The Genie guide to unlimited internet

What is unlimited broadband?

Unlimited broadband deals allow you to use the internet as much as you like. With an unlimited deal you will never be charged extra, no matter how much you download or upload.

Is all broadband unlimited?

Not all broadband is unlimited. Some packages have a monthly data usage cap which limits how much you can do online.

How do I know if I need unlimited broadband?

Unless your number one priority is getting the cheapest deal, and your usage is very light, we would always recommend unlimited internet deals. It means you will not ever have to worry about extra fees or service restrictions. It’s especially important if your broadband is used for...

Large downloads and uploads: Frequent downloads or big file uploads will quickly use up a data limit.

Video streaming: Netflix, YouTube, Amazon Video and other video services consume a great deal of data, especially for HD quality.

Shared homes: A data cap may be acceptable for one person, but if the connection is shared it’s easy to exceed the limit in a very short time. Families and housemates should definitely get an unlimited package.

Gaming: Many games are now purchased online through services such as Steam and the Playstation Network. Unlimited broadband is best for gamers as the latest titles can be many tens of gigabytes in size.

What should I pay attention to when comparing these deals?

Monthly price: Make sure the monthly price after any discounts is affordable. And click “offer details and pricing” to see an effective monthly cost which takes other charges into account.

Contract length: Most broadband contracts are 12, 18 or 24 months. There are a few options for shorter term deals, including monthly "no contract" options. Also note that a credit check is usually required, but a few providers offer broadband without a credit check.

Data limit: All the deals shown on this page will be unlimited, but we do also list services with data limits, so watch out for this as you compare packages.

Setup costs: As well as the monthly price, there may also be upfront charges. If you’d like to save a bit more look for deals with free setup.

Fair usage and traffic management: Unlimited does not always mean unlimited. Some packages may have a traffic management or fair usage policy. In our comparison tables these will be flagged up with a “restrictions apply” notice.

How do I check if the packages in the comparison table are available at my home?

To find out what’s available in your area, enter a postcode into the postcode field on the comparison table to filter packages by location.

Will there be any additional costs with these packages?

Aside from any upfront fees, which can vary depending on whether you require engineer work, the monthly price is fixed. One of the advantages of unlimited broadband is that you’ll never be hit with extra charges due to your usage. 

What should I look out for if I want a cheap unlimited deal?

Free setup: Broadband deals with free setup can save you a nice chunk of change at the start of a contract.

Discounts: Lots of ISPs offer discounts for a limited period of time. The best deals discount the monthly price for the entire length of the initial contract.

Free gifts and vouchers: Shopping vouchers, gadgets and other free gifts are often available. Some special offers will provide both a discount on the monthly price and a free gift.

Broadband only deals: In very specific circumstances (only if you already have cheap TV and phone deals) then a broadband only deal might work out as a cheap option. However it is often best to bundle some/all together to get the cheapest package.

Only pay for what you need: If you can't commit to a 12 or 18-month contract, then short-term broadband will be far more cost-effective.

Do all providers offer unlimited packages?

The vast majority of the UK's best broadband providers offer unlimited deals. In general, all of the ISPs you see listed on Broadband Genie will have unlimited package options.

Do I need unlimited internet if I want fibre broadband?

Whether or not you need unlimited internet will depend on how the connection is used (see “How do I know if I need unlimited broadband?”, above). But if you’re getting a fibre broadband service it’s probably best to go unlimited even if you don’t think you’ll exceed a data cap. The faster speed means you’re more likely to use it for activities which consume a lot of data, such as streaming HD video.

Will I save money by getting a package with a data limit?

Data capped deals can save some money each month, but it’s not usually a large difference. And with such a competitive market it’s often the case that with special offers the unlimited deals are actually cheaper. If saving money is a priority, look out for pricing discounts and switch broadband providers at the end of the contract to take advantage of the latest deals.

Will I get a router with my chosen package?

A router is a standard feature of any broadband package. Most providers will include the router for free (though postage fees may apply). In some cases you may be able to pay extra to upgrade the hardware.

What’s the best router to go with my unlimited broadband?

For most people the router provided by the ISP will be sufficient. Some may prefer a higher-end model with more powerful Wi-Fi signal or extra features, but if the ISP does not offer an upgrade option you will need to purchase this separately. However, not every ISP supports the use of other routers, so check before signing up if this is important.