What routers do you get with Vodafone broadband?
Vodafone currently offers the Vodafone Intelligent WiFi Hub and Vodafone Ultra Hub.
The Vodafone Intelligent WiFi Hub is a solid, reliable device that delivers credible broadband speeds. It’s available with all packages, except Pro II deals.
Vodafone Broadband Hubs: in summary
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The Vodafone Ultra Hub is the company’s newest router and brings Wi-Fi 6E to the home. It’s available with the Vodafone Pro II packages, including:
- Vodafone Pro II Fibre I (35 Mbps)
- Vodafone Pro II Fibre 200 (200Mb)
- Vodafone Pro II Full Fibre 500 (500Mb)
- Vodafone Pro II Fibre 2 (67Mb)
These Pro II packages are available on a 24-month contract. Alternatively, it’s also an optional premium upgrade to other Vodafone packages.
| Router Name | Included with Package: |
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| Vodafone Intelligent WiFi Hub | All Vodafone fibre broadband packages |
| Vodafone Ultra Hub | Vodafone Pro II package |
Both Wi-Fi routers have 4G broadband backup capability, if you have a supported broadband services. This means the router automatically switches to a 4G mobile network should anything happen with the broadband connection.
See also: ‘What is hybrid broadband?’
Vodafone Intelligent WiFi Hub specifications
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Vodafone Ultra Hub specifications
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Is a Vodafone Intelligent WiFi Hub easy to set up?
Yes, both the Vodafone Intelligent WiFi Hub and newer Vodafone Ultra Hub are easy to set up.
You’ll need to set it up on the day of activation for the smoothest experience.
- Simply connect the red Internet port on the back of the device to the BT wall socket using the cable provided. Depending on the connection, you may need to connect a microfilter which should be included in the box. Plug it into where you would normally connect your home phone.
- Plug the router into a power socket and power on. Look for the white power light on the front and give it a few minutes to synchronise with the network.
- Leave it until you see a steady white light by Internet on the front. Once you see the light, use an Ethernet cable or Wi-Fi to connect a device.
- Check underneath the router for login details.
The Vodafone Broadband app allows you to set up guest networks on the fly, check what devices are connected to your network and can provide a QR code to enable other uses to quickly connect.
Here’s a video walking you through setting up your Vodafone router:
Do I get to keep my Vodafone Intelligent WiFi hub after my contract is over?
Vodafone doesn’t specifically mention returning your router when your contract ends. Providers are required to encourage the return of old equipment so it can be disposed of properly, though.
You can call Vodafone on 08080 034515 or 191 from a Vodafone mobile to discuss it further.
If Vodafone wants it back, you’ll be sent a pre-paid envelope, so you can return it for free.
If you cancel your contract or damage your device, there is a one-off £99 charge for non-return or a replacement.
How can I improve the Wi-Fi signal of my Vodafone router?
Vodafone UK routers already deliver decent Wi-Fi signals in most residential properties.
If you live in a larger or older property and need to boost the signal, what are your options?
Position the device in the centre of the home. Wi-Fi uses radio waves to provide connectivity. Placing it in the centre of the home means the signal doesn’t have so far to go and everyone should get a strong signal.
Avoid placing it close to appliances. Any electrical appliance produces interference that can compromise wireless speeds. Avoid placing the router next to large appliances like refrigerators or air conditioning units.
Check the Wi-Fi channels. Use a Wi-Fi analyser app to check what channels are busiest in your home. Select a channel that isn’t busy and change the Wi-Fi channel 1-2 channels up or down from the least busy.
Use a Wi-Fi booster. If you don’t have the Ultra Hub, you can purchase standalone Wi-Fi boosters that plug into a wall socket to boost the signal.
Use a mesh kit. Alternatively, mesh kits can create a larger, more powerful wireless network with the addition of an extra router and Wi-Fi boosters.
Use a powerline adapter. Powerline adapters plug into a wall socket and turn your home’s wiring into a network. Place one close to the router and connect it. Place the other close to where you need it and connect that to your desktop or laptop.
See also: 'Where's the best place to put a Wi-Fi router?'
What’s the password for a Vodafone router?
The default username for a Vodafone router is ‘root’ and the password is ‘123456’.
Admin and Wi-Fi login details should be on a sticker on the rear or bottom of the device.
This information is freely available on the internet, so we strongly encourage you to change both the router admin login and the wireless usernames and passwords as soon as you have completed setup.
Are the Vodafone Hubs good value for money?
The Intelligent WiFi Hub and Ultra Hub are both provided free of charge with their respective Vodafone broadband packages, so yes, they are good value for money.
The Vodafone Intelligent WiFi Hub is free with all FTTC and FTTP Vodafone Broadband deals
The Vodafone Ultra Hub is free with the Vodafone Pro II Broadband contract.
If you’re an existing customer with the Intelligent WiFi hub, you’ll need to upgrade to the Pro II plan to use the newer Vodafone Ultra Hub with Wi-Fi 6.
The optional Super WiFi 6E Boosters are free, and you can have up to 3 of them, which is great value.
What are the standout features of Vodafone routers?
Both the Vodafone Intelligent WiFi Hub and Vodafone Ultra Hub offer decent average download speeds using part fibre or full fibre broadband. They’ve proven themselves reliable.
The Vodafone Intelligent WiFi Hub is a basic device that supports Wi-Fi 5 and ‘beamforming’ which shapes wireless signals for specific devices.
It’s a stable, no-nonsense router that requires very little maintenance and is reliable enough to set and forget. Just the way we like it!
The Vodafone Ultra Hub router adds Wi-Fi 6 and the option to use Super WiFi 6E Boosters to extend range is a smart upgrade.
Both routers feature 4G backup if your contract includes it. This is great for peace of mind if your internet connection goes down.
There’s also the Vodafone Broadband app that helps you to monitor your network, create guest networks and provide a QR code to help people connect. It’s a smart app that’s worth installing if you’re a broadband customer.
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Can I keep my Vodafone router if I have to move and downgrade my broadband?
Yes, you can keep your Vodafone router if you move or downgrade either superfast or ultrafast full fibre broadband plans.
As the Vodafone Intelligent WiFi Hub is now the default router for all broadband contracts except Pro II, you can use it when you move or downgrade.
There is currently no information on whether you’ll keep the Vodafone Ultra Hub if you downgrade the Vodafone Pro II package, though. You’ll need to discuss this with Vodafone’s customer service.
Can I use my own router with Vodafone Broadband?
Yes, you can use your own router with Vodafone as long as you don’t use Digital Voice (VoIP) in replacement of a standard home phone.
The device has to be approved by BT Openreach, and you’ll still need to use the Vodafone device to connect, but you can connect a third-party router to that.
Vodafone routers review: Expert summary
Both the Vodafone Intelligent WiFi Hub and Vodafone Ultra Hub are decent ISP devices.
Both provide fast Ethernet speeds, reliable wireless and are set and forget. Reliable enough to leave permanently enabled without having to micromanage them.
The Vodafone app provides basic network monitoring and the QR code function for new users is a great idea.
The inclusion of Wi-Fi 6 and the Super WiFi 6E Boosters with the Vodafone Ultra Hub is a definite upgrade. Whether it’s worth upgrading your package or not depends on how the Intelligent Hub is performing for you.
It’s great that broadband providers are delivering good quality routers that work well and don’t force you to upgrade to your own. That’s a contract trend we would love to see more of!
How do these routers offerings square up against other broadband providers? Find out with these other router round-ups: