Compare broadband deals
1 in 3 customers could save from £188[1]
Compare and find a cheap deal on broadband now & enjoy customer rewards, on us*
[1] 29.43% of customers could save from £188.28 a year on their broadband only / landline contract. Annual savings based on an average monthly bill of £37.69 from a nationally representative sample (n=2000, reduced to n=367 following selection criteria for fairness) vs our cheapest headline cost for superfast broadband (>=50Mbs), £22/month headline price. Refreshed in April-24, with data correct as of Mar-24. All prices are subject to consumer price index (CPI) changes, refer to the individual provider T&Cs for more information.
Look out for this great broadband deal
We’ve chosen this deal as it has an exclusive or particularly strong special offer.
Please note that the monthly prices shown below may be subject to increase each April, in line with the Consumer Price Index rate of inflation. Check the terms of any deal carefully to understand how mid-contract price increases could affect your monthly payments.
Featured broadband deals
Our featured deals table promotes a diverse range of trusted providers and highlights an exclusive or particularly strong offer from each. To compare a wider list of packages, which could be available where you live and can be sorted according to your chosen criteria, you can enter your postcode in the box above.
**Average speeds are based on the download speeds of at least 50% of customers at peak time (8pm to 10pm). Speed can be affected by a range of technical factors. You can check the estimated speed to your property before purchasing.
We compare broadband deals from a range of trusted internet providers, including:
Find out more about the broadband providers we compare.
Top tips to compare broadband deals
- To find broadband that works for you, think about what internet speeds your household needs and compare relevant deals to find the most reasonable price.
- Make sure you’re happy with the contract length. You’ll usually need to pay an exit fee if you cancel early.
- Watch out for any mid-contract price increases, especially those that are linked to inflation rates and might be hard to predict.
- See if you could save money by packaging your broadband together with your home phone, paid TV subscription or both.
Find out more about how to find the best broadband deals for your household in our guide.
What is broadband?
Broadband is a way of connecting to the internet. It allows information to be carried at high speed to your laptop, desktop computer, smartphone, smart TV or any other web-enabled device.
It’s supplied to your home by an internet service provider (ISP), such as BT or Virgin Media. You can shop around between different providers to find broadband deals that work for your household.
Broadband replaced the original dial-up internet connection, which was significantly slower than today’s technology. But not all broadband is created equal. There are a few different types of broadband connection, and they offer different speeds. Where you live also plays a big role in what broadband deals will be available to you.
What types of broadband are there?
There are several ways you can get broadband, although some options may not be available where you live. The most common types of broadband are:
Asymmetric digital subscriber line (ADSL)
This type of broadband works over the same line as your landline phone, but it’s on the way out, with Openreach planning to retire the UK’s copper network on 31 December 2025 as it makes the switch to a fibre network.
However, for those who live in remote or rural areas, ADSL might still be the best broadband option. ADSL has the slowest average speeds, of around 11-12Mbps (megabits per second).
Fibre broadband
This offers speeds many times faster than ADSL, with a more stable performance, especially at peak times.
Fibre is now the most popular choice for internet users and it’s ideal if you stream a lot of music and videos or enjoy online gaming. It’s also good for people who work from home or for families using multiple devices at the same time.
The download speeds you get with fibre broadband can vary a lot depending on the type of connection and the deal you choose. You can get superfast fibre broadband (minimum 30Mbps), ultrafast fibre broadband (between 300Mbps and 1,000Mbps) or even gigabit-capable full-fibre broadband.
Cable broadband
Faster than ADSL, cable broadband uses the same wiring as a cable TV package. Virgin Media is the main provider of cable broadband, offering some of the fastest speeds in the country. It also offers broadband without line rental.
Cable broadband currently offers the fastest average download speeds in the UK, with an average of 270.6Mbps in the year leading up to March 2023.
