Gigaclear Broadband Review 2023

Author: Matt Powell

Last updated: 07 November 2023

Gigaclear broadband review 2023

Gigaclear delivers rapid download and upload speeds using its own full-fibre network. Unlike other providers, it's decided to focus on rural communities.

Introductory prices are low, and the Wi-Fi router supports mesh networking for a stronger home network. But the router does have a few limitations. You'll also need to watch out for costs increasing at the end of your contract.

You're likely to have a mid-contract price rise if you take out a Gigaclear package.

Gigaclear Broadband: In summary

Gigaclear Broadband speed

Gigaclear offers a choice of four different speeds using a very fast, full-fibre network. 

Gigaclear Superfast 200

• Download speed: 200Mb
• Upload speed: 200Mb

Gigaclear Ultrafast 500

• Download speed: 500Mb
• Upload speed: 500Mb

Gigaclear Ultrafast 600

• Download speed: 600Mb
• Upload speed: 600Mb

Gigaclear Hyperfast 900

• Download speed: 830Mb
• Upload speed: 830Mb

Not everyone will be able to get Gigaclear. You need to live in range of its network, and not many homes have access. But if it’s available, then you’ll be able to choose any of the speeds above.

To find out if you can get Gigaclear deals in your area, type your address into our deals checker below:

This search will also tell you about any other full fibre broadband deals in your location and offer alternatives if full fibre is not an option.

Gigaclear broadband speed summary

Gigaclear offers symmetrical broadband, where upload and download speeds are the same. Most other providers are asymmetrical, with a priority on the download rate. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but it does make Gigaclear stand out.

In the Broadband Genie 2023 broadband awards, though, Gigaclear customers ranked speed satisfaction below average. 

Gigaclear Customer Service

Gigaclear has a support team with phone lines open six days a week. On Sundays and Bank Holidays, you'll be able to get in contact through its Live Chat service.

You’ll also find a comprehensive online support library on its website that will help answer common questions. If you really need help outside of customer service hours, you might be able to find an answer yourself.

Gigaclear has a 4.4 Trustpilot score. This has improved slightly in the last six months. In our 2023 broadband awards, Gigaclear ranked above average with a score of 3.4/5. 

We've pulled together a lot more information about Gigaclear's customer service details, for those looking to troubleshoot any issues.

Gigaclear Value for Money

Looking at it on a pound-per-Mb basis, Gigaclear is great value for money. It’s a lot faster than similarly priced packages, after all.

However, it’s important to note that the costs will go up a lot after the initial contract term. You’ll definitely need to make a note of the date the contract ends and contact Gigaclear to negotiate the price. If they can’t offer you a better deal, you can switch to a cheaper package or provider.

In October 2023, Gigaclear customers were faced with an annual price hike. This will happen every October and will be based on the Consumer Price Index, plus an additional 3.5%. Sadly, this is pretty much the standard across the board. You can find out more information about this with our guide to mid-contract price hikes.

Gigaclear doesn’t include a home phone service or even offer the option to add one. If you only kept a phone line around for broadband, that could actually be a good thing. But if you do need a landline, you’ll have to purchase one from a different provider to run alongside your Gigaclear fibre line.

Gigaclear Reliability

In our 2023 Broadband Awards, Gigaclear scored a middling to low 64.4% in the 'Most Reliable Provider' category.

Gigaclear isn't signed up to Ofcom's voluntary code of practice on better broadband speeds. User reviews on its Trustpilot page are mixed, with many customers suggesting they've not received satisfactory support for technical problems.

Gigaclear Bundled Wi-Fi router

If you're on a package with speeds over 600Mb, you'll receive a Linksys Velop tri-band Wi-Fi 6 router. All other packages will receive a Linksys Velop dual-band Wi-Fi 6 router. Existing customers get a Linksys Velop Wi-Fi 5 tri-band router.

• What's the difference between a router and a node?

  A router connects directly to the fibre connection box in your home to take charge of managing your connected devices across your home network. Nodes connect wirelessly or by Ethernet cable to the router to form a Wi-Fi mesh network to provide greater coverage and faster speeds across your home than one router would be able to do on its own. Gigaclear provides you with routers that can act as a normal router or node depending on where they are placed in the network, so there is no need to differentiate between the two – the hardware is the same.

Router installation

You'll find clear and detailed step-by-steps on Gigaclear's website to help you set up routers for yourself. If you need additional support, you can call the Customer Care team, or you can access Live Chat through the website (www.gigaclear.com/chat).

Gigaclear Broadband: Expert Summary

Gigaclear offers an exceptional, cutting-edge broadband experience with incredible speeds. And because it's symmetrical, you’re getting an upload speed that’s just as fast as the download rate.

It’s also to be applauded for focusing on rural areas. Mainstream networks often offer less coverage in these areas, so Gigaclear is offering a much-needed service.

The cost is quite reasonable, too, starting from less than £20 per month. However, Gigaclear customers should watch out for the steep price rises which kick in once the initial contract term has ended. 

One area we would flag for improvement is the bundled Wi-Fi router. While it’ll suit many homes, and the mesh Wi-Fi support is welcome, it’s lacking some features that would help you take full advantage of this very fast broadband service.

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