EE Broadband Review
EE is one of the UK’s top broadband providers, offering ultrafast speeds and excellent Wi-Fi thanks to its advanced routers, along with additional features like Game Mode and Work Mode.
Latest Offers:
| Plan | Speed | Contract | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full Fibre 74 Essentials |
74Mbps | 24 months | £26.99/month |
| Full Fibre 150 Essentials |
149Mbp | 24 months | £29.99/month |
Free setup.
Plans range from 36Mbps to 1.6Gbps, but full fibre availability is limited. Prices are higher than those of competitors, and some customers report billing issues and mid-contract price rises.
EE is also one of the largest mobile networks in the UK and offers mobile data boosts and perks for its broadband customers.
This review will cover plans, pricing, performance, routers, reliability, setup, and customer service to help you decide if EE broadband is the right choice for you.
EE Broadband Plans & Pricing
EE offers three types of broadband plans:
- Standard Fibre Broadband (FTTC) – Uses part fibre, part copper. Speeds up to 74Mbps.
- Fibre Max (GFast) – Hybrid fibre with speed boosts. Speeds up to 145Mbps.
- Full Fibre (FTTP) – Pure fibre optic connection. Speeds up to 1.6Gbps.
| Package | Avg. Speed (D/U) | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Fibre Broadband | 36Mbps / 9Mbps | Basic browsing, emails |
| Fibre Plus | 74Mbps / 18Mbps | Streaming, small households |
| Fibre Max 100 (Legacy) | 100Mbps / 28Mbps | Online gaming, HD streaming |
| Fibre Max 145 (Legacy) | 145Mbps / 28Mbps | Large households, work from home |
| Full Fibre 100 | 100Mbps / 28Mbps | Families, remote work |
| Full Fibre 500 | 500Mbps / 48Mbps | 4K streaming, gaming |
| Full Fibre 900 | 900Mbps / 48Mbps | Power users, heavy internet use |
| Full Fibre 1.6Gbps | 1,600Mbps / 115Mbps | Ultra-fast speeds, professionals |
How does EE compare to other providers
EE broadband packages are more expensive compared to those from Sky, Vodafone, and Plusnet, often costing £5-£10 more per month for similar speeds. However, they include better Wi-Fi routers, Game Mode, and Work Mode.
EE mobile customers get discounts on broadband bills and extra mobile data.
EE customers can get:
- 10% discount on broadband bills
- 5GB-20GB extra mobile data per month
However, EE does not offer social tariffs for low-income users like BT does.
EE Broadband Performance, Real-world speeds & Reliability
EE is an ultrafast broadband provider, but real-world performance depends on factors like network congestion, distance from the exchange, and router quality.
On average:
- Customers using older copper and FTTC (partly copper) connections experience drops in speed.
- Fibre Max (GFast) speeds fluctuate between 60-145Mbps.
- EE’s fibre plans perform well for streaming and browsing.
- Full Fibre customers report consistent speeds close to the advertised speeds with minimal slowdowns
Latency & Gaming Performance
For online gaming, latency (ping) is more important than speed. EE offers Game Mode, which prioritises gaming traffic to reduce lag.
| Provider | Average Ping (ms) |
|---|---|
| EE Broadband | 20-30ms |
| Virgin Media | 10-25ms |
| TalkTalk & Sky | 30-40ms |
Though EE is a good choice for gaming, Virgin Media might be better for lower ping.
Reliability
- Fewer disconnections than Sky and TalkTalk.
- Wi-Fi signal is strong with the Smart Hub routers.
- Best for smart homes due to reliable speeds.
However, some users report:
- Speed drops at peak times.
- Issues with older copper-based lines.
EE Smart Hub Routers
EE provides three types of advanced routers:
- Smart Hub (Wi-Fi 5) – Free with standard broadband
- Smart Hub Plus (Wi-Fi 6) – Free with most fibre packages.
- Smart Hub Pro (Wi-Fi 7) – Available with 1.6Gbps package.
| Router | Wi-Fi Technology | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Smart Hub | Wi-Fi 5 | Standard broadband |
| Smart Hub Plus | Wi-Fi 6 | Fibre & Full Fibre |
| Smart Hub Pro | Wi-Fi 7 | Full Fibre 900 & 1.6Gbps |
Game Mode & Work Mode
The WiFi Enhancer helps you optimize the connection by activating various modes. The EE app enables you to manage the routers and WiFi, offering features such as controls, filters, and Game & Work Modes.
- Game Mode: Reduces lag by prioritising gaming traffic.
- Work Mode: Prioritises video calls and work-related traffic.
EE Broadband Setup & Installation
How to Set Up EE Broadband
- Visit EE website to order online
- Receive your router by post.
- Plug it into your Openreach socket.
- Follow the setup guide.
- Wi-Fi activates within 24 hours.
Installation Fees
- Standard broadband – Free self-installation.
- Full Fibre – Engineer visit required (£30-£50 fee).
- Moving home – £30 reactivation fee.
Home Phone & Mobile
EE Home Phone Plans
| Plan | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Anytime UK Calls | Calls to UK landlines & mobiles | £10.44/month |
| Anytime UK & International Calls | 50 international countries included | £15.67/month |
EE Mobile Broadband Perks
EE mobile customers get:
- 10% off broadband bills.
- Extra mobile data (5GB to 20GB).
- Apple TV 4K bundle (on selected plans).
EE Customer Service & Reviews
Customer support
- By Phone: 8 AM – 9 PM (weekdays), 8 AM – 8 PM (weekends).
- Live Chat: Available on EE’s website.
- Store support: In-person help at EE shops.
Reviews
Ofcom Complaints Data
EE gets fewer complaints than BT and Virgin Media, but more than Sky.
| Provider | Complaints Per 100,000 Customers |
|---|---|
| EE | 6 |
| Sky | 5 |
| BT | 9 |
| Virgin Media | 14 |
Trustpilot Ratings (as of 2025)
- EE Broadband: 1.3/5 stars (Common issues: price rises, contract confusion).
- EE Mobile: 3.8/5 stars (Better customer experience).
Final Verdict: Is EE Broadband Right for You?
EE Broadband delivers ultrafast speeds and reliable connections with strong Wi-Fi for homes. It’s a great option for EE mobile customers, gamers, and remote workers. However, its prices are higher than those of competitors, and its full fibre availability is still limited.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Fast speeds, especially full fibre | More expensive than competitors |
| Strong Wi-Fi coverage | Full fibre not available everywhere |
| Discounts for EE mobile users | Mid-contract price increases |
| Smart Hub routers with latest Wi-Fi | No dedicated TV service |
| Game Mode & Work Mode features | Mixed customer service reviews |
About EE
EE was formed in 2010 when Orange UK and T-Mobile UK merged. In 2016, it was acquired by BT Group, meaning EE, BT, and Plusnet all operate under the same company. Despite this, EE markets itself as a premium provider, focusing on faster speeds and better customer service.
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