The internet's a focal point for music, TV and even dating, so it's great home broadband is now available for about the cost of a fast food meal.
This is a full guide to the cheapest providers, allowing you to slash costs and save £100s.
In this guide
Best Buys: Broadband
How broadband works
Where it's available, broadband has now all but replaced dial-up web access. To get it, most people use an upgraded home telephone line called ADSL (Asymmetrical Digital Subscriber Line).
As well as being many, many times faster than dial-up, broadband offers a couple of other key benefits. It's always connected, so you needn't wait to get online each time, and it allows you to make and receive phone calls on the same line while it's being used.
New to broadband?
If you're new to broadband, your provider will need to set-up your phone line before you can get online. This usually takes a week, and shouldn't affect calls.
You'll get a broadband modem, which allows your computer to use the signal, and a couple of "microfilters" which help your modem get a cleaner signal through the line. These make quite a difference (you may even get no access without them), so it's important to use them wherever possible.
Of course, all this equipment costs the service provider money, so most will lock you into a minimum 12-month contract to recoup costs.
Switching broadband provider
Switching broadband provider is, in essence, quite simple. Yet until recently it was made much more difficult by uncooperative companies. Thankfully this is gradually changing as the regulator, Ofcom, is coming down hard on them.
If you are switching provider there are a couple of checks to make:
- Are you locked in?
Check you're actually allowed to switch from your current provider. Many broadband providers' contracts last a year or 18 months; try to leave before that time and you may be charged a penalty.
And even if they don't penalise, you'll almost certainly have to pay for any equipment they gave you - as this is essentially "rented" from your provider. - Is there a migration fee?
Most providers nowadays will transfer you to their service for free, since they want your business. But a dwindling number still charge migration fees for switching you over - especially if you're with an LLU provider, such as TalkTalk.
It's also important to note that for technical reasons the new company usually only allows you to switch to its service at the same speed as your current provider's speed, but after that you should be able to upgrade. - Ensure you know your MAC code.
Call up your existing broadband provider and ask it for your MAC (Migration Authorisation Code). Don't worry, this is a standard process and you should get it without any hassle.
It does however give providers an opportunity to persuade you to stay by offering a much more competitive deal than you currently have. Don't dismiss this; they may even offer you a better deal than the one you're switching to.
Once you have your MAC code, give it to your new provider. There should be much less downtime when you transfer, possibly even just a few hours. Without it the transfer across can take weeks, so make sure you have yours handy.
If you don't want to switch, try haggling with your existing provider. It's possible it'll up your speeds or drop the package price if you ask nicely. Go armed with details of the current best buys for new customers as a benchmark price. For more details read the How To Haggle Successfully article.
Choosing a broadband package
There are a range of variables to take into account when choosing a broadband package:
Can you get it free?
Get free wireless broadband. If you've got a laptop which allows you to use wireless internet (all those made in the last few years will do, and even some new phones), it's worth noting that along the high street free wireless access is becoming the norm.
The widespread pub chains Wetherspoons and Walkabout now offer all customers unlimited
wi-fi access, as do McDonald's restaurants nationwide. Coffee shop chain Coffee Republic also offers wireless to customers in some stores, but it's limited to 10 minutes - so you'll need to pay after this.
For full details, and more ways to get free access, read the Free Wireless Internet access article.
How much will you use it?
Providers usually set their charges based on the volume of data used. This is measured in Megabytes (MB) or Gigabytes
(GB
- equivalent to 1,024
MB) and has nothing to do with the time spent online. Leaving the internet connected doesn't cost anything, it's only "doing things" that uses up the bytes.
Viewing 25 web pages takes roughly 1MB, so a low 1GB
monthly limit means roughly 25,000 pages. Thus, for those doing just a little web-surfing and downloading emails, the limits are irrelevant. Yet downloading music, software or videos eats up the data much faster, as does watching content from one of the growing number of web TV services.
To keep on top of your data use, download a free bandwidth monitor. As well as letting you know exactly how much of your quota you have left each month, they'll warn you when you're nearing the limit.
Think Broadband's tbbMeter promises to track usage on multiple machines in the near future, while Rokario and Netmeter only work per PC, so if you've more than one computer connected to the net you'll have to tot up the totals.
Do you watch web TV?
If you've embraced the idea of watching TV shows on your computer, it's important to be aware of the costs. Streaming video (when the shows are piped directly to your screen), while better than downloading, can still eat up data very quickly.
For example, watch an hour-long show in high quality on popular web service BBC iPlayer , and you could plough through 600MB of data. If you've an unlimited download package this won't be an issue, but those with low monthly data allowances should think twice before viewing. A 2GB allowance equates to less than 3.5 hours viewing at reasonable quality.
How fast is it?
Internet speed is measured in Mb (Megabits per second), the amount of information transferred per second.
Just because a package says "up to" 24Mb don't assume that's what you'll get. Many factors affect speed: proximity to the phone exchange, the number of people competing for bandwidth, and traffic shaping (where providers slow speeds during busy hours). You can test your current broadband speed with your provider*.
