Author: Emma Davenport

Last updated: 02 December 2024

Compare the best broadband deals in December 2024

If you’re on the lookout for a great broadband deal, you’re in the right place. Here’s our top choice at the moment. We’ve chosen it as we think it offers great value for money:

The deals on Broadband Genie change every day, so check back regularly to keep on top of the latest offers.

Of course, everyone has different needs when it comes to home broadband. What's best for one household may not suit you. So how do you choose the best internet deal for you?

Before we dive into the best way to compare broadband and pick the best deal, here's why you're in the best hands with Broadband Genie:

Comparing broadband deals with Broadband Genie

With so many options out there, why should you use Broadband Genie to find your next broadband package? Here’s why!

• Amazing exclusive deals: We work hard to secure great deals from different providers. You'll be able to find deals on Broadband Genie that you won't find anywhere else.
• We do broadband: We love broadband! We’re unashamedly broadband geeks. So, if you want advice on the best deal, broadband tech help, or guides for getting the most out of the internet, you can trust the experts at Broadband Genie.
• We love our customers: Whether it's getting great deals or making things simpler, we like to go the extra mile to make your switch sweeter.
• Our customers love us: We're proud to be rated 4.6 ('Excellent') on Trustpilot! We think this makes us the UK's best-rated broadband comparison site. When it comes to broadband, you can certainly trust us.

Now you know about us, let us tell you a bit more about broadband!

What type of broadband deal can I get?

We have stacks of magic home broadband deals to show you.

Whether you’re looking for a very basic entry-level broadband package, a cheap offer with a remarkable voucher for new customers, or you’re after an ultrafast full fibre package with bundled TV and phone deals, you’ll find it here.

What’s best is that you can be sure if you type your address into our deals checker, you’ll only be shown the broadband deals that are available for your home.

It’s important to check the availability of broadband packages, as they vary a lot across the UK, depending on the type of internet connection you have access to.

You can do this right now, by entering your house number, street name and postcode, here:

What broadband providers are listed on Broadband Genie?

Broadband Genie lists deals from some of the best broadband providers in the UK as part of our unbiased broadband comparison service. 

Compare broadband with us, and you’ll find offers from well-known internet providers, including:

• BT Broadband
• NOW Broadband
• Plusnet
• Sky
• TalkTalk
• Virgin Media
• Vodafone

We list all major broadband providers, but also loads of the smaller ones too. In addition to the providers above, we’ll take you through the options you have for broadband deals with the likes of BeFibre, Gigaclear, Hyperoptic, Community Fibre, and more.

We're also home to more and more 'altnets'. If you're lucky enough to have one (or more) smaller, local providers in your area, you can expect amazing speeds, often at very affordable prices.

Who's the best broadband provider?

This depends on what you're looking for. However, we have a few resources that can help with this question:

• Our Broadband Awards. We run this annually, polling the UK public and asking them to rate their provider.
• Our broadband reviews. Our customers share their first-hand experience of dealing with providers and give ratings on satisfaction, service, speed, and reliability. As of November 2024, our top-rated provider is Plusnet.

But of course, different people want different things from their broadband provider and their internet package. So, what is the best deal for you?

How to choose the right broadband package

Comparing broadband packages can be daunting at first. We know there's a lot to take onboard with so many providers, special offers and technical terms to understand.

But we're here to help.

Here are some of the key factors to consider:

What broadband speed should I get?

Broadband speed is measured in megabits per second (Mbps - we shorten this to 'Mb') or, if you're lucky, gigabits per second (Gbps or 'Gb', for short). 

This number represents how fast you can transfer data. The bigger the number, the faster the broadband service. 

Faster speeds allow you to download files quicker, stream higher resolution video, and mean more people can share the connection.

But what broadband speed is right for you? As a general rule, we recommend the following:

To better understand download speeds and different types of fibre optic broadband, you can read our ‘Easy Guide to Broadband Speeds’.

What’s my current internet speed?

Working out your current speed is easy with our broadband speed test!

Try it now to see the upload and download speeds you’re getting with your current provider. The test is completely free, and you can carry out as many as you wish. It’s good to try this at several points in the day, especially during peak times, so you can get an accurate picture.

This will help you look for better value deals that are as fast as you currently have (or faster!)

How to get the best value broadband deal

When it comes to comparing broadband, the monthly fee is probably your best indicator of value. However, there are a few other costs worth checking to make sure you’re getting the best deal.

Gift cards, vouchers, reward cards and free gifts

Broadband Genie makes it easy to find broadband deals with free gifts. You’ll find these on everything from ‘broadband only’ deals to big bundle offers. Keep an eye on the ‘Deal end’ date as these offers are often very limited.

You’ll also want an idea of what you’ll be paying out when you sign up. Don't be lured by the offer of a gift card if you then can't afford the monthly contract cost.

Upfront costs

Setup costs vary for new broadband deals. They depend on the provider and whether there are any special offers running. You might also have to pay for a line to be installed (which can cost between £20 and £100). But many broadband deals do come with free setup. You can find out more about all of this on our broadband with no upfront costs page. 

Effective monthly cost

Check the offer details on any of our deals, and you'll see that we add up the value of free gifts and deduct the cost of upfront fees to display the 'effective monthly cost'. 

This helps you compare deals by showing the overall cost of a package, when all factors are taken into account.

Broadband for those on low incomes

If you're receiving Universal Credit or other benefits, you may well be able to get a broadband deal with a lower monthly bill. 

