Best Broadband Providers 2025: Top UK ISPs for Speed, Reliability, and Value

Our buyer’s guide helps you choose the right broadband provider for your home.

Broadband is a utility, but unlike gas or electricity, your choice of provider can significantly impact your connection’s performance and reliability. Switching providers is easier than changing gas suppliers, but it’s still a decision that can lock you into a contract for the next two years. That’s why we’ve surveyed thousands of broadband customers to provide firsthand feedback on how the UK’s leading providers actually perform.

Let’s set aside the marketing hype around “ultrafast” and “gigabit” connections and focus on the key factors to consider when choosing a new broadband provider. For a comprehensive overview, refer to our buying guide at the bottom of the page. We’ll also reveal our top picks from this year’s awards to help you select the provider best suited to your family’s needs.

Top Broadband Providers of 2025

1. Vodafone: Best Overall Broadband Provider
   Reviewed price: From £24/month

   • Reviewed by Maraaz Reviews in March 2025

   • Mid-contract price increases? Prices will rise by £3 from April 2026.

   Vodafone secured top spots in all award categories this year.

   It had the highest customer service satisfaction among the eight providers surveyed, with 62% of Vodafone customers praising the service. It also earned commendations for speed and value for money.

   Additionally, Vodafone offers some of the most affordable full-fibre connections available. Strong performance, excellent service, and competitive pricing make it a winning combination.

2. Zen Internet: Best for Speed and Value
   Reviewed price: From £32/month

   • Reviewed by Maraaz Reviews in March 2025

   • Mid-contract price increases? No.

   Zen customers are nearly universally impressed with their connection speeds. Considering the many factors involved in broadband performance, it’s remarkable that 95% of Zen customers were satisfied.

   Zen’s customer service is also highly regarded, with a reputation for genuine, helpful responses. It received commendations for customer service and value for money.

   The only minor drawback this year was a dip in reliability, with a lower satisfaction score of 42%. Hopefully, this is a temporary issue.

3. Virgin Media: Most Reliable Broadband Provider
   Reviewed price: From £26/month

   • Reviewed by Maraaz Reviews in March 2025

   • Mid-contract price increases? Prices will rise by £3.50 from April 2026.

   Virgin Media has spent decades building its cable network and is now rapidly upgrading to full fibre. The benefits of this enhanced reliability are evident.

   Seven out of ten Virgin Media customers were satisfied with the network’s reliability, earning it the 2025 reliability award. With 79% of customers satisfied with performance, it’s also strong in speed.

   However, Virgin’s customer service remains a concern. A 40% satisfaction score reflects ongoing complaints about service quality. While prices have dropped since last year’s survey, it still ranks low in value for money.

How to Choose the Best Broadband Provider for You

• Are you in a full-fibre area?
  Access to the fastest speeds depends on whether you live in an area covered by a full-fibre network.

  The good news is that Ofcom estimates over 80% of UK households now have access to gigabit-capable services, and full-fibre networks continue to expand.

  Even if the major providers don’t offer full-fibre connections in your area, smaller regional providers might. For example, Vodafone and Zen Internet have agreements with multiple networks, enabling them to offer faster speeds to a broader audience.

• What speed do you need?
  It’s easy to order a faster broadband connection than you actually need. Providers often entice customers with high-speed plans, but if your household only uses the internet for basic browsing, email, and occasional streaming, a 100 Mbps connection may suffice.

  Premium connections offering gigabit speeds (1,000 Mbps) are ideal for large households with heavy usage, such as downloading games, streaming multiple 4K videos, or working from home with large file transfers. However, these plans can cost over £50/month, so ensure you truly need that level of speed before committing.

• The right router matters
  The router provided by your broadband provider is crucial for your home internet experience. A poor-quality router can result in weak Wi-Fi coverage and slower speeds.

  Providers offer a range of router equipment. Some still supply older Wi-Fi 5 routers, while others offer the latest Wi-Fi 7 equipment, often at a premium. Check reviews to understand what equipment is provided and whether it’s suitable for your needs.

• Extras and bundles
  While the days of broadband/TV/mobile bundles are waning, providers like Sky and Virgin Media still offer combined services. These can be cost-effective if you already subscribe to multiple services, but always compare the individual prices to ensure you’re getting a good deal.

  Providers also offer extras like “whole home coverage” or security packages. These can be expensive, and there may be more affordable alternatives. For instance, instead of paying £10/month for whole-home coverage, you might consider purchasing Wi-Fi extenders for a one-time fee.

• Price increases
  Ofcom’s new broadband rules prevent providers from implementing mid-contract price hikes linked to inflation. Providers must now clearly state any mid-contract price increases in pounds and pence before you sign up. Most providers list these on their websites, so be prepared for potential price increases before your contract ends.

  Some providers, like Zen Internet, do not implement mid-contract price increases, which can offer price stability over the contract’s duration.

Survey Methodology

Unless otherwise stated, all figures are derived from a comprehensive survey conducted by Maraaz Reviews in March 2025, targeting a representative sample of 3,741 UK residents aged 18 and over. This sample size allows for statistically significant analysis across the eight internet service providers surveyed, ensuring reliable results.

The figures are based on responses to six survey questions focusing on value for money, speed, customer service, and reliability. These scores were averaged to determine the overall satisfaction ratings for each provider.