What’s the average broadband bill for a UK household in 2026? Understanding how much the typical home pays for broadband makes it easier to check if you’re overpaying – or if you could get more for your money.
We’ve broken down the average broadband bill by connection type and speed. Plus, we’ve included our top tips for cheaper broadband.
What are the different kinds of broadband?
There are 3 primary types of wired broadband connections in the UK: ADSL, FTTC and FTTP.
ADSL (Asymmetric digital subscriber line) broadband is the slowest and most widely available. It relies on the old copper cabling of the landline phone network. ADSL connections are usually cheap, but offer extremely low maximum speeds, making them unsuitable for things like working from home or streaming HD video.
FTTC (Fibre to the cabinet) is the most widespread type of connection today. These internet connections use purpose-built fibre optic cables to carry data as far as a cabinet in your street. Then, the older copper cables complete the final, shortest stage of the journey into your home. They offer a good middle ground of speeds that are suitable for typical use and widespread availability.
FTTP (Fibre to the premises) connections are the fastest, and are being rolled out across more and more of the UK. These connections use fibre optic cabling for the whole journey, all the way into your home and to your router. Top speeds can reach as high as 1Gbps, but only if the network is available in your area.
What’s the average broadband bill in the UK?
In the table below, we’ve broken down the average broadband bill for each type of connection by monthly cost. However, there are a few other things to consider when comparing broadband bills.
- Contract Length: Longer contracts usually offer a lower monthly cost to encourage commitment. These can be a good deal, but look in the small print for mid-contract price rises
- Speed: Even among connections of the same time, a higher speed cap usually comes with a higher price tag
- Set-up cost: Different providers charge different upfront costs, or may offer free setup
- Telecoms bundles: You might pay more for a package that includes broadband, mobile and TV services rather than just broadband, but be saving money overall
- Broadband availability: Different broadband providers operate in different areas, so there might be a cheaper-than-average option available for your home
Top tip! Find out about locally available indie broadband options with a free broadband availability check from Please Connect Me
According to the most recent data for 2026 from Uswitch and Ofcom, the average broadband bill in the UK is approximately £31 a month. However, this varies depending on the type of connection and whether you are currently in or out of your initial contract period.
| Connection Type | Average Speed | Average Monthly Cost |
|---|---|---|
| ADSL | 10 – 20 Mbps | £22 – £25 |
| FTTC (Part-Fibre) | 30 – 70 Mbps | £28 – £32 |
| FTTP (Full Fibre) | 100 – 900+ Mbps | £31 – £45+ |
How to cut your broadband bill
Are you paying more than the average broadband bill every month? Luckily, there are lots of easy ways to cut your broadband bill and save money.
Check your contract
Has your original broadband contract expired? Many providers charge one price during the minimum contract period and then raise your monthly price once the contract expires—often by as much as £9 to £10 a month. When this happens, you can save money by re-fixing your contract or by switching to a new provider.
Broadband companies often save their best deals for new customers, so switching is often the cheapest option. In 2026, most major providers have moved to fixed “pounds and pence” annual increases (typically £3 – £4 each April), so factor this into your long-term budget.
Bundle your services
Are you paying separate monthly bills for broadband, mobile and TV? You could save money by bundling your services with one provider. Not only will you pay less each month, but you might also get access to other benefits like a free broadband speed upgrade or a loyalty rewards scheme.
Ditch the landline
You might still be paying for a landline phone service, even if you don’t have one at home. While internet suppliers used to require that you pay line rental for a landline alongside your internet connection, today most broadband connections are available without a landline. Check if you’re still paying for a landline phone, and if you don’t need one anymore – cut the cord!