Technical phone support costs
If you don't know your modem from your mobile, you may find yourself on the phone to technical support a lot while setting up your broadband. As this can cost up to 50p/min, a few 20 minute calls could easily eat away any saving from getting a cheaper package.
Of course, you could also ask for help from fellow MoneySavers on the Technical Board (if you've already managed to get online).
Provider feedback
Since you'll likely be signing a 12-month (or longer) contract, it's crucial to check feedback before diving in. Sites like thinkbroadband.com and ispreview.co.uk, as well as our broadband forum, have a wealth of customer feedback. Make sure you read a whole range though, as no matter how good overall, every provider has its share of disappointed customers.
Likewise, add your own feedback once your broadband's been up and running a while, to help improve accuracy.
Traffic shaping
During peak times, or when there's heavy traffic, most providers will cut the speed of your connection. They do this by giving different types of traffic different levels of priority.
So the brunt of the speed cuts will hit those downloading via peer-to-peer, file sharing services such as BitTorrents, as these are easy for the providers to spot, and they're considered low priority traffic.
Do you want it bundled with your phone line?
Some of the very cheapest broadband packages come as part of an overall phone/broadband package. If you're looking to get an all-in-one package, please read the Cheapest Home Phones article and look at the bundled best buys.
It's worth noting that if you're switching from cable broadband to a company that requires a BT line, and you don't already have one, this can be pricey. See Cheapest Home Phones for line installation deals too.
Are you on the move?
If you're on the move with your laptop or don't want to have a BT landline, it's possible to connect to the web via mobile broadband from as little as £7/month. Instead of connecting through a landline, 3G web access makes use of mobile phone networks to send data, meaning you can connect wherever there's a mobile signal.
Yet you don't need a mobile phone to do it; these packages come supplied with a little modem that takes its place. For full options read the Cheapest 3G Web Access article.
Below are our top picks after comparing 50+ broadband products. It's purely price focused, as broadband customer service tends to have a huge "luck of the draw" element, with every provider having its disgusted of Dorset and delighted of Devon.
Some providers quote prices without VAT; here we always include it. Also it's important to note, once you've chosen your top provider, you may be able to considerably reduce the effective price by getting extra cashback on these deals.
BEST BUYS: Cheap Broadband
Here are the cheapest standalone broadband packages for people that live in "local loop unbundled" or LLU areas (about 70% of the population). If your local exchange isn't unbundled you'll pay more. If you want to know exactly what providers and potential speeds your local exchange can handle, use SamKnows' Exchange mapping tool.
Warning! Even if you're mid-contract, providers can change the prices below at any time. Read the latest MSE broadband news for details on all the price hikes.
Cheap Broadband Finder Tool
Personalise your best buys
To narrow down your search, enter your postcode or phone number below, and we'll show you what's available in your area!
Broadband location data kindly supplied by Sam Knows
We do not store your number or postcode, it is purely for this tool
Checking data...
| Provider | Speed & download limit |
Overall cost (Avg/mth incl fees) |
Full info | Visit provider |
|---|
  |
20Mb 10GB |
£8.57/mth 12 months (1) |
Full MSE |
Visit Plusnet* |
Plusnet *
BT-owned Plusnet's been a best buy for some time, and it scored highly in our customer service poll, with 78% of voters rating it good.
Plusnet Value* costs £6.49/month plus £25 connection fee if in its low cost area, or £8.57/month on average over the year's contract.
| 76% | 18% | 6% |
 |
 |
 |
| Good | OK | Poor |
| Nov 2011 | Voters: 284 | ||
Plusnet Value has a monthly 10GB usage limit, though offers unlimited usage from midnight to 8am. If you go over the allowance, it's £5 for 5GB.
You'll need a Plusnet or BT-based landline, and you can avoid Plusnet's £25 connection fee if you already pay line rental to BT or Plusnet and sign up by phone. It's £5 p&p; for its router.
Tech specs
Don't want a year's contract? Plusnet also has a "no contract" option that lets you leave with 10 days' notice. Take this option and it's £40 + £5 p&p; for its wireless router, but you can avoid this cost if you've already got one.
Need a higher download cap? Plusnet Extra offers 60GB usage and speeds of up to 20Mb. It's £11.49/month if in its low cost area, plus the £25 fee, so it's usually an avg £13.57/month.
- Price: From £8.57/month
- Speed: Up to 20Mb
- Download limit: 10GB
- Contract length: 12 months
- Modem/connection included? No, £30 total
- Migration fee for switchers? No
- Tech support phone costs? Free
- Traffic shaping: Yes, strong
 |
20Mb
|
£13.97/mth (2 mths free) 12 months |
Full MSE |
Visit O2* |
O2*
O2 rated highly in our customer services poll; its All Rounder package offers speeds of up to 20Mb and unlimited downloads. It's usually £17.50/month plus £25.53 connection fee, but you can get it for less:
O2's All-Rounder* is usually £17.50/month plus £25.53 connection fee if you're not an O2 mobile customer.
| 81% | 14% | 5% |
| |
|
|
| Good | OK | Poor |
| Nov 2011 | Voters: 317 | ||
Yet sign up before Thursday 22 December and you can get two months free, making it £13.79/mth average over the 12 month's contract.
