Finding cheap broadband means you are always on the lookout for ways to save money without compromising on quality, especially when it comes to essential services like broadband or bundling your service. Connecting to the internet is a necessity to achieve different activities like working from home, streaming entertainment, and managing daily tasks. But the soaring high cost of living can make the bills to be overwhelming, which is why is important to find a reliable and affordable broadband deal. You want a broadband plan that fits your budget but still offers the speed and reliability you need. Then we have just that for you. Read on to find the right broadband with the best value for your money.
To save cost, Ofcom mentioned a list of tips to achieve this. Which includes;
- Check if you are in or out of a contract
- Find the best deal in the market
- Ask if your provider can match it
- Check your pay TV package
- Be aware of the call cost
If you would like to understand these tips better, you can take a peak at it.
How to choose Cheap Broadband Deals?
There are various ranges of cheap broadband deals and connections available to you. The cheap broadband deal includes ADSL, superfast broadband, and Ultrafast fibre broadband. However, there are other factors to consider when choosing cheap broadband deals.
- Contract Length: Opting for a longer contract length can save you costs in the long run, with providers also offering perks like free setup or discount. However, this contract length may hinder you at some point because of its lack of flexibility. If you are only opting for the contract length to save cost, consider a shorter contract that offers more flexibility, especially if you need to switch providers or move houses. When you decide to opt for a long-term contract or a short-term term, ensure to read the contract terms to be sure of any fees or charges regarding if you need to cancel your contract.
- Speed: Consider the internet speed you need in your home. If you live in a large household, with individuals with multiple devices and internet activities like streaming, gaming, or downloading large files, then you require a faster speed. But if you are a casual browser or your house is only involved in casual browsing, you only require a lower speed to get by. Keep in mind that opting for cheap broadband does not equal slow speed. Providers like Virgin Media which provides ultrafast speed, also offer cheap broadband packages with an average download speed of 132 Mbps which is enough for 4 devices to stream simultaneously.
- Availability: Cheap broadband is not available everywhere because not all providers offer service in all locations. Deals available in your area depend on where you live. However, there are exceptions, especially if you live in an urban area as most providers offer coverage in developed areas. Before signing up for cheap broadband, check the provider coverage in your area. You can also make use of our postcode checker to find the best deal in your area. Also, be sure to read reviews on Trustpilot to ensure the reliability of the benefits provider you are opting for.
- Social Tariffs: This is for low-income homes, and individuals on Universal Credit or other government benefits. These tariffs allow low-income households to have access to the Internet at an affordable price. If you intend to opt for cheap broadband and you are on any of the benefits, ensure you meet the required criteria set by the government as some providers offer the tariff based on them. You can explore this tariff with major providers like Virgin Media and BT.
- Broadband Package: You can consider bundling your services if you are looking to opt for a cheap broadband deal. While you may not necessarily need the service, you can consider opting for a broadband and phone deal as it is cheaper than opting for a broadband-only package. Also, the phone service isn’t entirely useless as most broadband connections require you to have a phone line for an internet connection.
Can I get a Cheap Broadband Deal if I’m on Low Income Benefit?
If you are on low income, you have access to certain broadband deals known as social tariffs, which provide essential internet connection at a reduced price. So yes, you can get cheap broadband if you are on low-income benefits. You can take advantage of this benefit to access cheap broadband by;
- Be eligible for Social Tariff: Social tariffs are only available to individuals receiving certain benefits like Pension Credit, Income Support, Job seeker’s Allowance, and Universal Credit. You can qualify for social tariff cheap broadband if you are only of these benefits with proof of eligibility, such as benefit entitlement letters or any other document that proves your eligibility.
- Be sure of the providers: There are various providers that offer social tariff broadband, but the major ones are BT and Virgin Media. BT offers Home Essential broadband for low-income households, and Virgin Media offers an Essential Broadband plan for Universal Credit. If you would like to explore other provider’s cheap broadband offerings, you can check out their websites.
- The Cost: Social tariff usually costs between £10-£20 per month depending on the provider you are opting for. Social tariff internet access includes casual browsing speed that is capable of daily basic browsing like emailing or streaming in SD(standard definition).
Who are the Providers that offer Cheap Broadband Deals?
There are various providers that offer cheap broadband packages in the UK. You can access this deal for under £25 per month. But you can still look forward to providers that offer cheaper deals, and this does not mean they offer a slow speed or they are unreliable as a provider. Here are some providers that offer cheap broadband deals.
