Need more info before deciding? Read on for tips on switching and how to choose the best deal based on your circumstances.
Author: Rob Baillie, Mobiles & Broadband Expert
What is broadband?
Broadband is a type of internet connection that links your devices to the internet so you can do things such as streaming, online shopping or browsing social media.
In the past, the only way to access the internet was through a dial-up connection. But these days, broadband is much, much faster.
How to compare and switch broadband
1. Check you're out of contract
Ensure you’re no longer within the minimum terms of the contract with your current broadband provider. You can find out by looking at your original contract or confirmation email, or by contacting their customer service.
2. Enter your postcode and choose a personalised bundle
We algorithmically sort broadband packages based on your location, the speed you'd get, and how much it costs.
3. Complete your switch
Your new provider should contact your current provider and arrange the switch for you. And you’ll receive letters and emails updating you on the switch.
What to consider when looking for a new broadband package
Whether it's cheap and cheerful or high-spec full-fibre, everyone's needs are different and finding the best deal for you starts with understanding how you plan to use it or if bundling your services would lower your monthly bill.
Are you still within your contract?
If you're still in your minimum term, you'd be subject to an early repayment charge if you ended the contract early.
If you're out of contract or approaching the end, you can switch without penalty.
Can you get a better deal for the same price?
A tariff may offer everything you’re looking for, but does it come at the right monthly price and offer good value for money? Shop around to find the right tariff at the best possible price
Can you get any bundles, freebies, or cashback?
Many providers offer tempting incentives, such as cashback or gift cards, to new customers. These may bring help bring down the cost of an expensive broadband deal, although you should also consider whether these gifts are as important as factors such as speed and cost
Do you need extra services, like mobile SIMs or TV packages?
Many providers also offer other services alongside broadband, including home phone and/or television packages.
It’s always worth comparing your choices – here are some common bundles you can get:
Keep in mind that many broadband tariffs come with a landline and ‘pay as you go’ calls already included, as ADSL and cable broadband connections are delivered through telephone lines.
What broadband speed do you need?
The broadband speed that best suits you depends on your usage, as well as the number of people you live with:
- Around 10Mbps – suitable for light users. This is ideal if you live alone or with just one other person, and you use the internet for basic use like browsing, social media and emails. Opt for a standard ADSL deal and save money by choosing the cheapest option.
- 30-60Mbps – suitable for families. A household of four or more users will need a faster connection, especially if they use multiple devices. A fibre optic connection with speeds over 34Mbps should be robust enough to handle multiple users
- 60Mbps-1Gbps – suitable for power users. If you stream a lot of videos (you’re addicted to Netflix, for example), play games online and/or work from home, a faster connection may be best. That’s especially true if you have multiple devices connected and you stream videos in higher quality 4K. In this case, you should consider if FTTP broadband best meets the needs of your bandwidth-hungry household.
If you want to know what speeds you're currently getting, you can take our free broadband speed test to find out.
Do you value customer service?
Reading customer reviews can give you an idea of a provider’s customer service record. If you were to experience any service outages or lower-than-expected speeds, you’ll want your provider to have helpful customer service.
What providers can I compare?
- BT
- TalkTalk
- Sky
- Virgin Media
- Gigaclear
- Now Broadband
- Shell Energy
- Cuckoo
- Onestream
- Plusnet
- Vodafone
- Three Broadband
- Fibrus Broadband
- Box Broadband
- Community Fibre
- Hyperoptic
- KCOM
- Truespeed
- Trooli
Who is the cheapest broadband provider?
Plusnet, NOW Broadband, TalkTalk and Community Fibre offer cheap broadband, but it depends on where you live.
To find the cheapest broadband providers in your area, enter your postcode and sort by average monthly cost.
Can I switch broadband mid-contract?
If you’re out of your contract’s minimum term, you’ll be able to switch without having to pay early termination fees.
However, if you’re still within the minimum term, you will have to pay early exit fees if you want to switch. Typically, this will mean paying for the number of months you have left on your contract, which can be pricey.
Nevertheless, there are some instances where you may be entitled to switch early without paying extra – for example, if your provider has hiked the price of your contract in the last 30 days, or you’re not receiving the minimum guaranteed speeds.
Find out more about your consumer rights.
What about business broadband?
If you're running a business or procuring broadband on behalf of one, you're likely better off choosing a connection designed for business use, even if you're a small business.
Broadband guides
Got a specific question, or simply want to learn how to get the most out of your home broadband? We have many helpful guides, including:
- How to get a phone line installed
- How to switch broadband provider
- Can I avoid mid-contract price hikes?
- Can I keep my email address when switching broadband provider?
- What broadband speed do I need for video conferencing?
- What to do with broadband when you’re moving home
- How to leave your broadband contract early
Can't find what you're looking for?
Use our sitemap to help find the page you're looking for.
How do I know if I’m out of contract?
You should be notified when your contract comes to an end, but you don’t have to wait until then. You can check when your contract expires – or if it already has done – by logging into your online account or calling up to check.
Prices can shoot up once the contract expires, so you should switch to a new deal as soon as possible.
What happens when my broadband contract ends?
At the end of your contract, you can either choose to remain with your current provider, or switch to a better deal without having to pay any early exit fees.
Ask yourself if you’ve been happy with the speeds, customer service and overall experience. If the answer is no, it’s well worth shopping around for a better deal.
Even if you’re generally happy with your current provider, it might still be worth switching once your contract finishes. This is because prices often increase once the minimum term is up, and you can get the best discounts and extra rewards if you’re a new customer with another provider.
If you don’t want to switch just yet, you can also call your current provider to haggle for a better deal.
Will I get the advertised broadband speeds?
As a rule of thumb, the advertised speeds must be available to at least 50% of the provider’s customers between the peak hours of 8pm to 10pm.
However, even though a broadband package may be advertised as a certain speed, it’s common that it won’t always reach that. Many factors can affect your broadband speed, such as your location and the amount of network traffic in your area.
Many providers have minimum speed guarantees. If your speeds are still below the guaranteed minimum after 30 days and your provider hasn’t been able to improve that, you have the right to leave your contract without paying early exit fees.
How do I get broadband for my business?
Whether you're a small or larger business, there are plenty of business broadband and landline deals to choose from. Services can vary from provider to provider, but getting business broadband is pretty straightforward. The first step is to type in your postcode on our business broadband checker to find what's available at your address.
Will I need to pay an upfront cost?
If you require an engineer visit or equipment, this often carries a cost.
You can compare broadband contracts with no upfront cost, but note that sometimes, a deal with slightly higher upfront costs might also come with a lower monthly charge, so you’ll actually pay less overall. It’s important to weigh up any upfront costs with the monthly cost.
To see the lowest-cost deals, sort your results by ‘total first-year cost’.
