Is Plusnet Any Good?
The short answer: yes. Plusnet consistently wins awards for customer service and offers competitive pricing on the reliable Openreach network.
Verdict: Plusnet is an excellent choice for anyone who wants reliable broadband at a fair price with outstanding customer service. They use the same Openreach network as BT but typically cost less. The only downsides are the lack of TV bundles and limited extras.
Best for: Budget-conscious households, those who value customer service, streaming-only homes, and anyone who doesn't need TV or sports packages bundled with their broadband.
Plusnet Overview
Plusnet is owned by BT but operates as a separate brand focused on value and customer service. They've won numerous awards for their UK-based customer support team, which sets them apart from many competitors.
They use the Openreach network (same as BT, Sky, TalkTalk, etc.), so speeds and availability are identical to other Openreach providers. The key differences are in pricing and service approach.
Plusnet strips away the extras to offer a straightforward broadband experience. There are no TV bundles, no sports channels, and no premium router options. What you get is reliable internet at a competitive price with excellent support if anything goes wrong.
This approach makes Plusnet particularly good for people who just want reliable broadband without the bells and whistles of TV bundles or fancy extras. If you use Netflix, Disney+, or other streaming services instead of traditional TV, Plusnet is an excellent choice.
Our Ratings
Award-winning UK support
Very competitive pricing
Same Openreach speeds as BT
Solid Openreach network
Basic but does the job
No TV, sports or bundles
Plusnet Pros
- ✓Award-Winning Customer Service: Consistently rated as the best ISP for customer service in the UK.
- ✓Competitive Pricing: Often £5-10/month cheaper than BT for equivalent speeds.
- ✓Same Network as BT: Uses Openreach infrastructure for reliable, fast connections.
- ✓Yorkshire-Based Support: UK call centres with friendly, knowledgeable staff in Sheffield.
- ✓Full Fibre Available: FTTP packages up to 900 Mbps where Openreach has coverage.
- ✓No Hidden Costs: Transparent pricing with no surprise charges.
- ✓Simple Packages: Easy to understand without confusing add-ons or upsells.
Things to Consider
Limited Extras: No TV packages, sports add-ons, or entertainment bundles.
Basic Router: Standard Openreach router included - no premium hardware.
Annual Price Rises: Like most providers, prices increase with inflation annually.
No 4G Backup: Unlike EE, no mobile backup option if your connection drops.
No Mesh WiFi: No whole-home WiFi boosters like BT's Complete WiFi.
Plusnet Broadband Packages
| Package | Speed | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unlimited Fibre | 36 Mbps | £24.99/mo | Light users |
| Full Fibre 74 | 74 Mbps | £29.99/mo | Small families |
| Full Fibre 145 | 145 Mbps | £32.99/mo | Busy households |
| Full Fibre 300 | 300 Mbps | £34.99/mo | HD streaming |
| Full Fibre 500 | 500 Mbps | £39.99/mo | Multiple 4K streams |
| Full Fibre 900 | 900 Mbps | £49.99/mo | Power users |
Prices are indicative. Full Fibre packages require FTTP availability at your address.
Who is Plusnet Best For?
Plusnet is Great For
- Those who value excellent customer service
- Budget-conscious households wanting value
- Streaming-only homes (Netflix, Disney+, etc.)
- People who want simple, straightforward broadband
- Those fed up with poor customer service elsewhere
Consider Alternatives If You
- •Want TV bundles or sports channels
- •Need whole-home WiFi mesh systems
- •Want 4G/5G backup for always-on connectivity
- •Prefer premium router hardware
- •Need speeds faster than 900 Mbps
Our Verdict
Yes, Plusnet is good - particularly if you value customer service and want straightforward broadband at a fair price. Their Sheffield-based support team is genuinely helpful, and the Openreach network delivers reliable speeds.
They're not the absolute cheapest option (that's usually TalkTalk or NOW), but the balance of price and service makes them a solid recommendation for most households. You get BT-quality broadband without BT prices.
The main limitations are the lack of TV bundles and premium extras. If you need BT Sport or Sky TV integration, you'll need to look elsewhere. But for pure broadband, Plusnet is hard to beat for value and peace of mind.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who owns Plusnet?
Plusnet is owned by BT Group but operates as a separate brand. They use the same Openreach network infrastructure as BT, but have their own pricing, packages, and customer service team based in Sheffield. This means you get BT's network reliability with Plusnet's focus on value and customer service.
Is Plusnet as good as BT?
For broadband quality, yes - both use the identical Openreach network, so speeds and reliability are the same. Plusnet actually beats BT on customer service ratings and typically offers lower prices. However, BT offers more extras like BT Sport, Complete WiFi mesh systems, and TV bundles that Plusnet doesn't have.
Is Plusnet reliable?
Yes, Plusnet uses the Openreach network which is the UK's largest and most established broadband infrastructure. The network itself is the same one used by BT, Sky, TalkTalk and others. Plusnet's reliability is on par with any other Openreach provider.
Why is Plusnet cheaper than BT?
Plusnet keeps costs down by offering a no-frills service. They don't have TV packages, sports channels, or premium router hardware. They also have lower marketing costs than BT. These savings are passed on to customers as lower monthly prices for the same underlying broadband service.
Does Plusnet have good customer service?
Plusnet's customer service is consistently rated as the best in the UK broadband industry. They've won multiple Ofcom customer satisfaction awards. Their call centres are UK-based in Sheffield, with knowledgeable staff who speak clearly and resolve issues quickly. This is Plusnet's main competitive advantage.
Can I get fibre with Plusnet?
Yes, Plusnet offers both FTTC (Fibre to the Cabinet) and FTTP (Full Fibre to the Premises) packages. Speeds range from 36 Mbps up to 900 Mbps depending on what's available at your address. Full fibre (FTTP) is available where Openreach has rolled out their ultrafast network.
Is Plusnet good for working from home?
Yes, Plusnet is suitable for working from home. Their speeds are sufficient for video calls, file sharing, and cloud applications. For home workers, we recommend at least the Full Fibre 74 (74 Mbps) package. The reliable Openreach network means consistent connections during work hours.
Does Plusnet offer TV bundles?
No, Plusnet is a broadband-only provider. They don't offer TV packages, sports channels, or entertainment bundles. If you want TV included, you'd need to look at BT, Sky, or Virgin Media. However, Plusnet works perfectly with streaming services like Netflix, Disney+, and Amazon Prime Video.