When it comes to cheap broadband, finding a bargain without trading off reliable internet is a top priority for many households.
Compare cheap internet providers to see if you can get an affordable tariff with a different provider.
This depends on how you use the internet.
Cheap broadband offers typically come with lower speeds that are only suitable for online activity like:
Any heavier data usage and you'll probably start experiencing connectivity problems.
Many providers now list competitively priced deals on superfast broadband, with some even offering ultrafast broadband which promises average speeds up to 100Mbps and beyond.
This bandwidth is enough to support data-heavy activities like online gaming and streaming.
Use our broadband speed checker to see how fast your current home internet is and whether you'd benefit from a quicker connection.
ADSL broadband, also known as standard broadband, remains one of the cheapest internet choices in the UK.
This is because it still uses old copper telephone wiring. But this means you’ll likely receive slower internet speeds.
Part-fibre and full-fibre connections can sometimes work out cheaper nowadays as this technology becomes more common across the country.
Compare fibre broadband to see if this is a more budget-friendly option for your household.
If you cannot get connected through fibre or ADSL, satellite and mobile broadband are both alternatives to consider. But you might end up paying more per month than you would for a wired connection.
There are pros and cons to cheap broadband like:
You'll be able to access the internet more affordably than if you were on other tariffs.
Most cheap broadband packages do not come with accompanying extras, so you'll never pay for more than you need to.
Depending on what provider you pick, some cheap broadband offers could still offer superfast or even ultrafast speeds, as long as your internet connection can accommodate them.
Cheap broadband options can be limited to homes with specific connection types. This is more true for ‘alt-net’ providers who exclusively offer full-fibre connectivity.
If you choose a smaller, less expensive broadband provider, their speeds might only be suitable for light internet use. This means you could encounter problems during data-heavy activities, like online gaming or streaming.
Helpful extras, like a home phone or premium digital TV packages, are not usually included with cheap internet deals.
If you're looking for cheap broadband packages, you should:
Some providers do mid-contract price rises, which undoes their cost-effectiveness, while others increase their monthly rates by quite a lot once your initial contract period is over.
It can be tempting to switch to a shorter-term contract or even go with no contract at all. But this additional flexibility usually works out more expensive in the long term.
These are great if you already pay separate bills for things like your television and your landline, and you want to consolidate them all with one provider.
Broadband bundles might not be as cheap as some other tariffs, but if it's competitively priced extras you want, you should see what’s on offer.
With much of what we do now online, a slow internet connection only makes everyday tasks more difficult.
Cheap broadband options with slower speeds are only good if you live alone or with one other person. If your household is a busy one, you'll need to weigh up price against internet speeds fast enough to support everyone's day-to-day needs.
When switching broadband providers, different networks sometimes offer exclusive deals for new customers which might work out cheaper for you in the long run.
Check the terms and conditions, as these perks could run out after a certain time and you could land with a hefty bill.
Social tariff broadband is available if you live in a low-income household.
These are the cheapest broadband packages on the market, and many well-known providers[1] offer them.
If you're on social tariff broadband, you should not be paying more than any other cheap deals on broadband.
To qualify, you must successfully be claiming any of the following benefits:
Some providers also offer social tariff broadband to successful claimants for:
This is unlikely.
Short-term or no contract broadband (usually delivered on a 30-day rolling basis) is often more expensive each month because of their added flexibility.
You'll probably find cheaper broadband for longer-term contracts over periods of:
But those who only need broadband a short while - like if you're a student or moving house - might be better off with 30-day rolling contracts.
Plus, unlike longer-term contracts, you might not need to pay an early exit fee for cancelling partway through.
As long as you choose a reputable provider, cheap broadband should be trustworthy.
Many afforable deals on broadband come from established providers, including:
Virgin uses its own cable network to deliver competitive broadband services, while BT and Sky use the reliable Openreach network, and so do many other broadband providers.
But this does not mean smaller networks are untrustworthy. Lots of alt-net providers have their own independent infrastructures capable of delivering fast speeds at affordable prices.
The only downside is you’ll probably need a full-fibre connection.
Compare these alt-net providers offering cheap broadband:
For more cheap broadband offers from providers of various sizes, check out:
Use our comparison tool to find cheap internet providers.
Simply filter by your preferred budget and we'll show you the cheapest broadband offers within that price range available right now.
Broadband prices are always changing, and only by comparing current deals can you discover if you're getting the best value for money from your home internet.
Write down when your current contract expires, and as the end date gets nearer, compare cheap broadband contracts that amount to less than what you currently pay.
See if you can find broadband without a landline.
Many providers have started offering broadband only deals that do not require a telephone connection.
However, if your connection is ADSL or part-fibre, you'll still need a telephone line to access the internet.
You might be able to get a full-fibre connection installed at your property. But this could be more expensive than opting for a different deal that uses your already existing phone line.