Plusnet vs TalkTalk Broadband: Which Provider Is Better?

Plusnet and TalkTalk are two big UK broadband providers. They offer affordable packages and full fibre options. Both provide reliable connections through the Openreach network. They target different customer needs. TalkTalk gives better routers, home phone options, and TV packages. Plusnet, on the other hand, offers simple, no-frills broadband at good prices.

At a Glance: Plusnet vs TalkTalk Broadband

Pricing Comparison: Which Provider Offers Better Value?

Plusnet Pricing

TalkTalk Pricing

• TalkTalk may cost a bit more.
• It has shorter contract terms.
• It offers extra features like TV packages.
• For some users, this may be worth the extra cost.

Broadband Speeds: TalkTalk vs Plusnet Performance

Both providers give fibre broadband through the Openreach network. TalkTalk, however, has slightly faster speeds on average, especially when many people are online.

Minimum Guaranteed Speeds: TalkTalk vs Plusnet

Minimum guaranteed speeds mean you will know the lowest performance you can get from your broadband provider. This information is very important for people who need steady internet speeds. This is especially true for activities like streaming, gaming, or video conferencing.

Comparison of Minimum Guaranteed Speeds

TalkTalk provides much higher minimum guaranteed speeds than Plusnet. This is especially true for their full fibre packages.

Why TalkTalk Excels in Minimum Speeds

1. Higher Baseline Speeds: TalkTalk’s Full Fibre 500 plan offers a minimum speed of 440Mbps. This speed is 165Mbps more than Plusnet’s similar plan. This extra speed helps users who download large files or enjoy 4K streaming feel more confident.
2. Consistency for Full Fibre Customers: TalkTalk uses full fibre connections from both Openreach and CityFibre. This setup helps them handle traffic during busy times. Users can expect average speeds to be closer to what they see in ads.
3. Reliability for Multiple Devices: The higher minimum speeds from TalkTalk are great for homes with lots of devices. This helps to lower the chances of slowdowns during video calls, streaming, or online gaming.

Limitations of Plusnet’s Minimum Speeds

• Lower Guarantees: Plusnet offers good broadband packages, but its minimum speed guarantees on full fibre plans are not as high as TalkTalk’s. For example, the Full Fibre 900 plan guarantees 500Mbps, while TalkTalk’s guarantee is 725Mbps. This might not work well for people who need strong and steady connections for difficult tasks.
• Impact on Real-World Usage: When minimum speeds are lower, Plusnet customers might feel slower performance during busy times. This can be a problem, especially in homes where many people are using the internet a lot.

Key Considerations for Customers

• For Dependable Performance: TalkTalk offers higher minimum guarantees. This makes it a great choice for people who need reliability, like remote workers or online gamers.
• For Budget-Friendly Options: Plusnet could attract users who want a flat rate broadband service with basic features. However, its lower guaranteed speeds may be a concern for those who need steady speeds.

Verdict

• Choose TalkTalk: Pick this if you want faster speeds and better performance for things like streaming, learning online, or gaming.
• Choose Plusnet: Pick this if you use the internet a little and want a budget broadband provider with steady but lower performance guarantees.

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Router Technology: Plusnet Hub Two vs TalkTalk Routers

The type of router you use can greatly affect your internet connection and how well you enjoy it. Below is an overview of the router choices from Plusnet and TalkTalk.

Plusnet Hub Two

• WiFi Protocol: WiFi 5 (802.11ac)
• Ethernet Ports: 4 x 1Gb
• Mesh Support: Not available
• Special Features: Smart channel selection helps keep connections stable.
• Strengths: This is a reliable choice for standard broadband. It works well in homes with fewer devices and is good for users who do not require advanced features.

TalkTalk Routers

• WiFi Protocol: WiFi 6 (eero 6) / Tri-band WiFi 6 (eero Pro 6)
• Ethernet Ports: 2 x 1Gb
• Mesh Support: Fully supported with extra eero devices
• Additional Features:
  • eero Secure: Offers parental controls and better security features.
  • Upgrade Options: Comes with a second eero device for bigger homes with wireless connection problems.

