Which broadband provider is the most reliable?
Streaming, gaming, or working from home? A reliable broadband service is essential to ensure a hassle-free internet connection. Check out the most reliable broadband providers.
When choosing a broadband provider, it's easy to get caught up in flashy speeds and low prices. But there's one crucial factor that often gets overlooked: reliability.
Because let's face it, what good are ultrafast speeds if your connection drops when you need it most?
To help you stay connected without the hassle, we've rounded up some of the most reliable broadband providers available today.
What makes a broadband service reliable?
Reliability refers to the consistency and stability of your internet connection.
The more reliable your broadband is, the less interruptions you’ll face ensuring a hassle-free and smooth online experience.
An unreliable broadband service will mean you will face more frequent disruptions, blackouts, or other technical issues when online.
Uswitch broadband provider reviews
At Uswitch, we conduct a yearly 20,000-person customer survey to judge how well each provider performs across a range of categories. These categories include: value for money, internet speed, customer service, and reliability.
Customers were asked to rank their provider on a scale from 1 to 5.
1 = Very Dissatisfied
5 = Very Satisfied.
Plusnet emerges as the most reliable broadband provider
Here are the rankings from most to least reliable broadband providers.
1) Plusnet
2) BT
3) EE Broadband and Vodafone
4) Sky
5) Virgin Media
6) NOW Broadband
7) TalkTalk
Plusnet has emerged as the most reliable provider with a score of 4.19 out of 5.
The broadband providers with the highest rating for reliability were Plusnet (with a score of 4.19 out of 5), BT (4.06/5), Vodafone (4.04/5), and EE (4.04/5).
The lowest scoring providers for reliability are NOW Broadband (3.76) and TalkTalk (3.84).
Compare Plusnet broadband deals
Find the right Plusnet deal for you with our range of part-fibre and full fibre offers.
Not ready to switch just yet?
If you still have some time left on your current broadband contract, feel free to sign up for an end-of-contract reminder with Uswitch.
Just add your contract end date and address, and we'll send you a notification when you're ready to switch to a new provider without charge. We'll even throw in some examples of new customer deals available at your address.
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Ultrafast vs Superfast broadband. What is more reliable?
Households with ultrafast broadband connection have a more reliable experience than those with superfast broadband.
Data collected by Opensignal shows that by upgrading to ultrafast broadband (with average speeds of more than 300Mbps) you'll not only get faster speeds, but also a smoother and more reliable experience.
The best performing ultrafast providers were EE, Vodafone, and Plusnet who all exceed in their reliability.
Alternatively, those with superfast connections (30-300Mbps) have slower speeds and a less reliable connection.
The most reliable providers are EE and Vodafone for superfast broadband.
Rural and remote connections
The most reliable broadband provider may be different based on your location.
Where you live will impact broadband availability and the amount of broadband providers you can choose from. If you live remotely and in rural locations then you may have less options to switch.
If you're unhappy with your broadband provider's reliability score, or suffering with inconsistent internet connection, try the Uswitch postcode checker to see what other options are available in your area.
Want to check out the best deals and providers in your area? Enter your postcode to see personalised deals for you on Uswitch.
Broadband postcode checker
See what internet speeds are available and compare prices for any postcode in the UK.
Other important factors to consider if you're thinking about switching providers
With prices getting lower, and connection speeds getting faster, reliability is an essential factor when choosing a provider. That being said, it’s important that the speed and customer service value of your provider is what you want it to be.
Check out our speed tests, customer service rankings, and best broadband deals for your location on Uswitch to make sure you are receiving the right service for you and your broadband needs.
Find cheap broadband deals
Browse our selection of low-cost broadband deals if you want to save money on your next broadband service.