Plusnet vs Sky Broadband
Both Plusnet and Sky use the Openreach network. The choice often comes down to whether you want Sky TV or not.
Same Network, Different Focus
Plusnet and Sky both deliver broadband over the Openreach network, so speeds and reliability are comparable. The decision is really about what else you want from your provider.
Plusnet is focused purely on being a great broadband provider - competitive prices, excellent customer service, and straightforward packages without extras. They don't offer TV or sports, which keeps things simple and costs down.
Sky is built around their TV service. If you want Sky TV, Sky Sports, or Sky Cinema, bundling broadband makes financial sense. Sky offers comprehensive entertainment packages that can include Netflix, Disney+, and other streaming services.
For broadband-only customers who use streaming services like Netflix or Amazon Prime, Plusnet typically offers better value and superior customer service without paying for TV features you won't use.
Broadband Price Comparison
For broadband-only packages, pricing is very similar. The real differences appear when you add Sky TV bundles to the equation.
| Speed Tier | Plusnet | Sky |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level | 36 Mbps - £24.99/mo | 36 Mbps - £25/mo |
| Superfast | 74 Mbps - £29.99/mo | 59 Mbps - £29/mo |
| Ultrafast | 145 Mbps - £32.99/mo | 145 Mbps - £33/mo |
| Premium | 500 Mbps - £39.99/mo | 500 Mbps - £40/mo |
| Gigabit | 900 Mbps - £49.99/mo | 900 Mbps - £50/mo |
Prices are indicative and may vary. Check each provider for current deals.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Plusnet | Sky |
|---|---|---|
| Network | Openreach | Openreach |
| UK Customer Service | Yes (Sheffield) | Yes |
| TV Bundles | No | Sky TV, Netflix, etc. |
| Sports | No | Sky Sports add-on |
| Cinema | No | Sky Cinema add-on |
| Speed Guarantee | Minimum speed | Speed guarantee |
| Contract Length | 24 months | 18-24 months |
| Price (BB only) | Lower | Similar |
Why Choose Plusnet
- ✓Better Value: Generally cheaper for broadband-only packages.
- ✓Award-Winning Service: Excellent UK customer support based in Sheffield.
- ✓No Bundling Pressure: Simple broadband packages without upselling.
- ✓Price Freeze Options: Predictable pricing on some packages.
- ✓No TV Dependency: Great for streaming-only households.
- ✓Transparent Pricing: What you see is what you pay.
Why Choose Sky
- ✓Sky TV Integration: Best choice if you want Sky TV bundles.
- ✓Sky Q/Glass/Stream: Advanced TV technology and streaming options.
- ✓Bundle Discounts: Significant savings when combining TV + broadband.
- ✓Sky VIP: Loyalty rewards programme with perks and priority access.
- ✓Entertainment: Exclusive Sky channels not available elsewhere.
- ✓Larger Speed Range: Options from 36 Mbps to 900 Mbps.
Which Should You Choose?
Choose Plusnet If You:
- Just want reliable broadband at a fair price
- Use Netflix, Disney+, or other streaming services
- Value excellent customer service
- Don't watch Sky Sports or Sky Cinema
- Prefer straightforward, no-upsell service
Choose Sky If You:
- Want Sky TV with exclusive content
- Need Sky Sports for Premier League football
- Want Sky Cinema for latest movies
- Prefer bundling everything together
- Want Sky Q, Sky Glass, or Sky Stream
Our Verdict
Choose Plusnet if you just want reliable broadband at a good price. Their customer service is consistently rated among the best in the industry, and you'll get the same Openreach speeds as Sky without paying for TV features.
Choose Sky if you want Sky TV and the convenience of bundling everything together. The combined packages can offer good value, especially with Sky Sports or Sky Cinema included.
For most households using streaming services, Plusnet is the better value choice. You can always subscribe to NOW (Sky's streaming service) separately if you want occasional access to Sky content without committing to a full bundle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Plusnet and Sky use the same network?
Yes, both Plusnet and Sky use the Openreach network for their broadband services. This means the physical infrastructure - the fibre cables, street cabinets, and exchanges - are identical. The speeds available at your address will be the same with either provider.
Which is cheaper - Plusnet or Sky?
For broadband-only packages, Plusnet and Sky are very competitively priced - often within £1-2 of each other. However, if you want Sky TV bundles, Sky can offer better value when everything is combined. For pure broadband, Plusnet is usually slightly cheaper and offers better customer service.
Can I get Sky TV with Plusnet broadband?
No, Sky TV requires Sky broadband or a standalone Sky Stream subscription. If you want full Sky TV integration with Sky Q or Sky Glass, you'll need to go with Sky broadband. However, you can subscribe to NOW (Sky's streaming service) with any broadband provider including Plusnet.
Which has better customer service?
Plusnet consistently wins awards for customer service and has UK-based call centres in Sheffield. They've been named best ISP for customer service multiple times. Sky's customer service has improved but generally ranks lower in satisfaction surveys. If customer support is a priority, Plusnet is the better choice.
Is Sky better for bundles?
Yes, if you want TV, sports, and broadband bundled together, Sky offers the most comprehensive packages. Sky TV, Sky Sports, Sky Cinema, and Netflix can all be bundled with significant discounts compared to buying separately. Plusnet is broadband-only with no TV options.
Which is better for streaming?
Both provide sufficient speeds for streaming. If you use Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime and other streaming services without needing Sky TV channels, Plusnet offers better value. If you specifically want Sky's exclusive content (Premier League on Sky Sports, Sky Cinema), then Sky is necessary.
Can I switch between Plusnet and Sky?
Yes, switching is straightforward since both use the Openreach network. The new provider handles the switch automatically - usually no engineer visit is required. However, if you're in contract, you may face early termination fees, so check your contract end date first.