Cheap broadband deals

What are the cheapest broadband providers?

Each of the major broadband providers in the UK have cheap broadband deals available, usually for their standard ADSL broadband packages which provide you with basic internet access for prices as low as £18.99 a month. Providers like Plusnet and TalkTalk often feature some of the cheapest broadband deals on the market, all while offering excellent customer service.

However, if you want a faster connection you can still get a cheap broadband deal on a better package without paying too much more. Most providers offer fibre broadband deals that come with superfast speeds for around £20 a month.

It's also worth remembering that the cheap broadband deals, like many broadband deals, jump up in price after your intial contract period ends. This means that you may be able to get a cheaper deal on a new fibre broadband deal than your current ADSL deal by switching to a new provider.

Cheapest broadband deals on Uswitch.com in September 2020

What's the cheapest broadband deal?

The cheapest broadband deal will vary from week to week as providers update their latest deals and offer different discounts throughout the year.

But when shopping for a cheap broadband deal it's important to look beyond the monthly prices as many providers will often throw in extras, such as vouchers, gift cards and bill credits that can bring the overall cost down.

For example, say a cheap broadband deal costs £20 a month for a 12-month contract, but if it comes with a £50 voucher or prepaid debit card to spend as well, this effectively works out to £15.83 a month. That's quite a saving.

This is why it pays to compare cheap broadband deals to see what the total cost will be, factoring in setup fees and any other discounts or special offers.

Remember to compare the length of the contract and if the provider guarantes no price rises during the minimum term. A cheap broadband deal with a longer contract and a guarantee of no price rises will save you more in the long-term. A shorter contract may sound better, but once the minimum term is over your bill will likely increase significantly.

Is it cheaper to get a bundle deal?

If you only want internet access, a cheap broadband-only deal is likely to work out less expensive than a bundle deal. But if you want to add on home phone or TV services, it normally pays to compare broadband bundle deals to see if it will work out cheaper.

For instance, if you opt for a cheap broadband-only deal that comes with phone calls on a pay-as-you-go basis, you'll need to think about how often you actually use the phone. If you're frequently chatting with friends and family, a bundle deal that gives you unlimited calls for a fixed price may work out cheaper in the long run, even if the headline cost per month is more expensive.

Can you find cheap fibre broadband deals?

It's easier than you might think to find cheap fibre broadband deals. On Uswitch, we regularly see fibre broadband deals for £25 a month or under, often with vouchers or cashback. But with so many offers and discounts available, it pays to check what deals are available at the moment. Many providers offer time-limited discounts, so comparing cheap broadband deals is a must.

Don't worry if you do miss out on a certain offer though — it's always possible to find a good broadband deal at a great price.

Things to consider when choosing a cheap broadband offer

Cheap broadband deals are best suited for those on a tight budget, such as students, or those who don't need much from their internet connection. This is why it's important to consider what you intend to use your broadband for.

The cheapest broadband deals will have relatively slow speeds, averaging around 11Mbps depending on your location. If you're only planning to use your internet for browsing the web, checking emails and social media, or doing some online shopping, these speeds will probably be fine.

If you want or need to download large files or stream high quality video, you may need a faster connection.

You should also be aware of any limits on what you can download. These days, almost every package will offer unlimited usage, but some providers may have certain traffic management policies that restrict the speeds you can get at certain times.

These shouldn't be an issue for most light users, but it's worth checking if you expect to be downloading large files or programmes at peak times, or use services like peer-to-peer file sharing.

Finally, don't forget to see if there are any extra expenses, such as setup fees, line installation, delivery charges or the need to buy a router that will add to the upfront cost of the service. It may be the case that a deal that's a little extra per month could work out cheaper if it has free setup and no other charges.