Broadband comparison
BT vs EE broadband
Both add the same yearly rise, so compare the starting prices at your postcode.
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Which is cheaper?
It depends on your address and the offers of the day — the deals below are for your postcode. Add each provider’s rises: BT +£96, EE +£96 over 24 months.
Can I switch between them easily?
Yes. With One Touch Switch you only contact the new provider, even between Openreach, Virgin Media and full fibre networks.
What should I compare?
The 24-month total including rises, the speed guaranteed at your address, and set-up costs.
vs
- Rises over 24 months: +£96 vs +£96
- Social tariff: yes vs no
- Complaints: 7 vs 6 per 100k
Live deals from both providers for your postcode appear below.
BT and EE side by side
| | |
|---|---|---|
| Network | Openreach (part fibre and full fibre), nationwide | Openreach only, 23.5 million full fibre premises |
| Contract | 24 months (12 on some deals) | 24 months (12 on some deals) |
| Price rises | +£4 a month every 31 March, written into the contract (TV +£2). Sign after 1 March 2026 and the first rise is 31 March 2027 | +£4 a month from 31 March (contracts from 6 August 2025), TV +£2, plus £2.50 for each EE mobile plan in the home |
| Added over 24 months | +£96 | +£96 |
| Social tariff | Home Essentials from £16.50 (36Mb) for Universal Credit with no earnings; also £22 (36Mb) and £25 (67Mb). 12 months, no rises or exit fees. Open to EE and Plusnet customers too | None |
| Credit check | Soft check for broadband only; hard check with TV. A deposit is possible with a poor history | Soft for broadband only (hard with a phone) |
| Set-up | £0 on current deals | Activation £0–£30 depending on package, plus delivery up to £12 |
| Leaving early | Remaining months at the monthly price, less avoided costs and 1% | Like BT: remaining months, less avoided costs and 1%, plus VAT |
| Guarantees | Stay Fast Guarantee (minimum speed) and Complete Wi-Fi: £100 back if any room lacks signal | WiFi guarantee: £100 credit if any room is under 100Mb (Premium/Ultimate) |
| Ofcom complaints per 100k | 7 | 6 |
Verdict
Both add the same yearly rise, so compare the starting prices at your postcode. EE had fewer Ofcom complaints in Q1 2026 (6 vs 7 per 100,000 customers). Only BT has its own social tariff (EE refers customers to BT Home Essentials). Both sell over Openreach, so the speeds available at your address are usually the same — the price decides.
BT and EE deals at your address
FAQ
Common questions
Is BT or EE cheaper?
Both add the same yearly rise, so compare the starting prices at your postcode. Starting prices change often, so check both at your postcode.
Which has fewer complaints?
EE, according to Ofcom’s Q1 2026 figures.
Do BT and EE have social tariffs?
BT: Home Essentials from £16.50 (36Mb) for Universal Credit with no earnings; also £22 (36Mb) and £25 (67Mb). 12 months, no rises or exit fees. Open to EE and Plusnet customers too. EE: none.