Feature Comparison

Key Insights:

1. Advanced Connectivity with TalkTalk: TalkTalk’s WiFi 6 routers, like the eero Pro 6, give you great connectivity for homes with many devices. These routers support mesh technology, which helps with large files, video calls, and streaming services like Amazon Prime Video.
2. Basic but Reliable Plusnet Hub Two: Plusnet’s router is simple and effective. It works well for budget broadband provider customers who do not need fast speeds or special features like mesh networks.
3. Customisation with TalkTalk: TalkTalk lets you upgrade with extra eero devices. This is perfect for users who want better wireless connections or have issues with dead spots in bigger homes.

Verdict:

• Pick TalkTalk if you want advanced options like WiFi 6, mesh networking, and full fibre connections.
• Pick Plusnet for dependable routers that are simple to use and great for smaller homes or lighter internet use.

TV and Entertainment: TalkTalk’s Advantage

TalkTalk offers a TV box that runs on Android for only £5 a month. This box gives access to:

• Freeview channels
• Apps like Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, and Apple TV+

Plusnet does not have a TV package right now. This could be a problem for users who want a broadband and TV service together.

Key Insight: TalkTalk’s TV package is a great bonus for users who want to enjoy on-demand streaming.

Setup and Installation Process

Both Plusnet and TalkTalk make it easy to set up and install their broadband services. However, they have different ways of handling things, especially for customers with full fibre broadband.

Plusnet Setup Process

• Installation Fees: There is no upfront cost for any broadband packages. This includes all fibre broadband deals.
• Router Setup: You will receive the Plusnet Hub Two with easy instructions. You can install it yourself. It has a smart channel selection feature to help keep your internet connection stable.
• Engineer Visits: A visit from an engineer may be needed for full fibre connections. This service is set up during sign-up and usually takes 1-2 hours.
• Standard Installation Times: For new customers, installation is usually finished within 7-10 days.

TalkTalk Setup Process

• Installation Fees: There is no charge for setting up any broadband package. This includes talktalk fibre and full fibre broadband deals.
• Router Setup: Customers get either the Amazon eero 6 or eero Pro 6 router with their full fibre packages. The router comes pre-configured, making it easy to install. Its mesh feature provides good coverage for larger homes.
• Engineer Visits: A visit from an engineer is needed for homes switching to full fibre connections. This is done through the Openreach or CityFibre networks. The installation is quick and easy.
• Online Support: New customers can find helpful guides and tutorials on the TalkTalk website.

Key Insights

• Plusnet: Aims for easy setup and dependable standard broadband choices.
• TalkTalk: Provides better router options for full fibre packages, giving improved wireless connection for bigger homes.

Social Tariffs and Support for Low-Income Customers

Both providers have low-cost plans. These are for customers who get government benefits or are having a hard time because of the rate of inflation. These social tariffs help people stay connected for a price that is easy on the wallet.

Plusnet Social Tariffs

• Availability: Right now, Plusnet does not have specific social broadband plans. However, their regular plans have good prices compared to other budget broadband providers.
• Benefits: There are affordable choices for new customers. Deals begin at £25.99 per month for unlimited fibre.

TalkTalk Social Tariffs

• Home Essentials Plan: Made for low-income families and people on Universal Credit or similar benefits.
• Price: Only £20 per month.
• Speed: Average download speed is 38Mbps. This is good for browsing, streaming, and light usage.
• Extras: Comes with a free home phone line.
• Additional Offers: There are regular discounts for TalkTalk broadband deals. This is especially for customers who upgrade to full fibre connections.

Key Insights

• TalkTalk is in front in this area because it gives a special plan for people. This plan helps homes that have money problems to stay connected.
• Plusnet aims at people who want to save money. It offers simple, flat-rate prices that make it a cheap choice for many.

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Additional Services (Landline, TV, Bundles)

Both Plusnet and TalkTalk offer extra services to go along with their broadband packages. These services include landlines, TV packages, and special deals with big UK providers like BT Sport or Amazon Prime Video.

