BT is a widely trusted provider in the UK when it comes to reliable broadband services. Two of its entry-level packages—Fibre 1 and Fibre 2 (also called Full Fibre 1 and 2)—might sound similar, but they’re designed for different households.
This review explains how they compare in speed, performance, cost, and who they’re best for, helping you decide which one fits your home.
Overview
| Feature | BT Fibre 1 | BT Fibre 2 (Full Fibre 2) |
|---|---|---|
| Technology | FTTC (fibre to cabinet with copper) | FTTP (fibre directly to premises) |
| Download Speed | 50Mbps | 56–73Mbps |
| Upload Speed | 10Mbps | 17–18Mbps |
| Monthly Cost | £30.99 (broadband only) | £31.99 (broadband only) |
| Upfront Cost | None | £29.99 |
| Contract Length | 24 months | 24 months |
| Router | BT Smart Hub 2 | BT Smart Hub 2 |
| Best For | Small households, routine use | Remote work, heavy streaming, online gaming, busy households |
Cost comparison
| Product | Details | Deal | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Fibre 2 Only Avg. Speed: 67Mbps 24 month contract |
£30.99 per month Free setup £50 Reward card included |
|
GO |
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|
Fibre 1 Only Avg. Speed: 50Mbps 24 month contract |
£31.99 per month Free setup £50 Reward card included |
|
GO |
- Monthly Cost:
For broadband only, Fibre 2 costs £30.99 per month. If you add a phone line, the cost rises to £34.99 per month—equal to the cost of Fibre 1. - Upfront Cost:
No setup cost, however, a one-time upfront fee of £29.99 may apply to Full Fibre 2. - Contract Length:
Like Fibre 1, Fibre 2 requires a 24-month contract.
Is BT Fibre 2 a good plan for me?
BT Fibre 2 is best for:
- Working from home:
The faster upload speeds are beneficial for video conferencing, uploading large files, and cloud-based work. - Heavy Streamers and Online Gamers:
The faster download speeds and improved upload bandwidth help reduce buffering, lower latency, and ensure smoother online gaming. - Larger or Busy Households:
In households with several connected devices, the extra bandwidth helps maintain reliable performance even when multiple devices are online.
Pros and Cons of BT Fibre 2
Pros:
- Higher download speeds (56–73Mbps) and significantly improved upload speeds (17–18Mbps).
- FTTP technology offers a more stable and consistent connection.
- Better suited for remote work, streaming, gaming, and households with multiple devices.
- Competitive monthly rate for broadband only at £29.99.
Cons:
- A one-time upfront fee of £29.99.
- A 24-month contract reduces flexibility.
- If bundled with a phone line, the monthly cost rises to £34.99.
- FTTP is still being rolled out; not all areas have access to full fibre.
BT Full Fibre 2 vs Fibre 2
BT Full Fibre 2 is delivered using FTTP (full fibre to the premises) network. The fibre runs directly to your premises, avoiding the performance issues associated with copper cables. As a result, the connection speed is more consistent even during peak times.
BT Full Fibre 2 is designed for users like remote workers, heavy streamers, online gamers, and larger households that require higher speeds and more stable connections.
Overview
- Advertised Download Speed:
The average download speeds range from 56Mbps to 73Mbps. This is a noticeable improvement over Fibre 1 and can support more data-intensive tasks. - Advertised Upload Speed:
Average Upload speeds are 17Mbps to 18Mbps. This is nearly double the upload speed of Fibre 1 and is important for tasks such as video conferencing, large file uploads, and live streaming. - Router:
The same Smart Hub 2 router is provided with Fibre 2, ensuring reliable Wi-Fi coverage throughout the home.
Is BT Fibre 1 any good?
BT Fibre 1 is great for everyday use in most households. With 50Mbps download speeds, it supports streaming, browsing, and casual gaming without issues. The 10Mbps upload speed is fine for video calls and sharing files, but if you regularly work from home and need to send large files, a faster plan may be more suitable.
Average Download Speed:
BT Fibre 1 offers an average download speed of 50Mbps. This speed supports standard web use, email, social media, and HD streaming for most users.
Average Upload Speed:
The average upload speed is 10Mbps which is generally adequate for sending emails, uploading files, and video calling, but you may need faster speeds for heavy file uploads or live streaming.
