5G broadband deals

Looking for top-tier 5G broadband deals in the UK this June? Focusing on speed, coverage, device compatibility, data plans, pricing, and customer satisfaction, this guide is designed to streamline your decision-making process and help you choose the best option effortlessly.

5G broadband delivers significantly faster speeds and lower latency than 4G, perfect for high-bandwidth activities like streaming and gaming. Whether you're a remote worker, an avid streamer, or a casual browser, our carefully curated list ensures you find the ideal 5G package to meet your needs.

Best 5G broadband deals

What is 5G broadband?

5G broadband, or fifth-generation broadband, is the latest advancement in mobile internet technology, offering significantly faster speeds, lower latency, and higher capacity compared to previous generations like 4G LTE.

5G broadband supports a massive number of connected devices simultaneously, ideal for applications like smart cities and IoT. Unlike previous generations, 5G promises ultra-fast download and upload speeds, ensuring seamless streaming, gaming, and real-time communication experiences. Its low latency minimizes delay, enhancing user experiences in gaming and video conferencing. Overall, 5G broadband marks a significant leap forward in mobile connectivity, ushering in a new era of high-speed, high-capacity wireless internet access.

How does 5G broadband work?

5G broadband functions similarly to 5G smartphones by utilizing a 5G SIM card to connect to the internet. Instead of being housed in a mobile phone, though, this SIM card is placed in a home Wi-Fi router. Like any other connection, this home router then broadcasts a Wi-Fi signal that multiple devices can connect to simultaneously.

While 5G operates on the same basic principles as 4G, it uses significantly amped-up, higher frequencies, allowing it to transmit more data much more quickly. This results in next-level internet speeds.

For instance, the average speed of 4G in the UK is around 25Mbps. In contrast, 5G speeds in the UK reach around 200Mbps on the regular — an eye-watering difference in speed. To break it down, you could download every season of your favourite television series in a matter of minutes on 5G rather than a matter of hours on 4G.

So while 4G and its predecessor, 3G, may have enhanced browsing speeds and streaming quality, 5G has emerged as a way to support a range of high-bandwidth tasks — making it a suitable option for home broadband.

Things to consider when getting 5G broadband

Getting 5G broadband can be tricky. From device compatibility to data plans, here's what to prioritize for seamless connectivity in today's high-speed digital landscape.

• Device compatibility. Before subscribing to a 5G broadband service, make sure your devices, such as smartphones, tablets, or routers, are compatible with the 5G network. This is crucial if you want to fully utilize the benefits of 5G technology, including faster speeds and lower latency. While most modern devices are now equipped with 5G capabilities, it's essential to double-check compatibility before making a decision.
• Coverage area. Ensure that the internet service provider offers sufficient coverage in your area to access reliable internet. Check coverage maps provided by the provider and consider consulting with neighbours or local reviews to gauge the quality of service in your area. A strong coverage area ensures consistent connectivity and optimal performance.
• Data plans. Evaluate different data plans offered by the provider to choose one that suits your usage needs. Consider factors such as data caps, throttling policies, and pricing tiers. Choose a plan that offers sufficient data allowances for your browsing, streaming, and downloading habits to avoid unexpected charges or slowdowns in service.
• Speed. Check the advertised download and upload speeds of the 5G broadband service to ensure they meet your requirements for seamless browsing, streaming, and other online activities. Compare speeds offered by different providers and choose one that offers the fastest and most consistent performance in your area.
• Check contract length. Review the contract terms, including contract length, fees, and any early termination charges. Some providers may require long-term contracts, while others offer more flexible options. Consider your plans and preferences before committing to a contract length, and be aware of any potential penalties for early termination.

5G broadband coverage and data speeds

In the UK, despite the advertising of numerous mobile network providers, only four actually operate their own networks: Three, Vodafone, EE, and O2 (Virgin Media).

Others, such as BT and Sky are actually known as Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) and rent capacity from these four main networks. Currently, all four primary networks, along with those MVNOs, offer 5G services – though availability and speeds are still limited.

Let's put the current state of each network's 5G offerings under the magnifying glass.

Three

Three has emerged as the frontrunner in 5G download speeds, outperforming its competitors with a Speed Score of 200.85, according to a Speedtest Q3-Q4 2023 report. Three scored median download speeds of 226.27 Mbps and median upload speeds of 13.14 Mbps in London, Birmingham and Manchester.

Vodafone

Vodafone has demonstrated robust performance in the realm of 5G mobile networks, earning a commendable Speed Score of 121.81. The network delivered median download speeds of 121.81 Mbps and median upload speeds of 12.21 Mbps, solidifying its position as a reliable choice for users seeking consistent 5G connectivity.

