Vodafone Fibre 2 Review
Vodafone Fibre 2 is a mid-range broadband plan designed for households that need a reliable connection for everyday tasks. Delivered via fibre-to-the-cabinet (FTTC) technology, Vodafone Fibre 2 offers average speeds of around 67Mbps for downloads and 18–20Mbps for uploads. While it isn’t built for heavy multi-device 4K streaming or competitive online gaming, it’s well suited to small households, couples, or individuals upgrading from older ADSL lines.
| Plan | Speed | Contract | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full Fibre 74 | 74Mbps | 24 months | £25/month |
| Fibre 2 | 67Mbps | 24 months | £25/month |
| Full Fibre 150 | 150Mbps | 24 months | £27/month |
Offer: Free setup. Includes £90 voucher. Ends 31st March 2025
In this review, we break down the technical specifications, the hardware provided, and how Fibre 2 compares with Vodafone’s other offerings, including its full-fibre options and the advanced Pro II service. We also detail the switching process, pricing, and bundle benefits.
Table of Contents
Overview of Vodafone Fibre 2
Vodafone Fibre 2 is delivered using FTTC technology, where fibre runs to your local street cabinet, and the final leg to your home is completed over copper.
- Average Download Speed: ~67Mbps
- Average Upload Speed: ~18–20Mbps
- Contract Length: 24 months
Vodafone Fibre 2 speeds are suitable for everyday use, such as web browsing, HD streaming, and standard video conferencing.
Vodafone uses both Openreach and CityFibre networks:
- Openreach:
Vodafone Fibre 2 is primarily delivered via FTTC. The copper ‘last mile’ can result in reduced speeds and performance, particularly in areas with long copper runs. - CityFibre:
In some regions, Vodafone offers Full Fibre 74 (or Full Fibre 80), which delivers speeds in the 74–82Mbps range over an all-optical fibre-to-the-premises (FTTP) connection. This option provides lower latency and greater reliability compared to the standard FTTC approach.
Performance
Vodafone Fibre 2’s average speed of 67Mbps is sufficient for:
- HD Streaming: Smooth streaming of Netflix and BBC iPlayer for one or two devices.
- Web Browsing: Quick loading of webpages and responsive interactive applications.
- Video Conferencing: With an upload speed of around 18–20Mbps, platforms such as Zoom or Skype perform better on these speeds.
As an FTTC service, Fibre 2’s performance may vary based on factors such as:
- Distance from the Cabinet: Longer copper runs can lead to lower speeds.
- Local Network Congestion: Peak periods may cause slight dips in performance.
Overall, Fibre 2 is great for light and moderate usage; however, it may not deliver the expected performance required for heavy, simultaneous use by many devices.
For many customers, the choice between Fibre 2 (via Openreach) and Full Fibre 74 (via CityFibre) comes down to local availability, while full fibre has an advantage for latency-sensitive applications.
Vodafone WiFi Hub
Vodafone Fibre 2 broadband package includes the Vodafone WiFi Hub at no extra cost. This router is designed to provide excellent coverage and consistent speeds.
Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| WiFi Standard | AC Standard |
| Smart Channel Selection | Yes |
| Antennae | 7 |
| Ethernet Ports | 4 |
| USB Ports | 2 |
| Guest Network | Available |
- WiFi Standard: AC standard Wi-Fi
- Smart Channel Selection: Automatically chooses the optimal channel to minimise interference
- Antennae: Seven built-in for enhanced coverage
- Ethernet Ports: Four for wired connections
- USB Ports: Two for additional peripherals
- Guest Network: Option to set up a separate network for visitors
Comparison with Full-Fibre Options
While Vodafone Fibre 2, delivered via FTTC (fibre-to-the-cabinet), provides an average of around 67Mbps down and 18–20Mbps up, Vodafone also offers several full-fibre (FTTP) options for those who need faster speeds and lower latency. These full-fibre plans—including Full Fibre 150, Full Fibre 500, Full Fibre 910, and the ultra-high-speed Full Fibre 1.6 (1600Mbps)—differ in both performance and reliability.
Full Fibre 1.6 (1600Mbps): This is Vodafone’s fastest full-fibre plan. Though few households will require such extreme speeds, the ultra-high-speed plan is available for niche users seeking the absolute fastest connectivity possible. It is ideal for data-intensive tasks like real-time 8K streaming or large-scale cloud backups.
Vodafone Fibre 2 (FTTC): This service uses fibre to the street cabinet and copper for the final leg. There may be a drop in speeds due to the copper ‘last mile,’ though it is great for everyday browsing, HD streaming, and video conferencing, especially for small households.
Full Fibre 74/80 (FTTP): In some CityFibre areas, Vodafone offers Full Fibre 74 (or Full Fibre 80). Although these plans deliver only a modest increase in speed (approximately 74–82Mbps), the fully optical wiring ensures lower latency and consistent speeds compared to Fibre 2’s hybrid FTTC connection.
Full Fibre 150: Offers an average download speed of 150Mbps (or even 200Mbps in some CityFibre regions) with approximately 75Mbps upload. Full Fibre 150 provides a noticeable improvement in performance and reliability, suitable for families who require faster speeds than Fibre 2.
Full Fibre 500: Delivers an average download and upload speed of 500Mbps. Designed for larger households, it is ideal for heavy streaming, online gaming, and large file transfers with ease, making it ideal for applications that demand low levels of latency.
