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Save up to £141* per year on broadband deals today

Our advice

Do broadband providers offer better deals to new customers?

Some broadband providers offer exclusive deals, offers and gifts to new customers. Gifts can include anything from hardware, wine, vouchers or reward cards. Some deals offer cheaper monthly rates for the first six months of your contract or come with free installation or delivery.

Some of our favourite broadband deals for new customers are from BT; the Full Fibre 500 and Full Fibre 900 deals come with six or 12 months of Xbox Game Pass at no extra cost, which represents a value of up to £144.

How can I save money when switching broadband deals?

Switching broadband providers is one of the best ways to save money as you can avoid the hefty price hike that comes with most contracts.

When comparing deals, choose a plan that’s right for your needs and consider bundling services if you will use them. Be aware of any upfront costs and look for providers which offer new customer incentives, such as discounts, gift cards or free hardware.

Explore our picks of the best broadband deals available in September

With her expert advice and knowledge, you can trust Gemma to guide you to the best broadband deal for your needs.

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Deals last updated: 07th September 2024

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Deal of the month

Our favourite deal in September is Vodafone’s Full Fibre 500 package. For just £30 per month, experience ultrafast speeds of 500Mbps and a brand-new router with absolutely no upfront costs.

Vodafone – Full Fibre 500

View Deal

Monthly Cost

£30.00

Average speed

500 Mb

Contract term

24 months

View Deal

No upfront cost , prices may rise during your contract

Our pick of this month’s deals

We plotted various deals based on their price and speed. The larger the bubble, the higher the monetary value of the incentives included in the deal, including gift cards, free gifts or reduced rates at the start of the contract.

The Vodafone Full Fibre 500 deal offers wide availability across the UK, impressively high speeds, and affordability. With 500Mbps, it is fast enough for multiple people to steam 4K content, play online games or engage in video conferencing simultaneously.

Vodafone received a good Independent Advisor rating due to its excellent customer satisfaction and reliability. It is currently our top pick for the best value for money provider, so you know you’re partnering with a respected provider.

Our top tips for securing the best broadband deal

The best broadband deal won’t be the same for everyone. Rather than looking for the fastest speed or the cheapest price, look for the deal that will work best for your household.

We surveyed over 2,000 broadband customers* in the UK to better understand what’s valued in a broadband deal. We’ve used these insights to help inform our advice, helping you find the best deal.

Here are some important factors to consider when comparing broadband packages.

Check availability in your area

Depending on where you live, you won’t have access to every broadband provider or connection type. Our postcode checker is the best way to see what deals are available in your area.

Look for the best value for money

Choose a broadband deal within your budget, considering both monthly costs and any upfront fees or price increases.

Based on our survey, Three was rated highly by customers for providing good/excellent value, while Sky received the lowest rating in that area.

Packages tend to cost more than broadband-only deals, but combining services like your broadband, phone and TV can save you money overall. Our survey respondents found broadband-only and broadband, phone, TV and SIM deals to be the best value for money.

Find the right speeds for your usage

Finding the right speed comes down to how many people live in your household and what your internet habits are. Running a broadband speed test is critical when comparing deals, as you can determine if you are receiving your advertised speeds and whether you need to upgrade.

Download speeds are usually more important, but you should check what upload speeds you will receive in case you need to upload large files or documents to the web. Some deals offer symmetrical speeds, which means both speeds are similar or equal.

Pick the right contract length for your needs

Most broadband contracts last for 12, 18 or 24 months. If providers offer both 12 and 24-month contracts, the monthly price is usually lower on the longer contract.

If you are renting or will be moving home, no-contract broadband packages are a great solution. Rolling monthly contracts are best for flexibility and can be terminated within 30 days without any cancellation fees, which are standard in longer contracts. The downside is these deals are usually more expensive on a monthly basis and can come with costly upfront fees.

Look for quality customer service

Effective customer service is paramount when comparing broadband providers. Trusting that your provider will resolve any issues in a timely and professional manner offers peace of mind.

Respondents to our survey ranked Three and EE as the best providers for customer service, with 74 and 73 per cent rating them “Good” or “Excellent” respectively. Virgin Media and TalkTalk had the fewest positive responses, and Virgin Media received the most “Very Poor” and “Poor” responses (11 per cent).

Why compare broadband with us?

With the Independent Advisor, you can find the best broadband deals in your area from a trustworthy source.

Bespoke deal in minutes

It took our expert less than one minute on average to find their best broadband deal thanks to the option to filter according to the right speed, price and contract length.

Save money

One in two customers can save up to £141* when switching broadband deals with Independent Advisor.

Advice you can trust

Our in-depth guides tell you everything you need to know about comparing broadband offers, so once you’ve picked your package, you can rest easy knowing that it’s the right deal for you.

