Plusnet vs BT Broadband
Plusnet is owned by BT and uses the same Openreach network. So what's the difference, and which should you choose?
The Key Difference
Plusnet and BT both use the Openreach network, which means the underlying broadband infrastructure is identical. The fibre cables, street cabinets, and exchanges are exactly the same. The difference is in pricing, branding, customer service approach, and extras.
Plusnet focuses on value - lower prices, simpler packages, and award-winning customer service based in Sheffield. They strip away the extras to offer a no-frills broadband experience at competitive prices.
BT is the premium option with extras like BT Sport access, Complete WiFi mesh boosters, and the BT brand reputation. You pay more, but you get additional services and features.
Since both use the same network, your choice should be based on whether you need BT's extras, or whether you'd prefer to save money with Plusnet's straightforward approach.
Price Comparison
Plusnet is typically £5-10/month cheaper than BT for equivalent speed packages. Here's how the current pricing compares:
| Speed Tier | Plusnet | BT |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Fibre | 36 Mbps - £24.99/mo | 36 Mbps - £29.99/mo |
| Mid-Range | 74 Mbps - £29.99/mo | 67 Mbps - £32.99/mo |
| Fast Fibre | 145 Mbps - £32.99/mo | 150 Mbps - £37.99/mo |
| Ultrafast | 500 Mbps - £39.99/mo | 500 Mbps - £49.99/mo |
| Gigabit | 900 Mbps - £49.99/mo | 900 Mbps - £59.99/mo |
Prices are indicative and may vary. Check each provider for current deals.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Plusnet | BT |
|---|---|---|
| Network | Openreach | Openreach |
| UK Customer Service | Yes (Yorkshire) | Yes |
| TV Bundles | No | BT TV available |
| Sports | No | BT Sport add-on |
| Mesh WiFi | No | Complete WiFi |
| Speed Guarantee | Minimum speed | Stay Fast Guarantee |
| Price | Lower | Higher |
| Contract Length | 24 months | 24 months |
Why Choose Plusnet
- ✓Lower Prices: Generally £5-10/month cheaper than BT for equivalent speeds.
- ✓Same Network: Uses identical Openreach infrastructure as BT.
- ✓Award-Winning Service: Consistently rated best UK ISP for customer service.
- ✓Yorkshire-Based Support: UK call centres with friendly, knowledgeable staff.
- ✓No Frills: Straightforward packages without confusing extras.
- ✓Price Freeze: Some packages with guaranteed prices during contract.
Why Choose BT
- ✓BT Sport: Available as an add-on for Premier League and Champions League football.
- ✓Complete WiFi: Whole-home WiFi mesh system with guaranteed coverage.
- ✓Stay Fast Guarantee: Speed guarantee with money back if not met.
- ✓More Extras: Parental controls, BT Virus Protect, and security features included.
- ✓Brand Reputation: UK's largest provider with extensive support network.
- ✓Reward Cards: Often includes gift cards worth £50-100 on new deals.
Which Should You Choose?
Choose Plusnet If You:
- Want to save money on your broadband bill
- Value excellent customer service
- Don't need TV bundles or BT Sport
- Prefer a no-frills, straightforward service
- Use streaming services for entertainment
Choose BT If You:
- Want BT Sport for football and rugby
- Need whole-home WiFi coverage (Complete WiFi)
- Prefer bundling broadband with TV
- Want included security software and parental controls
- Value gift cards and promotional extras
Our Verdict
For most people, Plusnet offers better value. You get the same speeds on the same network for less money, with excellent UK-based customer service that consistently wins industry awards.
The savings add up significantly over a 24-month contract - you could save £120-240 compared to BT while getting essentially the same broadband service.
Choose BT if you specifically want BT Sport (TNT Sports), need the Complete WiFi whole-home mesh system, or prefer bundling with BT TV. Otherwise, Plusnet is the smarter choice for your wallet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Plusnet owned by BT?
Yes, Plusnet is a subsidiary of BT Group. However, they operate independently with their own branding, pricing, and customer service team based in Sheffield. This means you get the same underlying network infrastructure as BT, but with Plusnet's own approach to service and pricing.
Will I get the same speeds with Plusnet and BT?
Yes, both providers use the Openreach network, so the speeds available at your address will be identical. The only difference is in the packages they offer - for example, BT's Full Fibre 100 is 150 Mbps while Plusnet's closest equivalent is Full Fibre 145 at 145 Mbps. The actual speeds you experience will depend on your line and distance from the cabinet or exchange.
Can I switch from BT to Plusnet easily?
Yes, switching is straightforward because both use the Openreach network. You won't need an engineer visit in most cases - Plusnet will handle the switch automatically. However, check your current contract end date as you may face early termination fees if you switch before it ends.
Does Plusnet offer the same reliability as BT?
Yes, reliability should be identical since both use the same Openreach infrastructure. The physical line, cabinet, and exchange are the same regardless of which provider you choose. The main difference is in customer service experience if something goes wrong.
Which is better for customer service?
Plusnet consistently wins awards for customer service and has UK-based call centres in Sheffield. They've won Ofcom's customer satisfaction awards multiple times. BT has improved in recent years but historically has lower satisfaction ratings. If customer service is important to you, Plusnet is the better choice.
Can I get BT Sport with Plusnet?
No, BT Sport (now TNT Sports) is only available to BT broadband customers as an add-on. If you want BT Sport for Premier League and Champions League football, you'll need to go with BT. Plusnet doesn't offer any TV or sports packages.