Our review of BT broadband

BT Smart Hub 3 Review 2026

The much anticipated Smart Hub 3 is now available to customers taking BT Full Fibre and Part Fibre broadband packages. It replaces the long-running Smart Hub 2, which was first introduced in 2018.

The Smart Hub 3 is a welcome update and brings BT’s standard router up to Wi-Fi 6. That is a useful improvement over the Smart Hub 2 and should be suitable for most homes. However, BT has stopped short of using the newer Wi-Fi 7 standard, despite EE, which sits within the wider BT Group, now supplying Wi-Fi 7 hardware across its Full Fibre broadband plans.

The practical difference is that Wi-Fi 7 is designed to provide more wireless capacity, improved latency and better use of multiple Wi-Fi bands. That does not mean every BT customer would notice a major difference today, especially if their devices do not yet support Wi-Fi 7. But for customers choosing faster full fibre packages, Wi-Fi 7 would have offered more headroom as broadband speeds and connected devices continue to move on.

Overall, the Smart Hub 3 looks like a sensible and overdue upgrade rather than a cutting edge router. For most customers it should do the job well, but it does leave a clear gap between BT’s standard router and the faster Wi-Fi 7 equipment available from EE.

Upgrade to 'BT Complete Wi-Fi Plus’

BT Complete Wi-Fi Plus is an optional add on for BT broadband customers who want stronger Wi-Fi around the home. It works with the Smart Hub 3 and includes a Wi-Fi 6 extender to help improve the signal in rooms where coverage may otherwise be weaker. It currently costs an extra £10 per month to add 'BT Complete Wi-Fi Plus' to your broadband package. BT also includes a £100 money back guarantee if it cannot provide a strong Wi-Fi signal in every room of your main home.

BT Smart Hub 3 with BT Wi-Fi disks

Read BT broadband features in more detail

  • BT hybrid connect router boxed

    BT's 'Hybrid Connect' is an additional feature for your BT broadband. It's a 4G router that connects between your BT SmartHub router and EE's 4G mobile network. If your BT broadband connection fails, it seamlessly switches to the EE mobile network and restores back to BT broadband once the fault is resolved. Your hybrid 4G router will be delivered the day after you place your order, so you can get online immediately upon arrival. It's a perfect temporary solution while waiting for your BT broadband to be activated. Hybrid Connect also works with the BT Wi-Fi Complete service, ensuring you'll receive broadband in every area of your home. BT bravely calls this unbreakable home Wi-Fi. BT Hybrid Connect can be added to your broadband account for an additional £10 per month.