- Virgin Media: Cheap broadband does not mean slow. This majorly applies to VirginMedia, a provider known for its ultrafast broadband speed. Virgin Media offers a range of cheap broadband. This includes Broadband only, broadband and phone deals, broadband and TV, Broadband phone and TV and it’s essential low-income broadband starting from £12.50 per month. Some of Virgin Media’s cheap broadband speeds include
- M125: Offers an average download speed of 132Mbps
- M250: An average download speed of 264 Mbps.
- M350: Offers an average download speed of 362Mbps for 4K streaming
- Essential Broadband: For individuals in low-income households. It offers 15Mbps to 54Mbps and the option to include TV.
- Plusnet: Plusnet is known for its excellent customer service and also offers some of the most- affordable broadband deals among providers. Some of their cheap broadband deal includes;
- Unlimited Broadband: Plusnet offers a speed of up to 10 Mbps, with low-cost options that include free setup and router. They also offer lower introductory prices for the first 12-18 months for new users.
- Unlimited Fibre: With speeds up to 36 Mbps, this plan is great for streaming and online activities. Plusnet’s deals often include discounts and special offers for new customers.
- TalkTalk: They also offer low-cost broadband. Their cheap broadband deals include Triple play services of broadband, TV, and home phone on a fixed monthly contract. You can also explore TalkTalk’s fast broadband, which offers up to 11Mbps that can be used for everyday activities like email or casual browsing. TalkTalk offers this plan with a fixed price guarantee with no price hike. It also offers 38 Mbps, which is ideal for households with multiple devices. For new customers, you can benefit from free setup and discounts for new customers.
- BT: Their cheap broadband includes;
BT Essential: This cost-effective plan offers up to 10Mbps speed. It is suitable for basic internet use and also includes incentives like discount monthly payment in the first 18months.
BT Fibre Essential: This is similar to BT Essential but offers a speed of up to 36Mbps. This means it accommodates higher-speed multiple internet activities like online gaming and streaming. You can also get some add-ons like BT Wi-Fi hotspots.
Extras: BT often provides added benefits such as free access to BT Wi-Fi hotspots and security features like BT Virus Protect.
Bundle Deals: You can also get a cheap broadband bundle deal like BT TV and broadband services. Bundling with BT TV service means you get to access some premium channels at a lower cost.
- Hyperoptic: Hyperoptic is a broadband provider that focuses exclusively on full-fibre connections, primarily serving flats and newly built homes. While it isn’t as widely available as other popular broadband providers, Hyperoptic compensates for this inability with its ultrafast and gigabit broadband speeds at remarkably affordable prices.
With Hyperoptic, you can enjoy speeds of 150Mbps, 500Mbps, or even 1Gbps, all at rates that are often lower than what major providers charge for their slower plans. Plus, they offer the added benefit of no mid-contract price hikes during your initial term, providing peace of mind that your rate will stay the same.
If you have access to Hyperoptic’s network, you can take advantage of incredibly fast internet speeds at a budget-friendly monthly rate.
6. Gigaclear: Gigaclear is another full fibre provider that offers fast speeds for relatively low prices. It has less coverage across the UK than the bigger broadband providers, but if you can use its services, you’ll have access to ultrafast speeds for under £20.
Pros and Cons of Cheap Broadband Deal
When trying to get cheap broadband deals, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons of the deal to ensure it meets your needs.
| Pros | Cons |
| It has lower monthly rates, making it easier to manage your budget. | Do not usually include services like TV |
| It is sufficient for basic daily internet activities. | Limited availability. Cheap broadband deals are only available to certain providers in the UK. |
| It offers a simple broadband package without unnecessary add-ons. | It rather difficult to have cheap broadband bundled with TV services. |
Way to secure a Cheap Broadband Deal
Finding a cheap broadband deal that suits your broadband needs without compromising your broadband speed or services is difficult. However, with some practical broadband need-to-know, you can get the best value for your money. Here are some practical ways to secure broadband.
- Time your Purchase: Most providers offer special promotions of reduced prices, free installation, or even cash incentives for major events like Black Friday, Boxing Day, or New Year sales. You can take advantage of this and plan ahead to make your switch during this period.
- Negotiate with your Provider: If you are an existing customer approaching the end of your contract, use this as leverage to negotiate for a better deal. Most providers are known to offer discounts or upgrades to retain their customers. Inform your provider of your intention to switch to another provider to gear your provider to provide a cheaper rate. To make this achievable, research other provider’s offers and use them as a bargaining chip. For example, if one provider offers a better deal, you can contact your current provider and see if they’re willing to match or beat the offer. However, don’t just ask for a lower price. Ask for extras like free installation and add-ons like additional channels.
