Finding the lowest price broadband in the UK
Whether you're moving into a new place, coming to the end of a contract, or just wondering whether you're paying too much, finding a cheap broadband deal is easier than most people think. Prices have actually come down in real terms over the last few years, and with more providers competing for your business than ever, there's genuine value to be found if you know where to look.
This page covers everything you need to find the cheapest broadband deal that suits you — and make sure you're not paying for things you don't need.
What Counts as Cheap Broadband?
Most people searching for cheap broadband are really looking for one of two things: the lowest possible monthly price, or the best value for money at a price they can comfortably afford. These aren't always the same thing.
The very cheapest deals on the market tend to be entry-level fibre packages from providers like NOW, Vodafone or Sky, often available for under £25 a month for new customers. These deals usually come with an 18 or 24 month contract and are designed to attract switchers. If you're happy to move provider regularly, you'll almost always find a better deal than if you stay put and let your contract roll over.
If you're searching for cheap wifi deals, you're in the right place. Wifi is the wireless signal your router broadcasts around your home — it's powered by your broadband connection. When people search for "cheap wifi" or "cheap wifi deals", they almost always mean home broadband, which is what this page covers.
Broadband Only Deals: Paying for What You Actually Use
One of the most common reasons people end up overpaying is taking a bundle they don't fully use. If you don't watch traditional TV channels and you don't need a home phone, a broadband-only deal is almost always the cheapest option.
Broadband-only deals strip out the phone line and TV service entirely and just give you an internet connection. You can still stream Netflix, Disney Plus, BBC iPlayer and anything else you watch through apps — you just don't have a set-top box or a home phone included. For a lot of households, particularly those under 40, that covers everything they need.
If you do want TV alongside your broadband, or you're looking for a deal that includes a home phone, it's worth taking a look at our broadband and TV deals page or our broadband and phone page instead. Bundling can save money when you genuinely use both services, but there's no point paying for either if you don't.
How Much Speed Do You Actually Need?
Price and speed are linked. The less speed you need, the cheaper your options. But it's worth being realistic about your household rather than just going for the lowest number you can find.
Most people in the UK now have access to some form of fibre broadband, which delivers much more consistent speeds than older copper-based connections. Full fibre (sometimes called FTTP) is the fastest and most reliable type, delivered entirely through fibre optic cables right to your home. Part-fibre (sometimes called FTTC or superfast) is more widely available and plenty fast enough for most households.
Here's a practical guide to what different households typically need:
One or two people, light to moderate use — streaming, browsing, video calls. A connection of around 35 to 65Mbps will handle this comfortably and tends to be where the cheapest fibre deals sit.
Two to four people, regular streaming and working from home — you want at least 100Mbps to avoid anyone noticing when someone else starts a video call or streams in 4K. Mid-range fibre packages cover this well.
Four or more people, heavy use across multiple devices — full fibre at 300Mbps or above is worth considering. The price difference between 100Mbps and 300Mbps is often smaller than people expect, and you'll notice the difference during peak evening hours.
As a rough guide to what the main streaming services actually need:
Netflix recommends 15Mbps for HD on a single screen and 25Mbps for 4K. Amazon Prime Video needs around 25Mbps for 4K. BBC iPlayer recommends at least 5Mbps for HD. Most modern smart TVs handle multiple apps simultaneously, so if you have two people watching different things at once, add those numbers together.
The key thing to remember is that your broadband speed is shared across all the devices in your home at once — not just the TV. Every phone, laptop, tablet and smart speaker in your house is using a slice of that connection, even when you're not actively doing anything on them.
Social Tariffs: The Cheapest Broadband Available
If you or someone in your household receives Universal Credit, Pension Credit, or certain other qualifying benefits, you may be entitled to a social tariff. These are heavily discounted broadband packages that most major providers now offer, with prices starting from around £15 a month.
BT, Sky, Virgin Media, Vodafone and several other providers all offer social tariffs. They're not always advertised prominently, which means a lot of people who qualify don't know they exist. If you think you might be eligible, it's worth contacting your current provider directly to ask, or comparing available social tariffs through our comparison tool.
Social tariffs are available regardless of whether you're in contract, so you don't need to wait until your current deal ends to ask about them.
Tips for Getting the Cheapest Deal
Switch when your contract ends. The biggest savings consistently go to new customers. If your current deal is more than 18 to 24 months old and you haven't renegotiated, there's a good chance you're paying over the odds. Providers are required to notify you when your contract is coming to an end — when that letter or email arrives, that's your signal to compare.
Don't ignore the out-of-contract price. Some deals look cheap because of a short introductory offer but then jump significantly once the deal period ends. Always check the full price you'll pay after the offer, not just the headline number.
Watch out for setup fees. Some providers charge an activation fee or router delivery cost on top of the monthly price. These vary from nothing to around £30 and can make a slightly more expensive monthly deal better value overall once you do the maths.
Check what's available at your address. Not every provider or speed tier is available everywhere. Full fibre in particular is still being rolled out, so the options in a city centre will be different to those in a rural area. Use our comparison tool with your postcode to see exactly what's available where you live.
Haggling works. If you'd rather not switch provider, calling your current one and telling them you're thinking of leaving will often result in a retention offer that's cheaper than the price you're currently paying. It doesn't always work, but it takes five minutes and is worth trying before you go through the process of switching.
No-Contract Broadband: Is It Worth It?
Most cheap broadband deals come with an 18 or 24 month contract. If you need more flexibility — because you're renting, moving around, or just don't want to commit — there are rolling monthly broadband options available, though they tend to cost more per month than contract deals.
Providers like NOW offer broadband on a rolling monthly basis with no long-term commitment. The price is higher than a standard contract deal, but you can cancel with 30 days' notice. If you're only staying somewhere for a few months, this can still work out cheaper than paying an early termination charge on a longer contract.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest broadband provider in the UK right now?
The cheapest deal available at any given time changes regularly as providers update their offers. As a general guide, NOW, Vodafone and Sky tend to compete at the lower end of the market for new customers. Use our comparison tool above with your postcode to see the lowest prices currently available at your address.
Can I get cheap broadband without a phone line?
Yes. Most modern fibre broadband deals don't require a phone line and there's no additional line rental charge. Full fibre (FTTP) connections in particular are delivered entirely separately from the phone network. If you see a deal that includes a home phone and you don't want one, keep comparing — there will almost always be a broadband-only equivalent at a lower price.
What is the cheapest way to get internet at home?
For most people, a standard fibre broadband deal on an 18 or 24 month contract from a provider like NOW, Vodafone or Sky will give the lowest monthly price. If you're on qualifying benefits, a social tariff will be cheaper still. If you need flexibility and can't commit to a contract, a rolling monthly deal costs more per month but avoids early exit fees.
Does switching broadband provider affect my service?
Switching between providers that use the Openreach network (which includes BT, Sky, EE, Vodafone, NOW and most others) is handled automatically through a process called One Touch Switching. You choose your new provider, they handle the transfer with your old one, and the changeover usually happens within two weeks with minimal interruption. Switching to Virgin Media or from Virgin Media involves a different process as they run their own network, but it's still straightforward.