Got an O2 mobile? You don't have to be an O2 mobile customer to get its home broadband packages, however if you are you can often get a much better deal. Consider getting a PAYG O2 Sim card for a few months, and look at the O2 mobile customer packages available.
Tech specs
You'll need a BT line to get any O2 package, and to be amongst the 80% of the UK that can get its cheaper rates.
Do note that although O2 offers unlimited downloads, a fair usage policy of c.100GB does apply. The three months free is also valid on O2's pricier The Works broadband (fair usage c.250GB).
- Price: All Rounder: from £15.25/month
- Speed: Up to 20Mb
- Download limit: Fair usage c. 100GB
- Contract length: 12 months
- Modem/connection included? No, £25.53
- Migration fee for switchers? No
- Tech support phone costs? Free (0800)
- Traffic shaping: Yes, strong
 |
30Mb Unlimited |
£32.40/mth (+ £150 cashback) 18 months (1) |
Full MSE |
Visit Virgin* |
Virgin Media offers the UK's only 30Mb fibre optic broadband package. It's available to about 13 million homes (check availability), or if you need faster speeds, you can get a 50Mb package.
Free activation + £150 cashback, ends Saturday 31 December
Virgin Media's 30Mb broadband & phone package (use link to view, not sign up) comes with unlimited downloads and free installation.
| 55% | 30% | 14% |
| |
|
|
| Good | OK | Poor |
| Nov 2011 | Voters: 802 | ||
It's currently £18.50/month plus £13.90/month for line rental, working out to £32.40/month over the 18-month contract.
Yet sign up for the deal through Simplify Digital* before 3pm on Saturday 31 December, and you'll get £150 cashback. Factored into the overall cost, this takes it down to £24.07/month average.
Tech specs
- Price: From £32.40/month
- Speed: 30Mb
- Download limit: None (fair usage)
- Contract length: 18 months
- Modem/connection included? Yes
- Migration fee for switchers? No
- Tech support phone costs? 4p (0845)
- Traffic shaping: Moderate
| |
40Mb 120GB |
£24.27/mth 18 months (1) |
Full MSE |
Visit Plusnet* |
Plusnet*
BT-owned Plusnet has a superfast broadband service, with speeds of up to 40Mb, and an 18-month contract; plus it has two Fibre packages to choose from.
Plusnet Extra Fibre offers 120GB downloads and is £21.49/month, or £24.27/month on average, factoring in the £50 installation for new customers.
| 76% | 18% | 6% |
| |
|
|
| Good | OK | Poor |
| Nov 2011 | Voters: 284 | ||
Plusnet Value Fibre is £16.49/month, or £19.27/month on average factoring in the fee above. It's cheaper, but if you're after superfast broadband its 40GB allowance is likely to disappear quickly.
You could theoretically use this in less than three hours of full-speed downloads, so Extra Fibre's larger allowance is likely to be your best bet.
Both packages offer unlimited downloads from midnight to 8am, so it may be wise to download larger files at night. If you go over your allocated download allowance it's £5 for an extra 5GB. It's also £5 p&p; for its wireless router, and existing Plusnet customers pay a reduced set-up fee of £25; the fee is waived altogether if you pay line rental to Plusnet and sign up by phone or online.
Tech specs
Plusnet Fibre's available to 15% of the UK as of its launch in April 2011, but is set to be available to two thirds of UK premises by 2015. You'll need a BT or Plusnet-based landline to get Plusnet Fibre. Stats are for Plusnet Extra Fibre:
- Price: Plusnet Extra Fibre: £24.27/month
- Speed: Up to 40Mb
- Download limit: 120GB
- Contract length: 12 months
- Modem/connection included? No, £50 / £25
- Migration fee for switchers? No
- Tech support phone costs? Free
- Traffic shaping: Yes, strong
 |
40Mb Unlimited |
£25.60/mth 18 months |
Full MSE |
Visit BT* |
BT*
If you've a BT landline,
live in a fibre-optic equipped area (most of the South East, East, North West and N. Ireland at present), and don't mind an 18-month
contract, you could get BT Infinity.
BT's superfast "unlimited" Infinity broadband* (formerly called "Option 2") is £25.60/month, and offers 40Mb downloads, plus uploads of up to 10Mb.
| 43% | 32% | 25% |
| |
|
|
| Good | OK | Poor |
| Nov 2011 | Voters: 775 | ||
It's subject to fair usage, so BT reserves the right to slow downloads after a while. There's no activation fee so it's only £2.82/month more expensive than BT's "Option 1" (below - now only available if signing up by phone), and well worth the extra.
BT's £20/month "Option 1" offers achievable up to 40Mb download speeds, and 2Mb for uploads, but sadly has a usage cap of 40GB/month. This is miserly given the speeds; you could theoretically use it up in less than three hours of full-speed downloading! A £50 activation fee means this package is effectively £22.77/month over the contract.