Mobile broadband
A versatile service that lets you connect to the internet at home and on the go, mobile broadband offers more convenience than fixed-line connections, letting you create your own Wi-Fi hotspot while you're out and about. Mobile broadband typically uses an internet-enabled device, such as a USB dongle or wireless router, that connects to 4G or 5G signals. You don’t need a landline to get online with mobile broadband, however a weak network signal could make the connection slower and less stable.
In all, mobile broadband is more flexible than fixed connectivity, which could be useful for activities like remote working or staying connected during travel. Just remember that your connection could become latent because of your whereabouts, and costs might be higher in the long-term depending on how much data you use.
Satellite broadband
Satellite broadband is an option for people living in the few areas where a good ADSL, cable or fibre broadband connection isn’t available. We don’t currently compare satellite broadband deals.
How can I find the best broadband deals in my area?
Not every broadband internet deal is available in every part of the country. Some broadband networks aren’t yet installed in all areas. This makes it important to check which ones your home can get.
After all, you wouldn’t want to end up disappointed if you see a deal advertising lightning-fast download speeds, only to find you can’t get it because of where you live.
To find out which of our broadband deals could be available to you, go to our broadband postcode checker. Simply enter your postcode and current broadband provider, if you have one, and we’ll show you our deals, including price, speed, contract length and more.
Am I eligible for a broadband social tariff?
If you’re a low-income household and receive certain state benefits, such as Universal Credit or Pension Credit, you might qualify for discounted broadband deals.
Most internet social tariffs offer superfast broadband speeds of over 30Mbps – fast enough to shop online or stream HD TV. Prices start from around £10 a month and won’t go up mid-contract like regular plans often do.
Some people have concerns that switching to a social tariff means they’ll get a poorer service, but this isn’t the case. Your broadband is delivered the same way as a regular contract, just without the perks and special offers.
Find out more about broadband social tariffs.
What broadband packages are available?
You can choose from a few different types of broadband package, depending on your needs:
- Broadband-only packages
- Broadband and phone packages
- Broadband and TV packages
- Broadband, TV and home phone packages
- Broadband, TV, home phone and mobile packages.
If you pay for a home phone or a TV service, it’s worth considering a broadband package that includes these additional services, as it could end up being cheaper and more convenient than separate deals.
A broadband package could be:
- Cheaper than separate contracts
- Easier to pay in one single monthly bill
- Handier for customer support as it’s all in one place.
Ultimately, you need to make sure the package suits your needs. A few factors to check are:
- The cost of monthly line rental
- The charges if you exceed your data or call allowance
- Package features (e.g. TV channels, anytime calls)
- Exit fees if you leave your contract early.
What type of broadband package should I choose?
The right broadband package for you will depend on your individual needs and what services you use, as well as your budget. Although an all-in-one broadband, TV and phone bundle will typically cost more than a broadband-only deal, if you do use your phone and pay for TV, you could save yourself some money and the hassle by bundling them together.
Broadband-only packages
A standalone broadband deal where you just pay for internet access could be right for you if:
- You don’t make calls from your landline.
- You’re happy to stick with Freeview TV or you tend to solely watch TV on streaming services like Netflix.
- You want to save on monthly outgoings and keep it simple.
Broadband and phone packages
Getting a broadband and home phone package is usually cheaper than paying for these separately. It could be the right package for you if:
- You still use your landline for calls.
- Your internet connection is delivered through your phone line.
- You only watch Freeview TV or pay for streaming services like Prime Video or Apple TV.
Broadband and TV packages
Choosing a TV and broadband package could be right for you if:
- You like to watch pay TV channels like Sky Sports, TNT Sports, Sky Movies or Sky Atlantic.
- You want the ease of paying for your broadband and TV in one bill.
- You don’t use a landline for phone calls.
Broadband, phone and TV packages
If you use all three services, you may find it simpler to arrange your broadband, phone and TV all in one bundle. In some cases, you can add a mobile SIM to the bundle too. You’ll often get a bundle discount, and it also makes your services easier to manage, with one point of contact.
