Home Broadband Buyers Guide

Navigating the UK broadband market can be complex, with a huge variety of packages, technologies, and providers to choose from. This guide will help you make an informed decision and find the best broadband deal for your needs.

Why Compare Broadband?

The broadband market is highly competitive, with providers constantly updating their offerings. Comparing allows you to:

  • Find the best value for your money
  • Ensure you get the right speed and data allowance for your needs
  • Avoid paying for features you don’t need
  • Take advantage of introductory offers and bundle deals
  • Understand the latest technologies available in your area

Before You Start

  1. Determine your priorities:
    • Price: Are you looking for the cheapest option or willing to pay more for a premium service?
    • Speed: Do you need ultrafast speeds for gaming or 4K streaming, or is standard broadband sufficient?
    • Data allowance: Are you a heavy user who needs unlimited data?
    • Customer support: Is 24/7 support important to you?
    • Contract length: Do you prefer the lower prices of long-term contracts or the flexibility of short-term deals?
  2. Understand your usage:
    • Light user (email, browsing): 10-30 Mbps might be sufficient
    • Medium user (HD streaming, social media): 30-100 Mbps is typically good
    • Heavy user (4K streaming, gaming, large households): 100+ Mbps is recommended

Example: A family of four with multiple devices streaming, gaming, and working from home would likely need an unlimited data plan with speeds of at least 100 Mbps.

Key Factors to Compare

  1. Speed:
    • Check estimated speeds for your postcode. Use our speed checker tool for accurate results.
    • Understand the difference between download and upload speeds. For example, if you frequently upload large files or participate in video calls, a higher upload speed might be crucial.
    • Be aware that actual speeds can vary. Providers now advertise average speeds achievable by at least 50% of customers during peak times.
  2. Data Allowance:
    • Limited plans: Suitable for light users. Be aware of overage charges.
    • Unlimited plans: Best for heavy users or multiple-person households. Check for any fair usage policies.
    • Example: A 50GB allowance might be enough for general browsing and some streaming, but could be quickly exhausted by 4K video or large game downloads.
  3. Price:
    • Look at the total first-year cost, including setup fees and any special offers.
    • Be aware of price increases after introductory periods. For example, a deal might offer £25/month for the first 18 months, then increase to £40/month.
    • Consider the value of bundle deals. Sometimes, adding a TV package or mobile plan can offer better overall value.
  4. Contract Length:
    • Standard contracts are often 12-24 months. Longer contracts typically offer lower monthly costs.
    • Short-term or rolling contracts offer more flexibility but usually at a higher monthly price.
    • Consider any planned moves or changes in circumstances when choosing contract length.
  5. Bundled Services:
    • TV packages: Can range from basic Freeview to premium sports and movie channels.
    • Phone line rental: Often required for ADSL and some fibre services. Check if line rental is included in the advertised price.
    • Mobile plans: Some providers offer discounts for bundling broadband with mobile services.
  6. Additional Features:
    • Wi-Fi routers: Look for latest technology like Wi-Fi 6 for better coverage and speeds.
    • Security software: Some providers offer antivirus and firewall protection.
    • Parental controls: Important for families to manage content access.
    • Public Wi-Fi access: Some providers offer free access to their public Wi-Fi networks.

Types of Broadband

  1. ADSL: Uses existing phone lines. Speeds up to 24 Mbps.
  2. Fibre to the Cabinet (FTTC): Fibre optic cables to the street cabinet, then copper wires to your home. Speeds typically 30-80 Mbps.
  3. Fibre to the Premises (FTTP): Full fibre connection to your home. Can offer speeds up to 1 Gbps or more.
  4. Cable: Offered by Virgin Media (though they call it Fibre Optic), uses coaxial cables. Speeds up to 1 Gbps in many areas.
  5. 5G Home Broadband: Uses 5G mobile networks. A good alternative where fixed-line broadband is poor.

Things to Watch Out For

  • Hidden Costs:
    • Setup fees: Can range from £0 to £60+
    • Equipment charges: Some providers charge for routers
    • Early termination fees: Can be substantial, often the remaining monthly payments of your contract
  • Traffic Management:
    • Some “unlimited” plans may slow down at peak times
    • Check fair usage policies, especially for cheaper unlimited plans
  • Installation Requirements:
    • FTTP might require engineer visits and new equipment installation
    • Check if there are any charges for installation or activation

How to Compare

  1. Use our postcode checker to see available deals in your area.
  2. Compare the total cost over the contract length, not just monthly prices.
  3. Read customer reviews to gauge service quality and reliability. Look for patterns in comments about speed consistency, customer service responsiveness, and technical issues.
  4. Check our provider-specific buyer’s guides for more detailed information on each company’s strengths and weaknesses.
  5. Use comparison tables to easily view multiple offers side-by-side. Sort by different factors like speed, price, or customer ratings to find the best match.

Special Considerations

  • Rural Areas: Options might be limited. Consider alternatives like 4G/5G home broadband or satellite if fixed-line speeds are poor.
  • Students: Look for 9-month contracts or those with flexible terms to align with academic years.
  • Renters: Short-term or rolling contracts might be more suitable if you move frequently.
  • Home Workers: Prioritize reliability and upload speeds. Some business broadband packages offer enhanced support and guaranteed fix times.

Getting Help

If you need assistance:

  • Use our online comparison tools to filter and sort deals based on your preferences.
  • Read our in-depth provider reviews, which include real customer feedback and performance data.

Remember, the cheapest deal isn’t always the best value. Consider all factors to find the package that best suits your needs. Don’t hesitate to negotiate with providers, especially if you’re out of contract – they often have retention deals not advertised publicly.