Tech specs
Both options include a free wireless router, but you'll pay £4.99 for postage. The stats below are for its unlimited Infinity broadband (previously called Option 2).
- Price: £25.60/month
- Speed: Up to 40Mb, 10Mb upload
- Download limit: None (fair usage applies)
- Contract length: 12 months
- Modem/connection included? Yes
- Migration fee for switchers? No
- Tech support phone costs? Free
- Traffic shaping: None
| Bundled & home phone line rental |
|---|
 |
20Mb 10GB |
£12.74/mth 12 months (1) |
Full MSE |
Visit Primus* Visit O2* |
Though not techincally a bundle, if you're an existing O2 mobile customer, you can get your landline and broadband services from £12.74/month with Primus and O2.
Phone info:
| 65% | 21% | 14% |
| |
|
|
| Good | OK | Poor |
| Nov 2011 | Voters: 77 | ||
Take the Primus Line Rental Saver package via comparison site Homephonechoices* and you get line rental for £6.49/month if you sign up for a year. This offer is scheduled to end on Monday 19 December.
There are no inclusive calls with this, so it's best for those that simply want a line for their broadband, or don't make many landline calls. Evening and weekend calls cost 2p/min, and daytime calls 6p/min, plus every call will be charged a 12.4p connection fee. See the Cheap Home Phones article for full details.
| 81% | 14% | 5% |
| |
|
|
| Good | OK | Poor |
| Nov 2011 | Voters: 317 | ||
Broadband info:
If you're an existing O2 mobile customer (and have been with O2 for over two years), the All Rounder* package is the cheapest standalone broadband deal, working out at £6.25/month on a 12-month contract. O2 scored highly in our customer service poll in November 2011.
Usually £17.50/month, existing O2 customers (who have been with the provider for over two years) get a fiver off the monthly cost AND get six months free.
If you haven't been an O2 customer for as long, you'll only get two months' free broadband, so it works out to £8.33/month. Factor this in with the Primus home phone deal and it's £14.82/month - which, though still cheap can be beaten by other offers.
Tech specs
With a year's contract, O2's All Rounder includes "unlimited" downloads, subject to fair usage (about 100GB) at up to 20Mb. The Works (O2's slightly larger package), has a fair usage policy of about 250GB. O2 Basics offers speeds of up to 20Mb and 20GB downloads. O2 broadband is available to 80% of the UK.
- Price: From £12.74/month
- Speed: Up to 20Mb
- Download limit: Unlimited (c.100GB fair usage)
- Contract length: 12 months
- Modem/connection included? Yes
- Migration fee for switchers? No
- Tech support phone costs? Free
- Traffic shaping : Yes, strong
- Free calls? N/A
- Add feedback: Primus & O2
  |
24Mb 10GB |
£12.99/mth 12 months (1) |
Full MSE |
Visit Primus* |
We've blagged a super-cheap line rental and broadband deal for MoneySavers, ideal if you don't make many landline calls.
Pay £12.79/month for line rental and get broadband for 20p/month when you sign up via this special Primus* link.
| 65% | 21% | 14% |
| |
|
|
| Good | OK | Poor |
| Nov 2011 | Voters: 77 | ||
Plus you'll get a free router, and free landline installation or reconnection, worth £69. There's a 12-month contract. The deal's scheduled as ongoing. The bundle usually works out at £15.78/month at full price.
You'll get line rental and broadband, but no inclusive calls. If you want to add evening and weekend calls, it's an extra £1/month - sign up via this second special Primus* link for this (you'll also get an extra 10GB data).
| 56% | 25% | 19% |
| |
|
|
| Good | OK | Poor |
| Nov 2011 | Voters: 16 | ||
Alternatively, for a larger 40GB download limit, sign up by phone via Homephonechoices* as part of its ongoing offer. This works out at £15.78/month for the line rental, evening and weekend calls and broadband.
Two-thirds of Primus customers rated its home phone service "good" in our November 2011 poll. 80% of the UK can get Primus broadband, so check first to see if you can.
Tech specs
The broadband has speeds of up to 24Mb, and a 10GB download limit. Data's £2/GB if you exceed your monthly allowance. If you don't opt for paperless billing or don't pay by direct debit it's an extra £1.80/month for each.
- Price: From £12.99/month
- Speed: Up to 24Mb
- Download limit: 10GB
- Contract length: 12 months
- Modem/connection included? Yes
- Migration fee for switchers? No
- Tech support phone costs? Free
- Traffic shaping: None
- Free calls? N/A
- Add feedback: Primus
 |
24Mb 40GB |
£14.38/month (pay line rental upfront) |
Full MSE |
Visit TalkTalk* |
TalkTalk*
If you're able to, paying for your line rental upfront with TalkTalk will get you the cheapest broadband and phone bundle:
The TalkTalk Essentials* package includes broadband and evening and weekend calls. It's currently half price for six months (£3.25/month instead of the usual £6.50) for new customers.
| 27% | 35% | 38% |
| |
|
|
| Good | OK | Poor |
| Nov 2011 | Voters: 591 | ||
TalkTalk is also waiving the connection fee (usually £30), and if you pay £114 for the year's line rental upfront (equivalent to £9.50/month) it works out at £14.38/month over the year's contract.
