Broadband comparison
BT vs Sky broadband
Sky doesn’t fix its rise in the contract — you can leave penalty-free if it goes up — while BT’s is fixed at £4 a month each year.
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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, Sky Not fixed 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 Not fixed
- Social tariff: yes vs yes
- Complaints: 7 vs 5 per 100k
Live deals from both providers for your postcode appear below.
BT and Sky side by side
| | |
|---|---|---|
| Network | Openreach (part fibre and full fibre), nationwide | Openreach plus CityFibre in some towns |
| Contract | 24 months (12 on some deals) | 24 months |
| 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 | No fixed amount in the contract (+£3 a month from April 2026). Because the rise isn’t written in, you can leave penalty-free within 30 days of being told |
| Added over 24 months | +£96 | Not fixed |
| 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 | Broadband Basics £20 (35Mb) or £24 (75Mb), 24 months, for existing Sky customers only |
| Credit check | Soft check for broadband only; hard check with TV. A deposit is possible with a poor history | Light: a soft check or none; £5 refundable fee |
| Set-up | £0 on current deals | £5 refundable or £0 |
| Leaving early | Remaining months at the monthly price, less avoided costs and 1% | Monthly price × remaining months; 14 days’ notice |
| Guarantees | Stay Fast Guarantee (minimum speed) and Complete Wi-Fi: £100 back if any room lacks signal | Speed Guarantee (leave after 3 days below the minimum); WiFi Max £6 a month — 25Mb in every room or a month back |
| Ofcom complaints per 100k | 7 | 5 |
Verdict
Sky doesn’t fix its rise in the contract — you can leave penalty-free if it goes up — while BT’s is fixed at £4 a month each year. Sky had fewer Ofcom complaints in Q1 2026 (5 vs 7 per 100,000 customers). 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 · Sky review
BT and Sky deals at your address
FAQ
Common questions
Is BT or Sky cheaper?
Sky doesn’t fix its rise in the contract — you can leave penalty-free if it goes up — while BT’s is fixed at £4 a month each year. Starting prices change often, so check both at your postcode.
Which has fewer complaints?
Sky, according to Ofcom’s Q1 2026 figures.
Do BT and Sky 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. Sky: Broadband Basics £20 (35Mb) or £24 (75Mb), 24 months, for existing Sky customers only.