Check out our guide on ‘social tariffs and cheaper broadband deals if you’re on benefits’.

Getting broadband if you have a low credit score

A poor credit rating shouldn't stop you from getting broadband. Providers such as Plusnet, NOW, and Direct Save Telecom all offer no-credit-check broadband. Visit our bad-credit broadband page.

What bundled broadband deals are available?

Here are the common broadband deals you’ll find on Broadband Genie:

• Broadband only: Broadband service with no add-ons. Increasing numbers of these deals don’t require an active phone line. Others will offer pay-as-you-go call.
• Broadband without a phone line: Deals where you don't need an active phone line (but some of these deals may require additional cabling to be installed at your property)
• Broadband and home phone: Get free call packages with broadband. Available from most broadband providers.
• Broadband and TV deals: Get TV packages with your broadband. Available from BT, Sky, NOW, TalkTalk and Virgin.
• Broadband, TV, and phone: Get both of the above with your broadband package.

You can sometime also get mobile phone and/or SIM-only deals as part of your bundle, too, but these offers are less common.

How long will I have to commit to a broadband package?

Most broadband deals come with a 12, 18, or 24-month contract. You’ll also be able to find rolling monthly offers on Broadband Genie.

What happens when my broadband contract ends?

It's highly likely when your contract ends, your price will go up. If this is the case, we would definitely recommend you haggle with your provider or switch entirely. 

For more information on broadband prices in 2024 you can read our guide: ‘What to do about price hikes from BT, Virgin, TalkTalk and more’.

Frequently asked questions about switching broadband

• Can I switch broadband? Are there any restrictions?

  If you're out of contract, you can switch broadband for free. You can also switch whilst you’re still under contract if you’re willing to pay a cancellation fee, although this is very rarely good value.

  Beyond that, the only real restrictions are the providers available in your area.

• How do I switch broadband?

  Switching is easy! The process may vary slightly depending on who you're switching from, or to. But in most cases, thanks to the One-Touch Switch process, once you've pressed the 'Get Deal' button and completed your checkout, your newly chosen provider will initiate the switch. You will get full instructions about your switching process via email.

• Should I switch broadband?

  If you're out of contract, you should definitely consider switching! It’s the best way of making sure you’re never paying more than you should be. The best deals are always kept by to lure new customers.

  The only time this isn’t always worth pursuing is if you’re still under contract. Early cancellation fees can be pretty steep. However, keep an eye out for providers who are willing to pay these exit fees for you in exchange for you signing up - it does happen!

• Can I keep my landline number and email?

  You can usually keep your phone number when you switch broadband providers. The process is known as 'porting'. Your new provider should ask if you wish to port your number when signing up.

  You also might be able to keep your email address.

  • 'Can I keep my email address if I change provider?'

Broadband installation

It normally takes around 14 days from signing your contract to your home broadband activation date, but the introduction of the new One-Touch Switch process means it could now take a little as one day. You’ll be told a more accurate ‘go live’ date when you sign up.

Sometimes an engineer will need to come to your property. This is particularly likely if you don’t currently have an active phone line, or if you need a Virgin Media or full fibre broadband line installing.

Your Wi-Fi router and any other equipment should arrive in the post before your go-live date.

See more: Guide to broadband activation

Broadband availability

• What broadband is available in my area?

  To find out what standard broadband or fibre broadband deals are available in your area, enter your postcode or address into our availability checker. This way, you won’t be shown a load of deals you have no way of signing up to.

  Broadband deals change all the time. The quickest way to see the cheapest offer is to sort our comparison table by price. But don’t forget to take special offers into account too, as a nice voucher reward or cashback offer could make a big difference and lower your ‘effective monthly price’.

  On this list, we’ll point out if there’s a setup fee to pay to kickstart a broadband connection as well as the monthly price and contract length. If you expand the details, we’ll also make a note if there’s extra line rental to pay, too.

  Broadband Genie currently only lists home broadband and some business broadband deals. However, we sometimes showcase listings from mobile broadband providers, such as Three, if they offer a home broadband package.

  All the deals listed with Broadband Genie are unlimited broadband offers. This means you won’t be charged for the data you use.

• Can I get fibre broadband?

  Fibre broadband is available to more than 99% of the country! You can use our fibre checker page to see if you can definitely get it.

• Can I get full fibre (FTTP)?

  Fibre-to-the premises broadband (FTTP) is more limited, but it’s currently available to around 71% of homes. Use our deals checker to see if you get full fibre offers pop up!

Expert Summary

No matter what type of broadband you’re interested in, we’re confident you’ll be able to find a great deal on Broadband Genie.

Hopefully, the tips on this page will help you get an amazing package, but in summary:

• Consider what broadband speed you need.
• Enter your address to see the deals available at your address.
• Sort and filter by your priorities (e.g. you can filter to see only the fastest deals, and then sort by price to get the best value).
• Take into account effective monthly costs, especially the impact of vouchers - if you'll use them.
• If you're switching between Openreach providers (i.e. all the major providers who aren't Virgin), your switch might be a bit quicker/easier as they use the same line, so you may avoid having to organise an engineer visit.
• We only list providers we that pass our rigorous approval standards.

If you need guidance on the best type of broadband for you, we have stacks of helpful guides available. And, if you need a quick check-up on any jargon you don’t understand, head to our glossary page.

What are you waiting for? See if you can get a better deal, save money or switch to a faster broadband connection today!