In this guide, we compare Now Broadband with similar low-cost providers like Plusnet, TalkTalk, and Vodafone. We’ve compared all of Now Broadband’s features – from speed, reliability and customer service to pricing and data limits – so you can decide which provider is best for your needs.
Download speed, upload speed and usage limit
When comparing broadband providers, connection speed and data usage limits are the most important factors that can help you decide which provider is right for your needs.
The basic broadband service (ADSL) is still being used by households across the UK so most of the UK providers include this plan to help users get broadband in areas which are not covered by any fibre network.
Vodafone is an exception to this, as it offers fibre plans only while other providers offer Basic broadband (ADSL) in addition to the entry-level fibre optic broadband at speeds up to 67 Mbit/s.
| Plan | Download speed | Upload speed |
|---|---|---|
| Now Brilliant | 11Mbps | 1Mbps |
| Plusnet Unlimited | 10Mbps | 1Mbps |
| TalkTalk Fast | 11Mbps | 1Mbps |
| Sky Unlimited | 11Mbps | 1Mbps |
| Now Fab Fibre | 36Mbps | 9Mbps |
| Plusnet Unlimited Fibre | 36Mbps | 9Mbps |
| TalkTalk 35 | 11Mbps | 1Mbps |
| Sky Superfast 35 | 11Mbps | 1Mbps |
| Vodafone Fibre 1 | 11Mbps | 1Mbps |
| Now Super Fibre | 63Mbps | 1Mbps |
| TalkTalk Fibre 65 | 67Mbps | 18Mbps |
| Plusnet Unlimited Fibre Extra | 66Mbps | 18Mbps |
| TalkTalk Fibre 65 | 67Mbps | 18Mbps |
| Vodafone Fibre 2 | 67Mbps | 18Mbps |
| TalkTalk Fibre 150 | 152Mbps | 29Mbps |
| Plusnet Full Fibre 145 | 145Mbps | 30Mbps |
| Vodafone Full Fibre 100 | 100Mbps | 18Mbps |
| Vodafone Full Fibre 200 | 200Mbps | 27Mbps |
| TalkTalk Full Fibre 500 | 525Mbps | 71Mbps |
| Plusnet Full Fibre 500 | 500Mbps | 75Mbps |
| Vodafone Full Fibre 500 | 500Mbps | 68Mbps |
| TalkTalk Full Fibre 900 | 944Mbps | 91Mbps |
| Vodafone Full Fibre 900 | 910Mbps | 105Mbps |
When it comes to ultra-fast speeds, Now broadband loses out because it tops out at just 63Mbps, while competitors offer more than 100Mbps and even up to gigabit speeds.
Whether it’s TalkTalk, Plusnet, or Now, upload speeds are about the same because they use the same Openreach network for their services. However, Vodafone and TalkTalk have the advantage of offering symmetrical upload speeds across the areas they serve over CityFibre’s full fiber network.
All of the providers we compared offer totally unlimited usage, with no download or speed caps. This means your connection speed won’t slow down during peak hours.
Pricing and value for money
Now Broadband not only offers the cheapest plan, but its broadband plans come with free anytime calls, but you won’t get free installation or perks like reward cards or vouchers with these deals.
Vodafone is the next low cost provider, but they also offer free installation and coupons for new customers.
TalkTalk plans are slightly more expensive than Plusnet, but both providers (like Vodafone) offer free installation, coupons, rewards cards and other incentives to attract new users.
In our opinion, Vodafone fibre broadband offers the best value for money in terms of speed, discounts and special offers, while Now TV broadband packages offer excellent value for customers looking for a TV and broadband bundle.
Likewise, Plusnet and TalkTalk offer great-value plans for customers who are looking for cheaper fibre broadband options to suit their budget.
Reliability
It is important to consider the quality and reliability of the network before committing to service.
The reliability and maximum speed of an internet connection depends primarily on the network, its technology and capacity. For example, full fibre or FTTP is faster and more reliable than FTTC broadband.
TalkTalk, Plusnet and Vodafone offer full fiber broadband, but Now only offers FTTC-based broadband packages. While Now Broadband is generally sufficient for most UK households, the lack of faster speeds may not suit everyone, especially when connecting multiple devices for 4K streaming and online gaming.
Customer Service
Plusnet and Virgin Media have higher customer satisfaction rates than Vodafone and TalkTalk, according to the latest Ofcom customer service report. More customers complained about Vodafone and TalkTalk than Now Broadband and Plusnet, according to the Ofcom survey.
Now vs Sky – Which provider offers better value for money?
Finally, a brief comparison between Now and parent company Sky:
NOW is more budget friendly than Sky. As well as offering low-priced broadband plans, Now TV also gives you access to a wide range of Sky TV channels including the exclusive Sky Atlantic at discounted price, compared to BT, TalkTalk or Virgin Media,
With a Sport & Cinema membership you can watch all of Sky’s Sport and Cinema channels in HD. Contract terms are flexible and you can choose from a 12 month or 1 month contract option.
If you need faster broadband and the features of Sky TV, Sky is really the better choice. Now TV is ideal if you’re a casual internet user but want to add Sky TV to your package without paying more.