Our review of Zen broadband

Who are Zen Broadband?

Zen have been around longer than Google but it’s probably not the first ISP that you think of. Zen was founded in 1995 by Richard Tang and his brother David. The company started in Rochdale Lancashire and is the UK’s oldest ISP, Zen still retains its company ethos, which is to focus on people first and profit second.

Zen’s passion to look after staff and foster an initiative approach to helping customers has led them to create an award-winning, resilient company. Zen have previously heavily focussed on delivering business broadband but is now pushing back into the consumer market and taking on the big four; BT, TalkTalk, Virgin Media & Sky.

FRITZ!Box 7530 AX router from Zen Broadband

Zen Broadband options

Zen offers full fibre broadband packages for residential and business customers, with current FTTP options ranging from Full Fibre 100 at an estimated 105Mb download speed through to Full Fibre Max at an estimated 1600Mb. Zen is often chosen by customers who value strong speeds, reliable service and predictable pricing over short-term introductory offers. Its packages are built around clear monthly costs, fixed pricing during the contract, and practical extras such as a static IP address.

Every Zen broadband package includes:
An 18-month contract
Guaranteed no in-contract price increases
One-off £15 setup fee
Free static IP address
Full fibre broadband

Read Zen broadband features in more detail

  • Most Zen broadband packages include the FRITZ!Box 7530 AX router, a WiFi 6 router designed for busy homes with multiple connected devices. Zen currently includes the FRITZ!Box 7530 AX on packages up to and including Full Fibre 900, while Full Fibre Max customers receive eero mesh WiFi hardware instead.

    Read more about the FRITZ!Box 7530 AX technical specifications.

    Key features of the FRITZ!Box 7530 AX router:

    • WiFi 6: Supports modern WiFi 6 technology for faster wireless performance and better handling of multiple devices.
    • Dual band: Uses both 2.4GHz and 5GHz WiFi bands to help balance speed, range and device compatibility.
    • Connectivity: Includes four Gigabit Ethernet ports for wired devices, plus a USB 3.0 port for storage or printer sharing.
    • Built-in DECT phone system: Supports up to six cordless DECT phones, with an analogue phone connection also available.
    • Guest WiFi: Lets you create a separate wireless network for visitors without giving access to your main home or business network.
    • Parental controls: Allows internet access rules and time limits to be set for individual devices.
    • Secure connections: Supports WPA3 encryption and automatic security updates.
    • Mesh WiFi support: Can be used with compatible FRITZ!Repeater devices or Zen’s wider home WiFi options to improve coverage in larger properties.

    FRITZ!Box Guest WiFi

    FRITZ!Box guest WiFi QR code login example The FRITZ!Box 7530 AX includes a guest WiFi feature, allowing you to provide a separate wireless network for visitors. This keeps guest devices away from your main home or business network. A guest network can be useful for households, small shops, cafes or home offices, and access can be shared using a WiFi QR code for easier connection.

  • With the Zen FRITZ!Box router you can use tickets to allow devices to access the internet regardless of the time limit set in the FRITZ!Box parental controls. Each ticket consists of a randomly generated six-digit code. If a device redeems the ticket in a web browser, it's then granted a single, 45-minute extension of online time. It's an uncomplicated method of managing ad hoc screen time for surfing outside of parental control time slots without having to adjust the parental control settings in the router.

  • All Zen customers get a free static IP address. This feature is typically something you require if you're running your own business and want to connect remotely to your office computers. With a static IP address, you can manage your home or business network via the FRITZ!Box router from anywhere in the world. Gamers will also benefit from the ability to host online gaming sessions.

  • Zen Full Fibre broadband doesn't require a traditional phone line. If you need a home phone or want to keep your existing number, Zen offers a Digital Voice service for £7.50 per month. This add-on feature utilises VoIP technology, relying on your broadband connection for call quality, and includes 1,000 minutes of calls to UK mobiles and landlines. It's important to remember that if your broadband connection goes down, you won't be able to make or receive calls, including those to emergency services. For vulnerable customers who rely on a phone for emergencies, having a mobile phone as a backup is recommended.