Be aware, if you can't pay for the year's line rental upfront, this package is more expensive than others on the market. Line rental is £13.80/month usually, so when bundled with the Essentials half price offer, averages to £18.68/month.
| 34% | 41% | 25% |
| |
|
|
| Good | OK | Poor |
| Nov 2011 | Voters: 576 | ||
What do you get?
For this you get evening and weekend landline calls for the first 60 mins (so hang up and redial beforehand), plus up to 24Mb broadband with a 40GB download limit. 85% of the UK can get the cheap TalkTalk package - if you're out of area it will cost more and you won't get the extra discounts; check your eligibility*.
Tech specs
TalkTalk also offers boosts for about £2-£4 each, including extras such as increased security, a higher download limit, anytime calls and half price calls to mobiles. In most cases the boosts aren't worth it, as you can get these add-ons cheaper elsewhere.
This package also includes a free wireless router. At launch, feedback on TalkTalk's customer service was shaky, however reports say this is much better now - though no provider is ever without problems.
- Price: £14.38/month
- Speed: Up to 24Mb
- Download limit: 40GB
- Contract length: 12 months
- Modem/connection included? Yes
- Free calls? Eve/weekend (60 min max length)
- Traffic Shaping: None
- Add feedback: TalkTalk
 |
20Mb 10GB |
£15.06/mth 12 months (1) |
Full MSE |
Visit Primus* Visit Plusnet* |
If you're not an O2 mobile customer, Plusnet's standalone broadband is the cheapest option when bundled with Primus' Line Rental Saver. You can grab both for £15.06/month.
Phone info:
| 65% | 21% | 14% |
| |
|
|
| Good | OK | Poor |
| Nov 2011 | Voters: 77 | ||
Get Primus Line Rental Saver via Homephonechoices* and you get line rental for £6.49/month if you sign up for a year. This offer is available until 19 December 2011.
You don't get any inclusive calls with this so it's best for low call users. Evening and weekend calls cost 2p/min, daytime calls 6p/min, plus all calls are subject to a one-off 12.4p connection fee. See Cheap Home Phones for info.
| 76% | 18% | 6% |
| |
|
|
| Good | OK | Poor |
| Nov 2011 | Voters: 284 | ||
Broadband info:
Plusnet Value* costs £6.49/month plus £25 connection fee if in its low cost area, or £8.57/month on average over the year's contract.
With Plusnet Value, you'll get speeds of up to 20Mb, and a 10GB download limit - though Plusnet gives customers unlimited downloads from midnight to 8am (so schedule all your downloading to be done then). Go over the allowance and it's £5 for 5GB.
You'll need a Plusnet or BT-based landline, and you can avoid Plusnet's £25 fee if you already pay line rental to BT or Plusnet and sign up by phone. It's £5 p&p; for its router.
Tech specs
- Price: £15.06/month
- Speed: Up to 20Mb
- Download limit: 10GB
- Contract length: 12 months
- Modem/connection included? £25 (Plusnet)
- Migration fee for switchers? No
- Tech support phone costs? Free
- Traffic shaping : Yes, strong
- Free calls? N/A
- Add feedback: Primus & Plusnet
| |
20Mb 10GB |
£16.23/mth (12 months half price) |
Full MSE |
Visit Plusnet* |
Plusnet *
Plusnet's bundle (use link to view not sign up) usually costs £6.49/month for broadband including free evening and weekend calls, and £12.99/month for line rental. A deal cuts this further:
Sign up online via Broadbandchoices* before 21 December 2011 and you'll get the broadband half price (£3.24/month) for 12 months. This makes it an average of £16.23/month including line rental.
| 76% | 18% | 6% |
| |
|
|
| Good | OK | Poor |
| Nov 2011 | Voters: 284 | ||
Plusnet has a 10GB monthly download and upload limit, but offers unlimited downloads from midnight-8am, so schedule all your downloading to be done at night to avoid going over your limit. If you do go over the limit, it's £5 for an extra 5GB.
77% of the UK can get the cheap deal, the rest'll pay more (check availability to see if you're in a low-cost area). You'll need a Plusnet or BT-based landline, and there's £5 p&p; for its router, but you can use your own if it's compatible.
Tech specs
- Price: From £16.04/month
- Speed: Up to 20Mb
- Download limit: 10GB
- Contract length: 12 months
- Free Calls: Evening & weekend
- Connection: Free
- Length of Free Calls: First 60 mins
- Traffic shaping: Yes, strong
| Special deals for existing customers |
|---|
| |
20Mb Unlimited |
£6.25/mth (6 mths free) 12 months |
Full MSE |
Visit O2* |
O2*
O2 rated highly in our customer services poll, so is well worth considering if you've got an O2 mobile. Plus existing customers get £5/month off and don't pay the £25.53 connection fee.