Broadband providers we work with

Compare quotes across more than 25 different broadband providers to find the best provider for your needs.

How can I compare broadband deals with Independent Advisor?

It’s very easy to compare broadband deals with us, and our guide makes it even easier to figure out what deals you should be choosing between.

1 Use our postcode checker

Enter your postcode for instant access to the best deals in your area.

2 Filter according to your needs

Filter for speed, contract length and prices to find the best deal for your needs.

3 Compare broadband deals

Pick your perfect deal – remember you can cancel it free of charge within 14 days if needed.

What cheap broadband deals are available?

If you want to save money on your next broadband deal, consider going for slower speeds. Standard broadband is generally more affordable than fibre broadband, but you should always compare different providers to see which offers the best price for the highest speed.

To make finding the cheapest broadband deals easier, we catalogued some of the most affordable deals available from a range of trusted providers.

Provider	Deal name	Price	Speeds	Contract length	Upfront costs
Onestream	Supreme Full Fibre 80	£20	74Mbps	24 months	£4.95
Onestream	Onestream Full Fibre 115	£24	100Mbps	24 months	£4.95
NOW	NOW Full Fibre 75	£24	75Mbps	24 months	£0
NOW	NOW Full Fibre 100	£26	100Mbps	24 months	£0
Community Fibre	150Mbps Fibre Broadband	£18.99	150Mbps	24 months	£14.95
Community Fibre	1Gbps Fibre Broadband	£26	920Mbps	24 months	£14.95
Vodafone	Fibre 74	£25	73Mbps	24 months	£0
Vodafone	Full Fibre 150	£26	150Mbps	24 months	£0

*Prices accurate as of 02/0/2024

Set up and installation costs

You should consider the potential upfront costs that come with new broadband deals. These costs will vary by provider, package type and time of year, with some providers offering free installation and delivery during promotional periods.

We looked at several broadband providers and found upfront costs can vary from £0, which is the case for all Virgin Media deals, to £31.99 for the BT Full Fibre 900 package. While some fees can be high, they only apply to your first payment, and will not affect your monthly costs thereafter

Gemma Ryles

Home Tech Expert

How can you reduce the cost of your broadband?

“Our survey found that on average, broadband customers in the UK pay £53 per month for their broadband deal. Those living in urban city centres tend to pay more, while those living in small villages pay a little less. If you are struggling to pay for your broadband, look into social tariff broadband deals, which are there to help low-income households. If you do not qualify for social tariff broadband, consider cutting down your broadband speeds and limiting any additional services; broadband and TV bundles are usually more expensive, as are ultrafast and superfast broadband connections.”

Gemma Ryles

Home Tech Expert

What is broadband?

Broadband is a high-speed internet connection that allows you to browse the web, stream content and game online, among other things. Broadband replaced dial-up internet and is generally more reliable and much faster.

What types of broadband deals are available?

Broadband-only deals

Our research found the average broadband contract costs £52 per month. On average, broadband-only deals cost just £40.95 per month, making them ideal for those on a budget who only need an internet connection.

Broadband and phone deals

Households without access to pure fibre optic broadband will need a broadband and phone deal, which combines fibre with copper wires. They are also suitable for those who still use a landline.

Broadband and TV deals

Despite averaging a high price of £61.58 per month, broadband and TV deals are very versatile. These packages can come with extra TV channels or subscriptions to popular streaming services.

Broadband, TV and phone deals

If you want to combine all your core services into one contract, look into broadband, TV and phone deals. Not all providers offer these services, but they provide a simple way to manage several subscriptions and accounts.

Broadband and SIM deals

Only a handful of providers offer broadband and SIM deals; these usually come with a fibre connection, and often with perks including discounted sims and air plans.

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Are broadband package deals worth it?

Broadband packages can include a landline, TV services or SIM card. Here are some of the biggest pros and cons of broadband package deals.

Pros

Combine multiple subscriptions into one payment plan

Easier to manage

Incentives can include cashback, free gifts and free hardware

Can result in price savings

Cons

Can result in paying for services you won’t use

Bundled broadband packages are more expensive than broadband-only deals

Bundling services can result in paying a higher price for them

Some households may need a broadband and phone package to access full fibre broadband; generally, combining these services won’t inflate your bill too much. If you’re looking at broadband and TV or broadband and SIM packages, check the individual costs of each service to ensure you’re getting the best price.

Use our postcode checker to see if you are eligible for broadband packages.

What broadband connections can I get?

Using our postcode checker is the best way to understand what broadband connections are available in your area. Different types of broadband connections will be available depending on where you live.

Here are some of the most common broadband types in the UK and a summary of their main pros and cons.