EE

EE has shown commendable 5G performance, achieving a Speed Score of 84.64 in Q3-Q4 2023. With median download speeds of 94.79 Mbps and median upload speeds of 12.06 Mbps, EE has proven its reliability in key urban areas. Speed tests conducted in London, Birmingham, and Manchester highlight its strong presence and consistent connectivity in some of the UK's major cities.

O2

Though not as white-hot as the others, O2 has delivered solid 5G performance, earning a Speed Score of 65.81. The network achieved a median download speed of 70.43 Mbps and a median upload speed of 8.93 Mbps. Speed tests conducted in London, Birmingham, and Manchester indicate O2's reliable 5G connectivity in these major cities across the UK.

Which broadband providers offer 5G?

When it comes to 5G broadband, several leading providers in the UK are vying for the top spot. Here's a look at how the major players:

1. Vodafone Mobile – The best overall 5G mobile and home broadband. Offers SIM for mobile devices and broadband routers.
2. Virgin Media 5G – Fast 5G mobile and home broadband that utilizes the 02 Network.
3. EE 5G – High-speed 5G mobile and home broadband proven in major cities across the UK.
4. Three Mobile – Blazing fast 5G service throughout the UK. Currently offers the highest speeds based on Speedtest.
5. BT Mobile – Seamless 5G mobile connectivity powered through the EE network.
6. O2 Mobile – Lightning-fast 5G in around 3,000 locations in the United Kingdom and expanding.
7. Sky Mobile – Reputable 5G mobile connections with options for familiar television services bundled in.

What's the difference between 4G and 5G broadband?

The leap from 4G to 5G broadband represents a huge technological bump. 5G offers much faster speeds, reduced latency, and greater capacity compared to 4G. While the best 4G networks typically provide download speeds of up to 100 Mbps, 5G can reach speeds exceeding 1 Gbps, making it ideal for high-demand applications like streaming in 4K, online gaming, and seamless video conferencing.

Latency, or the time it takes for data to travel between points, is dramatically lower with 5G — often under 10 milliseconds compared to 30-50 milliseconds for 4G. This improvement enhances real-time communications and supports emerging technologies like autonomous vehicles, smart cities and IoT.

Additionally, 5G networks can handle more connected devices simultaneously, ensuring a more stable connection even in crowded areas.

Is 5G faster than regular broadband?

5G can be faster than regular broadband, especially in areas with optimal 5G coverage. While traditional broadband typically offers speeds ranging from 50 to 300 Mbps, 5G networks can easily reach speeds of over 1 Gbps. This makes 5G an attractive option for users seeking high-speed internet for activities like 4K streaming, online gaming, and video conferencing.

However, the actual speed experienced can vary based on factors such as network congestion, distance from the 5G tower, and the specific 5G technology in use. In urban areas with dense 5G infrastructure, users are likely to experience speeds that surpass those of many fixed broadband connections.

As 5G technology continues to evolve and expand, it is poised to challenge and, in some cases, outperform traditional broadband services.

Is 5G broadband right for me?

For an increasing number of people across the UK, 5G broadband is a viable solution. However, whether it’s right for you depends on several factors, such as your location, speed requirements, and budget.

If you can get a reliable 5G connection in your area, 5G home broadband is a quick-to-set-up option that offers some of the fastest speeds available. However, around half of UK households cannot receive reliable 5G, so unless you live in a major town or city, a traditional fixed-line or 4G home broadband connection might be better.

Consider the speeds you need and what other connections offer. While 5G is fast, fixed-line broadband technology is also rapidly improving. The rollout of full-fibre networks is enabling gigabit speeds even in rural areas. Deals not previously available might now be options.

To decide, run a speed test to compare 5G and fixed-line speeds in your area, and compare prices. Long-term fibre deals often cost less than 5G, but availability and provider offers vary, especially during promotional periods like Black Friday.

How to compare 5G broadband deals with Cybernews postcode checker

Looking to find the best 5G broadband deal in your area? Cybernews' postcode checker can simplify your search. Here's how to compare and choose the right deal:

1. Enter your postcode: Begin by entering your postcode into our postcode checker tool. This will display the 5G broadband deals available specifically in your location.
2. Compare deals: Once the results appear, compare deals based on contract length, monthly price, and speed. Consider your usage needs — whether you prioritize speed, contract flexibility, or price — to find the deal that best suits you.
3. Finalize with provider: After selecting your preferred deal, finalize the process directly with the broadband provider. Ensure all terms and conditions are clear before committing to the contract.

Using our postcode checker streamlines the process, ensuring you get the most relevant and competitive 5G broadband options available in your area.

5G broadband deals - FAQ’s