UK ISP comparison
EE Broadband vs Sky Broadband
EE and Sky both retail Openreach FTTP up to 900 Mbps with closely matched standalone broadband pricing. Sky wins when Sky TV already anchors the bundle; EE wins for EE Mobile households and users who want EE Full Fibre up to 1.6 Gbps. Both retail Openreach
EE is BT Group's premium brand; Sky is the established TV+broadband bundle leader. Comparison comes down to which mobile and TV ecosystem the household already uses.
What changed: Added answer capsule, side-by-side comparison table, key-facts block, question-led headings, and attributed stat callout for AI citation, 3 June 2026.
Key facts
- Both retail Openreach. EE Full Fibre reaches 1.6 Gbps. Sky tops at 900 Mbps. (speed comparison section).
- Both cover Openreach nationwide. (coverage comparison section).
- EE Broadband entry From around £27/month; Sky Broadband entry From around £27/month (FBRE ISP profiles, May 2026).
| Attribute | EE Broadband | Sky Broadband |
|---|---|---|
| Network | Openreach FTTC and FTTP, nationwide | Openreach FTTC and FTTP, nationwide |
| Top speed | 36 Mbps to 1.6 Gbps | 36 Mbps to 900 Mbps |
| Price band | From around £27/month | From around £27/month |
| Contract | 12 to 24 months typical | 12 to 24 months typical |
| Availability | Nationwide UK | Nationwide UK |
| Switch path | One Touch Switch (gaining provider led) | One Touch Switch (gaining provider led) |
What is EE Broadband?
EE retails Openreach FTTC and FTTP with EE Mobile bundle and Smart Wi-Fi guarantee.
What is Sky Broadband?
Sky retails Openreach FTTC and FTTP with Sky TV, Sky Stream and Sky Mobile bundle.
Which is cheaper, EE Broadband or Sky Broadband?
Closely matched on standalone broadband. Bundle value depends on whether the household pays for Sky TV (favours Sky) or EE Mobile (favours EE).
Is EE Broadband faster than Sky Broadband?
Both retail Openreach. EE Full Fibre reaches 1.6 Gbps. Sky tops at 900 Mbps.
Which has wider coverage, EE Broadband or Sky Broadband?
Both cover Openreach nationwide.
Which should I choose, EE Broadband or Sky Broadband?
EE wins for EE Mobile households. Sky wins for Sky TV households.
Who is each provider best for?
EE suits EE Mobile households. Sky suits Sky TV households.
Can I switch between EE Broadband and Sky Broadband?
- Check availability at your postcode for both providers. Coverage matters more than the headline brand.
- Compare like-for-like on speed, contract length and total cost of ownership for 12 to 24 months.
- Use One Touch Switch to move. Your new provider does the heavy lifting.
- Test your speed after the switch on UKSpeedTest.co.uk and complain if it materially underperforms.
Last updated: 3 June 2026. Pricing changes frequently. Always check the latest tariff at the provider's own site or via SearchSwitchSave.com.
Common questions
How long does a switch between EE Broadband and Sky Broadband take?
Under the UK One Touch Switch process introduced by Ofcom in 2024, most switches between two UK fixed-line broadband providers complete within ten working days. The gaining provider takes responsibility for the switch and your existing contract ends automatically. See Fibreswitch.com for the live status of your switch.
Will I lose service during the switch?
Most One Touch Switch moves between Openreach-based providers happen with no service downtime, because the underlying line stays connected. Moves between Openreach and a separate network (Virgin Media, Hyperoptic, Community Fibre, Netomnia, CityFibre via altnet retailer) can involve a brief overlap period to avoid any gap in connectivity. Your gaining provider will confirm the precise method during the order.
Can I keep my router?
Generally no. Most UK ISPs issue their own router optimised for their network and supply chain. You can use your own router on most Openreach FTTC and FTTP services, but bear in mind support and Wi-Fi guarantees apply to the supplied router. Cable, XGS-PON and certain proprietary altnet networks require the supplied modem or ONT.
Is the switch process the same in Northern Ireland?
One Touch Switch covers Great Britain. In Northern Ireland, switching processes follow Ofcom NI guidance and may differ for the Hull region where KCOM operates the historic incumbent network. Check with your gaining provider for region-specific guidance.