speeds or packages for your postcode. It is essential to investigate which companies offer speeds that will match your internet needs. Households that regularly stream online content or engage in multiple video calls will require a faster broadband speed than other Edinburgh residents. Use our guide to learn how to measure your speeds and which broadband speeds will best suit your needs.

Price of the deal 

Faster broadband speeds are usually more expensive, meaning you may need to pay a higher monthly fee, depending on your needs. To find the best deal, review multiple providers and check for any one-off payments, such as installation fees. Consider your budget and your household’s requirements to determine how much you will need to pay for a broadband connection.

Contract length 

The majority of broadband contracts can be paid over 12, 24 or 36 months. While longer contracts are usually more cost-effective, they might not be suitable for those living in rented accommodations. Residents who rent in Edinburgh may want to look towards companies offering monthly rollover or no-contract broadband offers.

Provider reputation 

Even providers that have been operating for a long time may offer subpar service, so you should research each company before committing to a package. Look at recent customer testimonials to ensure a positive experience with your new broadband provider.

Provider customer service 

Even providers that have been operating for a long time may offer subpar service, so you should research each company before committing to a package. Look at recent customer testimonials to ensure a positive experience with your new broadband provider.

Do you need a wifi booster with that provider? 

A wifi booster is used to extend coverage to low-signal areas in the home. Ideally, you’ll likely want a broadband deal that doesn’t require additional hardware. Use speed checkers to find a suitable package that will allow you to avoid this issue in your Edinburgh postcode.

Which broadband options are available in Edinburgh?

Broadband providers in Edinburgh offer a range of broadband services, including broadband-only, broadband and phone and broadband and TV packages. Not every broadband provider in your area can offer these services, so it’s worth looking into several providers to find the best package for your needs.

  • Broadband only: broadband-only packages are best suited for households that only require an internet connection
  • Broadband and phone: a phone and broadband package is required in some postcodes due to the use of copper wires to deliver the broadband service. This option is also useful for households that want to use a landline service
  • Broadband and TV: broadband and TV packages offer a broadband connection alongside a subscription to streaming services, such as Netflix or NOW, or access to more TV channels

What are the average broadband speeds in Edinburgh?

Edinburgh is very well connected in terms of broadband, meaning that residents can enjoy fast broadband speeds. It is important to note that some postcodes will see slower speeds, especially if they do not have access to full fibre broadband.

According to Speedtest.net, as of November 2023, the average broadband speed in Edinburgh was 122Mbps.

Using Ofcom’s speed checker, we calculated the average superfast broadband speed for different areas in Edinburgh. These results will be dramatically lower for households without access to superfast or ultrafast gigabit broadband.

Area in EdinburghAverage broadband speed
Stockbridge80Mbps
New Town80Mbps
West End80Mbps
Royal Mile69Mbps
Grassmarket200Mbps
Southside81Mbps
Tollcross267Mbps
Bruntsfield101Mbps
Morningside80Mbps
Gorgie80Mbps
Dalry132Mbps
Leith80Mbps
Portobello76Mbps
Corstorphine77Mbps
South Queensferry80Mbps

What are the most common types of broadband in Edinburgh?

Edinburgh has a selection of broadband options, including the fastest type of broadband, fibre to the premises (FTTP). Some postcodes will be limited in terms of broadband types available, which the packages offered by various providers will reflect.

Over 1 million homes in Scotland have access to full fibre broadband, with more than four in 10 homes supporting FTTP broadband, according to a 2022 Ofcom report.

The following four types of broadband are available in Edinburgh.

  • Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line (ADSL): ADSL is the most common type of broadband. It requires a landline service, as the broadband is delivered via copper wires
  • Fibre to the cabinet (FTTC): FTTC delivers broadband to the cabinet in your street and then into the home through copper wires. It is more reliable and faster than ADSL 
  • FTTP: FTTP broadband is one of the fastest broadband connections available in the UK, delivering ultrafast speeds directly into the home, with no need for a landline connection
  • Hybrid Fibre Coaxial (HFC): HFC is delivered through fibre optic cables first and then through a coaxial cable

Frequently asked questions about broadband deals in Edinburgh

Broadband speeds can be improved by multiple factors; ensure your router is placed correctly so it can effectively reach all areas of the home. Update your router regularly and disconnect any devices you are not using to improve speeds. If you are still struggling with broadband speeds, consider investing in a wifi booster.

Residents in Edinburgh who regularly stream content online – whether that be media content or video games – will require a faster broadband connection. Generally, speeds between 20 and 30Mbps are suitable for streaming, although speeds of 50Mbps or above will provide the best experience, especially if you are streaming content in 4K or HDR.

Due to there being full fibre support across wide areas of Edinburgh, residents can benefit from higher-than-average speeds. According to Speedtest.net, the average broadband speed in Edinburgh is 122Mbps, while the average speed for the UK sits at 69Mbps, according to Ofcom

The speed of your broadband will depend heavily on your postcode, with supported fibre to the premises (FTTP) households seeing the best speeds. CityFibre – which provides broadband for companies like TalkTalk, Vodafone and Giganet, among others – will continue to roll out its full fibre services to more districts in Edinburgh, with completion slated for 2024.

Gemma Ryles new profile April 2024

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.