The Independent’s journalism is supported by our readers. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn commission. Why trust us?
Manchester offers some of the best broadband speeds in the UK, with a wealth of broadband providers operating throughout the city. Finding the best broadband deal will depend on your location, budget and needs; whether you’re looking for ultrafast broadband to power your gaming sessions or a broadband, TV and phone package, here are all the best broadband deals in Manchester.
Due to the high number of broadband providers in Manchester, there is an extensive selection of options when it comes to broadband packages, including broadband only, TV and landline packages.
If you live in Manchester, you can pick between big-name brands, such as Sky, Virgin Media, TV and TalkTalk, as well as smaller providers that may only operate specifically in the region.
As one of the largest providers of broadband in the UK, BT offers a wide range of packages, including broadband only deals as well as comprehensive TV and phone bundles. Average broadband speeds from BT range from 36Mbps to 900Mbps for full fibre broadband, although that will vary depending on where you live.
Sky is known for its array of TV packages, which include film, TV and sports channels. Sky can reach full fibre broadband speeds of up to 900Mbps in Manchester, with Sky Mobile customers benefiting from data-free streaming when watching Sky channels.
Vodafone has large availability in Manchester and offers a good range of packages, with speeds of up to 910Mbps and no set-up fees for eligible packages. Vodafone mobile customers are also privy to a monthly discount on their broadband.
Virgin Media operates its own cable network, unlike a vast majority of other broadband providers, allowing it to provide much faster speeds to its customers, although it does not have the same reach as Openreach’s standard network. If you are concerned with broadband speeds, Virgin Media ranges from 54Mbps to 1,130Mbps, making it one of the best options for those with intensive internet needs.
Based in Sheffield, Plusnet is widely compatible across Manchester and offers a broad selection of broadband packages, including full fibre, for a competitive price. There is no option to bundle a TV subscription with this company, although you can include a landline with your broadband deal.
NOW offers no-contract broadband deals with a £60 activation fee alongside TV packages that grant access to HBO box sets and Sky Originals for an additional £6 per month. Speeds range from 11Mbps to 63Mbps with landline rentals included.
TalkTalk is known for its budget-friendly broadband plans, which can include TV and landline packages. With speeds ranging from 38Mbps to 944Mbps, it is a reliable broadband service ideal for those looking to stream TV or films or play video games online.
Hyperoptic has been operating in Manchester since 2014 and specialises in full fibre broadband, with speeds hitting 900Mbps for their fastest packages. Hypernoptic does not serve every region in the UK, so you will want to check that it operates within your postcode, but those who do live in compatible areas can choose between broadband-only deals or opt for a landline, with no TV package currently available from the company.
Based in Rochdale, Greater Manchester, Zen Internet does not have the same wide availability as other providers but offers full-fibre broadband with speeds up to 900Mbps for those with eligible postcodes.
When comparing the best broadband providers in Manchester, you need to consider multiple factors to ensure you are getting reliable speeds that adhere to your budget.
Some broadband providers in your area will offer higher speeds than others, with some reaching up to 900Mbps. A household with more people that favour activities like streaming, online gaming or video calls will benefit from higher broadband speeds. Find out how to check your broadband speeds with our guide.
Higher broadband speeds, as well as packages including a landline or TV subscription, will be more costly. Consider the needs of your household and what you are comfortable spending before committing to a provider, and any additional costs, such as activation fees.
Some providers offer shorter contact periods or no contract broadband deals, which may be preferable for those living in rented accommodation. Longer contracts, however, are usually more cost effective.
The reputation of your provider is paramount when looking for broadband deals in Manchester; ensure that you are working with a trusted brand by checking customer reviews.
Effective customer service brings peace of mind and can be significantly helpful if you have connection issues. Providers with a dedicated customer support phone line or online chat feature will make it easier to navigate and solve any issues that may arise.
Depending on where you live in Manchester, you may find that some providers do not offer their highest quoted speed in your area, meaning that you may need to utilise a wifi booster. Ensure you check if your postcode is compatible with your preferred provider and that they can still offer services like full fibre broadband in your area if required.
Broadband speeds will depend on your location in Manchester, the provider you’re using and the package you sign up for, with full fibre services offering faster speeds than standard broadband packages.
According to Speedtest.net, as of October 2023, the average broadband speed in Manchester is 93Mbps.
Using the Ofcom checker, we gathered the average superfast broadband speeds of areas in Manchester. These speeds will vary, and households with no access to ultrafast or superfast broadband will be significantly slower.
| Area of Manchester | Average broadband speed |
|---|---|
| Old Trafford | 85Mbps |
| Trafford Park | 63Mbps |
| New Islington | 84Mbps |
| Bolton | 80Mbps |
| Bury | 85Mbps |
| Oldham | 79Mbps |
| Salford | 80Mbps |
| Stockport | 72Mbps |
| Rochdale | 80Mbps |
Manchester homes can benefit from four different types of broadband. However, not every postcode will have the same support or coverage. Fibre broadband is the fastest type of broadband and is still being rolled out across the country, with 135,000 households in Manchester currently having access to FTTP.
If you want reliable broadband speed in Manchester, look for providers with high speeds in your area. Someone who lives in Salford may receive different speeds than someone living in Rochdale, so only consider providers that boast high speeds near you.
Once installed, ensure your router is placed in a good location where the signal can reach different areas of the home. If you have uneven coverage, consider purchasing a wifi booster to extend the range, and make sure you disconnect devices you are not currently using to create a stronger connection.
You will require a faster broadband connection if you regularly stream content online. We recommend choosing a package with at least a 20-30Mbps rate for a smooth experience, although speeds of 50Mbps or above will be better suited for 4K or HDR content.