Broadband type	Speeds available	Advantages	Disadvantages
Full fibre broadband (FTTP)	Up to 1,000Mbps	Fastest broadband connection in the UK	Poor coverage in rural areas
Fibre broadband (FTTC)	30-70Mbps	Partial fibre cables enable higher speeds	Requires a landline and suffers from signal degradation
Standard broadband (ADSL)	10-24Mbps	High coverage across the UK	Lowest speeds of all broadband types
Cable broadband (HFC)	Up to 1,130Mbps	High speeds and high coverage	Mainly operated by Virgin Media – region dependent
Mobile broadband	32-133Mbps	Portable and comes in multiple formats	Dependent on signal and can incur rolling charges
Satellite broadband	30-220Mbps	Offers broadband access to rural areas	Usually expensive and slower speeds than fibre optic

Do I need fibre?

Fibre broadband is much faster and more reliable than standard broadband. It uses fibre optic cables, which are more efficient and allow for faster speeds than the copper cables used for a standard connection.

Full fibre or fibre broadband is optimal for households with multiple people who frequently engage in online activities. Generally, the heavier your internet usage, the more beneficial fibre will be.

We asked our survey respondents about their internet habits; 57 per cent of heavy internet users opted for full fibre, the highest of any group. Basic broadband was most popular with light broadband usage households, at 15 per cent. Assess your internet habits and budget to determine if fibre or full fibre will be beneficial for your household.

Gemma Ryles

Home Tech Expert

Our Home Tech Expert’s recommended full fibre deal

“At just £26, this incredible broadband-only Virgin Media deal is the perfect solution for those looking for ultrafast speeds without breaking the bank. Enjoy speeds of up to 132Mbps with absolutely no upfront costs, with the option to bundle phone, TV and SIM services for an additional charge.”

Gemma Ryles

Home Tech Expert

Find the right broadband deal for you

Our dedicated broadband articles contain everything you need to know to find your dream deal.

Broadband for students Broadband price increases Gaming broadband Broadband for pensioners No-contract broadband Sky Entertainment packages 12-month broadband Broadband and moving house NOW TV Sky Sports Pass

Understanding broadband speed

Knowing what broadband speeds you need is the first step to finding the right deal for your household. Here are some factors to consider when making your choice.

Why does broadband speed matter?

Broadband speed is very important as it affects the types of activities you can perform online.

Slow speeds can result in slow loading times, periods of buffering and juddering video playback. While some households may manage slower speeds, others need faster packages for a seamless connection, which is especially important if you work from home.

What speed do I need?

You can explore what broadband speeds will be best for your household below.

Simple searching	Super streaming	Fantastic fibre	Brilliant broadband
5-25 Mbps	25-50 Mbps	100-500 Mbps	500-1,000 Mbps
Low speeds are suitable for checking emails and short video calls.	More bandwidth is required to stream in 4K and listen to music	Ideal for online gaming, streaming content on multiple devices and large video calls	Full fibre is needed to game on multiple devices, stream content and upload large files.

Factors affecting broadband speed

There are a few reasons why you might be experiencing slower-than-average broadband speeds. Some of these issues can be resolved by changing your habits, but others will only be fixable by upgrading your broadband package.

Device limitations

Older devices might not be wifi 6 compatible, so they tend to be slower than newer ones. This is an issue with your device, not your broadband. You can check a device’s compatibility by looking at its specifications.

Interference and obstacles

Physical objects such as furniture or walls can cause interference between devices and your router. Ensure your router is placed in a central location with few obstructions.

The number of users

More people using your wifi results in slower speeds. Consider disconnecting devices or upgrading your package if you live with multiple people.

ISP throttling

Some broadband deals come with ISP throttling, or fair usage policies, which intentionally slow your internet at peak times. Using a VPN or opting for a deal without any restrictions will alleviate these issues.

Your router

Newer routers that can switch between 5GHz and 2.4GHz allow for less congestion and a better connection overall. Wifi 6 routers are also preferable to wifi 5 models. Consider upgrading your router if you frequently experience congestion.

Average broadband speeds in different parts of the UK

Broadband speeds vary considerably between regions, and urban areas generally have access to higher speeds than rural areas.

The latest Ofcom report[3] revealed that 59 per cent of urban households have access to full fibre compared to 42 per cent of rural properties. Gigabit-capable broadband (broadband of 1,000Mbps or above) is available to 83 per cent of urban residential properties but just 45 per cent of rural ones.

These discrepancies are due to a lack of infrastructure in certain parts of the country. To alleviate this, Openreach[4] is working alongside the government to deliver gigabit broadband to 85 per cent of the UK by 2025.

Below you can see the actual and advertised speed of each region of the UK to help you better understand the broadband speed patterns in your area.

FAQs

Methodology

Are broadband-only packages the cheapest option?

