Best and worst broadband providers in the UK.

Hey readers,

Choosing a broadband provider can feel like navigating a minefield juggling price, speed, reliability, and customer service. 

With speeds and infrastructure rapidly evolving, updating your knowledge with the latest 2025 data is essential. 

Here’s a breakdown of the current top performers and notable underperformers in UK broadband.

1. Plusnet.

Crowned National Broadband Provider of the Year in the 2025 Uswitch Awards, Plusnet excels across critical metrics: reliability, customer service, and value for money.

It also found that this affirms its strength, naming Plusnet a "Recommended Provider” with a customer satisfaction score of 73%. 

It consistently offers straightforward, fairly priced plans and better-than-average support.

2. Vodafone.

Vodafone continues its winning streak.

 It was the Overall Winner in Expert Reviews Broadband Awards 2025, based on strong scores across value, speed, reliability, and customer service. 

Independent review site Expert Reviews also lists Vodafone as the Best All-Round Provider, with notable satisfaction in customer service 62% and affordability. 

Additionally, it holds the status of the Most Popular Broadband Provider in the Uswitch Awards.

3. Zen Internet.

Zen claims the title of Best for Speed and Value: its customers report a staggering 95% satisfaction with speed and 93% with value.

 Which? Customers rate it top for reliability and customer support, making Zen the leading provider in their customer satisfaction rankings with 77% though its reliability dipped (41%) in one Expert Reviews category.

4. Virgin Media.

Virgin Media shines for reliability. 

It was named the Most Reliable Provider in Expert Reviews’ awards, with a strong 70% satisfaction score. 

It’s known for high speeds and direct control over its cable network.

 However, it struggles with customer service perceptions, scoring just 40% satisfaction.

5. YouFibre.

YouFibre took home Regional Broadband Provider of the Year at the 2025 Uswitch Awards.

 It also introduced ultra-fast 7 Gbps plans under £100/month, including Wi-Fi 7 routers ideal for bandwidth-heavy households.

 As an altnet that’s rapidly expanding, it’s emerging as a strong contender.

6. Community Fibre & Hyperoptic.

Though available in limited regions, both score highly:
Community Fibre is praised for fast, symmetrical full-fibre service, transparent pricing, and a month-to-month contract.

 It also leads with 3 Gbps plans in London.

Hyperoptic boasts full-fibre across many cities and extremely high customer satisfaction.

Independent gives it 100% satisfaction in some metrics. 

Plus, user forums praise its no mid-contract price rises and rollout flexibility.

7. Utility Warehouse (UW).

With a multi-utility bundle offering simplicity and value, UW is a Recommended Provider via Which? With a customer score of 72%. 

It's a solid choice for bundled service convenience.

Worst-Performing/Budget or Problematic Providers.

1. Virgin Media (Customer Support) & NOW Broadband.

Although Virgin Media scores on reliability, it ranks low for customer service across multiple surveys. 

 NOW Broadband (Sky-operated) shares the bottom of the pile poor reliability, limited live support, and unclear contracts. 

2. NOW Broadband 

NOW Broadband rates badly (60%) for customer satisfaction with common complaints about reliability and support. 

3. TalkTalk.

TalkTalk’s reputation is mixed. 

Expert Reviews reveals that its customer service satisfaction is alarmingly low, with less than a third of customers being happy. 

Historical controversies, such as aggressive sales techniques, still linger in public memory. 

4. Broad Marke.

 Dissatisfaction Points
Direct Save ranks lowest for customer satisfaction in a Broadband Genie survey.

Value concerns are also prevalent with providers like BT and Virgin Media, according to the same survey.

The GoCompare survey notes Plusnet leads in perceived reliability (92%), but Virgin’s value for money is less favourably rated.

 Bonus Insights: Speed Leaders.

*Community Fibre delivers ultra-fast 3 Gbps in London.

* **Virgin Media offers up to 2 Gbps with its Gig2 plan.

