Broadband comparison
TalkTalk vs BT 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: TalkTalk +£96, BT +£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: no vs yes
- Complaints: 10 vs 7 per 100k
Live deals from both providers for your postcode appear below.
TalkTalk and BT side by side
| | |
|---|---|---|
| Network | Openreach and CityFibre (“full fibre first”) | Openreach (part fibre and full fibre), nationwide |
| Contract | 24 months (sometimes 18) | 24 months (12 on some deals) |
| Price rises | +£4 a month every April (from 1 April 2026 for new customers), e.g. £25 → £29 → £33 | +£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 |
| Added over 24 months | +£96 | +£96 |
| Social tariff | None | 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 |
| Credit check | Yes; seen as tolerant of a weaker history | Soft check for broadband only; hard check with TV. A deposit is possible with a poor history |
| Set-up | £0; eero routers on full fibre | £0 on current deals |
| Leaving early | Fixed amount per remaining month: Full Fibre £11.25, Fibre £10.20; 30 days’ notice | Remaining months at the monthly price, less avoided costs and 1% |
| Guarantees | Total Home WiFi £8 a month (free with Full Fibre 900): 10Mb in every room | Stay Fast Guarantee (minimum speed) and Complete Wi-Fi: £100 back if any room lacks signal |
| Ofcom complaints per 100k | 10 | 7 |
Verdict
Both add the same yearly rise, so compare the starting prices at your postcode. BT had fewer Ofcom complaints in Q1 2026 (7 vs 10 per 100,000 customers). Only BT has its own social tariff. Both sell over Openreach, so the speeds available at your address are usually the same — the price decides.
Facts checked 24 October 2026 · TalkTalk review · BT review
TalkTalk and BT deals at your address
FAQ
Common questions
Is TalkTalk or BT 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?
BT, according to Ofcom’s Q1 2026 figures.
Do TalkTalk and BT have social tariffs?
TalkTalk: none. 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.