Choosing the right broadband provider isn’t just about speed or price—it’s also about the quality of the router included.
This guide compares the latest routers offered by UK broadband providers as of April 2025, highlighting which ones deliver top performance and which still rely on outdated or basic equipment.
Table of Contents
Providers Who Offer the Best Routers
These providers are leading the way by supplying high-performance routers with modern standards such as Wi-Fi 6, Wi-Fi 6E, or even Wi-Fi 7, often with mesh capabilities or enhanced whole-home coverage.
Vodafone (Pro II with Ultra Hub)
- Router: Ultra Hub (with Pro II plans)
- Why it’s one of the best: Supports Wi-Fi 6E, includes Super WiFi 6E Booster, and offers 4G Broadband Backup. Optimised for homes with many connected devices.
Community Fibre
- Routers:
- Linksys WiFi 6 Intelligent Mesh Router (with 150Mbps and above packages)
- Technicolor Multi-Gigabit Router (with 5Gbps package)
- Why it’s one of the best: Delivers premium mesh coverage, Wi-Fi 6, and multi-gigabit capability depending on the plan. Offers Premium WiFi Guarantee.
YouFibre
- Routers:
- YouFibre Wi-Fi 7 Tri-Band Router (with 2Gbps and 7Gbps packages)
- Amazon eero Pro 6 (previously supplied)
- Why it’s one of the best: One of the first to offer Wi-Fi 7. Excellent speeds, stability, and future-proofing.
Zen Internet
- Routers:
- FRITZ!Box 7530 AX (with 500Mbps and 900Mbps plans)
- Amazon eero Pro 6E (with gigabit-plus packages)
- Why it’s one of the best: Offers reliable and advanced hardware for high-speed plans, including Wi-Fi 6/6E and mesh support.
TalkTalk
- Router: Amazon eero 6 (with Full Fibre plans)
- Why it’s one of the best: Wi-Fi 6 support with mesh capabilities. Reliable coverage and speed across the home.
Providers That Offer Basic or Outdated Routers
These providers still rely on Wi-Fi 5 routers or offer limited features. While stable, these routers may not match the performance and range required by modern homes with multiple connected devices.
BT
- Router: Smart Hub 2 (all plans)
- Why it’s basic: Uses Wi-Fi 5. No mesh support or Wi-Fi 6 upgrade option, even on full fibre.
Plusnet
- Router: Hub Two (all plans)
- Why it’s basic: Rebranded BT Smart Hub 2. Wi-Fi 5 only, no advanced features.
NOW Broadband
- Router: Sky Broadband Hub
- Why it’s basic: Wi-Fi 5 standard router, lacks mesh or smart optimisation features.
Onestream
- Router Policy: Customers can use their own router
- Why it’s basic: No advanced router included by default. Requires users to purchase a quality router separately.
The 4th Utility
- Router Policy: Supplies a bridge device, customers use their own router
- Why it’s basic: No router is bundled. Users are expected to invest in compatible, quality hardware.
Comparison UK Broadband Routers (April 2025)
?As of April 2025, here’s a comprehensive list of major UK broadband providers and the routers they supply with their broadband packages:?
- BT (British Telecom):
- Router Supplied: BT Smart Hub 2
- Packages: Included with all broadband packages, including ADSL, Fibre, and Full Fibre plans.
- Sky Broadband:
- Routers Supplied:
- Sky Broadband Hub: Standard router for most packages.
- Sky WiFi Max Hub: Available with premium packages, offering enhanced performance.
- Routers Supplied:
- Virgin Media:
- Routers Supplied:
- Hub 3: Standard router for entry-level packages.
- Hub 4: Offered to customers upgrading from older models (Hub 1, Hub 2, or Hub 2 AC) at no extra cost.
- Hub 5: Included with Gig1 packages, supporting Wi-Fi 6 for faster speeds.