Full Fibre 910: This is one of the fastest widely available broadband options in the UK, an excellent option for heavy usage and bandwidth-intensive applications run simultaneously.
| Plan (Network Type) | Speed (D/U) | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|
| Vodafone Fibre 1 (FTTC) | 35Mbps / 10Mbps | Light users, small households |
| Vodafone Fibre 2 (FTTC) | 67Mbps / 18–20Mbps | Moderate households |
| Full Fibre 74/80 (FTTP) | 74–82Mbps | For lower latency & improved stability |
| Full Fibre 150 (FTTP) | 150Mbps / 75Mbps | Busy households |
| Full Fibre 500 (FTTP) | 500Mbps / 500Mbps | Large households, heavy users |
| Full Fibre 910 (FTTP) | 910Mbps / 910Mbps | For heavy bandwidth usage, connecting multiple devices |
| Full Fibre 1.6 (FTTP) | 1600Mbps / 1600Mbps | For online gaming, 4K streaming on multiple devices |
- Fibre 2 (FTTC via Openreach):
- Download: ~67Mbps
- Upload: ~18–20Mbps
- Network: FTTC (fibre to cabinet, copper to home)
- Full Fibre 74/80 (FTTP via CityFibre/Openreach):
- Download: ~74–82Mbps
- Upload: Comparable
- Network: FTTP (fully optical, lower latency)
Vodafone Pro II Broadband
Vodafone’s Pro II is premium service which comes with following features:
- Advanced Technology:
Pro II uses WiFi 6E, offering access to the new 6GHz band for lower latency and faster speeds. - Superior Hardware:
It comes with an Ultra Hub and Super WiFi 6E Booster, ensuring coverage throughout even large homes. - 4G Backup:
Includes 4G Broadband Back-up to keep you connected if your broadband connection fails. - Pricing:
Pro II is a suitable add-on for heavy users and costs more than Fibre 2.
Overall Pro II is designed for households that look for top-tier performance and reliable connectivity.
Bundling Benefits
Vodafone Fibre 2 is competitively priced, particularly for households that do not require the ultra-high speeds of full-fibre options. The 24-month contract is standard, and the service ensures decent speeds for the most online activities.
Bundling with Vodafone Mobile
For existing Vodafone mobile users, the Together scheme offers:
- Broadband Discount: Save up to £4 per month on your broadband bill.
- Additional Mobile Discounts: Enjoy a 30% discount on new mobile SIM-only plans.
These savings make Fibre 2 an even more attractive option for families looking for Vodafone’s bundled services.
Reliability
How does Vodafone Fibre 2 perform when it comes to HD streaming, browsing, and video calls?
- Streaming: HD content streams smoothly on Netflix and BBC iPlayer. Some users report occasional buffering during peak hours, but these issues are minor.
- Browsing: Websites load quickly and applications are responsive, even with multiple devices connected.
- Video Calls: With upload speeds around 18–20Mbps, video conferencing is reliable for typical business and personal communication.
FAQ
1. What speeds does Vodafone Fibre 2 offer?
Vodafone Fibre 2 delivers around 67Mbps download and 18–20Mbps upload using FTTC technology.
2. How does Fibre 2 compare to Fibre 1?
Fibre 1 provides about 35Mbps down and 10Mbps up, while Fibre 2 nearly doubles these figures, offering a noticeable upgrade.
3. What is Full Fibre 74/80?
In areas served by CityFibre, Vodafone offers Full Fibre 74 (or 80) which delivers roughly 74–82Mbps over a fully optical connection (FTTP), resulting in lower latency and improved stability compared to the FTTC version.
4. Who is Fibre 2 best suited for?
It is ideal for singles, couples, or small families whose activities include web browsing, HD streaming, and occasional video calls.
5. What hardware is included with Fibre 2?
Subscribers receive a free Vodafone WiFi Hub featuring AC standard Wi-Fi, smart channel selection, seven antennae, four Ethernet ports, two USB ports, and a guest network option.
6. What is the contract length?
Vodafone Fibre 2 comes with a 24-month contract.
7. Are there any bundling discounts available?
Yes, if you already use Vodafone mobile, you can benefit from the Vodafone Together scheme, saving up to £4 per month and receiving discounts on additional mobile SIMs.
8. How does the switching process work?
Vodafone handles the transition by contacting your current provider, covering leaving fees up to £100, and guaranteeing an installation date—with compensation provided if this is missed.
9. What factors can affect Fibre 2’s performance?
Performance can vary based on your distance from the street cabinet, local network congestion, and the quality of the copper line used for the final connection.
Conclusion
With average speeds of around 67Mbps for downloads and 18–20Mbps for uploads, Vodafone Fibre 2 is well suited to individuals, couples, and small families engaged in standard online activities such as HD streaming, web browsing, and video conferencing.
The package includes the Vodafone WiFi Hub, which ensures excellent WiFi connectivity through features like smart channel selection, multiple antennas, and guest network capabilities. Additionally, Vodafone’s hassle-free switching process, which includes covering exit fees and guaranteeing installation dates, makes the switch easier and smoother.
For those in areas served by CityFibre, the alternative Full Fibre 74 / Full Fibre 80 offers a slightly improved, lower-latency experience, although the difference in speed is marginal.
Ultimately, if you’re looking for reliable, affordable broadband without any frills, Vodafone Fibre 2 is worth considering.
Compare Deals
Save money today
Related
