Cheapest Broadband UK 2026: Best Deals and Social Tariffs

The cheapest broadband in the UK starts from around £15-£20 per month for basic speeds. Social tariffs offer even better value for eligible households, with prices from £10-£15 per month.

Note: Broadband prices change frequently. Check comparison sites for the latest deals before signing up.

Cheapest Broadband Deals by Speed Tier

Basic Broadband (10-35 Mbps)

Suitable for: Light browsing, email, video calls, streaming on one device

Provider	Speed	Monthly Price	Contract	Setup Fee	Notes
Now Broadband	36 Mbps	£18-£22	12 months	£0-£10	No mid-contract price rises
TalkTalk	35 Mbps	£20-£24	18 months	£0	Price may rise mid-contract
Plusnet	36 Mbps	£22-£26	18 months	£0	BT network, reliable
Vodafone	35 Mbps	£20-£24	18 months	£0	Good customer service

Note: Prices are approximate and change frequently. Check provider websites for current deals.

Superfast Broadband (50-80 Mbps)

Suitable for: Multiple devices, HD streaming, online gaming, working from home

Provider	Speed	Monthly Price	Contract	Setup Fee	Notes
Now Broadband	63 Mbps	£22-£26	12 months	£0-£10	No mid-contract price rises
TalkTalk	67 Mbps	£24-£28	18 months	£0	Price may rise mid-contract
Vodafone	63 Mbps	£24-£28	18 months	£0	Good for families
Sky	59 Mbps	£28-£32	18 months	£0	Often includes TV deals

Ultrafast Broadband (100+ Mbps)

Suitable for: Large households, 4K streaming, heavy gaming, multiple users

Provider	Speed	Monthly Price	Contract	Setup Fee	Notes
Virgin Media	132 Mbps	£28-£32	18 months	£0	Fastest widely available
Vodafone	100 Mbps	£28-£32	18 months	£0	Good value for speed
BT	100 Mbps	£32-£36	24 months	£0	Reliable, premium brand
Sky	145 Mbps	£35-£40	18 months	£0	Often bundled with TV

Note: Ultrafast speeds aren’t available everywhere. Check coverage in your area before signing up.

Social Tariffs: Cheapest Option for Eligible Households

Social tariffs offer discounted broadband for households receiving certain benefits. They’re usually the cheapest option if you qualify.

Who Qualifies for Social Tariffs?

You may qualify if you receive:

• Universal Credit
• Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
• Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
• Income Support
• Pension Credit
• Personal Independence Payment (PIP)

Each provider has slightly different eligibility criteria. Check their websites for full details.

Social Tariff Providers

Provider	Speed	Monthly Price	Contract	Setup Fee	Eligibility
BT Home Essentials	36 Mbps	£15	None	£0	Universal Credit, ESA, JSA, Income Support, Pension Credit
Virgin Media Essential	15 Mbps	£12.50	None	£0	Universal Credit, Pension Credit, Income Support, ESA, JSA
Sky Broadband Basics	36 Mbps	£20	None	£0	Universal Credit, Pension Credit, Income Support, ESA, JSA
Vodafone Essentials	38 Mbps	£12	None	£0	Universal Credit, Pension Credit, Income Support, ESA, JSA
Now Broadband Basics	36 Mbps	£20	None	£0	Universal Credit, Pension Credit, Income Support, ESA, JSA
Hyperoptic Social	50 Mbps	£15	None	£0	Universal Credit, Pension Credit, Income Support, ESA, JSA
KCOM Full Fibre Flex	30 Mbps	£14.99	None	£0	Universal Credit, Pension Credit, Income Support, ESA, JSA (Hull area only)

Note: Social tariff availability and prices change. Check provider websites for the latest information.

