Tips for finding the best broadband deals
Author: Dan Howdle
We know it can be difficult choosing the right deal or broadband provider. Our broadband comparison help section contains useful information and advice for making your next broadband purchase easy and stress-free. There are several things to think about when looking for a broadband deal that suits your household:
Monthly cost
Probably the most important factor at the moment when choosing a broadband deal. If you’re currently in a contract, your provider may hike the monthly cost up once the fixed-term ends. For this reason, Ofcom has made it compulsory for providers to remind you when your contract is ending, so you’ll have time to find a better deal. There’s almost always a better price available if you shop around.
Broadband speed
The faster download speeds associated with fibre broadband allow for better quality streaming, but are slightly more expensive. Choosing a speed that’s fast enough, but isn’t faster than you need, is the best way of making sure you don’t pay over the odds. A cheap deal is a false economy if it doesn’t provide the speed your household needs. Not sure what speed will be enough?
| Broadband users | Type of broadband | Speeds |
|---|---|---|
| 1-2 people | ADSL | 10-11Mbps |
| 3-4 people | Fibre | 30–60Mbps |
| 5+ people | Fibre | 60-1000Mbps |
| Gamers or streamers | Fibre | 60-1000Mbps |
See our What broadband speed do I need? guide for full details.
Contract length
Although a few providers offer monthly rolling ‘cancel anytime’ contracts, most deals are offered as 12, 18, or 24 month contracts. If you’re happy to sign up for a longer period, you’ll often enjoy a lower monthly price.
One-off, upfront and extra costs
Keep in mind some providers add other costs, and these can offset any savings you make with a lower monthly price. These typically cover things like delivery of a router, installation charges, or activation fees. If you don’t want to pay any extra costs (upfront or otherwise), you should have a look at our comparison of broadband with no upfront fees.
Bundles and package deals
Many broadband packages include additional services like landline phone call plans, TV subscriptions, and even mobile phone contracts. A broadband and phone deal, or a broadband and TV bundle deal, can save you cash along with offering the convenience of dealing with one provider.
Incentives
To sweeten deals, many providers offer rewards and incentives like cashback, bill credits, shopping vouchers or other free gifts. While they can make a package seem more enticing, they shouldn’t always form the basis of your decision when choosing which option you want. They’re usually limited-time offers – so you may feel pressured to buy before you’re ready. On the other hand, they can be represent great value and be well worth grabbing while you can! If you do go down that route, see our guide on how to claim your rewards.
Cable.co.uk make it easy for you to compare broadband deals. Use the drop down to sort by price, speed or most popular and then filter based on what really matters to you. It’s that simple.
Broadband provider reviews by the experts
Cable.co.uk is the place for expert reviews of UK broadband packages. Every broadband review we write is thorough, independent and impartial.
Pros: Faster speeds more widely available, More reliable than others, You don't need a phone line
Pros: Up to 900Mbps broadband, Great router, 'unbreakable' Wi-Fi, Reliable 'Complete Wi-Fi'
Pros: Can be excellent value, Great range of speeds, Amazing TV bundles
