With so many broadband options available, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed when trying to pick the best contract. Whether you’re moving house, upgrading your current plan, or simply searching for a better deal, choosing the right broadband contract can save you money and provide faster, more reliable internet. In this 2024 edition, we’re breaking down some of the top broadband contracts in the UK, highlighting the best deals, speeds, and perks that fit different needs.
1. Sky Broadband: A Strong All-Rounder
Sky is often seen as one of the most reliable broadband providers in the UK, offering various packages to suit different needs. Their broadband contracts come with a solid reputation for high-speed internet and great customer service.
What Makes It Stand Out:
- Speeds: Sky offers a range of speeds, from standard ADSL to fibre and ultrafast options. Sky Fibre offers speeds up to 145Mbps, while their Sky Ultrafast Fibre plans deliver speeds of 500Mbps or more.
- Free Gifts & Extras: Sky is known for providing excellent value with extras like the free Sky Q box, free Netflix for a year, or the option of adding Sky Sports or Sky Cinema to your broadband contract.
- Contract Length: Typically, Sky’s broadband contracts come with 18-month or 24-month terms, giving you flexibility depending on the plan.
Best For: Families or households who want a reliable, all-inclusive broadband experience with added entertainment perks like Sky TV.
2. BT Broadband: High Speeds and Extra Perks
BT remains one of the most popular broadband providers in the UK, known for its extensive fibre network and competitive speeds. Along with fast broadband, BT often includes perks that make their contracts even more attractive.
What Makes It Stand Out:
- Speeds: BT Fibre plans offer speeds from 50Mbps to 900Mbps with their Full Fibre plans, making them ideal for users with high demands for gaming, streaming, and large households.
- Extra Features: BT’s broadband packages often come bundled with free access to BT Sport and a free Amazon Alexa device. Some plans also offer a £100 Amazon gift card, making it a great deal for those who enjoy a bit of tech or shopping.
- Contract Length: BT offers both 18-month and 24-month contracts, with the option to go month-to-month if you choose their more flexible broadband deals.
Best For: Users who need fast, reliable broadband with added perks like sports streaming and gadgets.
3. Virgin Media: Speed and Flexibility
Virgin Media is known for offering some of the fastest broadband speeds available in the UK, especially in areas where their full-fibre network is available. Their broadband plans are highly competitive, making them an excellent choice for those who demand speed.
What Makes It Stand Out:
- Speeds: Virgin Media’s broadband options range from 54Mbps to an impressive 1,100Mbps, with some of the fastest home broadband speeds in the UK available through their Gig1 plan.
- Flexibility: Virgin Media’s broadband contracts tend to be 18-month terms, but they also offer a “no contract” broadband option for those who prefer flexibility without being tied down.
- Bundles & Extras: Virgin Media often offers additional services like free wireless speakers, smart home kits, or Amazon vouchers when you sign up for their broadband deals.
Best For: Those who need extremely high speeds, particularly for gaming, large households, or heavy internet use, and who appreciate flexibility.
4. TalkTalk: Great Value for Money
TalkTalk offers one of the most affordable broadband contracts in the UK. Their plans are simple and competitively priced, making them a great option for people on a budget who still want a solid broadband service.
What Makes It Stand Out:
- Speeds: TalkTalk’s fibre plans provide speeds ranging from 38Mbps to 150Mbps, which is perfect for small to medium-sized households.
- Low-Cost Plans: TalkTalk is one of the more budget-friendly options, offering solid speeds at affordable prices. This makes them an attractive choice for students, renters, or anyone seeking good value broadband.
- No Price Hikes: TalkTalk is known for offering fixed-price contracts with no mid-term price hikes, which gives you certainty about how much you’ll be paying throughout your contract.
Best For: Budget-conscious users looking for a solid broadband option with predictable pricing.
5. Plusnet: Reliable Service with Extra Flexibility
Plusnet has long been recognised for its high-quality customer service and reliable broadband. Their contracts are affordable, with a focus on straightforward, no-fuss broadband.
What Makes It Stand Out:
- Speeds: Plusnet offers both standard broadband and fibre plans, with speeds ranging from 10Mbps to 66Mbps, which is ideal for small households or those who don’t need the fastest internet.
- Flexibility: Plusnet’s 12-month contracts are perfect for those who want a commitment that’s shorter than the usual 18-24 months offered by other providers.
- Customer Service: Plusnet is consistently rated highly for customer service, which is a major factor when choosing a broadband provider.
Best For: Users who value good customer service and prefer shorter contracts.
6. EE Broadband: Perfect for Existing EE Mobile Customers
EE offers some attractive broadband deals, especially for those who are already on EE’s mobile network. If you’re an existing EE customer, you can benefit from some discounts and exclusive offers on broadband contracts.
What Makes It Stand Out:
- Speeds: EE offers fibre speeds ranging from 36Mbps to 900Mbps, ensuring that they have a plan for every need.
- Mobile Discounts: EE customers can save up to £5 per month on broadband if they bundle their broadband with a mobile contract. This is ideal for those looking to combine both services.
- Extra Perks: Some EE broadband plans include extra perks like a free Apple Watch or Samsung Galaxy tablet, which is great for tech enthusiasts.
Best For: EE mobile users who want to bundle broadband with their mobile plan and enjoy added perks.
7. Zen Internet: High-Quality Service, No Contracts
Zen Internet focuses on providing high-quality broadband with excellent customer support. They’re known for offering flexible, no-contract broadband plans, ideal for users who don’t want to be locked into a long-term commitment.
What Makes It Stand Out:
- Speeds: Zen offers fibre broadband with speeds ranging from 36Mbps to 500Mbps, catering to a wide range of households.
- No Contracts: Zen is one of the few providers offering no-contract broadband options, which gives you complete flexibility.
- Customer Service: Zen is often praised for its high customer service standards, with a strong emphasis on customer satisfaction.
Best For: Users looking for no-contract options and who want a reliable, customer-focused service.
How to Choose the Best Broadband Contract for You?
When deciding on the best broadband contract in 2024, there are a few key factors to keep in mind:
- Speed Requirements: Consider how much speed you need based on your internet habits. For casual browsing, a lower-speed plan may suffice. However, if you’re gaming, streaming in 4K, or working from home, you might need a faster plan.
- Contract Length: Broadband contracts usually last 18-24 months, but some providers offer shorter contracts or broadband contract comparison flexible, no-commitment options. Choose based on how long you’re willing to stay tied into the deal.
- Additional Perks: Free gifts, streaming services, or bundles with mobile contracts can add great value to your broadband deal. Make sure to consider what extras matter most to you.
- Customer Service: Good customer service is essential, especially if issues arise. Check online reviews to see how each provider is rated for support.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re looking for high speeds, a budget-friendly option, or a broadband plan with extra perks, there’s something for everyone in the UK’s 2024 broadband market. The key is to assess your needs, compare offers, and select the plan that gives you the best value for your situation.
