What's the best broadband in my area?
Not every UK home has access to the same broadband services. Your options may even be different from a nearby neighbour due to factors such as infrastructure, provider availability, and network upgrades.
At first glance, you may think the cheapest broadband deal is the best option, but there are other key factors to consider.
Before signing a contract, here are some things to check:
- Download & upload speeds: Are they fast enough for your needs? You get more help finding the speed you need in our ultimate guide to broadband speeds.
- Contract length: Do you prefer a rolling contract or a longer commitment for lower monthly costs?
- Extras: Does the package include calls, TV packages, or any setup costs?
- In-contract price rises: Will your monthly price stay fixed, or are increases every year?
With our postcode checker, you can find out exactly what broadband speeds and providers are available at your address and compare your bundled TV and phone choices too.
Finally, If you'd prefer someone else talk you through your options, you can also call us. Our advisors will help you compare all the relevant factors and make a decision regarding which broadband deal is best for you and, for many providers, they can even sign you up over the phone.
Why choose Broadband Genie?
As well as making light work of your broadband search, here are some other reasons why switching providers with Broadband Genie is the right choice:
- Exclusive deals – We offer broadband deals you won’t find anywhere else.
- Unbiased comparisons – Compare broadband providers with full transparency.
- We’re customer-focused – Rated 4.4 ('Excellent') on Trustpilot.
- Expert guidance – Our broadband specialists are available to help over the phone.
Fastest broadband in my area: check speeds and availability
Superfast broadband is now available to most UK homes, with ultrafast and full fibre options rolling out rapidly. To find out if you have access to the fastest speeds, use our postcode checker to see:
- Virgin Media – Offers speeds up to 2Gb
- Openreach FTTP – Full fibre up to 1Gb for providers including Sky, Vodafone, BT and TalkTalk.
- CityFibre & AltNets – Affordable, ultrafast speeds in select locations
If your current broadband is slow, switching to a full fibre provider could significantly improve your experience, especially for streaming, gaming, or working from home.
What types of broadband are available?
ADSL (Standard Broadband)
- Average speeds: 10-11Mb
- Best for: Browsing, emails, occasional streaming
- Availability: Widely available but being phased out for fibre
Fibre to the Cabinet (FTTC / Part-Fibre)
- Average speeds: 30-80Mb
- Best for: General household use, HD streaming
- Availability: Widely available
These Plusnet and Vodafone deals will be available to almost all UK homes and are some of the cheapest ways to get online. Sign up today, and you can also make more savings with a bonus gift card worth up to £75 for new customers.
Fibre to the Premises (FTTP / Full Fibre)
- Average speeds: Up to 1Gb+
- Best for: Large households, 4K streaming, gaming, remote work, faster speeds
- Availability: Expanding rapidly
Virgin Media Cable Broadband
- Speeds up to: 2Gb
- Best for: High-speed users, streaming, gaming, fast download speeds
- Availability: Available in many urban areas
It's worth entering your postcode into our deals checker to find out what your choices are. Even if you can't get full fibre from providers on the Openreach network such as Sky, BT or Vodafone, you may be able to sign up to Virgin Media. This means you could make use of excellent value deals such as today's offer for Virgin Media M125 Fibre Broadband. Sign up today, and you'll get £105 knocked off your bill with a credit.
Alternative Networks (AltNets)
- Providers include: Hyperoptic, Gigaclear, Community Fibre
- Best for: Affordable full fibre options in select locations
Learn more: 'What are altnets?'
Mobile Broadband (4G/5G Home Broadband)
- Best for: Rural locations, flexible broadband solutions
- Speeds: Can rival fibre in 5G areas
What’s the cheapest broadband in my area?
Budget broadband packages start from around £20 per month, but it’s essential to check that the speed and reliability meet your needs. A cheaper deal may cost you more in the long run if it results in slow speeds or frequent connection issues.
Our cheapest deal today is Onestream Fibre 40 (24-month contract), although be aware you will have to pay a £4.95 set-up cost.
How can I check broadband speed in my area?
If you're unsure about your current internet speed, running a speed test can give you an accurate picture of your download and upload speeds. If your results are significantly lower than what your provider advertises, it might be time to switch to a faster broadband provider.
How does the broadband postcode checker work?
We’ve partnered with local broadband experts thinkbroadband, who provide some of the most accurate and up-to-date broadband availability data in the UK, right down to your address.
By entering your postcode, you’ll get a tailored list of broadband options that are actually available at your location—no guesswork, no wasted time.
Enter your postcode to find the best broadband in your area instantly!
Who’s the best provider in my area?
This depends on what you're looking for. However, we have a few resources that can help with this question:
- Broadband Genie Awards. We run this annually, polling the UK public and asking them to rate their provider.
- Our broadband reviews. These give you a glance into real customer experiences. As well as scores on satisfaction, customer service, speed and reliability, we give everyone a chance to air their honest opinions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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Why does broadband availability differ by area?
Broadband coverage tends to be best in urban areas. Networks prioritise areas where there are more people, as installing broadband infrastructure is expensive. So it doesn’t always make sense for them to install new lines or upgrade a connection if it’s only going to serve a few homes.
The BT Openreach network (that powers most major non-Virgin providers) has the widest coverage, reaching nearly all homes, but there are still a few areas where broadband is either very slow or just not available.
The second-largest network, Virgin Media, covers around half of premises, but it tends to be concentrated in larger towns and cities.
CityFibre supplies full fibre broadband in areas not served by the Openreach network.
Finally, we're seeing an increasing number of AltNets (alternative networks) popping up. These are smaller, highly localised full fibre providers.
The good news is availability of faster broadband is improving all the time. Try our availability checker now to find out whether you have more choices.
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What broadband speed do I need?
10-30Mb – Suitable for 1-2 users with light browsing and streaming.
30-100Mb – Ideal for families with multiple devices streaming and gaming.
100Mb+ – Best for large households, 4K streaming, and heavy gaming.
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Will I need a new router when I switch?
Most broadband providers will supply a new router when you switch, though you can sometimes use your existing router if it's compatible.
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Can I get broadband without a home phone line?
Yes, if you opt for full fibre broadband, Virgin Media, or mobile broadband, you won’t need a traditional landline.
Start comparing broadband now!
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