- Take advantage of Introductory offers: Most providers offer special rates for new customers, which are usually lower than standard prices. Some of these deals last for the first 12-18 months. Therefore, you may want to consider switching providers at the end of your contract to benefit from introductory broadband prices. However, if you intend to move houses, you can take advantage of short-term contracts with promotional prices to avoid being locked into a long-term deal.
- Use Comparison Sites: To compare broadband deals across various providers and choose the right one for you, ensure to use trusted websites. Filter your search by speed, price, and contract length making it easier to find a deal that fits your needs. During your comparison, look out for exclusive deals that are not available directly through the providers. Therefore, it’s important to explore different comparison sites to see what’s available.
- Consider opting for Bundled Services: To save cost on broadband and get a cheaper deal, Bundle your broadband with TV or phone services. You can explore providers like Sky, Virgin Media, and BT. They are providers that offer discounts when you take multiple services from them, which can be more cost-effective than purchasing each service separately.
- Read your contract term fine print: Always read the fine print in the terms and conditions before signing up for a broadband deal. Look out for hidden costs such as installation fees, router delivery charges, or early termination fees that can increase the overall cost of your plan. Also, some providers include clauses in their contracts that allow them to increase prices during the term of your contract. Check if your deal has a fixed-price guarantee to avoid unexpected price hikes. Ensure that the deal you are considering has unlimited data if it is important to you. Some cheaper deals may have data caps, leading to extra charges if you exceed your usage limit.
- Check for Social Tariff(if Eligible): If you are on a low income or receiving certain benefits, you can check if you are eligible for social tariffs. Providers like BT, Virgin Media, and others offer discounted broadband plans specifically for those on benefits, which can provide essential internet access at a lower cost.
Is Cheap Broadband Reliable?
Yes, you can trust a cheap broadband deal. Most cheap broadband options are just as reliable as the standard broadband options, as they are mostly offered by the same providers. This means you can be assured of the connection quality irrespective of the price offered.
But keep in mind that opting for a opting for a cheaper deal may mean sacrificing some extras. Usually, a standard broadband package allows you to bundle and access premium packages and also includes additional perks like Wi-Fi boosters to improve coverage in your home, free router, and many others.
If you are unsure about what to expect from a broadband provider, check out Trustpilot for comprehensive reviews on various broadband providers. Also, you can consider providers like Community Fibre, Trooli, Hyperoptic, KCOM, Fibrus, Cuckoo and Gigacler, who are known as alternative providers which have become increasingly popular across the UK. These providers offer reliable full-fibre broadband at competitive prices and frequently receive high customer ratings for service and reliability. So, you can be confident that many of these providers prioritize your needs, not just their pricing.
Conclusion
Finding a cheap broadband deal in the UK doesn’t have to be a daunting task. By understanding your internet needs, comparing offers from various providers, and keeping an eye out for promotions, you can secure a reliable and cost-effective broadband plan that fits your budget.
Whether you opt for an ADSL connection, full-fibre broadband, or a bundle package, plenty of options are available to ensure you don’t overpay for your internet service.
Read the fine print, watch out for hidden fees, and consider any additional perks that might add value to your deal. With the right approach, you can enjoy a fast and dependable internet connection without compromising on quality or breaking the bank.
FAQ
Is it cheaper to get broadband without Landline?
Yes, getting broadband without a landline can be cheaper, especially with full-fibre options that don’t require a phone line. However, it depends on the provider and package, so it’s worth comparing deals.
What is the cheapest type of broadband?
The cheapest type of broadband is typically ADSL (Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line) broadband. ADSL uses the existing copper phone lines to deliver internet service, making it widely available and usually the most affordable option. However, it’s also the slowest type of broadband, with speeds generally maxing out around 10-11Mbps, which may not be sufficient for households with high internet usage or multiple devices.
Can I get cheap broadband in a Bundle?
Yes, you can get cheap broadband in a bundle. Bundling broadband with other services like TV, phone, or mobile can often result in discounts and save you money compared to purchasing each service separately. Many providers offer bundled deals that combine broadband with additional services at a reduced rate, making it a cost-effective option if you need more than just internet. However, comparing bundles carefully is important to ensure you’re getting the best value for your needs.
Is the cheapest broadband the slowest?
Not necessarily. While cheaper broadband plans often have lower speeds, this isn’t always the case. Some providers offer affordable plans with decent speeds, especially during promotional periods or in areas with competitive markets. However, ultra-low-cost options, like ADSL broadband, tend to be slower compared to more expensive fibre plans. Balancing cost with speed is important to ensure the plan meets your needs.
