BT vs Sky Broadband: Which Provider is Best in 2024
TL;DR
BT and Sky are two of the biggest names in the broadband market, each offering reliable broadband services across the UK. BT is often more affordable for basic plans and has a wide level of coverage thanks to its Openreach network. Sky has solid speeds, decent coverage and excels when it comes to entertainment bundles.
Which is better: BT or Sky?
Both providers offer a wide range of broadband packages with various speeds on offer for a range of budgets. But of these two major ISPs, which one comes out top for broadband in 2024? Let’s see how they compare on speed, price, coverage and customer satisfaction to help you decide on the right choice for your home.
Key Differences
BT, like its rival Sky, has a well-established broadband offering but they are by no means identical to one another. BT uses its own Openreach network which gives it more control over technology developments and availability rollouts. On the flip side, Sky is known for its TV offering, so its bundle packages are heavy on entertainment options, including premium sports and movies. BT’s TV offering is streaming based by comparison and includes NOW Entertainment and Apple TV+.
Speed and Performance
When it comes to broadband, speed is king. Whether you're streaming movies or downloading large files to your computer, having a fast and reliable connection is essential. So, how does each one stack up in this area?
Speed
BT: BT offers fibre optic packages that range from their Essential package which comes with 36 Mbps all the way up to their Full Fibre 900 which offers a speed of 900 Mbps.
However, full fibre coverage is still limited in some areas, and availability can determine your maximum speed potential with BT.
Sky: Sky focuses primarily on fast fibre optic broadband packages, delivered via Openreach.
Speeds typically range from 36 Mbps to 900 Mbps. This puts Sky on a par with BT and makes it a strong contender for households with heavy internet usage, online gamers, or those who want the future-proofed benefits of ultrafast connectivity.
Reliability and Uptime
Both BT and Sky boast high uptime statistics, meaning minimal service disruptions. However, due to the nature of its technology, full fibre optic connections are generally considered more reliable, which both providers offer to their customers.
The Winner
Sky offers readily available high-speed fibre optic packages, making them a great choice if you want fast, reliable internet and a TV bundle. However, BT's FTTP option can also deliver exceptional speeds, and their wider coverage might be a lifesaver in rural areas not covered by other providers. You can check the Sky and BT deals available in your area here.
Pricing and Value
Cost is another crucial factor when choosing a broadband provider. Let's break down the pricing structures individually to help you compare value.
Monthly Costs
BT: BT offers a range of packages to suit different budgets, with unlimited downloads. Their cheapest package starts at around £29.99 per month, while fibre optic packages can cost more.
Sky: Sky's broadband packages are generally around the same price as BT's options (the cheapest package right now costs £28), but they often include extras like free router upgrades and unlimited downloads.
Installation Fees and Equipment Costs
As a new customer you can typically expect to pay a fee for installation, no matter who delivers your broadband. The actual cost can vary depending on your location and the type of broadband you choose. Additionally, you may need to purchase or rent a router from your chosen provider.
Cheapest Packages
BT's cheapest package is currently Fibre 2 with a speed of 67 Mbps for £29.99 per month.
Sky's cheapest package is its Full Fibre 75 package which offers a speed of 75Mbps for £28 per month. It’s a couple of pounds cheaper but a little quicker.
Contract Options and Length
All ISPs offer contracts of varying lengths, typically ranging from 12 to 24 months. Some providers may also offer shorter-term contracts or flexible deals.
The Winner
Sky offers a slight cost saving over BT, coming in at around £24 cheaper per year. It’s worth noting that the lower cost also comes with a faster speed, making it the best value choice for normal internet use. You can quickly check the packages available in your area simply by typing in your
Coverage and Availability
As you’d expect, BT and Sky offer wide coverage across the UK, but the availability of specific broadband technologies can vary depending on your location.
UK Coverage
BT: BT's ADSL broadband is available to almost the entire mainland UK population at present, but will be phased out next year. Its FTTC (fibre optic to the cabinet) and FTTP (full fibre optic) coverage is more limited, with availability varying by region.
Sky: Sky uses the Openreach network, which means their coverage is similar to BT's. However, Sky's ultrafast fibre optic packages are only available to around half of the UK population at the moment. In 2025, it will partner with CityFibre. Where coverage overlaps, it may start to prioritise CityFibre due to potential cost advantages plus the more advanced technology on offer.
Future Rollout Plans
BT has ambitious plans to expand its Openreach fibre optic networks in the coming years. This means that more areas of the UK will have access to faster broadband speeds in the future. Sky is reliant on BT for upgrades to its infrastructure.
The Winner
Each ISP offers a high level of coverage but some rural areas may be limited in their choice of package and ISP.
Ultimately, the best provider for you will depend on your specific location and the type of broadband you need.
Customer Satisfaction and Support
Customer satisfaction and support are important factors to consider when choosing a broadband provider. When things go wrong, you want to know that your provider will be there to help. Having a good customer service team means that you won’t have to spend hours on the phone without getting the resolution you need.
Trustpilot Ratings and Ofcom Complaints Data
BT: BT has received mixed reviews on Trustpilot, with some customers praising their customer service and others complaining about billing issues and slow repairs. According to Ofcom's complaints data, BT has received a moderate number of complaints at 9 per 100,000.
Sky: Sky generally receives poor reviews on Trustpilot, with customers complaining of reliability issues. According to Ofcom's complaints data, Sky has received a relatively low number of complaints at 6 complaints per 100,000.
Customer Service Options
Both providers offer a variety of customer service options, including online chat, phone support, and social media.
The Winner
BT and Sky each fare poorly on Trustpilot. Based on Ofcom complaints data, Sky appears to have the edge over BT in terms of customer satisfaction and support. However, individual experiences may vary.
Additional Features
In addition to speed, price, and coverage, there are other factors to consider when choosing a broadband provider. These can include the router, security features, and bundle options.
Both BT and Sky provide Wi-Fi routers with their broadband packages. They also both offer basic security features to protect your devices and data.
BT offers TV bundles with their broadband packages, including access to BT Sport. Of course, Sky is known for its TV services, and it offers a variety of TV bundles with most broadband packages, including access to premium channels like Sky Sports, Sky Atlantic, and Sky Cinema. Sky also offers streaming devices like Sky Glass and Sky Stream.
The Winner
If you're looking for a provider that offers a wide range of TV channels and streaming options, Sky is the clear winner. However, if you're primarily interested in broadband and don't need a TV bundle, BT may be a more affordable option.
Our Verdict
Both BT and Sky offer reliable broadband services, but they each have distinct advantages. BT provides a wider range of packages to cater to various budgets, making it a potentially more affordable option for those seeking basic broadband. For its part, Sky offers fast, fibre-optic broadband coupled with a good reputation for customer satisfaction.
If you're considering bundling your broadband with TV and phone, Sky offers a wider range of TV channels and streaming options.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Which broadband provider has the best coverage in the UK?
Both BT and Sky offer wide coverage across the UK. However, the availability of specific broadband technologies (such as fibre optic) can vary depending on your location. Check broadband availability in your area to see what’s on offer for your home address.
- How long does it typically take to switch broadband providers?
It usually takes around 17 working days to switch your broadband provider, but depending on your circumstances this could be slightly longer or shorter. See who you could switch to by checking broadband deals available for your postcode.
- What should I look for when choosing a broadband provider?
When choosing a broadband provider, the most important things to look out for are speed, price, coverage and reliability.