Plusnet Additional Services

• Landline Options: There is no landline included by default, but you can add digital voice services to full fibre plans.
• TV Packages: Plusnet doesn’t provide a TV service anymore. If you want TV bundles, you may have to check Sky TV or Virgin Media separately.
• Strengths: Plusnet focuses on providing affordable broadband without extras that can distract.

TalkTalk Additional Services

• Landline Options:
  • Comes with standard broadband and part-fibre plans.
  • For full fibre packages, it costs £2/month.
  • Call packages start from £8/month. You can get unlimited UK calls or pick international plans.
• TV Packages:
  • The Android-powered TalkTalk TV Box is available for £5/month.
  • It supports apps like Prime Video, Netflix, and the BT Sport App.
  • You can stream from mobile devices using Chromecast.
• Bundled Deals:
  • Get Total Home WiFi for £8/month to enhance your wireless connections.
  • You can also get discounts on extra devices for mesh networks.

Key Insights

• TalkTalk provides many extra services. This makes it great for people looking for bundled deals.
• Plusnet keeps it simple. It is perfect for those who just need home broadband without any added features.

Customer Service: How Do TalkTalk and Plusnet Compare?

Ofcom and Trustpilot Metrics Comparison

Plusnet: A Budget Broadband Provider with Mixed Reviews

• Low Complaints: Ofcom mentions only 6 complaints for every 100,000 customers. This shows that Plusnet is a good choice among major UK providers.
• Service Satisfaction: Plusnet has a strong satisfaction rate of 89% for its broadband package and speed of service.
• Trustpilot Concerns: Even with high satisfaction ratings, Plusnet’s TrustScore is 2.1. A large 77% of reviews give it only 1 star. Many complaints focus on connection problems and slow customer service team response times.

TalkTalk: Improving with Larger Customer Base

• Higher Complaints: TalkTalk gets 10 complaints for every 100,000 customers. This shows that they have many users and face challenges with service for new customers.
• Trustpilot Feedback: TalkTalk has a TrustScore of 2.9. This is better than Plusnet on social media and review sites, with 36% of users giving 5-star ratings.
• Customer Scores: People like TalkTalk’s full fibre deals because of their average speeds and unlimited fibre options. However, some users report problems like outages and delays in getting help.

Why TrustPilot Ratings Matter

TalkTalk has the most customers, with more than 84,000 reviews. Plusnet only has 11,000 reviews. This shows that more people are sharing their experiences with TalkTalk. It also shows that TalkTalk has a bigger share of the market for full fibre customers.

Key Considerations:

• For Reliable Service: Plusnet has low complaint rates and high satisfaction scores, making it a great choice for anyone who values reliable home broadband.
• For Better Deals and Extras: TalkTalk provides full fibre packages that include extras like TalkTalk TV and BT Sport. This is appealing for users wanting more than just internet.
• Budget-Friendly Options: Both providers offer affordable broadband plans, but Plusnet’s simpler packages are great for light users looking to save money.

Verdict: Which Broadband Provider Should You Choose?

Choose Plusnet if:

• You want budget broadband that is simple to use.
• You like a no-frills service that has fewer issues.

Choose TalkTalk if:

• You need full fibre broadband deals that come with advanced routers.
• You want add-ons like a home phone or TV service.

FAQs About Plusnet vs TalkTalk Broadband

Which provider offers cheaper broadband plans?

• Plusnet has cheaper plans than TalkTalk.
• They offer this across all speed levels.

Does TalkTalk offer better routers than Plusnet?

Yes, TalkTalk offers routers that support WiFi 6. These routers also have mesh support. This means you can get faster speeds and improved connectivity.

Can I get TV services with Plusnet or TalkTalk?

• TalkTalk has an Android TV box you can get for £5 a month.
• Plusnet does not offer TV services right now.

Which provider has better customer service?

Plusnet has better customer satisfaction and gets fewer complaints.

Which is better for full fibre broadband?

TalkTalk provides faster speeds and better minimum guarantees. This makes it a great choice for full fibre customers.