* EE  and Hyperoptic also offer Gbps-class speeds: EE up to 1.6 Gbps, Hyperoptic around 1.13 Gbps. 

* Virgin Media leads in average download speeds (264 Mbps).

* Zen Internet is second (106 Mbps) thanks to significant improvements.

## Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a well-rounded provider, Plusnet and Vodafone are both consistently rewarded across independent surveys for reliability, support, speed, and value

.
Need top-tier speed or ultra-fast fibre? Consider Zen Internet, Community Fibre, or YouFibre, especially if they're available in your area.

If bundles or simplicity are what matter, Utility Warehouse offers convenience, while Virgin Media delivers solid reliability but brace for potential customer service frustrations.

At the lower end, tread carefully with NOW Broadband or TalkTalk unless you’ve vetted their latest support and contract terms. 

And while Virgin may offer hardware you like, know that support issues are still common.

Useful Tips Before You Switch.

1. Check eligibility availability varies by postcode and infrastructure.

2. Look beyond price consider reliability, support, and post-contract pricing.

3. Watch for mid-contract price hikes some providers (like Zen) promise to avoid them, while others don’t.

4. Consider regional altnet if available, providers like YouFibre, Community Fibre, or Hyperoptic can outperform mainstream ISPs.

5. Read independent ratings of Ofcom complaints, Which? Surveys, Uswitch awards, and real user feedback provide reliable insight.

In a rapidly improving broadband landscape with full-fibre coverage passing 78% by mid-2025 and projected to reach 95% by 2027. 

The quality and competition are higher than ever. 

Pick a provider aligned not just to your speed needs, but also to your expectation of service, honesty, and long-term value.

Cheers for reading X

Top 8 useful Amazon Alexa skills.

Hey readers,

I assume most people know of the electronic device called an Alexa that can pretty much do any requirement other than say kill or punch someone. So what are the best things you can ask and get off Alexa....Well, let's go exploring as I reveal the top ten useful things Alexa can do for you. 

1. Laugh a minute.

If you need lightening up then look no further as Alexa can give you a joke, a one-liner or even a funny question such as what happens if I stand on Lego or Alexa are you, my father? this will guarantee to put a smile on your face. 

2. Factoid. 

Who doesn't love a good fact then you need to ask Alexa the question of the day where she can provide you with some trivia information. You have to answer the question and you can gain points if you answer correctly. The topics vary from art to news so there so something for everyone. 

3. Play that funky music. 

Want to listen to something and can not be bothered to look? well not anymore with Alexa in your life you can ask her to play any song you like and with seconds you be sure that song will be playing in your speaker. 

4. Two can play that game. 

Got some spare time to kill then why not play a game with Alexa. You can play bingo where Alexa calls out the numbers. If worried about the number cards to tick of the numbers don't worry as you can download them at lovemyecho.com. Alternatively, there is a song quiz where you have to listen to the clues relating to the answer and guess the artist and song title. If that doesn't tickle your fancy then there is the fake news where you have to guess if the headlines are true or not. There are many more but these are some of the types of games you can play with  Alexa. 

5. Get fit.

Did you know that Alexa has workouts for you to do? She can do the 7-minute work out that can be tailored to your needs so it can be easy medium or hard intensity. A great way to do a quick workout and help get fit.

6. Lost something. 

Don't you just hate it when you lose your phone, well not anymore as Alexa can help you find your phone or you need to do is ask, "Alexa, find my phone" and she will ring it for you to help locate where your phone is.  

7. Something cooking?

It can be quite stressful cooking and getting everything together but Alexa can take the pressure off as she can set the timer to help you cook your food and not only that but she can talk you through instructions so you know what you are doing when it comes to cooking the food. 

8. Give you the news headlines and weather.

Who watches the news nowadays, not anymore as Alexa can give you a quick fire-round of the headlines and tell you what the weather is going to be like. Perfect if you want to multi-task in the morning with getting breakfast ready or your bag whilst listening to Alexa. 

Cheers for reading X