TALKTALK VS PLUSNET

SPEED AND RELIABILITY

This is the most important thing to understand: In most areas, TalkTalk and Plusnet both use the Openreach network, so the physical line and achievable speeds are often similar. However, the underlying network can vary by location (TalkTalk availability can differ by area), so always check your address.

This means if your street can get 900Mbps with TalkTalk, it can get 900Mbps with Plusnet. There is virtually no difference in raw line speed. Both providers offer:

• Fibre to the Cabinet (FTTC): ~35Mbps to 65Mbps.
• Full Fibre (FTTP): tiers vary by provider and availability — commonly 74/150, 145, 300, 500 and 900Mbps.

Winner: DRAW. The infrastructure is often similar, but check availability.

PRICE AND CONTRACTS

Both target the budget market, but their strategies differ.

TalkTalk is aggressive with promotions. They frequently offer vouchers (Amazon, Tesco, etc.) for new sign-ups. Both providers commonly sell 24-month contracts, though exact terms can vary by deal and time.

Plusnet prefers stable, low pricing. They often undercut TalkTalk on the standard monthly rate, but rarely offer big cash incentives.

Price Hikes: Following Ofcom’s rules announced in July 2024 (effective from 17 January 2025), providers must set out any in-contract price rises upfront in pounds and pence (not inflation-linked or percentage-based).

Both providers apply fixed annual in-contract price rises (shown upfront), and the exact increase depends on when you took out your contract.

Winner: TALKTALK. If you factor in the welcome vouchers, TalkTalk usually works out slightly cheaper.

ROUTER HARDWARE

TalkTalk (Amazon eero): TalkTalk supplies Amazon eero 6 (or Pro 6) routers. These are excellent mesh devices that offer great WiFi 6 speeds and app control. However, eero units typically have two Ethernet ports total (one is usually used for WAN, leaving one spare LAN port unless you add a switch).

Plusnet (Hub Two): Plusnet supplies the Hub Two. Plusnet’s Hub Two is widely described as a rebadged BT Smart Hub 2, with four Ethernet ports total (typically 3 LAN + 1 WAN). It is reliable and has great range, but it is an older "all-in-one" design compared to the modular mesh system of eero.

Winner: TIE. Eero for WiFi coverage, Hub Two for wired connectivity.

TV AND EXTRAS

TalkTalk offers the "TV Hub", an Android TV Hub that supports major streaming apps (e.g., Netflix/NOW via apps). Any bundles/discounts vary over time, so check the current offer. It’s typically around £5/month to add, and some offers include an upfront charge. It is a genuine budget alternative to Sky Stream.

Plusnet is strictly broadband and phone. They shut down their TV service years ago. If you want a TV bundle, you cannot get it here.

Winner: TALKTALK. Plusnet does not compete.

CUSTOMER SERVICE

This is where Plusnet shines. Owned by BT, they maintain UK-based support centers. Ofcom data consistently ranks Plusnet above the industry average for customer satisfaction and low complaint numbers.

TalkTalk has improved, but historical data shows they receive significantly more complaints per 100,000 customers than Plusnet. If you dread calling call centres, this is a major factor.

Winner: PLUSNET. By a wide margin.

HEAD TO HEAD

Click a provider to see their scorecard.