It could be right for you if:
- You still regularly use your landline for phone calls.
- You watch pay TV channels like TNT Sports or Sky Atlantic.
- You’d rather deal with one single provider.
What should I think about when I’m looking for a broadband deal
The main factors to think about when deciding between broadband providers and home broadband deals are:
Speed
You’ll need a broadband speed that can keep up with the online needs of your entire household. Fast broadband speeds can be crucial, especially if you stream content, you’re into online gaming, or if multiple members of your household will be using the internet at the same time.
Customer service
It’s worth checking the customer service ratings of a provider before you go ahead with a deal. By choosing a provider with consistently good reviews, you can feel more confident that they’ll be responsive if you suffer from lower-than-expected speeds or regular service outages.
Your budget
Is it the right price for you and does the package offer good value for money? How do the costs stack up against other providers offering a similar broadband deal? As well as overall costs, don’t forget to compare upfront costs for installation and/or a new router. Some deals won’t have any set-up fees.
Contract length
Broadband contracts typically run for 12, 18 or 24 months. Always check the contract length so you’re not tying yourself into a longer deal than you want. This could make switching more difficult.
If you’re already in a contract, the first thing you should do is get in touch with the provider you want to switch to. They’ll be able to explain the process you need to follow.
Mid-contract price rises
Your broadband provider could increase the cost of your monthly broadband bill in line with Consumer Price Inflation (CPI) every April and charge you an additional percentage on top. So, the price you pay at the start your contract could be different at the end of your contract.
As the inflation rate is uncertain and changeable, you won’t know exactly what you’ll end up paying. Check the terms of the deal to see what mid-contract price rises may apply.
Exit fees/charges
You’ll usually be charged a fee if you cancel your existing contract before the minimum term has expired. However, under Ofcom rules, you can leave your provider without being penalised if you’re not getting the broadband speeds originally promised when you entered into the contract.
Hardware
Do you need any new equipment to change or upgrade your service? You may need a new router or fibre-optic cables installing.
Perks
You’ll find many broadband providers will use gifts and rewards to tempt you to choose their package. These can include free tablets or tech, cashback, vouchers or access to additional services. But a perk should be just that – first and foremost, you want to make sure the deal offered works for you.
Bundles
If you watch pay TV and/or still use your landline, you might be able to save money by combining your broadband with a paid TV subscription and phone package.
Availability
While 97% of the UK now has access to superfast broadband and gigabit-capable connections are available to 78% of UK homes, you should check which speeds could be available in your area.
Compare broadband in three easy steps
Look for broadband, phone and TV deals with Compare the Market.
Tell us your postcode and your current broadband provider. We’ll show you a full list of deals available in your area.
Choose what broadband speed, contract length and phone options you want. You can also opt to see bundled TV deals.
Pick the deal you’re interested in, check the details, and if you like what you see, click ‘Visit now’ to go to the provider’s website.
What is the best broadband speed for my home?
The speed you need depends on what you use the internet for and how many people in your household use it at once. The greater the speed, the quicker you can download files and the better the picture quality your streaming content will be.
Broadband speeds are usually measured in Mbps. This stands for ‘megabits per second’ and refers to the amount of data you can download or upload in a second.
Ofcom defines ‘decent broadband’ as a connection that can deliver download speeds of at least 10Mbps and upload speeds of at least 1Mbps. However, there are plenty of superfast and full fibre connections available that easily exceed these speeds.
Here’s a quick guide to the speeds you might need depending on the size of your household and what you do online.
10-20Mbps
This could be enough speed for:
- Smaller households of 1-2 people.
- Light use, for example, using the internet for browsing, social media, online shopping, sending emails and occasionally streaming low-resolution video.
20-30Mbps
This could be enough speed for:
- Smaller households of 1-2 people.
- Streaming HD video content.