- Routers Supplied:
- TalkTalk:
- Router Supplied: Amazon eero Pro 6
- Packages: Included with Full Fibre packages, offering tri-band Wi-Fi 6 connectivity.
- EE Broadband:
- Routers Supplied:
- Smart Hub: Standard router for fibre packages.
- Smart Hub Pro: Features Wi-Fi 7 technology, suitable for high-speed packages like 900Mbps Full Fibre Gigabit.
- Routers Supplied:
- Plusnet:
- Router Supplied: Plusnet Hub Two
- Packages: Included with all broadband packages.
- Vodafone:
- Routers Supplied:
- Vodafone Wi-Fi Hub: Standard router for most packages.
- Ultra Hub: Included with Pro II plans, featuring Wi-Fi 6E technology and Super WiFi 6E Booster for extended coverage.
- Routers Supplied:
- Hyperoptic:
- Routers Supplied:
- Zyxel EX3301: Standard router for new customers.
- Zyxel EX5601: Available for higher-tier packages, offering enhanced performance.
- Routers Supplied:
- Zen Internet:
- Routers Supplied:
- FRITZ!Box 7530 AX: Included with ultrafast 500Mbps and 900Mbps deals.
- Amazon eero Pro 6E: Offered with gigabit-plus packages, with eero Max 7 available as an upgrade option.
- Routers Supplied:
- Shell Energy Broadband:
- Router Supplied: Technicolor Router
- Packages: Provided with broadband packages; customers have the option to use their own router for potentially better performance.
- Community Fibre:
- Routers Supplied:
- Linksys WiFi 5 Intelligent Mesh™ Router: Included with 35Mbps and 50Mbps packages.
- Linksys WiFi 6 Intelligent Mesh™ Router: Provided with 150Mbps, 200Mbps, 300Mbps, 500Mbps, and 1Gbps packages.
- Technicolor Multi-Gigabit Router: Supplied with the 5Gbps package.
- Premium WiFi service is available with 1Gbps, 2.5Gbps, and 5Gbps packages, offering guaranteed whole-home coverage with additional Linksys Mesh routers if needed.
- Routers Supplied:
- YouFibre:
- Routers Supplied:
- YouFibre Wi-Fi 7 Tri-Band Router: Distributed to customers on 2Gbps and 7Gbps packages.
- Amazon eero Pro 6 Router: Previously supplied with various packages.
- YouMesh is available for £7 per month to enhance Wi-Fi coverage throughout the home.
- Routers Supplied:
- Hey!Broadband:
- Router Supplied: High-performance router included with all packages.
- Packages:
- Superfast 150: 150Mbps symmetrical speeds.
- Megafast 400: 400Mbps symmetrical speeds.
- Gigafast 900: 900Mbps symmetrical speeds.
- Free router and standard installation (worth £150) are included with all packages.
- Cuckoo Broadband:
- Router Supplied: Amazon eero Pro 6E Router.
- Packages:
- C-150: 150Mbps average speeds.
- C-500: 500Mbps average speeds.
- C-900: 900Mbps average speeds.
- Wi-Fi mesh devices are available for £7 per device, per month, to extend coverage.
- The 4th Utility:
- Router Policy: Customers are encouraged to use their own routers.
- Bridge Device: A Bridge device is supplied free of charge to connect the fibre optic cable to the customer’s router.
- NOW Broadband:
- Router Supplied: Sky Broadband Hub.
- Packages:
- Superfast: 61Mbps average speeds.
- Full Fibre 75: 75Mbps average speeds.
- Full Fibre 100: 100Mbps average speeds.
- The Sky Broadband Hub replaces the older NOW Broadband Hub 2.
- Onestream:
- Router Policy: Customers have the option to use their own routers.
- Packages:
- Fibre 40: 35Mbps average speeds.