O2's All-Rounder* package usually costs £17.50/month, but existing O2 mobile customers can get it for £12.50/month. New customers can also get three or six months' free broadband, depending how long you've been with O2.
| 81% | 14% | 5% |
| |
|
|
| Good | OK | Poor |
| Nov 2011 | Voters: 317 | ||
Been an O2 mobile customer for 2yrs+? Get six months' free broadband. This means the 12-month contract averages out to £6.25/month. This offer is scheduled to end Thursday 22 December.
Been an O2 mobile customer for less than 2yrs? If you've not been an O2 mobile customer for long, you can still get two months' free broadband, meaning the 12-month contract averages out to £8.33/month. This offer is scheduled to end Thursday 22 December.
No O2 mobile? It's possible to get the cheap deal by grabbing a free PAYG sim. Top up by £10 every three months and you'll qualify for the cheap broadband.
Tech specs
You'll need a BT line to get any O2 package, and to be among the 80% of the UK that can get its cheaper rates. You'll get a free wireless box even if you aren't with O2 mobile.
With a year's contract, O2's All Rounder includes "unlimited" downloads, subject to fair usage (about 100GB) at up to 20Mb. The Works (O2's slightly larger package) has a fair usage policy of about 250GB. O2 Basics offers up to 20Mb and 20GB downloads. O2's home phone service can be added for an extra £7.50/month.
- Price: All Rounder from £2.08/month
- Speed: Up to 20Mb
- Download limit: Fair usage c.100GB
- Contract length: 12 months
- Modem/connection included? Yes for O2 custs
- Migration fee for switchers? No
- Tech support phone costs? Free (0800)
- Traffic shaping: Yes, strong
 |
20Mb Unlimited |
£17.75/mth (+ £40 vouch) |
Full MSE |
Visit Orange* |
Orange mobile customers can get £7.50 off its standard prices, making its unlimited broadband and off-peak calls £5/month (£12.50/month otherwise), plus line rental. An offer for new customers cuts this further:
£40 Sainsbury's voucher, ends 31 December
| 46% | 32% | 22% |
| |
|
|
| Good | OK | Poor |
| Nov 2011 | Voters: 105 | ||
If you're an Orange mobile customer, sign up for unlimited broadband by phone via price comparison site uSwitch* to get a £40 Sainsbury's voucher, valid in-store.
Usually £5/month for mobile customers, factor in the voucher and the £12.75/month line rental (which you must take with this package) and it's £14.42/month over the 12-month contract.
| 53% | 40% | 7% |
| |
|
|
| Good | OK | Poor |
| Nov 2011 | Voters: 55 | ||
No Orange mobile? It offers Free Sim Cards, effectively meaning anyone can get the cheaper rate - but you'll need to have topped up by at least £10 in the last three months.
To get the deal at this price you'll need to be in its broadband network area (85% of UK). If not, you'll be charged an extra £10/month if you're an Orange customer, or an extra £15 otherwise. 99% of the UK population are covered by some form of Orange broadband.
Tech specs
You get up to 20Mb with no usage limit and a free wireless router.
- Price: £17.75/month
- Speed: Up to 20Mb
- Download limit: None (fair usage applies)
- Contract length: 12 months
- Modem/connection included? Yes
- Migration fee for switchers? None
- Tech support phone costs? 5p/min
- Traffic shaping: Light
| 20Mb Unlimited |
£17.88/mth (6 mths half price) 12 months |
Full MSE |
Visit Sky* |
Sky*
Existing Sky TV customers can get six months' half price broadband on its Unlimited package, but only if you take its Sky Talk home phone and line rental too.
Sign up for Sky broadband, home phone and line rental via comparison website uSwitch* before 29 December 2011, and get six months' half price unlimited broadband with Sky Talk Freetime.
| 50% | 35% | 15% |
| |
|
|
| Good | OK | Poor |
| Nov 2011 | Voters: 455 | ||
The deal gets you up to 20Mb broadband, unlimited usage and evening and weekend calls. It's £3.75/month for the first six months and £7.50/month thereafter. The package has no activation fee, so including line rental at £12.25/month, it works out to £17.88/month all in.
Tech specs
There's a 12-month contract. Sky Talk doesn't have the cheapest out-of-bundle home phone rates (see the Home Phones guide), so this may appeal to light landline users.
Tech support calls are free at any time with Sky Talk Unlimited, and free during evenings and weekends if you've Sky Talk Freetime. If this doesn't apply to you, call costs will vary.
