How to Choose the Best Broadband Deal for You

June 23rd, 2025
How to Choose the Best Broadband Deal for You

How Do I Choose the Best Broadband Deal?

Picking the best broadband plan is all about what you and your household need. There are a lot of choices out there when it comes to internet providers, types of broadband, costs, and extras you can get. It’s easy to feel lost with so many options. The good thing is, you can use tools like Free Price Compare to help you find and compare broadband deals. You just have to enter your postcode, what you want, and your budget. This way, you can see what’s available for you and pick the right internet plan.

There is not one best broadband package for every person in the UK. The best option can be different for everyone. You need to look at the types of broadband, think about the different types of broadband, and see how you use the internet. This way, you get a broadband plan that is good for you and gives the best value.

James Ford Broadband Deals Reviewed by James Ford, TV and Broadband Expert

5G Home Broadband

  • New customers only
  • Plug and play
150Mb average* speed
Unlimited Downloads
£0.00 Setup costs
24 Month contract
Pay as you goCalls
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500Mbps Fibre Broadband - 12 months

  • New customers only
550Mb average* speed
Unlimited Downloads
£0.00 Setup costs
12 Month contract
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500Mbps Fibre Broadband

  • New customers only
550Mb average* speed
Unlimited Downloads
£0.00 Setup costs
24 Month contract
Pay as you goCalls
£20.00per month

What Are the Different Types of Broadband in the UK?

There are different types of broadband connections that you can use.

Broadband Type Description Average Speeds
ADSL (Standard) Delivered over copper telephone lines. 10–17 Mbps
Fibre to the Cabinet (FTTC) Part fibre, part copper line. More reliable than ADSL. 35–80 Mbps
Fibre to the Premises (FTTP / Full Fibre) Pure fibre cable all the way to your home. 100–1000+ Mbps (Gigabit+)
Cable Broadband Often from providers like Virgin Media. High speed, but shared with neighbours. 100–1000+ Mbps
Mobile Broadband / 5G Uses mobile data networks. Good for rural or temporary access. Varies; up to 300+ Mbps

Each type of broadband comes with different broadband speeds and a different monthly price. You need to check your postcode for what is around you. Use the provider’s broadband speed test tool to see the broadband and speeds you can get at your address. That way, you will know the broadband speeds, monthly price, and service that work best for you right now.

Why Does My Household Need a Specific Broadband Plan?

Every home is not the same. Some families with kids need ultrafast speeds because they use streaming on Netflix a lot. There are also professionals who need good wireless internet for video calls. Gamers often play on multiplayer platforms and will also need fast broadband.

But, some people live alone or are retirees. They use the internet for email and simple browsing. These people may like standard broadband or fibre deals, as they can save money with this choice.

Evaluate your household by:

  • Counting the number of devices in use, like a PC, tablet, smart TV, game console, or smartphone.
  • Listing what people do each day, such as video calls, using social media, browsing the internet, or playing games online.
  • Guessing how many people use the internet at the same time.

This will help you look at broadband packages and find the ones that give you enough bandwidth.

What’s the Best Way to Compare Broadband Packages?

The best way to do this is to use a comparison tool like Free Price Compare. It lets you:

  • You can compare broadband deals by speed, price, and how long the contract will be.
  • See the average speeds that are available in your postcode.
  • Check if you have eligibility for offers from providers such as Vodafone, Virgin Media, TalkTalk, and Plusnet.
  • You will get to access exclusive offers, like the Plusnet Reward Card or TV bundles.

Be sure to filter results based on:

  • You need to sign up for a minimum term of 12, 18, or 24 months.
  • You will get monthly bills, and you also have to pay by direct debit.
  • There might be setup costs or a charge for the router.
  • You may get extra things like Wi-Fi hubs or antivirus software.
  • There are different types of broadband. This can be full fibre, standard broadband, or fibre to the cabinet.

Are Bundle Deals Worth It?

Bundle charges that cover home phone, broadband, and TV can save you money. For example, TalkTalk gives you a 4K TV box that has live channels and voice control for just £4 more each month. Virgin Media broadband often lets you watch Netflix as part of the deal. You can also get SIM-only plans with Vodafone and BT if you choose their bundle. This way, you get home phone, broadband, TV, and sometimes even a mobile plan in one bundle.

