UK ISP comparison
Sky Broadband vs NOW Broadband
Both retail Openreach. Sky has full FTTP availability; NOW FTTP retail availability is more selective. Sky wins on long-tenure value. Both cover Openreach nationwide. Sky wins on long-tenure value. Sky in-contract pricing typically beats NOW for equivalent tier; NOW rolling-monthly is more expensive but commitment-free
Sky and NOW are sibling brands within Sky Group. Sky is the long-tenure bundle brand; NOW is the 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
- Both cover Openreach nationwide. (coverage comparison section).
- Sky Broadband entry From around £27/month; NOW Broadband entry From around £24/month (FBRE ISP profiles, May 2026).
- Both retail Openreach (speed comparison section).
- Sky in-contract pricing typically beats NOW for equivalent tier; NOW rolling-monthly is more expensive but commitment-free (pricing comparison section).
| Attribute | Sky Broadband | 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 £27/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 Sky Broadband?
Sky retails Openreach FTTC and FTTP with strong Sky TV bundle integration.
What is NOW Broadband?
NOW Broadband retails Openreach with short and rolling-monthly contracts.
Which is cheaper, Sky Broadband or NOW Broadband?
Sky in-contract pricing typically beats NOW for equivalent tier; NOW rolling-monthly is more expensive but commitment-free.
Is Sky Broadband faster than NOW Broadband?
Both retail Openreach. Sky has full FTTP availability; NOW FTTP retail availability is more selective.
Which has wider coverage, Sky Broadband or NOW Broadband?
Both cover Openreach nationwide.
Which should I choose, Sky Broadband or NOW Broadband?
Sky wins on long-tenure value. NOW wins on flexibility.
Who is each provider best for?
Sky suits households committing to a contract. NOW suits renters and sharers.
Can I switch between Sky Broadband 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 Sky Broadband 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.