- Price: £17.88/month
- Speed: Up to 20Mb
- Download limit: 2GB
- Contract length: 12 months
- Modem/connection included? Yes (new custs)
- Tech support phone costs? See above
| (1) - average price |
If you've found a cheaper package available to you which doesn't appear, let us know.
| Provider | Speed & Download limit |
Overall cost (Avg/month inc. fees) |
Full info | Visit provider |
|---|
| |
20Mb 10GB |
£13.45/mth 12 months (1) |
Full MSE |
Visit Plusnet* |
Plusnet, part of the BT group, has been a best buy for
some time. If you're outside its standard area (80% of UK) you can
still get its broadband, though you'll pay more.
| 76% | 18% | 6% |
| |
|
|
| Good | OK | Poor |
| Nov 2011 | Voters: 284 | ||
Plusnet Value: Outside its low cost areas, it's usually £6.49 for the first three months, then either £10.79 or £12.99 depending on your area.
It's the same as the standard Value package, with a 10GB download cap that isn't enforced overnight. At the £12.99/month rate, this gives an average of £13.45/month (factoring in the £25 fee).
Plusnet Extra: This offers 60GB downloads and up to 20Mb. Outside the "low cost area" it's normally £11.49/month for the first three months, then £15.79 or £17.99/month, depending on where you are.
Tech specs
As Plusnet provides broadband nationally, 80% of the UK get its cheaper prices but the remaining 20% should be covered by the higher rates above (in most cases).
With Plusnet Value there's up to 20Mb, a 10GB daytime download limit and unlimited downloads from midnight to 8am. Over the daytime allowance it's £5 for 5GB. You'll need a Plusnet or BT-based landline, and you can avoid Plusnet's £25 fee if you already pay line rental to BT or Plusnet and sign up by phone. It's £5 p&p; for its router.
- Price: Up to £13.45/month
- Speed: Up to 20Mb
- Download limit: 10GB
- Contract length: 12 months
- Modem/connection included? No, £30 total
- Migration fee for switchers? No
- Tech support phone costs? Free
- Traffic shaping : Yes, strong
| |
20Mb Unlimited |
Varies 18 months |
Full MSE |
Visit Virgin* |
Its standard area covers 51% of the UK; outside this, Virgin offers a lower-speed alternative.
If you're in an area that isn't covered by Virgin's* cable broadband, you may be able to get its ADSL broadband. Of course, you wouldn't get the high speeds that you'd get with cable (you'd typically get up to 10-20Mb). However, because of this you may not have to pay as much, depending on your area.
Tech specs
Virgin broadband comes on a 12-month contract as standard.
- Price: Varies
- Speed: Up to 20Mb
- Download limit: None (fair usage)
- Contract length: 12 months
- Migration fee for switchers? No
- Tech support phone costs? 4p (0845)
- Traffic shaping : None
| Bundled & home phone line rental | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| |
20Mb 10GB |
£20.24/mth 12 months (1) |
Full MSE |
Visit Primus* Visit Plusnet* |
This isn't really a bundle at all. Yet as the cheapest landline is £6.79/month, and Plusnet Value broadband's up to £13.45/month if outside its standard area, you can grab both for £20.24/month.
Phone info:
Get Primus Line Rental Saver via HomephoneChoices* and you get line rental for £6.79/month if you sign up for a year. The offer's currently ongoing until further notice.
| 65% | 21% | 14% |
| |
|
|
| Good | OK | Poor |
| Nov 2011 | Voters: 77 | ||
You don't get any inclusive calls with this so it's best for low call users. Evening and weekend calls cost 1p/min, daytime calls 6p/min plus an 11p connection charge. See Cheap Home Phones for info.
Broadband info:
Outside its low cost areas, Plusnet Value*'s usually £6.49 for the first three months, then either £10.79 or £12.99 depending on where you are.
| 76% | 18% | 6% |
| |
|
|
| Good | OK | Poor |
| Nov 2011 | Voters: 284 | ||
It's the same as the standard Value package, with a 10GB download cap that isn't enforced overnight. At the £12.99/month rate, it'd usually be an average £13.45/month (factoring in the £25 fee).
Tech specs
With Plusnet Value there's up to 20Mb, a 10GB daytime download limit and unlimited downloads from midnight to 8am. Over the daytime allowance it's £5 for 5GB. You'll need a Plusnet or BT-based landline, and you can avoid Plusnet's £25 fee if you already pay line rental to BT or Plusnet and sign up by phone. It's £5 p&p; for its router.
- Price: Up to £20.24/mth
- Speed: Up to 20Mb
- Download limit: 10GB
- Contract length: 12 months
- Modem/connection included? £25 (Plusnet)
- Migration fee for switchers? No
- Tech support phone costs? Free
- Traffic shaping : None
- Free calls? N/A
- Add feedback: Primus & Plusnet
| |
24Mb 10GB |
£30/mth 18 months |
Full MSE |
Visit Primus* |
If you'd rather just one bill but live outside the standard area, cheap landline provider Primus* is offering its own broadband and home phone bundle for an average £29.65/month.