30-60Mbps
This could be enough speed for:
- Families or households with three or four people.
- Using the internet at the same time on multiple devices for tasks like checking the news or your social media and sending emails.
- Streaming HD video content.
60-100Mbps
This could be enough speed for:
- Larger households of four or more people using the internet at the same time on different devices.
- Streaming HD video content on more than one device at the same time.
- Online gaming.
100Mbps+
You might need speeds of 100Mbps or more if:
- You live in a larger household with serious online gamers or where multiple people want to stream in 4K on multiple devices at the same time.
- One or more members of your household work from home and need to download large files or regularly attend conference calls.
Find out if your speed is fast enough for your needs with our broadband speed test.
What can affect your broadband speed?
Your broadband speed can be affected by the following:
Connection type
This usually makes the biggest difference, with ADSL, fibre and cable broadband services offering different speeds.
ADSL connections offer average speeds of under 12Mbps, while some full-fibre and cable broadband connections can deliver speeds of at least 1 Gigabit per second (that’s 1,000Mbps).
Fibre connections offer variable speeds, depending on the package you choose. According to the latest research by Ofcom, customers with fibre to the cabinet (FTTC) connections got superfast average download speeds of 55.7Mbps in the year leading up to March 2023, while full-fibre customers got average download speeds of 149.2 Mbps.
Distance from the cabinet/exchange
If you’re on a fibre to the cabinet (FTTC) connection, the distance from your home to the street cabinet can make a big difference. While your broadband connection can still be fibre, a FTTC connection means that the fibre only runs to the cabinet.
The remaining connection to your home is run on the traditional copper phoneline. Copper phonelines lose speed the further they stretch, so you can expect slower speeds if you’re further from the street cabinet.
If you’re on a fibre to the premises (FTTP) connection, your speeds shouldn’t drop over distance, and you’ll typically receive the fastest speeds available. If speed is the most important thing to you, a FTTP connection is probably the best broadband for you.
Distance from your router
To get the best broadband connection, make sure that your WiFi router is in a good location. If possible, have it in the room where most of your internet use takes place, and try not to block the signal by putting it in a cabinet, or hiding it behind furniture. The fewer obstacles in the way, the better the connection.
The number of devices you’re using
Your internet connection is shared across the devices in your home that are using the internet at any one time. So, if you have gamers in the family, or there are many of you each using different devices online, the connection speed is very likely to slow down, particularly if you’re streaming 4K or downloading large files.
Time of day
You may find that your internet slows during peak times, typically during the evenings. This is due to the increased traffic from other users. You should still keep an eye on your speeds, to check if they fall below any minimum speed guarantees.
Check your broadband speed now with our speed test tool.
Need help to choose the best broadband deal?
Take a look at some of our guides:
What our expert says...
“When you compare with us, you’ll be able to filter your results to include deals with a landline, as well as TV packages. If you want to compare the difference between broadband packages and separate broadband-only deals, simply choose ‘Deals without landline’ in the filter options.”
- Matthew Brewer, Broadband and mobile expert
Why compare broadband deals with Compare the Market?
At Compare the Market it’s all about keeping it simple. We can help you find the right product for you at the right price. And you can trust us to be impartial – we make money when you switch or take out a new product, so it’s in our interests to help you make the right choice.
Join thousands of Trustpilot reviewers who save with Compare the Market
As of July 1st 2024, Compare the Market had an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 from 43,115 people who left a review on Trustpilot. The score 4.8 corresponds to the Star Label ‘Excellent’. Find out more
Frequently asked questions
Should I always go for a cheap broadband deal?
While the cost of broadband is an important consideration, it shouldn’t be the overriding factor. Speed also matters. If you can get a faster connection for a few pounds more, it could be worth paying the extra, depending on what you use the internet for.
You should also consider contract lengths and whether it’s more cost-effective to bundle your TV and phone together with your broadband.
