Vodafone vs BT Broadband: Which is the Better Provider?

When looking at broadband providers in the UK, Vodafone and BT are usually among the best. They both use the Openreach network for quick and reliable internet. However, they serve different types of customers. BT is recognised for high-quality services and great customer service. On the other hand, Vodafone is a cost-effective choice with good prices.

Vodafone vs BT Broadband at a Glance

Broadband Options: Speeds and Performance

BT Broadband

BT offers many internet speeds. You can choose from basic ADSL to super-fast full fibre. ADSL works for homes that can’t get fibre. The fibre options fit different needs, whether you are just browsing, streaming videos, or playing games a lot.

BT Broadband Packages

• ADSL: Average download speed is 10Mbps.
• Fibre Essential: Average download speed is 36Mbps.
• Fibre 1: Average download speed is 50Mbps.
• Fibre 2: Average download speed is 67Mbps.
• Full Fibre 100: Average download speed is 150Mbps.
• Full Fibre 500: Average download speed is 500Mbps.
• Full Fibre 900: Average download speed is 900Mbps.

Vodafone Broadband

Vodafone does not provide ADSL. Instead, it offers fibre broadband with average speeds from 35Mbps to 910Mbps. The Pro II plans from Vodafone come with special features. These include 4G broadband backup and dedicated technical support.

Vodafone Broadband Packages

• Fibre 1: Average download speed is 35Mbps.
• Fibre 2: Average download speed is 67Mbps.
• Full Fibre 150: Average download speed is 150Mbps.
• Full Fibre 500: Average download speed is 500Mbps.
• Full Fibre 910: Average download speed is 910Mbps.

Grab the cheapest Broadband & Phone Deals

Make savings up to 44% & keep the operational cost lower!!!

Compare Now

Coverage and Availability

Both Vodafone and BT use the Openreach network. This network is available in 96% of UK homes. Because of this, Vodafone and BT are good choices for most areas in the UK.

• BT: Provides ADSL to rural places and is growing its full fibre network. It plans to connect 25 million homes by 2026.
• Vodafone: Works with Openreach and CityFibre to offer fibre broadband. It aims to serve city and suburban areas.

Broadband and TV Bundles

BT TV

BT offers several TV bundles. These packages give you access to TNT Sports, NOW TV, and Netflix. You can also pick and choose extra options for your plan. If you want, you can change your add-ons while you are under contract.

Popular BT TV Bundles

• Big Sport: Get all TNT Sports and Sky Sports channels.
• Big Entertainment: Enjoy Sky Cinema and NOW TV’s Entertainment Membership.
• Full Works: A mix of sports, movies, and entertainment.

Vodafone TV

Vodafone provides an easy TV service with Apple TV 4K as part of its Pro Xtra plans. Customers receive three months of Apple TV+. However, this service does not have as many options as BT’s TV bundles.

Vodafone Xtra TV Features

• Apple TV 4K device
• Use streaming apps like Netflix and Prime Video

Cost and Pricing

Vodafone is the best choice for customers who want to save money. BT is for those who are ready to spend more for top-quality services.

Customer Service Stats According to OFCOM Data

BT Customer Service

BT has shown good results in customer service. A 2023 report from Ofcom says BT’s broadband services had 10 complaints for every 100,000 customers, which matches the industry average. Also, the average time to wait on the phone with BT was 2 minutes and 16 seconds, similar to what is seen in the industry.

Vodafone Customer Service

Vodafone’s customer service has had some issues. A report from Ofcom shows that Vodafone got 12 complaints for every 100,000 broadband customers. This is a bit higher than the industry average. In addition, the average waiting time for a call to Vodafone was 2 minutes and 37 seconds, which is longer than the waiting time for BT.

Customer Service Comparison Table

Trustpilot Reviews: BT vs Vodafone UK

Customer reviews on Trustpilot show big differences between BT and Vodafone UK. These reviews show how happy customers are, how reliable the services are, and their experiences with things like full fibre broadband, broadband contracts, and customer support. Let’s take a closer look at how they stack up against each other:

BT Trustpilot Reviews

BT has 18,130 reviews on Trustpilot. They have a TrustScore of 1.3 out of 5, which is seen as “Bad.” A closer look at the reviews shows that many customers are not happy with their service.

Key Issues Highlighted:

• Customers are worried about price rises during the broadband contract period.
• Many face poor Wi-Fi performance, even when using BT Full Fibre and FTTP connections.
• There are problems with customer service, like long wait times and issues that remain unresolved.
• After the end of your contract, it can be tough to manage your account.

