TALKTALK VS PLUSNET
THE 2026 SHOWDOWN
THE BUDGET SHOWDOWN
TalkTalk and Plusnet are two of the UK’s best-known value broadband providers. Plusnet runs on Openreach. TalkTalk is often Openreach too, but in some areas it can also use partner full fibre networks, so the line, install process and hardware are not always identical. One focuses more on features and TV, the other on simplicity and service. Here is the unbiased truth for 2026.
TALKTALK PROS
- Better Wi-Fi Options: Selected Full Fibre plans include Amazon eero hardware.
- TV Options: TV Hub with live channels and major streaming apps.
- Feature-Led Deals: Often stronger if you want extras rather than the simplest package.
TALKTALK CONS
- Customer Service: Lower satisfaction scores and higher complaint levels than Plusnet in recent Ofcom data.
- Router Varies by Package: Not every TalkTalk plan comes with eero.
PLUSNET PROS
- Service Strength: Award-winning, UK-based support.
- Straightforward Pricing: Strong headline monthly pricing right now.
- Reliable Hardware: Hub Two gives you more wired ports out of the box.
PLUSNET CONS
- No TV: Zero TV options available.
- Older Router Platform: Hub Two is Wi-Fi 5, not Wi-Fi 6.
SPEED AND RELIABILITY
This is the most important thing to understand: Plusnet sells broadband over Openreach. TalkTalk often does too, but availability can differ by address and network partner, so the physical line, install method and exact packages are not always identical.
If both brands are selling you an Openreach-based service at your address, raw line performance is usually very similar. The bigger differences tend to be package choice, router hardware, price and support.
- Part-fibre / superfast: roughly 35Mbps to 66Mbps, depending on line length and package.
- Full Fibre: TalkTalk currently advertises speeds up to 900Mbps, while Plusnet currently sells Full Fibre tiers from 74Mbps up to 900Mbps.
Winner: DRAW. Raw speed is usually not the deciding factor. Availability at your postcode is.
PRICE AND CONTRACTS
Both brands are still aiming at the value end of the market, but the current public deals make this closer than the original copy suggested.
TalkTalk still runs aggressive promotions and price-led deals. On its public broadband pages, many promoted plans currently start from £24 a month and state no price rise in 2026, with the next listed increase shown from 2027.
Plusnet currently looks sharper on headline monthly price. Its public deal pages advertise Full Fibre from £22.99 a month, no price rise in 2026, and selected Reward Card offers on some tiers.
Price rises: following Ofcom’s rules, contracts signed from 17 January 2025 must show any in-contract rise upfront in pounds and pence, not as inflation-linked or percentage-based wording.
Winner: PLUSNET. On headline monthly price right now, Plusnet looks better. TalkTalk can still win on a specific promo, so always compare the exact checkout price for your address.
AVAILABILITY AND SETUP
This is the bit many comparison pages miss. Plusnet sells over Openreach. TalkTalk often uses Openreach too, but in some areas it can also use partner full fibre networks, so availability, install method, setup fees and even router choice can vary by address.
That is why the fairest way to compare them is not just by brand. Check both providers at your postcode and compare the exact deal shown at checkout, including any engineer visit, one-off setup charge and stated future monthly price.
Winner: CHECK YOUR POSTCODE. At some addresses both will look near-identical. At others, one provider will have the clearly better offer.
ROUTER HARDWARE
TalkTalk (router depends on plan): TalkTalk does not supply just one router across the board. Depending on the package, customers may receive a TalkTalk Wi-Fi Hub on some plans or Amazon eero hardware on selected Full Fibre plans. That gives TalkTalk stronger mesh potential on the right deal, but it also means the hardware experience is less consistent than the old copy implied.
Plusnet (Hub Two): Plusnet supplies the Hub Two. It is widely described as a rebadged BT Smart Hub 2 and Plusnet lists it with 3 x GigE LAN and 1 x GigE WAN connections. It is a reliable all-in-one router, but it is older Wi-Fi 5 hardware rather than Wi-Fi 6 mesh kit.
Winner: TIE. TalkTalk is better if your chosen package includes eero. Plusnet is better if you want a simple router with more wired ports built in.
TV AND EXTRAS
TalkTalk still offers the TV Hub, an Android TV based box with live channels, catch-up players, major streaming apps, Google Assistant and 4K support. Pricing and extras vary by offer, so check the current deal at checkout. It remains one of the few budget broadband brands with a proper TV add-on.
Plusnet is strictly broadband and phone. They shut down their TV service years ago. If you want a TV add-on, you cannot get it here.
Winner: TALKTALK. Plusnet does not compete.
CUSTOMER SERVICE
This is where Plusnet still shines. Owned by BT Group, they maintain UK-based support centres. Recent Ofcom data continues to put Plusnet among the best performers for broadband complaints and satisfaction.
TalkTalk has improved its products, but recent Ofcom complaints data still places it among the more complained-about broadband providers. If you hate ringing support centres, this remains a major factor.
Winner: PLUSNET. Still by a clear margin.
HEAD TO HEAD
Click a category to see the scorecard.
| FEATURE | TALKTALK | PLUSNET |
|---|---|---|
| PRICE | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| SUPPORT | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| SPEED | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| ROUTER | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| TV OPTIONS | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐ |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHO IS CHEAPER?
Right now, Plusnet looks cheaper on headline monthly price on its public deal pages. TalkTalk can still be competitive when a specific promotion or extra is attached, so always compare the exact deal shown for your address.
IS PLUSNET OWNED BY BT?
Yes. Plusnet is part of BT Group. This is one reason the Hub Two is commonly described as a rebadged BT Smart Hub 2.
DOES PLUSNET DO TV?
No. Plusnet discontinued its TV service. If you want a TV add-on with your broadband, TalkTalk is the clear choice between the two.
DO THEY BOTH USE THE SAME NETWORK?
Not always. Plusnet sells over Openreach. TalkTalk often does too, but in some areas it can also use partner full fibre networks, so availability and setup can differ by address.
DOES TALKTALK ALWAYS COME WITH EERO?
No. Router choice depends on the package. Some TalkTalk Full Fibre plans include eero hardware, while other plans use TalkTalk Wi-Fi Hub equipment.
SUMMARY: THE VERDICT
It comes down to priorities. If you want the lowest headline monthly price and better support, Plusnet currently looks stronger. If you want TV options or you can get a TalkTalk deal with eero hardware, TalkTalk is the more feature-rich choice.