BT Full Fibre Essential
Broadband Deals
Full Fibre Essential
BT Full Fibre Essential Broadband has deals with speeds from 36 Mbps download / 10 Mbps upload, along with various bundles to suit every need.
Article Summary
BT Full Fibre Essential delivers 36 Mbps download and 10 Mbps upload—ideal for light users who browse, stream, and work from home.
BT's most affordable full fibre package at just £29.99/month on a 24-month contract.
Includes the BT Smart Hub 2 router free with intelligent WiFi for reliable coverage.
Perfect for individuals and couples with 1-4 devices who don't need ultrafast speeds.
Stay Fast Guarantee ensures you receive promised speeds. If your speed drops below minimum, receive a £20 refund.
Article Summary
BT Full Fibre Essential delivers 36 Mbps download and 10 Mbps upload—ideal for light users who browse, stream, and work from home.
BT's most affordable full fibre package at just £29.99/month on a 24-month contract.
Includes the BT Smart Hub 2 router free with intelligent WiFi for reliable coverage.
Perfect for individuals and couples with 1-4 devices who don't need ultrafast speeds.
Stay Fast Guarantee ensures you receive promised speeds. If your speed drops below minimum, receive a £20 refund.
Compare BT Full Fibre Speed Tiers
BT Full Fibre Essential Packages
Full Fibre Essential
Average 36 Mbps
36 Mbps
10 Mbps
- •FREE setup
- •Unlimited downloads
- •Stay Fast Guarantee
- •1-4 devices supported
24 month contract
Fibre Essential + Phone
Average 35-36 Mbps
36 Mbps
10 Mbps
- •FREE setup
- •Unlimited downloads
- •Includes Home Phone
- •UK calls included
12 month contract
Fibre Essential Broadband Only
Average 35-36 Mbps
36 Mbps
10 Mbps
- •FREE setup
- •Unlimited downloads
- •No landline required
- •Flexible 12-month term
12 month contract
What is BT Full Fibre Essential?
BT Full Fibre Essential is BT's most affordable full fibre broadband package, delivering average download speeds of 36 Mbps and upload speeds of 10 Mbps. It's designed for light internet users who want reliable connectivity without paying for speeds they won't use.
At 36 Mbps, Full Fibre Essential handles everyday internet activities with ease: web browsing, email, social media, HD streaming on one or two devices, video calls, and light online gaming. It's the perfect choice for individuals and couples with 1-4 connected devices.
The package uses full fibre technology for consistent speeds and reliable connectivity. Unlike some budget providers, you get BT's award-winning Smart Hub 2 router and access to 5 million BT WiFi hotspots nationwide.
At just £29.99/month on a 24-month contract, Full Fibre Essential offers excellent value for money. If you need more speed later, upgrading to Fibre 2 (74 Mbps) costs just £2/month more.
Full Fibre Essential
BT's Best Value Package
36 Mbps Download
Average Speed
10 Mbps Upload
Good for video calls
24 Month Contract
From £29.99/month
Smart Hub 2
Included Free
BT Full Fibre Essential Review: A Quick Look
36 Mbps
BT's Most Affordable
BT Full Fibre Essential at 36 Mbps is designed for light internet users. It's perfect for browsing, streaming HD content, video calls, and general social media use. For individuals or couples with 1-4 devices, it offers reliable connectivity at BT's most affordable price point.
However, if you have a busy household with multiple people streaming 4K content, work from home regularly with video conferences, or do a lot of online gaming, you may find Essential limiting. Consider Fibre 2 (74 Mbps) for more demanding households.
The main advantage is the price—at just £29.99/month, it's the most affordable way to get BT's full fibre broadband with all the benefits of the Stay Fast Guarantee and Smart Hub 2 router.
BT Full Fibre Essential Package Details
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Monthly Price | From £29.99 |
| Setup Cost | Free |
| Minimum Contract Term | 24 months (12-month options available) |
| Average Download Speed | 36 Mbps |
| Average Upload Speed | 10 Mbps |
| Technology | Full Fibre |
| Usage Allowance | Unlimited |
| Router | BT Smart Hub 2 |
| Stay Fast Guarantee | Yes - £20 refund if speeds not met |
| WiFi Hotspots | Free access to 5 million BT WiFi hotspots |
| Customer Support | 24/7 UK-based support |
| Devices Supported | 1-4 devices simultaneously |
| BT Virus Protect | Free for 2 devices |
BT Full Fibre Essential Review: Pros and Cons
Pros
- BT's most affordable full fibre package at £29.99/month.
- Reliable full fibre technology for consistent speeds.
- BT Smart Hub 2 router included free.
- Stay Fast Guarantee with £20 refund if speeds not met.
- Free access to 5 million BT WiFi hotspots nationwide.
- BT Virus Protect included for 2 devices.
- 24/7 UK-based customer support.
- Flexible contract options (12 or 24 months).
Cons
- 36 Mbps may be limiting for busy households.
- Only supports 1-4 devices comfortably.
- 4K streaming limited to one device at a time.
- Annual price increases (typically CPI + 3.9%).
- 24-month contract required for best pricing.
- Upload speed (10 Mbps) may limit video conferencing quality.
What Can You Do With 36 Mbps?
36 Mbps
Download Speed
10 Mbps
Upload Speed
£29.99
Per Month
Who is BT Full Fibre Essential For?
Singles & Couples
Perfect for individuals or couples with 1-4 devices who browse, stream HD, and work from home.
Budget Conscious
For those who want BT's reliability without paying for speeds they won't use.
Light Users
Ideal for those who mainly browse, email, use social media, and stream occasional HD content.
Occasional WFH
Suitable for occasional remote workers with light video conferencing needs.
BT Full Fibre Essential: Frequently Asked Questions
Is 36 Mbps fast enough for streaming?
Yes, 36 Mbps is sufficient for HD streaming on 2-3 devices simultaneously. For 4K streaming, you can watch on one device at a time. If you need multiple 4K streams, consider upgrading to Fibre 2 or Full Fibre 150.
Can I work from home with Full Fibre Essential?
Yes, Full Fibre Essential handles video conferencing, email, and web-based applications. The 10 Mbps upload speed is adequate for standard video calls. For frequent HD video conferences with multiple participants, Fibre 2 with 20 Mbps uploads may be better.
Should I upgrade to Fibre 2?
If you have more than 4 devices, multiple people streaming, or work from home with frequent video calls, Fibre 2 at just £2/month more offers double the speed. For light usage, Essential provides excellent value.
What router comes with Full Fibre Essential?
Full Fibre Essential includes the BT Smart Hub 2 router—the same router included with all BT broadband packages. It features dual-band WiFi, 7 antennas for coverage, and intelligent channel selection.
Is there a minimum contract term?
The best value is on a 24-month contract at £29.99/month. 12-month contracts are available but cost more (£34.99/month for broadband only or £39.99/month with phone).
BT Full Fibre Essential Benefits
- ✓36 Mbps Average Speed: Sufficient for everyday browsing, emails, and social media.
- ✓Most Affordable Package: BT's cheapest full fibre option at just £29.99/month.
- ✓Stay Fast Guarantee: BT guarantees your speed or gives you £20 back.
- ✓Smart Hub 2 Included: Award-winning router with intelligent WiFi.
- ✓1-4 Devices Supported: Perfect for individuals or couples.
- ✓Full Fibre Technology: 100% fibre optic for reliable connectivity.