Many users report problems even with the good full fibre deals and strong BT routers. They often struggle with the reliability of their broadband connection. Additionally, customers find it hard to manage disputes about their broadband contracts.

Vodafone UK Trustpilot Reviews

Vodafone UK has 74,262 reviews on Trustpilot. It has a TrustScore of 4.5 out of 5, which means it is rated as “Excellent.” Here is the summary:

Positive Highlights:

• Vodafone Pro II customers like the technical support and the Vodafone router. They find it gives steady Wi-Fi connections.
• There are good fibre broadband deals, especially for full fibre (FTTP) choices with speeds up to 910Mbps.
• Customers feel happy with the low prices and standard deals when compared to others.
• They appreciate the unlimited anytime calls to UK landlines and mobile phones included in their broadband bundles.

Issues Reported:

Some customers feel that Vodafone is better. They mentioned that there can be price increases while under contract. They also noted that technical problems sometimes take a while to fix. Still, these complaints happen less often than with BT.

Trustpilot Review Comparison Table

Analysis: BT vs Vodafone Trustpilot Performance

• BT: Faces problems with customer satisfaction even though it offers fast BT full fibre broadband and several broadband packages. Customers often complain about bad service, regular price rises, and issues with the reliability of their internet connection.
• Vodafone: Does much better than BT on Trustpilot. Customers like its good prices, reliable Wi-Fi, and the advanced features of the Vodafone Pro II package. It shows a better mix of price and performance.

Router Comparison: BT Smart Hub 2 vs Vodafone Hub 2

Both BT and Vodafone offer advanced routers in their broadband packages. These routers are important for keeping a fast and steady internet connection. This matters whether you are just browsing, streaming videos, playing games, or using several devices at once. Here is a comparison of the BT Smart Hub 2 and the Vodafone Hub 2. We will look at their features, technology, and which one is best for you.

BT Smart Hub 2 VS Vodafone Hub 2

Wi-Fi Standard

• BT Smart Hub 2: Uses Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) for good performance with standard internet use. It has dual-band options (2.4GHz and 5GHz), which makes it good for streaming HD videos, browsing, and some light gaming. It might have trouble if you connect a lot of devices or use very fast plans like BT Full Fibre 900.
• Vodafone Hub 2: Comes with the latest Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax). This offers faster speeds and better performance when many devices are connected. Wi-Fi 6 also helps reduce delays, making it great for online gaming and 4K streaming.

Mesh Network Support

• BT Smart Hub 2: This hub supports mesh networking with BT Complete Wi-Fi. Customers can buy extra discs to build a smooth mesh network. This helps extend Wi-Fi range in bigger homes. However, it costs extra, so it may not be great for people on a tight budget.
• Vodafone Hub 2: This hub has built-in mesh support with the Pro II package, and you don’t have to pay more for it. This feature gives strong and steady Wi-Fi signals throughout the house. It works best for large families or homes with thick walls that block signals.

Security Features

• BT Smart Hub 2: It has WPA2 encryption. This offers good security. However, it does not have the advanced protections found in newer standards. It works well for most homes, but tech-savvy users might want more security.
• Vodafone Hub 2: This one uses WPA3 encryption, which is the latest for Wi-Fi networks. This means it provides stronger protection against hacking. It also offers better security for your devices connected to the network.

Additional Features

• BT Smart Hub 2:
  • It picks the best frequency band to give you smart channel selection.
  • It has support for BT’s Digital Voice, which works with their landline option.
  • There are four Ethernet ports for wired connections. These are great for gaming consoles, PCs, or smart TVs.
• Vodafone Hub 2:
  • It comes with built-in 4G broadband backup using Vodafone Pro II. This keeps you connected if your main broadband connection goes down.
  • It has eight antennas for a wider area and a stronger signal.
  • A password management system is included. It makes it easier to set up and access your network.

Best For

• BT Smart Hub 2: A good choice for average homes with simple to medium internet use.
  • Great for people who want to easily upgrade their Wi-Fi with mesh discs.
• Vodafone Hub 2: A great fit for large families with several devices and a need for fast broadband.
  • Ideal for users who want steady connectivity and dedicated technical support available with the Pro II package.

Grab the cheapest Broadband & Phone Deals

Make savings up to 44% & keep the operational cost lower!!!

Compare Now

Extras and Perks

• BT: You can enjoy free public Wi-Fi spots, get discounts on mobile plans, and receive gift cards as a new customer.
• Vodafone: They offer discounts for mobile users and extra features in the Pro II plans.

Verdict

FAQs About Vodafone vs BT Broadband