Broadband comparison
Sky vs NOW Broadband broadband
Sky doesn’t fix its rise in the contract — you can leave penalty-free if it goes up — while NOW Broadband’s is zero.
bemobiles tips
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: Sky Not fixed, NOW Broadband 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: Not fixed vs Not fixed
- Social tariff: yes vs yes
- Complaints: 5 vs – per 100k
Live deals from both providers for your postcode appear below.
Sky and NOW Broadband side by side
| | |
|---|---|---|
| Network | Openreach plus CityFibre in some towns | Openreach (Sky’s platform), 98% of homes |
| Contract | 24 months | 24 months (short contracts withdrawn in September 2026) |
| Price rises | 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 | No fixed amount in the contract (+£3 a month in July 2025 and 2026) — you get 31 days to leave penalty-free |
| Added over 24 months | Not fixed | Not fixed |
| Social tariff | Broadband Basics £20 (35Mb) or £24 (75Mb), 24 months, for existing Sky customers only | NOW Broadband Basics £20 (36Mb), no contract, existing members only; new customers are referred to Sky Basics |
| Credit check | Light: a soft check or none; £5 refundable fee | None or a soft check (£5 refundable) — sources differ |
| Set-up | £5 refundable or £0 | £5 refundable or £0; Sky Hub included |
| Leaving early | Monthly price × remaining months; 14 days’ notice | Monthly price × remaining months |
| Guarantees | Speed Guarantee (leave after 3 days below the minimum); WiFi Max £6 a month — 25Mb in every room or a month back | Minimum speed; WiFi Max +£6 a month |
| Ofcom complaints per 100k | 5 | Not reported |
Verdict
Sky doesn’t fix its rise in the contract — you can leave penalty-free if it goes up — while NOW Broadband’s is zero. Both sell over Openreach, so the speeds available at your address are usually the same — the price decides.
Facts checked 24 October 2026 · Sky review · NOW Broadband review
Sky and NOW Broadband deals at your address
FAQ
Common questions
Is Sky or NOW Broadband cheaper?
Sky doesn’t fix its rise in the contract — you can leave penalty-free if it goes up — while NOW Broadband’s is zero. Starting prices change often, so check both at your postcode.
Which has fewer complaints?
Ofcom doesn’t publish comparable figures for both, or they are level.
Do Sky and NOW Broadband have social tariffs?
Sky: Broadband Basics £20 (35Mb) or £24 (75Mb), 24 months, for existing Sky customers only. NOW Broadband: NOW Broadband Basics £20 (36Mb), no contract, existing members only; new customers are referred to Sky Basics.