Router
BT includes the Smart Hub 2 router with this package. The router is designed to cover a typical UK home with reliable Wi-Fi without the need for additional boosters.
Smart Hub 2 router has received good reviews for good coverage and easy setup. However, since Fibre 1 uses copper wiring for part of the connection to your home, you might notice a drop in speed during busy times.
BT Fibre 1 is Good for:
- Browsing and social media
- HD streaming (Netflix, YouTube)
- Online shopping
- Casual gaming
- Occasional video calls
Pros and Cons of BT Fibre 1
Pros
- No upfront fee.
- Reasonably priced at £31.99 per month.
- Suitable for everyday internet activities.
- Smart Hub 2 router provides reliable Wi-Fi.
- Well suited for small households or student homes.
Cons
- Slow upload speed (around 10Mbps) for heavy file transfers.
- Performance may drop during peak usage due to the copper leg in the FTTC connection.
- 24-month contract
- Not ideal for households with many connected devices or for bandwidth intensive applications.
BT Fibre 1 vs Fibre 2
Reliability
BT Fibre 1 handles basic tasks well, though peak-time slowdowns are possible due to copper cabling. Fibre 2’s full-fibre connection avoids this, offering steady speeds and better support for multiple users. Both use the Smart Hub 2, which offers solid Wi-Fi and easy installation.
Value for money
Fibre 2 is cheaper than Fibre 1. Both come with 24-month contracts and may increase annually based on inflation. Full Fibre 2 offers a more future-proof FTTP connection. BT also offers bundle options that may affect pricing depending on whether you add phone or TV services.
Usage
Fibre 1 is best for smaller households (1 to 3 users), students, and those in areas without FTTP. It handles light to moderate internet use well. Fibre 2 is better for heavy users, remote workers, and homes with multiple connected devices. It’s also more future-ready with FTTP technology.
Streaming and Online gaming
Fibre 1 is fine for HD streaming, casual gaming, and light file uploads. Fibre 2 offers faster uploads, and smoother performance—ideal for gamers, remote workers, and households with multiple devices.
Customer Support
- BT’s customer service is UK-based and generally well-rated.
- Installation is simple for most users with the Smart Hub 2 router, and help is available if needed.
- Online support is offered via phone and online. While most issues are resolved smoothly, occasional delays can happen.
Conclusion
BT Fibre 1 is a great option for browsing, HD streaming, and emailing. It’s affordable, reliable during off-peak hours, and comes with no upfront fee—ideal for students or small households.
BT Fibre 2 is better suited to homes with multiple users or tasks that require stable high speeds—like gaming, remote work, or Ultra HD streaming.
Here is the summary:
BT Fibre 1
- 50Mbps download / 10Mbps upload (FTTC)
- Good for browsing, HD streaming, small homes
- No upfront fee
- Affordable and reliable for general use
BT Fibre 2
- Up to 73Mbps download / 17–18Mbps upload (FTTP)
- Ideal for remote work, gaming, and large households
- £29.99 setup fee
- Future-ready with more consistent speeds
Both:
- 24-month contracts
- Annual price adjustments may apply
This review highlights the key differences between BT Fibre 1 and Fibre 2. Fibre 1 is dependable and cost-effective for general online tasks, while Fibre 2 is a better fit for heavier usage, offering more stable speeds through its FTTP connection.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between BT Fibre 2 and BT Fibre 1?
The key difference is speed. BT Fibre 2 offers average download speeds of 74Mbps and upload speeds up to 18Mbps. Fibre 1, on the other hand, gives around 50Mbps download and 9Mbps upload. So if your household has multiple users or you need a more reliable connection for streaming or video calls, Fibre 2 is the better choice.
What is BT Halo 3?
BT Halo 3 is an add-on designed to offer peace of mind, especially if your home relies heavily on the internet and it comes with following features:
- A 4G Mini Hub to keep you online if your broadband stops working
- Access to BT’s Home Tech Experts who help with setup and troubleshooting
- A Smart Hub 2 router (though this is already included with Full Fibre plans)
- BT’s “Keep Connected Promise,” which means they’ll always aim to keep you online even during broadband outages.
Can I add extras to BT Fibre 2?
