Broadband comparison
BT vs Plusnet 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, Plusnet +£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 4 per 100k
Live deals from both providers for your postcode appear below.
BT and Plusnet side by side
| | |
|---|---|---|
| Network | Openreach (part fibre and full fibre), nationwide | Openreach via BT Wholesale (part of BT Group) |
| Contract | 24 months (12 on some deals) | 24 months (12 on some full fibre 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 every 31 March (contracts from 5 August 2025); sign after 1 March 2026 and the first rise is March 2027 |
| 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 | No credit check on broadband (reported by several comparison sites) |
| Set-up | £0 on current deals | £0–£9.99; Hub Two router included |
| Leaving early | Remaining months at the monthly price, less avoided costs and 1% | Based on the remaining months (BT Group method) |
| Guarantees | Stay Fast Guarantee (minimum speed) and Complete Wi-Fi: £100 back if any room lacks signal | Minimum speed; no Wi-Fi guarantee |
| Ofcom complaints per 100k | 7 | 4 |
Verdict
Both add the same yearly rise, so compare the starting prices at your postcode. Plusnet had fewer Ofcom complaints in Q1 2026 (4 vs 7 per 100,000 customers). Only BT has its own social tariff (Plusnet refers customers to BT Home Essentials). Both sell over Openreach, so the speeds available at your address are usually the same — the price decides.
Facts checked 24 October 2026 · BT review · Plusnet review
BT and Plusnet deals at your address
FAQ
Common questions
Is BT or Plusnet 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?
Plusnet, according to Ofcom’s Q1 2026 figures.
Do BT and Plusnet 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. Plusnet: none.