If you're outside its standard area, it's £19.99 for the up to 24Mb broadband (the speed will depend on your area), plus £7.99 for its home phone and £30 connection fee.
| 56% | 25% | 19% |
| |
|
|
| Good | OK | Poor |
| Nov 2011 | Voters: 16 | ||
Broadband info:
You'll get up to 24Mb (this depends on where you live - do a speed test), with 10GB downloads, though we've little feedback on its service yet. If you go over the download allowance, it's an extra £1 per GB.
| 65% | 21% | 14% |
| |
|
|
| Good | OK | Poor |
| Nov 2011 | Voters: 77 | ||
Phone info:
There are free evening and weekend calls, whilst inclusive calls are free for the first 90 mins. Peak times are 8am - 6pm.
Tech specs
There's usually a £30 connection fee. In November 2011, Primus gave MSE written guarantee to allow override providers until December 2012 at least - see Home Phones for more info.
- Price: From £30/month
- Speed: Up to 24Mb
- Download limit: 10GB
- Modem/connection included? Yes
- Thinkbroadband Rating: N/A
- Free calls? Eve/Weekend (90 min max length)
- Tech support phone costs: Free (0800)
| Special deals for existing customers |
|---|
| |
8Mb 20GB |
£22.50/mth 12 months (1) |
Full MSE |
Visit O2* |
O2*
You'll need a BT line to get any O2 package, but if you aren't in the 80% of the UK that can get its cheaper rates you can still get O2's* Broadband Access service.
This is £22.50/month if you're already an O2 mobile customer, or £27.50 if not.
| 81% | 14% | 5% |
| |
|
|
| Good | OK | Poor |
| Nov 2011 | Voters: 317 | ||
There's a £30 connection fee, and you'll get up to 8Mb, 20GB downloads a month, and a free wireless box. O2's broadband comes on a year's contract.
No O2 mobile? It's possible to get the cheaper deal by grabbing a free PAYG Sim*. Top up by £10 every three months and you'll qualify for the cheap broadband.
Tech specs
- Price: O2 custs: £22.50
- Speed: Up to 8Mb
- Download limit: 20GB
- Contract length: 12 months
- Modem/connection included? £30 connection
- Migration fee for switchers? No
- Tech support phone costs? Free (0800)
- Traffic shaping : Yes, strong
| |
8Mb 40GB |
£17/mth 12 months |
Full MSE |
Visit Sky* |
Sky*
Sky's standard network area covers 78% of the UK, but if you're outside this the fee's £30 for existing customers, then you'll pay £17/mth for its up to 8Mb Connect package.
In total, this means 98.5% of the UK can get Sky's Connect broadband.
Tech specs
There's a 12-month contract. Sky Talk isn't amongst the cheapest home phone providers (see the Home Phones guide), so its bundles may only appeal to light landline users.
If you need to phone technical support, it's free at any time with Sky Talk Unlimited, and free during evenings and weekends if you've Sky Talk Freetime. If this doesn't apply to you, call costs will vary.
- Price: £17/mth
- Speed: Up to 8Mb
- Download limit: 40GB
- Contract length: 12 months
- Modem/connection included? Yes (new custs)
- Tech support phone costs? See above
| (1) - average price |
External Daily Updated Comparison Services
This article is updated monthly, however you may want to check the daily updated best buy tables from a couple of external sources as listed below.
WARNING! Always check the providers listed in this article first, as the
comparison links below don't cover anywhere near as many products; yet
they are updated daily so occasionally may provide better buys if
they're brand new.
Broadbandchoices*, Homephonechoices*, SimplifyDigital*, uSwitch*, Moneysupermarket*
Can you grab cashback on top?
It's often possible to grab extra cashback on top when you sign up for a broadband package. Yet it isn't done direct.
To get it you need to sign up via specialist cashback websites. These use affiliate links to generate revenue, and if they get paid when you sign up, they'll give some or all of it to you.
Always check first that it's an identical product, clear any cookies if you've already clicked through, and remember as the cashback isn't coming from the product provider, it's never 100% guaranteed.
Sometimes special promotions and cashback can't be combined. You're playing the system to an extent, and there can be problems.
Therefore it's generally best to pick the right product first and view the cashback as an added extra. For more information, pros and cons, and to find which cashback providers pay most for any product, see the Top Cashback Sites guide.
Plus sometimes there are special higher rates negotiated for the short term. These tend to have a higher payout reliability; when they happen we'll list them below and include info in the weekly email.
Current cashback deals.
- Up to £121.20 cashback with O2 broadband
It's possible to earn up to £121.20 on O2 broadband via Topcashback*, or up to £120 cashback via Quidco*, depending on which package you go for.
- Up to £41.20 cashback with Orange
You can get £41.20 cashback when signing up to an Orange broadband package via Topcashback*, or £40 cashback with Orange broadband via Quidco*. - Up to £62.36 cashback with Virgin Media
You can get £62.36 cashback on cable packages via Topcashback* or £61.75 cashback with Quidco*. - Up to £20.60 cashback with BT
You can get £20.60 cashback on BT broadband through Topcashback* or £20 cashback via Quidco*. - £28.24 cashback with Plusnet
Go via Topcashback* and get £28.84 cashback, or via Quidco* and get £28 cashback, when signing up to Plusnet broadband.