Yes, you can add several extras to BT Fibre 2. These include:
- Complete Wi-Fi: Boosts signal in hard-to-reach areas
- Hybrid Connect: 4G backup internet if your main line fails
- Virus Protect: For up to 15 devices
- TV add-ons: Including NOW TV, Netflix, and more
You can customise your plan depending on what your household needs.
Is BT Fibre 2 good for gaming?
Yes, BT Fibre 2 is good for casual and even some competitive online gaming. With 74Mbps download and 18Mbps upload, it handles online play, downloads, and game updates quite well. However, for ultra-low latency or very large households with gamers and streamers, Full Fibre options might be better.
Is BT Fibre 2 fast enough for 4K streaming?
Yes, it is. 4K streaming usually needs about 25Mbps per stream. With 74Mbps available, BT Fibre 2 can handle one or two 4K streams at the same time comfortably—alongside other general usage like browsing or downloading.
How many users can stream in HD or game at once on BT Fibre 2?
BT Fibre 2 can support around 4–6 users doing a mix of HD streaming, online gaming, and general browsing at the same time without issues. However, performance may vary depending on how bandwidth-heavy the activities are (e.g., multiple large downloads or simultaneous 4K streams).
What is the Stay Fast Guarantee?
BT’s Stay Fast Guarantee means you’ll get the speeds you’re promised — and if your connection regularly drops below the minimum guaranteed level, BT will try to fix it. If they can’t, you could be eligible to leave your contract early without paying a penalty.
What is the minimum guaranteed speed for BT Fibre 2?
As of 2025, BT guarantees a minimum download speed of 49Mbps with Fibre 2. If your speed consistently falls below this, BT will offer support and possibly compensation or let you exit your contract if they can’t resolve it.
Is BT Full Fibre 2 available in my area?
As of early 2025, BT Full Fibre (FTTP) is available to around 17 million homes across the UK. In comparison, BT’s standard fibre (FTTC) broadband reaches over 30 million homes.
To check if BT Full Fibre 2 is available at your address, you can visit the BT Broadband Availability Checker and enter your postcode.
What is BT Fibre Broadband?
Let’s start with the basics. Fibre broadband delivers internet using fibre optic cables, which are faster and more reliable than the older copper wire connections. These cables transmit data as light, allowing for better speeds.
There are two main types:
- FTTP, or full fibre, runs fibre cables directly into your home for stronger, more consistent speeds.
- FTTC connects fibre to a cabinet on your street, with copper wires running the rest of the way. Speeds may drop depending on your distance from the cabinet.
The main distinction between BT Fibre 1 and Fibre 2 is in how they connect to your home. Fibre 1 uses the FTTC method, while Fibre 2 is powered by full FTTP—leading to faster and more stable internet.
BT Fibre 2 vs Fibre Essential
BT Fibre Essential is the slowest plan with 36Mbps download and 9Mbps upload speeds. It’s best for light use and one or two users.
In contrast, Fibre 2 has over 2x faster speeds for both downloads and uploads. Faster speeds in Fibre 2 are better for 4K streaming and gaming, making it a more reliable option than Fibre Essential.
Fibre Essential lacks some benefits, like BT Virus Protect or free cloud storage.
What is Complete WiFi?
he Complete WiFi feature helps you get faster, guaranteed WiFi speeds in every room of your home.
Complete WiFi requires an additional subscription. BT offers the latest Smart Hub 2 routers with WiFi discs. WiFi booster helps you increase WiFi signal strength in WiFi black spots.
BT Fibre broadband benefits
BT fibre broadband is truly unlimited, free from usage caps or other limitations. This ensures that you can make heavy downloads without worrying about hitting data limits.
BT promises that it won’t your internet speeds, even during peak hours (8pm-10pm). This means you can count on a reliable internet service whenever you need it, without traffic shaping or slowdowns.
BT fibre broadband plans come with Stay Fast Guarantee ensuring you get the guaranteed minimum speed, or you can ask for a refund if the issue isn’t resolved within 30 days.
BT broadband and landline packages include pay as you go calls. For those who make frequent calls from home, adding a call plan can be a convenient and cost-effective solution.
BT offers free internet access through its 5 million public WiFi hotspots in the UK. They’re in popular places like restaurants and airports, helping you stay online when you’re on the go.