The broadband reviews on this page were collated from over 3500 customer reviews on FasterBroadband and compiled in January 2024.
Keep in mind an unhappy customer is more likely to leave a review than a happy customer. We welcome positive reviews so potential broadband customers can make a better informed decision.
The reviews below do not necessarily reflect that of FasterBroadband. However, we're delighted to see B4RN, Zen, Vodafone and Plusnet taking top position.
B4RN retains 1st place for a third year running, beating off the competition by a country mile. B4RN (Broadband for the Rural North) is an independent ISP that doesn’t utilise the Openreach network. B4RN is a non-profit community benefit society providing 1Gbps FTTP broadband for £33 per month. Like most alternative networks, B4RN has modest beginnings, but its coverage is growing steadily, and community spirit has no doubt helped it to be so successful. Its prices have also remained static, unlike those of its competitors.
Zen is the UK’s oldest ISP and still retains its company ethos, focusing on people first and profit second. Zen operates one of the largest independent data networks in the UK; its network is built without restrictions and boasts pedigree performance. While Zen may not be the cheapest ISP, if you're looking for a reliable connection, you're in safe hands. We're pleased to see Zen gain 2nd place!
If you're looking for sensible prices and a reliable network, then Vodafone gets our vote. Coverage is widely available via the CityFibre and Openreach networks. We regularly secure exclusive discounts from Vodafone, so look out for the special offers.
Plusnet is a no-nonsense, reliable broadband provider targeting the budget end of the market. Formerly a quad-play ISP offering TV, phone, broadband, and mobile services, Plusnet now limits new orders in 2024 to broadband-only services. Whilst prices remain competitive, there is a noticeable reduction in special offers.
Now broadband offer a widely available triple play service (TV, Homephone & Broadband) with very competitive prices. They narrowly beat their sibling rival Sky Broadband overall, although Sky won when it came to customer service.
Sky are class leading when it comes to Pay TV. According to the data published by Ofcom, Sky had below industry average complaints for any of their subscription services during Q2 2023.
EE is setting the benchmark for broadband in 2024 with its supercharged 1.6Gb Full Fibre broadband and a fantastic range of Wi-Fi tech to keep your broadband running smoothly. They have a glowing review on the 2023 Ofcom report coming second place for customer service. (Sky came 1st if you're wondering)
BT are the largest ISP in the UK, but certainly not the cheapest if you’re out of contract. Cashback and free gifts are a regular incentive to new customers, but if you’ve been with BT for over two years, it’s worth reviewing your current tariff. BT customers can get a free Smart Hub 2 router which is still a great router. However, the FritzBox router that comes free with Zen Broadband is our preferred router.
Virgin Media are currently crowned as the fastest (widely available) internet provider in the UK with an average top download speed of 1130Mbps. But - speed is not everything! Despite their glowing success with speed, Virgin Media had an above industry average complaint rate for all of their services (homephone, broadband, mobile phone and TV) in Q2, 2023. Our Virgin Media review score is based on over 500 customer reviews submitted on FasterBroadband
TalkTalk secured a disappointing joint last place. We collected over 1000 customer reviews for TalkTalk, painting a discouraging picture. Ofcom also reported that during Q2 2023, TalkTalk generated the second-highest volume of broadband complaints per 100,000 subscribers. However, their consistently low prices are likely to keep customers coming through their doors.