The cheapest deals on the market tend to be broadband and landline packages. These use older copper phone lines to connect to the network and are more affordable than full fibre broadband. However, if you live in an area with access to fibre broadband, you might find cheaper broadband-only deals.

Are there any cheap broadband deals for low-income families?

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.

What happens when my broadband contract ends?

Once your deal ends you have three options:

Stay with your current deal.
Move to a new deal with the same provider.
Find a completely new deal with a different provider.

If you are happy with your contract, simply inform your provider you want to stay on. If you like the provider but want to experience faster speeds or have better incentives, you can sign up for a new deal.

How do I find broadband deals without mid-contract price increases?

Broadband packages can be difficult to budget for when you take annual price increases into account. These increases are based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI), raising the price by 3 to 4 per cent, and usually occur in April.

If you want to avoid this yearly increase, the following broadband providers promise to keep the same price throughout your contract: Hyperoptic, Zen internet, Yayzi, Cuckoo Broadband, and Connect Fibre.

Do I need to pay for a phone line or landline to get broadband?

Broadband and phone deals will be mandatory if you don’t have access to full fibre broadband.

However, in most parts of the country, many providers are starting to phase out traditional landline services in favour of digital landlines; the move to digital home phones will take place by December 2025 for many providers, including BT.

What is 4G and 5G home broadband?

4G and 5G home broadband, also known as mobile broadband, offers a broadband connection via mobile data. Since it does not require the traditional cable infrastructure of other types of broadband, it’s an ideal solution for those living in remote areas.

Do all broadband deals come with unlimited data?

Most broadband deals are unlimited, meaning you won’t incur any additional charges for heavy internet usage. Deals with data limits will be specified on the provider’s website; we recommend avoiding these deals unless you are a light internet user, as your bill can increase significantly if you exceed the limit.

Do internet deals come with new routers?

Even though all broadband deals come with a router for new customers, some routers offer more advanced features than others. Look out for wifi 6 and 6E support, which offers improved coverage and stability compared to wifi 5 routers. Routers that support 24GHz and 5GHz bands also offer less congestion, ideal for busy households with internet-intensive habits.

Broadband & TV

Broadband in My Area

Broadband Providers

Broadband & Phone

Fibre Broadband

No Contract Broadband

Broadband-Only

Business Broadband

Broadband Without Line Rental

Broadband TV & Phone

Broadband For Gaming

Wireless Broadband

Broadband Speed Test

Broadband With No Upfront Cost

EE Broadband

Virgin Media Broadband

BT Broadband

Sky Broadband

TalkTalk Broadband

Vodafone Broadband

NOW Broadband

London Broadband

Manchester Broadband

Birmingham Broadband

Glasgow Broadband

Hull Broadband

Survey of broadband customers aged between 24-64 conducted on Censuswide, 11-14 March 2024. Survey sample: 2,003 respondents, totalling Sky (489), BT Broadband (412), Virgin Media (396), EE (134), Vodafone (124), Other (102), Plusnet (66), NOW Broadband (45), Three (31), Hyperoptic (14), Community Fibre (8), Unsure (7). Respondents who selected Hyperoptic, Community Fibre, Other or Unsure were discarded from our review, however, the information gathered for Hyperoptic and Community Fibre was used in our Broadband Providers evaluation. Respondents were asked to rate each category on a five-point scale, from Very Poor to Excellent, or from Never to Always, with the option of selecting Don’t Know for all questions. For the third question (“What issues, if any, have you experienced with your current broadband provider”) respondents could select from the following: Price Hikes, Slow Speeds, High Prices, Frequent Disconnections, Poor Customer Service, Billing Issues, Other and N/A. The questions used to calculate our score were: “How often, if at all, do you feel the actual speed of your broadband service matches the advertised speed,” “How would you rate your experience with customer service and support from your broadband provider,” ”What issues, if any, have you experienced with your current broadband provider? (Select all that apply),” “How easy or difficult is it/would it be to reach your provider using your preferred method,” “How do you rate the value for money of your broadband service,” “How would you rate the transparency of pricing and additional fees in your broadband service”.

* 51% of customers could save £141 or more a year on their broadband only / broadband and phone contract. Our average savings figure is based on an average monthly bill of £34.76 from a nationally representative survey sample (n=2000, reduced to 349 to remove any outliers) compared with our cheapest superfast broadband deal (>55Mbs) with a headline price of £23 / month. Independent Advisor survey conducted in March 2024, deal prices correct as of April 2024. All prices are subject to independent broadband providers and the consumer price index (CPI) changes.
[1] Ofcom, Broadband speeds: what you need to know
[2] Openreach hits halfway point in UK broadband upgrade plan, December 2023
[3] Ofcom, Connected Nations: England Report 2023, December 2023
[4] Openreach publishes latest Full Fibre build plans, May 2023

Author: Gemma Ryles Last updated: September 02, 2024