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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 December

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: 19th December 2024

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Deal of the month

Vodafone – Full Fibre 500

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Monthly Cost

£30.00

Average speed

500 Mb

Contract term

24 months

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No upfront cost , prices may rise during your contract

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.

For the third month in a row, our favourite broadband deal 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 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. While some might be after the cheapest price, others might need the highest speed or most reliable connection available.

We surveyed over 2,000 broadband customers in the UK* to further understand customers’ broadband habits. We’ve used these insights to inform our advice below.

Here are some important factors to consider when comparing broadband deals. Where applicable, we have highlighted the best providers in these areas to make your journey easier.

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.

When looking for a broadband deal within your budget, consider the monthly costs, but also the upfront fees and potential price increases.

Packages are more costly than broadband-only deals, but combining services can offer better value for money if the services fit your tastes.

Find the right speeds for your usage

Your best speed depends on your internet habits and how many people live in your household.

Our survey revealed Virgin Media, Three and EE offer the highest actual speeds after our respondents ran a speed test. Remember these results will be impacted by the respondents existing packages, and don’t necessarily make these providers the fastest overall.

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.

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?

The easiest way to find cheap broadband deals near you is to use our postcode checker at the top of this page. Enter your postcode and filter results by “Cost per month (Low to High)” to find the cheapest deals in your area.

There are a few things to keep in mind when searching for the most affordable deal.

Social tariff broadband

Depending on your circumstances, you may be eligible for social tariff broadband. These affordable deals are designed for low-income households who are receiving benefits or financial assistance from the government. Social tariff broadband varies in price but rarely ever exceeds £30 per month.

Compare providers

Slower broadband connections are generally cheaper than full fibre broadband, but you may find that some providers offer better deals than others. For example, if you live in London, Community Fibre’s fastest broadband deal offers speeds of 1,000Mbps and costs only £26 per month. This is much cheaper than bigger brands such as Virgin Media, which offers speeds of 1,130Mbps for £40.99 per month – proving the importance of shopping around when looking for cheap deals.

Set up and installation costs

You should always consider the potential upfront costs that come with new broadband deals. Upfront costs can range from £0 in the case of Virgin Media deals, to £31.99 for the BT Full Fibre 500 package. Our postcode checker clearly states whether any deals in your area come with an upfront cost, making it easier for you to compare prices and if a deal is right for you.

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.

Our experts have looked through dozens of broadband deals to see if they’re cheaper than signing up for services separately. Generally, broadband packages do not offer significant savings overall.

This makes broadband packages not worth it if your main priority is saving money. However, they are beneficial for households looking to consolidate their bills and admin. Managing one subscription is easier than managing three, which is the main benefit of a broadband package.

We recommend considering your current subscriptions – for services such as streaming platforms, SIMs and landlines – and if any broadband providers in your area offer these services. If they do and you’re comfortable paying one lump fee, a broadband package will be easier to manage in the long run.

Conversely, if you want to save money and keep all your admin separate, broadband-only is your best option.

What broadband connections can I get?

What broadband is available to you is mostly determined by where you live. Those living in rural areas will have fewer options compared to urban dwellers, since there is more infrastructure in busy areas.

Even if you don’t have access to full fibre broadband, there are other options available if you desire high speeds. Below, our experts have listed the most common types of broadband solutions, their availability and what speeds they offer.

Full fibre (FTTP)

Also known as fibre to the premises, full fibre broadband is the fastest connection in the UK, offering speeds of up to and over 1,000Mbps depending on the provider. It is currently available to 62 per cent of the country. [1] Our survey revealed that full fibre is the most popular broadband connection among customers.

Fibre broadband (FTTC)

Fibre broadband, or fibre to the cabinet, uses a combination of fibre optic and copper wires. Fibre is available to 97[2] per cent of households and offers superfast speeds between 30Mbps and 80Mbps. Unlike FTTP, FTTC requires a landline to make a connection, so many fibre packages are broadband and phone deals.

Standard broadband (ADSL)

Standard broadband is the slowest connection type but covers over 99 per cent of the country. Sometimes referred to as ADSL, it requires a landline and delivers a connection through copper wires. Speeds reach up to 11Mbps, limiting its useability to low internet usage households.

Cable broadband (HFC)

Cable broadband stands out from its competitors by using a separate fibre optic network that isn’t run by Openreach. The most notable provider using cable broadband is Virgin Media, which offers speeds up to 1,130Mbps. HFC broadband is a fantastic solution for those looking for high speeds but outside the Openreach network.

Mobile broadband

Mobile broadband is a great option for homes without access to fibre. It works over a wireless network, in the same way you access data on a mobile device, with speeds ranging from 32Mbps to 133Mbps. Mobile broadband will only be suitable for households in areas with good signal strength.

Satellite broadband

While uncommon, satellite broadband can reach speeds up to 220Mbps and offers broadband access to those in rural areas with poor signal strength and no traditional infrastructure. Our survey revealed it to be the least used solution, at just 2 per cent, but worthy of consideration if you have no other options.

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 you can see which broadband speed is best suited for various internet activities and household sizes.

0-25Mbps

Household size: One to two people
Activities: Basic browsing and sending emails

25-50Mbps

Household size: One to two people
Activities: Stream 4K video content and video conferencing

50-100Mbps

Household size: Two to four people
Activities: Online gaming, uploading large files and streaming video content on multiple devices

100-500Mbps

Household size: Three to five people
Activities: Online gaming on multiple devices and large video calls

500-1,000Mbps

Household size: Five people and more
Activities: All online-based activities

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.

Will I get the advertised speed by switching broadband deals?

The advertised speed of a new broadband deal won’t always be the reality of your connection. Some broadband providers have rules in place to ensure you receive certain speeds and can help you resolve these issues if you don’t.

Providers working with Ofcom’s Broadband Speeds Code of Practice offer clear information about speeds when you sign up. Users are given an average speed and a minimum speed guarantee. The former is what you will likely experience on a day-to-day basis, while the latter is essentially a worst-case scenario.

If you experience lower speeds than your speed guarantee and your provider cannot fix it within 30 days you can leave your contract early without paying a termination fee. At the time of writing, only a selected number of broadband providers offer this protection to their customers:

BT
EE
NOW
Plusnet
Sky
TalkTalk
Virgin Media
Utility Warehouse
Zen Internet

If you are working with a provider not listed above, you should still contact them if you start experiencing slower speeds. Each provider will have their own methods for dealing with this issue, which you find in the terms and conditions of your deal.

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, Connected Nations update: Spring 2024, April 2024
[2] Connected Nations UK Report 2023, December 2023
[3] Connected Nations UK Report 2023, December 2023
[4] Connected Nations UK Report 2023, December 2023
[5] Openreach, Openreach publishes latest Full Fibre build plans, May 2023

Author: Gemma Ryles Last updated: October 29, 2024