However, you should always think about if you will make use of these extras. If you do not need a landline or already pay for TV, you may get a better price with a broadband-only deal.

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Should I Worry About Contract Terms or Credit Checks?

Yes. You should always read the contract information before you sign up.

  • Check if you need to do a credit check.
  • Take a look at the price guide to see the ongoing charges you will have to pay.
  • Read the contract summary and the terms of service. Pay extra attention to parts about loss of service or if there are any early exit fees.

Also, see if the price will go up after the first year. Most providers raise their monthly fees by the Consumer Price Index (CPI) plus 3–4% each year in April.

What About Social Tariffs or Help With Costs?

If you get universal credit, pension credit, or some other benefits, you could get cheap broadband plans. A few providers, like BT, Vodafone, and TalkTalk, have special deals called social tariffs. These keep you online at a low cost and do not have extra fees or long contracts. With these, you and your family can have broadband for less money and still use a good service.

Compare broadband while thinking about these social tariffs. You may also get help from Ofcom, or ask for advice from places like Citizens Advice or StepChange.

What Features Should I Look For In Family-Friendly Packages?

Families need to put security and parental control features first. These can help keep your loved ones safe, and let you control what kids can see or do online. With the right tools, you can feel better about what they get into on the internet. This is a good thing for parents who want to look out for their family. It is always good to know the safety features of any app or device you and your family use. Families should make sure to use these settings for added peace of mind.

  • TalkTalk gives you the Kid Safe filter.
  • Sky has the Sky Buddy app.
  • EE lets you use content filters and Smart wifi.

Look for a router that lets you manage online access. You can also set how much time people can spend on the internet and make sure they browse safely. Some routers, like the Amazon Eero Router, also work with Alexa. They make smart scheduling easy too.

Can I Still Get a Deal If I’m Moving Home?

Yes! If you’re relocating:

  • Use the broadband checker to see what is at your new address.
  • Call your current provider if you want to move your service. There may be a fee for this.
  • Check for any new customer offers where you will live next.

If you are in a current contract, leaving early can cost you a fee. So, the right timing is important.

Broadband Speed Test: Are You Getting What You Pay For?

You can check your internet connection and download speed by using free tools. Ofcom’s broadband speed test is a good choice. You can also use the broadband speed test that your internet provider gives. This helps you know if your broadband is working as it should. Just go online to do the internet connection check and see your download speed. These steps make it easy to find out if you get the download speeds you pay for with your internet.

Activity Recommended Speed
Email, browsing 5–10 Mbps
HD Streaming 10–20 Mbps
4K Streaming 25+ Mbps
Online multiplayer games 15–30 Mbps
Smart Home Devices 30+ Mbps (combined)
Work-from-home (Video) 15–25 Mbps (upload)

If your speed is too low, consider:

  • Upgrading your broadband to fibre broadband or full fibre
  • Asking for a new router or hub
  • Taking the router away from things that may block the signal
  • Using WiFi boosters to help your signal reach other parts of the house

Broadband Speed Test: Are You Getting What You Pay For

Compare Broadband Deals Easily

It is easy to compare broadband with our platform. You can find what you need, like ultrafast speeds, cheap broadband, or bundles with TV. If you want the lowest monthly price, we help you do that too. This way, you can see what different broadband providers have to offer.

  • BT
  • EE
  • Plusnet
  • TalkTalk
  • Vodafone
  • Virgin Media Broadband

We also point out deals that give you cashback, vouchers, or Plusnet Reward Cards.

Correct as of 18 June 2025

FAQs About Finding the Best Broadband Deal

What is the cheapest broadband deal right now?

Deals start at about £20 a month for basic fibre with 35 Mbps speed. Use our checker to find cheap broadband deals near you.

Do I need a landline for broadband?

You do not always need a home phone to get broadband. Many providers will give you broadband-only deals. But some of them still ask you to pay for line rental or to have a home phone put in.

Can I switch providers during a contract?

You can leave your deal only if you are out of the minimum term, or if you are okay to pay early exit fees. Some providers do not charge these fees if you move to a new address.

How do I know if I’m eligible for a better deal?

Type your postcode in a broadband speed test. After you see the results, look at what broadband the other providers have at your address.

Is it worth switching broadband every year?

Yes! The deals almost always come with a lower price for the first year. After one year, the price will usually go up. So, if you switch often, you can get the best broadband deals.

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