UK ISP comparison
Plusnet vs NOW Broadband
NOW Broadband offers rolling and short contracts from around £24/month; Plusnet focuses on 12 to 24 month value plans from similar entry pricing on Openreach. NOW wins flexibility for renters; Plusnet wins longer in-contract value and UK-based support. Both cover Openreach nationally
Plusnet is the value brand with long-term in-contract pricing. NOW Broadband is the rolling-monthly flexibility brand.
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
- Plusnet entry From around £24/month; NOW Broadband entry From around £24/month (FBRE ISP profiles, May 2026).
- Both retail Openreach (speed comparison section).
- Plusnet in-contract beats NOW rolling-monthly (pricing comparison section).
- Both cover Openreach nationally (coverage comparison section).
| Attribute | Plusnet | NOW Broadband |
|---|---|---|
| Network | Openreach FTTC and FTTP, nationwide | Openreach FTTC and selected FTTP |
| Top speed | 36 Mbps to 900 Mbps | 11 Mbps to 67 Mbps FTTC; FTTP tariffs from 100 Mbps added February 2024 |
| Price band | From around £24/month | From around £24/month |
| Contract | 12 to 24 months typical | Rolling monthly and short contracts available |
| Availability | Nationwide UK | Nationwide UK |
| Switch path | One Touch Switch (gaining provider led) | One Touch Switch (gaining provider led) |
What is Plusnet?
Plusnet is BT Group's value brand with UK-based customer support.
What is NOW Broadband?
NOW Broadband is Sky Group's rolling-monthly flexibility brand.
Which is cheaper, Plusnet or NOW Broadband?
Plusnet in-contract beats NOW rolling-monthly. NOW wins on flexibility cost.
Is Plusnet faster than NOW Broadband?
Both retail Openreach. Plusnet covers full speed ladder; NOW FTTP retail is more selective.
Which has wider coverage, Plusnet or NOW Broadband?
Both cover Openreach nationally.
Which should I choose, Plusnet or NOW Broadband?
Plusnet wins on long-term value. NOW wins on flexibility.
Who is each provider best for?
Plusnet suits households on a contract. NOW suits renters and sharers.
Can I switch between Plusnet and NOW 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 Plusnet and NOW 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.