Broadband · Updated July 2026
Best UK Broadband Deals 2026
The UK altnet boom means most postcodes now have 4+ genuine fibre providers competing for your business. Prices are down 20% year-on-year for switchers — here are the best deals for 2026.
Our top picks
- #1
Cheapest full-fibre
Cheapest overall£22/month24 monthsPros
- 150Mbps for the price of ADSL
- Full-fibre reliability
- No setup fee
Cons
- Availability limited to full-fibre postcodes
Best for: Cost-conscious households in altnet coverage areas. - #2
Best gigabit deal
Best for gamers/creators£35/month24 monthsPros
- 1000Mbps down / 1000Mbps up
- Symmetrical speeds for uploads
- Included Wi-Fi 6 router
Cons
- Overkill for typical households
Best for: Streamers, gamers, remote workers uploading video. - #3
Best mainstream provider
Best all-rounder£29/month24 monthsPros
- Nationwide availability
- Great customer service
- Free entertainment bundle
Cons
- Mid-contract price rises
Best for: Households wanting a familiar brand and reliable service. - #4
Best social tariff
Best low-income£15–£20/monthNo fixed contractPros
- Available to Universal Credit / Pension Credit recipients
- No mid-contract price rises
- Same speeds as standard
Cons
- Must prove eligibility
Best for: Households on qualifying benefits. - #5
Best rolling contract
Best flexibility£28/monthMonthly rollingPros
- Leave any time — no penalty
- No credit check
- Ideal for renters
Cons
- Slightly more than 24-month deals
Best for: Renters and students who might move within 12 months.
How to choose
Check availability first
Post your postcode into every provider's checker. Full-fibre from an altnet is usually 20–40% cheaper than BT/Sky in the same street.
Match speed to household size
1–2 people = 60–100Mbps is plenty. 3–4 with multiple 4K streams = 150–300Mbps. Gamers/creators = 500Mbps+.
Beware mid-contract price rises
BT/Sky/Vodafone/EE now use fixed £3–£4/month annual rises. Altnets often don't. Read the small print.
Bundle only if you'd buy the extras anyway
TV bundles look cheap but £15/mo × 24 = £360. Only worth it if you actively watch what's included.
FAQs
- What speed do I actually need?
- For most 3-person homes, 100–150Mbps handles 4K streaming, Zoom calls and gaming easily.
- Is altnet fibre safe?
- Yes — regulated by Ofcom and covered by the Automatic Compensation scheme like BT/Sky.
- Can I switch mid-contract?
- Only free after the minimum term. Otherwise expect early-termination fees of ~£10–£20 per remaining month.