BT Broadband Review (Updated 2026)

More Than Just A Cable

BT has evolved from a simple utility provider into a comprehensive technology ecosystem. Their deep partnership with EE means they can offer "Unbreakable Wi-Fi" for premium customers. Halo adds a mobile backup (Hybrid Connect on Halo 3+) that can automatically switch you onto EE’s mobile network if your fixed line goes down.

They also push hard on entertainment bundles, offering Netflix, TNT Sports, and Xbox Game Pass Ultimate rolled into your monthly bill. While this can look expensive at a glance, it often works out cheaper than paying for these subscriptions separately if you are a heavy user of digital media.

Smart Hub 2 & EE Smart Hub 6 Plus

For most Full Fibre plans, BT supplies the Smart Hub 2. It is a solid piece of kit with 7 internal antennas, offering better wall-penetration than the cheap routers from budget providers. It supports their "Complete Wi-Fi" disc system to eliminate dead zones by creating a mesh network in your home. It features four gigabit LAN ports on the rear for wired connections. Note that the Smart Hub 2 uses Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac).

If you opt for the newer EE-branded packages (which BT is slowly transitioning customers to), you might get the Smart Hub 6 Plus. This device features Wi-Fi 6 technology, which is crucial for modern homes with dozens of connected devices. Wi-Fi 6 allows the router to communicate with multiple devices simultaneously rather than queuing them, resulting in lower latency even when the network is busy.

FTTP vs FTTC

FTTC (Fibre to the Cabinet): The older technology where fibre cables run to the green cabinet on your street, but the final leg to your house is old copper telephone wire. Max speeds typically top out around ~67–80Mbps, and reliability decreases the further you live from the cabinet.

FTTP (Full Fibre): A glass fibre cable runs directly into your home. This supports speeds up to 900Mbps. It provides rock-solid reliability and low latency (ping), making it the only real choice for serious gaming and 4K streaming in a busy household. BT Full Fibre currently goes up to 900Mbps (higher tiers like 1.6Gbps are typically marketed under EE in the BT Group).

The 2026 Rollout

By 2026, Openreach aims to hit 25 million homes with Full Fibre. BT uses Openreach’s network (like many other ISPs). Availability depends on when Openreach enables FTTP at your address.

Real World Testing

We tested the "Full Fibre 900" package in a typical suburban home. The download speeds consistently hit over 850Mbps via ethernet, and the Smart Hub 2 managed to deliver ~400Mbps over Wi-Fi in the same room. This is more than enough bandwidth to download a 100GB game file in under 20 minutes.

Upload speeds are capped lower (usually around 110Mbps on the top tier), which is standard for residential connections but something content creators uploading 4K video to YouTube should note. Stability was the highlight; over a 7-day monitoring period, we experienced zero dropouts on the Full Fibre line.

BT differentiates itself from budget providers by stacking its packages with optional add-ons. Here is the complete list of extras available to residential customers in 2026:

• Flexible TV Packages: Swap monthly between entertainment tiers. Includes options for Netflix, TNT Sports (formerly BT Sport), Sky Sports (via NOW), and Sky Cinema.
• Hybrid Connect (Halo): An unbreakable connection promise. If your broadband line faults, the router switches to EE's 4G mobile network automatically.
• Complete Wi-Fi: BT supplies Wi-Fi discs to guarantee a strong signal in every room of your house, or they offer a £100 money-back guarantee.
• BT Virus Protect: Powered by Norton, this security suite protects up to 15 devices (laptops, phones, tablets) from malware and phishing attacks.
• Free Wi-Fi Hotspots: Unlimited access to millions of BT Wi-Fi hotspots across the UK, saving your mobile data when you are out and about.
• Xbox Game Pass Ultimate: Available as a paid add-on (often £10-£12/mo) for existing customers, giving access to hundreds of games on console and PC.

Price Hikes: For newer BT contracts, increases can be a fixed £/month amount (BT currently states +£4/month for broadband on certain terms), so always check the price guide for your contract start date. If inflation is high, this can still add up considerably, and you cannot leave without paying a significant early termination fee.

Commitment: You are locked in for 24 months. If you move house to an area where BT (Openreach) doesn't supply fibre, or if you simply find a cheaper deal elsewhere after 12 months, you will likely be liable to pay off the remainder of your contract.

The "Loyalty Penalty"

Like many big ISPs, BT has faced criticism for offering much better deals to new customers than existing ones. If your contract ends, your price will likely skyrocket to the "out of contract" rate. The golden rule with BT is: Always Renegotiate at the end of your term. Never let the contract roll over automatically if you want to maintain a reasonable price.

Digital Voice Switchover: The move from copper landlines to digital (VoIP) has been controversial for elderly users who rely on landlines during power cuts. BT now offers battery backup units for vulnerable customers, but it remains a point of friction for those who prefer traditional telephony.

BT Group & Openreach

BT Group owns Openreach, the company that maintains the cables, ducts, and exchanges for most of the UK. However, they are legally separate entities to ensure fair competition. This means BT Consumer (the ISP) buys access from Openreach just like Sky, TalkTalk, or Plusnet do.

The EE Merger

BT acquired EE (Everything Everywhere) several years ago, and in 2026, the brands are more integrated than ever. You will often see "New EE" branding replacing traditional BT branding for consumer broadband packages. This strategic shift allows them to bundle mobile SIMs and broadband together more effectively than any other provider in the market.