Here's a rundown of how to find the best broadband deal for you, including a breakdown of key terminology you'll find while searching for a deal and which each one matters.
Jump to:
Broadband speed links:
Other things to consider:
If you want broadband without the hassle, add it to a bills package.
One Utility Bill will handle the setup with all suppliers (including broadband), and put all of your utility payments into one, fixed monthly payment.
You don't miss out either, with Sky Broadband and Virgin Media broadband to choose from, you can still get broadband service from the leading suppliers in the UK. Plus router delivery is free!
The speed of your broadband can have a huge impact on your online experience, but unless you're super up to speed (no pun intended) it can be difficult to know what to look for. Here's a breakdown of some key broadband speed terms and what they mean.
Bandwidth is the maximum amount of data your broadband connection could theoretically handle at one time. This includes average speeds for uploads and downloads.
If you're a household of heavy internet users you'll need more bandwidth, but not necessarily the most bandwidth. Click here to figure out how much bandwidth you need.
Advertised broadband deals often refer to speeds as "Up to...", meaning the number advertised is the fastest speed you can get from that particular connection.
The average speed for UK connections is 69.4Mb per second.
For example: If you pay for ultrafast broadband with a 1GB download speed, your supplier has to guarantee a a minimum download speed of at least 500MB at peak times.
If you found that this wasn't the case, using a broadband speed test, you'd be entitled to end your contract and change broadband suppliers without paying the usual termination fees, because your supplier broke the rules when they sold you the service.
This is how much data per second you can get from your connection. Busy households using more online services will need more data than someone living alone.
It doesn't just mean downloading files to your hard drive. Streaming services, social media and using your favourite apps all rely on your download speed.
This is how much data per second you can send to the internet, whether sending large files, posting on social media, video calling, or hosting a live stream.
Most broadband deals have upload speeds far lower than download speeds, because most people download far more data than they upload, so most broadband customers don't need high upload speeds.
Sometimes a capped data allowance on your broadband deal can mean a lower monthly price, which is great if you're not online (or at home) much.
But if you're a heavy internet user who relies on the internet for a lot of work and leisure, it's probably worth the extra cost to find an unlimited usage deal.
Use the speeds below and piece together an average day in your house and figure out how many devices will be connected and in use at the same time, to get an idea of the bandwidth you'll need.
Bundle the broadband speed you need into a bills package, and let One Utility Bill handle the set up and other bills admin.
NOTE:
GBps = Gigabytes per second
MBps = Megabits per second
Mbps = Megabytes per second
1 GB = 1000 MB
1MB = 8Mb
Here's how much data common online activities use so you can figure out how much your household is likely to need.
In this example, you have access to Sky Broadband in your area, and have two deals to choose from.
Scenario:
The cheaper 17MB option wouldn't be enough bandwidth for a reliable connection at this level of activity, and the Ultrafast option would be more than enough. Even at off-peak times, the cheaper option would give you slower speeds for streaming and video calls.
The 78MB per second option would be able to handle almost twice as much activity, even at peak times, meaning it could be a good option for some of the busiest households.
The average UK download speed is 63Mb per second, so most deals would be fine for that level of usage. You could go for deals calling themselves things like "Gigabit" or "Ultrafast Plus", but you probably wouldn't use it most of the time.
However, busier households with more collective screen time will need more bandwidth. Whether its children or housemates also using the connection, your data usage could easily double or triple at peak times. And a larger bandwidth will complete big downloads at faster speeds, ideal if you regularly download games or movies, the bigger bandwidth deals are definitely for you.
Every device that connects to your home broadband connection takes a small slice of bandwidth. Lots of devices connected to the same router means you need a higher bandwidth, even if they're all using a small amount. This includes devices using Wi-Fi and a wired connection.
The speed you'll need to broadcast your own livestream is different to the one you'll need to watch someone else's livestream, or watch content from streaming services.
To broadcast your own livestream you'll need a good upload speed.
Twitch recommends a minimum upload speed of 6Mbps. That doesn't take into account any online games you might be playing at the same time, which can use a lot of upload speed too.
Recommendations vary, but most online sources say you'll need at least 3Mbps for most games, and between 5-10Mbps for a good experience.
To watch someone else's livestream you'll need a good download speed.
Create your own custom One Utility Bill package to put all of your chosen utility bills into one, fixed monthly payment. You can add broadband into the mix, with options from Sky and Virgin Media. It's a more convenient option with no compromise on quality.
Our providers cover most of the UK, and your options include some of the fastest broadband deals in the UK.
FYI: Available packages corrects as of 05.03.24. Available services change all the time, so you could see different services if you get a broadband quote 👍
Fibre broadband is one of the broadband connection types currently available in the UK. It's faster than older technologies, and is now available in most of the UK.
Copper wires (telephone lines) are used to connect to the internet. This is older technology and can be slower and less reliable than other connections. Rural areas are more likely to have this type of connection.
The most common type of fibre broadband. This uses a fibre cable rather than the older copper cabling. They can carry much more data at once, meaning a faster connection.
With FTTC broadband, fibre cables connect to the cabinet (the green boxes you see in the street). Copper cables connect your house to the cabinet.
The copper wires mean this connection type is slightly slower than full fibre broadband. These connections are slowly being replaced, and most places will eventually have full fibre broadband.
Also called full fibre broadband. The fibre cable connects straight to your home, meaning the fastest possible connection the whole way, and the most reliable broadband technology.
This is the fastest type of fibre broadband available, with speeds of up to 1GB (1000MB).
Broadband connections have a big impact on your speed, but there isn't usually a lot of choice. Availability at your address is usually based on the type of connection that's there already.
To set up broadband directly with a supplier you need to:
This is pretty simple on its own, but usually sign up needs to happen during a home moving process, whether you've just bought a new home, or you're moving to a new tenancy. One simple process on a long list of simple processes is still a lot of work.
If you include broadband in a One Utility Bill bills package you just need to:
The team will check availability, sit on the phone with suppliers and all that boring stuff on your behalf.
Sound good? Get an easy bills quote now to simplify your move, or learn more about how bill packages work.
Not all internet providers are available in all areas. Check network availability at your new postcode to make sure you can get your perfect deal at your new place.
(The One Utility Bill team do that for you if you include broadband in your bills package. Just saying.)
A landline is included with many broadband deals, but you can also get broadband-only deals which are a little cheaper and don't include any phone service.
Landline customers pay an extra cost, but it's important to note that it's an optional extra and you don't need to pay for it.
Some people prefer to have a landline for emergency services, but others rely on their mobile. It's up to you, but make sure you look out for this detail when you're shopping around.
Some broadband deals come with streaming TV subscriptions, and TV packages included. This comes with an extra cost, but can be a good deal compared to paying for the services separately.
The monthly cost of your broadband most important thing at the end of the day, but you need to consider it with everything else.
Make sure you factor in any upfront costs, like router delivery, too. One Utility Bill offers free router delivery if you add broadband to your bills package. Just saying.
Many broadband providers offer long minimum terms, including 18-month contracts, which can be tricky if you're renting with a short term tenancy, or looking to buy a home and don't know when you might be moving. There's an additional charge for ending these contracts early, so make sure you factor that in. Moving is expensive enough as it is!
One Utility Bill will tailor your broadband contract so you're only paying for the months you'll actually use it, which is the perfect solution for anybody moving home soon, or those on a short tenancy.
Other things we think you'll like: