Broadband Comparison October, 2026

The best broadband speed is relative to your needs. This is because you don’t want to pay for a package that’s too expensive that you don’t fully use. With that said, some providers can provide full fibre speeds of around 600Mbps. (speeds as advertised in May 2023)

If you’re a light user of the internet, where you just check emails and browse news sites, then you’ll only need around 10Mbps to be comfortable.

If you’re a single user streaming video or using the internet more robustly, then you’ll likely want a minimum of 30Mbps.

For families with multiple users that are likely to be using the internet simultaneously, you’ll want speeds of around 60Mbps to ensure that there is no buffering or slowdowns.

If you’re an avid internet user, streaming or gaming in 4K, or need the internet to run a business, then a speed of 100Mbps or more will likely suit your needs.

If your speed is fast enough to handle your requirements, then it should be consistent throughout the day. However, a few things can affect it and cause it to slow down.

If you’re using a device far from your router, your signal will be weaker, resulting in slower speeds. That’s why it’s a good idea to place your router in areas where you’re going to be using the internet the most often, such as the living room or in your home office.

Things like walls and furniture can block your Wi-Fi, causing speeds to drop. The speed of your broadband can also be affected if your broadband is obstructed. To stop this, it’s best to place your router in an open area and to not confine it in a cupboard or other form of furniture.

You can switch your broadband whenever you want, although there are times when it’s more sensible than others.

If you’ve served the length of your current contract, then you’re able to find a new broadband provider without any restrictions. However, if you’re still in your minimum term, then you won’t be able to switch your provider without paying an early exit fee.

An early exit fee can be very expensive, and many providers will expect you to pay for the rest of the contract at once before you’re able to leave.

The only time that you’re able to leave your current contract early without paying is if you can prove that you’re not being supplied with the service that you’re paying for.

For example, if you’re constantly getting drop-outs in service, or if your speed is a lot slower than it should be, then you can leave without paying. Many providers will insist that an engineer comes out to check things, so leaving could take a while, but if these issues are proven to be true, then you should be able to leave.

For most providers, your broadband won’t instantly stop when your contract ends. When your minimum term ends you move onto the provider's out-of-contract price, which is usually higher than the deal you signed up to; Ofcom requires providers to send an end-of-contract notification before your deal ends and an annual best-tariff notification afterwards, so compare as soon as one arrives.

Your provider will likely contact you via email or letter to inform you that your contract is up. Here, it is common for providers to offer new contracts and bundles so that you’re persuaded to stay with them.

Although, now that your contract is over, you’re free to switch providers and choose a new broadband package without having to pay any leaving costs.

If you would rather stay with your current provider, ask for their best available deal when the end-of-contract notification arrives: providers must tell you their best tariffs, and you can then compare that offer against the rest of the market.

Switching broadband can take up to two weeks from when you begin the process to when you have your new provider, router, and connection set up. However, despite this timescale, it doesn’t mean that you’ll be without broadband the entire time.

How long a switch takes depends on the provider you’re leaving from and the provider you’re switching to. If they’re both on the Openreach telecom network, then the switch can be pretty swift. If not, it may take a little longer, but you still do not need to disconnect or cancel your current broadband yourself: under One Touch Switch the new provider arranges the switch with your old provider.

The timeframe can also be impacted if you’re getting new equipment installed. If an engineer is upgrading your connection, then you’ll have to schedule a call-out, which could prolong the process.

Since 12 September 2024, switching between broadband providers uses Ofcom's One Touch Switch process, whichever networks the two providers use: you only contact the new provider, your current provider then sends you important information about the switch, including what leaving your current deal would cost, and the new provider arranges the switch with your old provider for the date you choose.

With only the new provider to contact, you can have your switch organised and confirmed within a day.

Once your new connection is in place, you should also allow a few days for the broadband speeds to settle. Sometimes in the first few days, the speeds can be a little bit up and down as a new connection is established. This should go back to normal after a few days.

One Touch Switch is Ofcom's switching process, in place since 12 September 2024. You contact only the new provider; your current provider then sends you important information about the switch, including the cost of leaving your current deal, and once you confirm, the new provider arranges the switch with your old provider. You do not need to contact your old provider to cancel.

It can, but since 17 January 2025 the provider must tell you in pounds and pence, before you sign up, how much the price will rise and when. Inflation-linked rises are no longer allowed in new contracts, so the rise shown on the deal is the one you will pay.

A social tariff is a cheaper broadband or phone package for households receiving Universal Credit, Pension Credit or certain other benefits. Eligibility and prices vary by provider, so check the provider's social tariff page; Ofcom lists the tariffs available.

No. Full-fibre and cable connections do not use a phone line, and the copper phone network is being retired. If you still want a home phone, providers offer a digital voice service that runs over the broadband connection.