What is 100Mb broadband?
When we mention 100Mb broadband, we’re referring to the download speed you’ll receive from your broadband package. You might also see this in listings as ‘100Mbps’ (megabytes per second).
To put things into perspective, in Q2 2024, the average download speed in the UK was reported to be around 62Mb. So, this is a faster than average service.
If you’re in a busy home with four or more people, we recommend signing up to a 100Mb broadband deal if you can. Without this, you might struggle if you’re all online at once. This will definitely be the case if more than one of you are trying to stream HD or 4K video, download large files or play online games.
Further reading: ‘An easy guide to broadband speeds’.
If you’re wondering how different a 100Mb deal is to the actual speed you’re currently getting with your home broadband, you can use our speed test.
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What does 'Mbps' mean?
'Mbps' stands for 'megabit per second'. In terms of data storage, a megabit is 1/8th the size of a megabyte. In relation to broadband speeds, this means a 1Mb connection will be able to transfer 1MB (megabyte) of data in eight seconds.
When talking about the speed of a broadband connection the full phrase is megabits per second (Mbps). However, as 'Mb' is currently the term most often linked with the measurement of internet speeds, this is how you'll see broadband speeds displayed on Broadband Genie.
Can I get 100Mb broadband?
To sign up to a 100Mb broadband service, you’ll need to have access to a full fibre internet network (FTTP). Unfortunately, not everyone in the UK has the luxury of having access to this yet. This is because the rollout of full fibre is still ongoing.
Before you start adding a new 100Mb broadband package to your wish list, the first step is to use our deals checker. Try it now by entering your postcode or address in the box below.
Our deals checker is clever enough to only show the broadband you can sign up at your property. If you’re seeing 100Mb + in your listings, that’s great news! You can sign up to 100Mb+ deal, or even faster.
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What’s the difference between ‘fibre’ and ‘full-fibre’ broadband?
Full Fibre broadband is also known as ‘Fibre To The Premises’, ‘Fibre To The Home’. This is often shortened to FTTP or FTTH. They’re all the same thing!
Instead of copper telephone wire making up the final part of the journey from that green cabinet on the street, fibre optic cables are installed right up to your home.
It’s amazing the difference in speed this small data journey can have. With full-fibre broadband you can expect to receive speeds of 1Gb+.
The downside is full-fibre is only available to a small percentage of homes in the UK, and it’s taking a good while to get everyone up to speed.
Why am I only seeing Virgin Media when I select a 100Mb+ broadband deal?
Virgin Media broadband uses a different network to most other UK providers (ISPs), who piggyback off the BT Openreach network. Its cable service has evolved completely separately. That means it’s available to homes who may not necessarily have access to full fibre broadband.
As full fibre broadband is only currently available to around half of all UK properties, Virgin Media may be your best chance of signing up to faster speeds. It’s also one of the few broadband providers who offer ultrafast download speeds up to 2Gb (although you may be limited to 1.1Gb in your area). This is sometimes referred to as ‘gigabit’ broadband.
What are the benefits of a 100Mb broadband deal?
There are plenty of benefits for signing up to a 100Mb superfast broadband plan. Let’s explore some pros and cons.
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How much is a 100Mb broadband deal?
The price of broadband can be surprising. A faster speed doesn’t necessarily always mean you’re paying through the roof. It’s very likely you’ll be able to sign up to a 100Mb broadband deal for less than £30 per month. It might not even cost any more than a 30Mb or 60Mb package, as providers are trying to encourage customers to move over to full fibre!
If you check out our broadband deals with free gifts, you can easily claw some money back too with a reward or gift voucher when you sign up. It’s likely you’ll be offered a higher reward for a 100Mb deal.
If you want to keep the costs down, look for a ‘broadband only’ deal. Things start getting more expensive when you start bundling in TV deals, home phone calls or mobile SIM plans.
What are the best 100Mb broadband deals?
Here are a few of the best 100Mb deals on offer at the moment:
Which providers offer 100Mb broadband? Or faster?
Plenty of providers offer 100Mb broadband deals. These include:
Although, as we’ve mentioned, you’ll only be able to sign up to these deals if your property has access to a full fibre (FTTP) network. Alternatively, you may be able to sign up to Virgin Media broadband. Try your address in our free deals checker to find out what’s available at your property.
Three Home Broadband
You may also see listings for Three Home Broadband. It’s worth us pointing out this is a very different offer to the other deals in our table. Three’s 5G Unlimited Home Broadband plan uses a mobile Wi-Fi hub. This isn’t a fibre optic service and it doesn’t require a landline.
It’s a great option if you need a faster service, but you don’t have access to Virgin Media or full fibre deals. Unlike many mobile phone contracts, this service comes with unlimited data, so you won’t get charged extra for downloading or streaming more.
However, the internet speed you receive will depend on the network coverage. It’s important to check Three’s mobile network coverage map to make sure you’d get a good service at home before you sign any contracts.
See also:
- 'Can you use mobile internet at home?'
- 'Three Mobile Home Broadband router round-up'
- 'Three Mobile Home Broadband Review'
FAQs about 100Mb broadband
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Is 100Mb good for gaming?
You’ll have no problems gaming online with a 100Mb home broadband connection. In fact, general gaming doesn’t really a huge amount of bandwidth. You could get away with a slower speed if you’re the only one online.
However, if you’re trying to host games or stream games, especially during a busy time of day, you’ll find this extra speed invaluable.
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Is 100Mb fast enough for streaming?
Technically, the likes of Netflix recommend you only need 15Mb to stream an ultra HD quality film. However, when they publish these recommendations, it’s on the assumption nobody else on the connection will be carrying out any other tasks or uploading. If there are multiple people using the internet connection at the same time, a faster 100Mb speed will help avoid buffering or lag.
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Is 100Mb good for a family of four?
If there are lots of you at home, you’ll have a much better online experience if you can sign up to a faster broadband package. A 100Mb is a good option. You’re unlikely to have to pay over the odds for a service of this speed.
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How much is Virgin 100Mb broadband?
Virgin Media M125 Fibre Broadband has an average download speed of 132Mb and an average upload speed of 20Mb. This sounds speedy, but it’s actually one of the slowest and cheapest deals you can get with this provider at under £30 per month. It's a great entry point for superfast broadband.
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Do I need a special router to be able to make use of 100Mb broadband?
When you sign up to a 100Mb deal as a new customer, rest assured you’ll be sent a suitable router. You shouldn’t need to pay for any additional equipment unless you’re struggling with your Wi-Fi signal.
For more information on bundled hubs/ routers, check out these router round-ups.
Expert Summary
A 100Mb broadband deal is a good choice if you live in a busy home with plenty of you online at any one time. A faster speed will give you the freedom to all be online at once, stream your music or play your online games without any hiccups...or arguments!
The good news is you don’t necessarily have to pay a lot of money for a faster broadband deal. 100Mb broadband can be very economical. In fact, it will increasingly not cost you much (if any) more than a slower deal under 70Mb. Just be aware, you’re more likely to have to commit to a longer contract length or 18 months, or even a 24-month contract.
You might be limited in your choice, though. To sign up to a 100Mb deal in the UK, you’ll either need to have access to a full fibre network (FTTP), a G.fast network or have access to Virgin Media packages. Without these options, the fastest broadband package you’ll be able to sign up to will be around 67Mb.
For a clearer picture of what you can sign up to, double check availability with our deals checker and hop to the top of this page. You’ll only be shown broadband packages you can get at your home address.