Choosing between BT and Plusnet can feel confusing—both are part of the BT Group, use the same Openreach network, and offer fibre broadband. But there are key differences in price, speed, and perks that could sway your decision.
In this detailed comparison, we break down:
✔ Pricing & contract lengths
✔ Broadband speeds & reliability
✔ Customer service & extras
✔ Who each provider is best for
By the end, you’ll know whether BT’s premium service or Plusnet’s budget-friendly deals suit your needs.
🏆 Quick Comparison: BT vs. Plusnet
| Feature | BT | Plusnet |
|---|---|---|
| Parent Company | BT Group | BT Group |
| Network Used | Openreach (FTTC/FTTP) | Openreach (FTTC/FTTP) |
| Avg. Speed (Fibre) | 50-900Mbps | 36-66Mbps |
| Full Fibre Availability | ✅ Yes (Up to 900Mbps) | ❌ No (Max 66Mbps) |
| Price (Fibre 1)* | £26.99/month | £23.99/month |
| Contract Length | 24 months | 18 months |
| Router | BT Smart Hub 2 | Plusnet Hub Two |
| Free Extras | BT Sport App, WiFi hotspots | Free Anytime Calls |
| Customer Satisfaction | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5) | ⭐⭐⭐ (3.5/5) |
(Prices vary by deal; check latest offers.)*
Spoiler Alert:
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Best for speed & perks? BT (Full fibre, BT Sport)
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Best for budget? Plusnet (Cheaper, shorter contract)
🔍 In-Depth Comparison
1. Broadband Speeds: Is BT Faster?
✅ BT Wins for Speed
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Offers full fibre (FTTP) up to 900Mbps (Plusnet maxes at 66Mbps).
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Better for 4K streaming, gaming, and large households.
✅ Plusnet is Fine for Basics
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Fibre 35 (36Mbps) works for 1-2 users browsing/streaming.
Verdict: Need 100Mbps+? Go BT. Just checking emails? Plusnet suffices.
2. Pricing: Is Plusnet Cheaper?
✅ Plusnet is £3-£5/month cheaper on equivalent plans.
✅ Shorter contracts (18 vs. 24 months) = More flexibility.
But watch for hidden costs:
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BT’s prices rise annually (CPI + 3.9%).
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Plusnet’s router is weaker (May need an upgrade).
Example Deals (June 2024):
| Plan | BT | Plusnet |
|---|---|---|
| Fibre 1 (50Mbps) | £26.99 | £23.99 |
| Fibre 2 (67Mbps) | £29.99 | £25.99 |
Best for Budget: Plusnet.
3. Reliability & Customer Service
📶 Same Network, Same Reliability
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Both use Openreach’s infrastructure, so outages are identical.
📞 Customer Service:
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BT: 24/7 support, but mixed reviews.
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Plusnet: UK-based, but slower response times.
Verdict: Tie (Neither excels, but both are decent).
4. Extras & Perks
🎁 BT’s Freebies:
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BT Sport App (Champions League, Premier League).
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Access to 5M+ WiFi hotspots.
🎁 Plusnet’s Freebies:
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Anytime calls (Included in most plans).
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Simpler pricing (No surprise extras).
Best for Sports Fans: BT.
Best for Callers: Plusnet.
5. Router Comparison
| Router | BT Smart Hub 2 | Plusnet Hub Two |
|---|---|---|
| WiFi Speed | Up to 600Mbps | Up to 300Mbps |
| Range | Better for large homes | Struggles with thick walls |
| Features | Smart scanning, malware protection | Basic, no advanced settings |
Verdict: BT’s router is far superior.
🏆 Who Should Choose BT?
✔ You want full fibre (500Mbps+).
✔ You’re a sports fan (BT Sport included).
✔ You need whole-home WiFi coverage.
Best BT Deal: Full Fibre 100 (150Mbps) @ £32.99/month.
🏆 Who Should Choose Plusnet?
✔ You’re on a tight budget.
✔ You only need basic fibre (under 70Mbps).
✔ You prefer shorter contracts (18 months).
Best Plusnet Deal: Unlimited Fibre (36Mbps) @ £23.99/month.
🤔 BT vs. Plusnet: Final Decision
| If You Value… | Choose… |
|---|---|
| Speed (100Mbps+) | BT |
| Lowest Price | Plusnet |
| No Long Contracts | Plusnet |
| BT Sport | BT |
| Better Router | BT |
Best All-Rounder: BT (If you can afford it).
Best Budget Pick: Plusnet (For light users).
💡 Pro Tip: How to Switch Easily
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Check your postcode for availability.
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Compare deals on Uswitch/MoneySuperMarket.
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Negotiate! Call your current provider to match prices.