How to Apply for a Social Tariff

1. Check eligibility: Confirm you receive one of the qualifying benefits
2. Contact provider: Call or apply online (you’ll need proof of benefits)
3. No credit check: Social tariffs don’t usually require credit checks
4. No contract: You can leave at any time
5. Keep your number: You can usually keep your existing phone number if switching

Contract vs Rolling Monthly

Fixed Contracts (12-24 months)

Pros:

• Usually cheaper monthly price
• Often includes setup fee waiver
• Price locked for contract period (check terms)

Cons:

• Early exit fees if you leave before contract ends (usually £10-£15 per remaining month)
• May have mid-contract price rises (check terms)
• Less flexibility

Rolling Monthly (No Contract)

Pros:

• No early exit fees
• Can leave with 30 days’ notice
• More flexibility

Cons:

• Usually more expensive per month
• May have setup fees
• Prices can change with 30 days’ notice

Best for: If you’re moving soon, renting, or want flexibility.

What Speeds Do You Actually Need?

Your speed needs depend on how you use the internet:

Use Case	Minimum Speed	Recommended Speed
Browsing, email	10 Mbps	20-30 Mbps
Video calls (Zoom, Teams)	5-10 Mbps per call	20-30 Mbps
HD streaming (Netflix, iPlayer)	5 Mbps per stream	25-50 Mbps
4K streaming	25 Mbps per stream	50-100 Mbps
Online gaming	10-20 Mbps	50-100 Mbps (low latency important)
Working from home	20-30 Mbps	50-100 Mbps
Large household (4+ people)	50 Mbps	100+ Mbps

Tip: Most households are fine with 30-50 Mbps. Only go faster if you have multiple heavy users or stream 4K content on several devices simultaneously.

Hidden Costs to Watch For

When comparing deals, check for:

Setup Fees

Some providers charge £10-£50 to set up your broadband. Look for deals with £0 setup fees, especially if you’re on a short contract.

Mid-Contract Price Rises

Many providers increase prices mid-contract (usually by inflation + 3-4%). Check the terms:

• Price guarantee: Some providers promise no mid-contract rises (e.g., Now Broadband)
• RPI/CPI rises: Most providers reserve the right to increase prices

Router Charges

Some providers charge for routers or require you to return them when you leave:

• Free router: Usually included, but check if you need to return it
• Router rental: Some charge £5-£10 per month (usually included in price)
• Router purchase: You can buy your own router (around £50-£100)

Early Exit Fees

If you leave before your contract ends, you’ll usually pay:

• £10-£15 per remaining month
• Or the full remaining contract value

Check the terms before signing up.

Price Rises After Contract Ends

When your contract ends, your price usually increases significantly (often by £10-£20 per month). Set a reminder to switch or renegotiate before your contract ends.

How to Switch Broadband Providers

Switching is usually straightforward:

1. Compare deals: Use a price comparison site or check providers directly
2. Check coverage: Confirm the provider can supply your address
3. Order new service: The new provider handles the switch
4. Cancel old service: Your new provider usually does this automatically
5. Keep your number: You can usually keep your phone number if you have a landline

The switch usually takes 10-14 days. Your service shouldn’t be interrupted, but there may be a brief downtime during the switch.

Best Time to Switch

Switch when:

• Your contract is ending (prices usually rise significantly)
• You see a better deal elsewhere
• You’re unhappy with your current provider’s service
• You’re moving house (good time to reassess)

Tip: Set a reminder 1-2 months before your contract ends to compare deals and switch before prices rise.

Haggling Tips for Existing Customers

If you’re out of contract, you can often get a better deal by:

1. Calling your provider: Ask what deals are available for existing customers
2. Mentioning competitor deals: Say you’re considering switching
3. Asking for retention deals: Providers often have special offers to keep customers
4. Being prepared to leave: If they won’t match a competitor, be ready to switch

You can often save £5-£15 per month by haggling, especially if you’ve been a customer for a while.

Broadband When Moving House

If you’re moving, you’ll need to:

• Cancel your current broadband (check notice periods)
• Set up new broadband at your new address
• Check coverage at your new address (speeds may differ)

Summary

The cheapest broadband deals start from around £15-£20 per month for basic speeds. Social tariffs offer even better value (from £10-£15/month) for eligible households. When comparing deals, check for setup fees, mid-contract price rises, router charges, and early exit fees.

Most households are fine with 30-50 Mbps speeds. Only go faster if you have multiple heavy users or stream 4K content on several devices. Switch when your contract ends to avoid price rises, and don’t be afraid to haggle with your current provider if you’re out of contract.

For more tips on reducing your household bills, see our guide on how to reduce your bills.