EE broadband offers a choice of fast and reliable full fibre broadband packages available across a growing number of UK homes. Customers can choose from a range of download speeds, including a flagship 1.6Gb broadband plan, which is among the fastest widely available packages in the UK.
The fastest EE broadband plans are designed for busy homes where lots of people may be using the connection at the same time. They are suitable for households where users want to stream in HD or 4K, game online, take part in high-quality video calls, and download large files without delays.
All EE full fibre plans come with a Smart Hub router, and customers taking faster plans may also receive EE’s latest WiFi 7 enabled router. Some plans include Smart WiFi with features such as Game Mode, Stream Mode, and Work Mode, which help to improve wireless performance and prioritise traffic for specific tasks like online gaming or remote working.
Customers can take EE broadband on its own, or bundle it with a home phone or TV service. EE mobile users can also benefit from additional discounts when taking broadband and mobile from the same provider.
EE’s full fibre broadband is delivered over the Openreach FTTP network, and installation usually involves an engineer visit to connect a fibre cable directly into the home. Once installed, the connection can support ultrafast download and upload speeds depending on the plan selected.
Overall, EE broadband is a good option for households wanting fast speeds, modern router features, and the ability to prioritise specific activities like gaming or working from home.
Plans and speeds
EE’s full fibre broadband plans come in a range of speeds to suit different household needs. At the mid‑tier level, there are packages similar to gigabit broadband offering average download speeds over 900 Mb per second, with customers receiving one of the fastest widely available speeds. Moving up, there are plans that exceed gigabit, offering even faster performance for homes with multiple occupants who want to get online at the same time, to carry out different activities such as streaming HD and Ultra HD TV, gaming online, and downloading large files very quickly.
These plans are ideal for larger households, shared homes, or where several people work from home or game, stream, or video‑call at the same time. Some customers in select areas may even be able to boost uploads to match gigabit download speeds, giving them more consistent performance across all their online activity.
Every plan comes with a router, and higher‑speed plans are often bundled with the latest router technology and may include a whole‑home Wi‑Fi guarantee, ensuring decent speeds in every room. On top of faster speeds, the higher‑end packages may also bundle in extras such as mobile data or TV, delivering more value for households that use multiple services.
1.6Gbps Plan
EE’s 1.6Gb broadband package is the fastest plan currently available from the provider. It offers average download speeds of 1.6Gb per second, making it one of the fastest widely available broadband plans in the UK. This plan is designed for homes where multiple users want to get online at the same time, whether it’s to stream Ultra HD content, download large games and files, or use several connected devices at once.
EE position the 1.6Gbps plan as a step beyond traditional gigabit broadband. It’s ideal for large households with multiple occupants carrying out high-bandwidth activities, such as gaming online, HD video calls, or cloud-based working. Customers on this package will also benefit from EE’s latest router, with support for faster wireless speeds and a more stable connection across the home.
In terms of real-world usage, while the average download speed is advertised as 1.6Gb per second, actual speeds will depend on the setup in the home. Customers will need a device with a 2.5Gb Ethernet port or a compatible WiFi 6 or WiFi 7 client to make full use of the available bandwidth. Older devices, or homes still using standard 1Gb Ethernet ports, may not reach the full speed available on this tier. That means speeds will still be fast, but may not fully reflect the top-line figure unless the right equipment is used.
This plan is ideal for customers who want the fastest speeds for the most demanding online activity. Whether it’s multiple UHD streams running at once, or simultaneous downloads, backups and video calls, the 1.6Gb broadband plan provides more than enough speed to handle everything a household can throw at it. And for those who want the best WiFi coverage, the package is often bundled with WiFi enhancers and a next-generation router, making it easier to get strong speeds in every room.
EE’s 1.6Gb broadband is only available in areas where the provider has upgraded the local infrastructure to support these faster speeds. That means it’s not yet available everywhere, and customers will need to use EE’s postcode checker to confirm if their property is covered. For those who can get it, it’s currently one of the fastest mainstream broadband deals available.
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EE broadband customers receive a Smart Hub as part of their package, with faster plans including more advanced models to help support better wireless coverage and higher speeds. The Smart Hub Plus and Smart Hub Pro are the latest router models available from EE, offering better WiFi performance and improved support for new wireless standards.
Customers taking faster plans like the 1.6Gb broadband tier may receive a router that supports WiFi 7. This is the newest wireless standard and offers improved speeds and reliability over WiFi 6, particularly in households where several devices are connected at the same time. WiFi 7 is especially useful for gaming, Ultra HD streaming, and video calling, as it helps to keep the connection stable and consistent during heavy use.