Can I get fibre broadband?
Nearly everyone in the UK can now get superfast fibre broadband as it’s available to 97% of households, while gigabit-capable broadband is available to 75% of all UK homes.
With more providers offering fibre broadband deals, it’s much more affordable than it used to be. Fibre offers faster download speeds and greater reliability. That said, if you live in a remote or rural area, you may be one of the remaining 3% of households who still can’t get a reliable broadband service.
To find out what’s available in your area, enter your details in our broadband postcode checker, select your current provider (if you have one) and click on 'Find deals'.
How do I claim my vouchers on broadband packages?
If you compared with us and signed up for a broadband package that included extras like a freebie, vouchers or other offers by the supplier as part of the deal, our help centre can help you find out how to claim.
Can I get broadband without a phone line?
Normally, internet service providers (ISPs) bundle broadband and line rental together because most broadband can only be delivered via a phone line.
But technology is changing rapidly and there are a growing number of providers, including Virgin Media, BT and EE, who now offer broadband without a phone line.
You may find there’s a smaller pool of deals available, but it’s definitely worth comparing broadband deals to find the right one for you.
Am I guaranteed the advertised broadband speed?
Broadband providers must give you a realistic estimated speed, which you are likely to get during busier times of the day. Under rules set by the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA), at least 50% of broadband customers should be able to achieve a deal’s advertised speeds during peak times, which Ofcom defines as between 8 and 10pm.
Providers must also include a minimum guaranteed speed when you buy your broadband service. If you find that your speeds don’t match this and your provider can’t fix the fault in 30 days, you have the right to leave your contract without paying a penalty.
Does broadband have data usage limits?
Most broadband now comes with unlimited data as standard. This is the case for all broadband deals available through Compare the Market, and it means you won’t need to constantly monitor your usage to avoid exceeding your data cap.
An unlimited broadband deal is particularly useful if there are many of you in the house and you all like to browse social media, stream music, TV and films, or game online.
Can I switch broadband at any time?
You can switch your broadband provider whenever you like. However, that doesn’t mean you should.
If you’re still tied into an existing contract, you’ll usually have to pay an early exit fee to switch to a new provider. Make sure you check the potential saving against any early exit fees, to see if the switch is still worth it.
If you’re looking to switch because your existing provider isn’t giving you their minimum guaranteed speed, or the price of your broadband has gone up by more than what is agreed on your contract, you should be able to avoid any exit fees. Get in touch with your provider if this is the case.
How do I know if I am out of contract?
You can check the status of your broadband contract by asking your provider or by logging into your account online.
By law, your broadband provider has to tell you if you’re still under contract, and they must warn you between 10-40 days before your contract ends. You might also be able to find the date your contract ends on your provider’s app or by checking a recent bill.
What happens after my contract ends?
Your broadband provider must send you an end-of-contract notification between 10 and 40 days before your contract is about to end, either by letter, email or text, telling you what you’ll pay after this date, as well as giving you details of any other deals that are available.
If you end up out of contract, you could be paying over the odds for your broadband so if you’re coming to the end of a deal, it’s a good time to see what else is available. You could save money by getting a new contract with your existing provider or switching to a new supplier.
Will I lose connection when I switch broadband provider?
In many cases, you should be able to switch with little or no service interruption, although activation may take longer if you’re switching to a provider that runs on a different network.
On the day of your switch, your new provider should advise if you’re likely to lose your connection. It shouldn’t normally be down for any longer than an hour though. Under Ofcom rules, if you lose your connection for more than one working day, you’re entitled to compensation from your provider.
Are there any set-up costs when switching broadband?
There might be installation costs involved when switching to a new broadband connection. That’s why it’s important to check for set-up costs on the deals you like the look of, to make sure you’ll still be saving overall.
When you compare with us, set-up costs are clearly shown in all the deals we list. These costs typically include paying for a router to be delivered, installation and activation fees.