- Fibre 80: 67Mbps average speeds.
| Provider | Router | Wi-Fi 6 Enabled | Specifications |
|---|---|---|---|
| BT | Smart Hub 2 | No | Wi-Fi 5, Dual-band, 4 Gigabit ports, DECT support |
| Sky | Sky Broadband Hub | No | Wi-Fi 5, Smart channel selection, 4 Gigabit ports |
| Sky | Sky WiFi Max Hub (WiFi Max upgrade) | Yes | Wi-Fi 6, Optional mesh, enhanced performance |
| Virgin Media | Hub 3 | No | Basic Wi-Fi, 4 Gigabit ports |
| Virgin Media | Hub 4 (upgrade for older models) | No | Improved speed, power efficiency, better security |
| Virgin Media | Hub 5 (with Gig1) | Yes | Wi-Fi 6, 2.5Gbps port, sustainable build |
| TalkTalk | Amazon eero 6 (with Full Fibre) | Yes | Wi-Fi 6 mesh, supports 75+ devices, app control |
| EE | Smart Hub | No | Basic Wi-Fi, Dual-band, 4 ports |
| EE | Smart Hub Plus | Yes | Wi-Fi 6, supports 190 devices, Dual-band |
| Plusnet | Hub Two | No | Wi-Fi 5, 4 Gigabit ports |
| Vodafone | Vodafone Wi-Fi Hub | No | Wi-Fi 5, 4 ports |
| Vodafone | Ultra Hub (Pro II) | Yes | Wi-Fi 6E, Super WiFi Booster, 4G backup |
| Hyperoptic | Zyxel EX3301 | No | Dual-band Wi-Fi, Ethernet ports |
| Hyperoptic | Zyxel EX5601 (higher plans) | Yes | Wi-Fi 6, better performance |
| Zen Internet | FRITZ!Box 7530 AX (500Mbps+) | Yes | Wi-Fi 6, Dual-band |
| Zen Internet | eero Pro 6E (gigabit+) | Yes | Wi-Fi 6E, Tri-band mesh |
| Community Fibre | Linksys WiFi 6 Mesh (150Mbps+) | Yes | Wi-Fi 6 mesh system |
| Community Fibre | Technicolor Multi-Gigabit (5Gbps) | Yes | Multi-gigabit, advanced features |
| YouFibre | Wi-Fi 7 Tri-Band (2Gbps/7Gbps) | Yes | Wi-Fi 7, future-proof |
| YouFibre | Amazon eero Pro 6 | Yes | Tri-band Wi-Fi 6 mesh |
| Hey!Broadband | High-performance router | Not specified | Up to 900Mbps symmetrical speeds |
| Cuckoo | Amazon eero Pro 6E | Yes | Tri-band mesh, Wi-Fi 6E |
| The 4th Utility | (Bridge device, no router supplied) | No | Requires user-supplied router |
| NOW Broadband | Sky Broadband Hub | No | Wi-Fi 5, standard coverage |
| Onestream | (Customer uses own router) | Optional | No router bundled, up to customer |
What to Look For in a Broadband Router in 2025
- Wi-Fi 6 or higher: Offers faster speeds, more efficient bandwidth use, and better performance with multiple devices.
- Mesh capability: Useful in larger homes or areas with thick walls.
- Tri-band or Wi-Fi 6E/7 support: Important for high-traffic households or gigabit+ speeds.
- Ethernet ports: Still relevant for devices like gaming consoles, PCs, or smart TVs.
- 4G/5G backup: Ensures connectivity during outages (offered by some premium providers).
Should You Switch Providers for a Better Router?
If you’re paying for fast broadband but your router is outdated, your actual experience may fall short. Some providers offer cutting-edge routers with top-tier plans, while others stick with older models that may limit performance. If your home has many connected devices or you rely heavily on Wi-Fi, switching to a provider with a better router can make a noticeable difference in speed, reliability, and coverage.
Always consider both the broadband speed and the hardware being supplied before signing up. A quality router is now just as essential as a fast connection.