BT vs Sky broadband: which costs less?

BT and Sky differ on speed range and on how they state price rises. Both contracts run for 24 months, and both sell over the same network.

BT and Sky both sell broadband over the Openreach network. So the network does not set them apart. BT has seven packages in our table, from 35Mb to 900Mb. Sky has one package, at 900Mb full fibre. Full fibre means a fibre cable runs all the way into your home. BT also lists 425Mb and 700Mb speed guarantees. Your address, router and Wi-Fi still shape the speed you get.

BT states its mid-contract price rises in pounds, and our table builds them into the real cost. Sky's deal page states no price rise in pounds for these packages. Each table shows the date its prices were last checked.

Pick BT if you want broadband without a landline, speed guarantees or help with leaving fees.

• You don't need a landline. BT broadband comes without one.
• You want speed guarantees. BT lists 425Mb and 700Mb speed guarantees as extras. Full fibre, where a fibre cable runs all the way into your home, depends on your postcode. Check yours on BT's site.
• You're leaving another provider. BT offers up to £300 towards leaving fees, applied as bill credit. You pay £0 activation when you order online. New customers only.

Choose Sky if you want TV and broadband bought together, or you claim a qualifying benefit.

• You want TV and broadband together. Sky sells them as bundles. Compare each one in our second table.
• You want TV without a dish. Sky Stream runs over your broadband with a small box.
• You claim Universal Credit or Pension Credit. Sky offers a social tariff, a cheaper broadband plan for account holders on qualifying benefits. You can usually move to it without an exit fee.