For homes that are fully equipped with WiFi 6 or WiFi 7 capable devices, the benefits of the new router will be noticeable. These include faster download speeds over wireless, better signal strength in more areas of the home, and reduced interference from other devices using the same frequency bands.
The Smart Hub provided by EE is designed to work with the provider’s Smart WiFi system, allowing customers to extend their network using WiFi boosters or pods. These connect to the main router and help to improve speeds in rooms further away from the main hub, making it easier to maintain good coverage across the whole property.
EE’s latest Smart Hubs also support features such as band steering, which automatically moves devices onto the fastest band available, and they come pre-configured for easy setup with EE broadband. Customers can also manage their network settings through the EE app, giving them access to parental controls, device prioritisation, and performance checks.
For homes with high speed broadband and many connected devices, EE’s latest router models and WiFi 7 support are valuable additions, helping to get the most from the connection.
Smart Hub Pro and WiFi Enhancer modes
EE broadband includes Smart WiFi features on selected plans, which are designed to improve in-home wireless performance. These include Game Mode, Work Mode and Stream Mode, which are part of EE’s WiFi Enhancer system and can help improve connection quality for specific tasks.
Game Mode helps reduce lag and latency during online gaming, giving connected devices priority access to the network when needed. It can help deliver a more consistent connection, which is important for competitive online gaming or multiplayer sessions on consoles like the PlayStation or Xbox.
Work Mode prioritises traffic for video calls and remote working platforms, helping users maintain smooth calls and file sharing when working from home. This can be useful for people who regularly attend meetings on services like Zoom or Teams.
Stream Mode is focused on ensuring uninterrupted video playback, especially in Ultra HD. When enabled, this mode helps reduce buffering and quality drops when watching services like Netflix, YouTube or Disney+.
These features are accessible through the EE Smart WiFi app, where customers can enable or disable them based on their usage needs. Not all routers support every mode, so availability may depend on the model provided with the broadband plan.
To get started with EE Smart WiFi modes, customers will need to download the EE Home app, connect their devices, and select the appropriate mode based on their activity. The setup process involves checking for firmware updates, enabling WiFi Enhancer features, and placing WiFi pods (if included) in areas with weaker signal.
The system is designed to be flexible, allowing households to change modes depending on the time of day or type of use. For example, Work Mode can be enabled during weekdays, while Game Mode can be switched on during evenings or weekends.
For larger homes or those with thick walls, EE also offer WiFi Pods that extend coverage. These devices work with the main router to improve signal strength in harder-to-reach rooms, ensuring better download speeds across the property.
Latency and gaming
EE broadband includes features aimed at improving performance for customers who play games online or rely on a consistent connection for other high-demand activities. Game Mode is available on supported routers and helps reduce lag and jitter, which can impact online gaming and real-time multiplayer experiences.
For customers using EE’s ultrafast broadband plans, latency is generally low, although this can still vary depending on location, time of day, and the number of connected devices in the home. Using a wired Ethernet connection rather than WiFi can help reduce latency further, especially for gaming or video conferencing where a stable connection is essential.
At the 1.6Gb level, it’s important that customers are using devices capable of handling the available speed. Some older devices or standard Gigabit Ethernet ports may not be able to support speeds higher than 1Gbps, so households looking to use the full 1.6Gb bandwidth will benefit from equipment with 2.5GbE ports or newer WiFi 6 or WiFi 7 adapters.
Bufferbloat and congestion can be managed more effectively with EE’s WiFi Enhancer features, which help prioritise certain types of traffic on the network. These include gaming traffic, which is often sensitive to delay, and can suffer from disconnections or slow performance if other devices in the home are using a lot of bandwidth at the same time.
To improve gaming performance, EE recommend placing the router in a central location, away from walls and obstructions, and using Ethernet where possible for the lowest latency. Households can also use WiFi Pods to extend coverage to gaming rooms or offices if the signal is weaker in those parts of the home.
Overall, EE broadband offers a good option for gamers and other users who need reliable speeds and consistent latency. Game Mode and other features help improve performance for key activities, and the latest routers with WiFi 7 support offer additional improvements in responsiveness, particularly when multiple people are using the connection at once.
Availability and installation
EE broadband is available to millions of homes across the UK through the Openreach full fibre network. Customers can check availability at their address by using EE’s postcode checker, which will confirm whether full fibre is available and what speed tiers are offered.
If full fibre is available at the property, EE will arrange an engineer visit to complete the installation. This usually involves bringing a fibre optic cable directly into the home and installing an Optical Network Terminal (ONT), which is then connected to the Smart Hub router.
The engineer will typically need access to the inside and outside of the property. They’ll install a small box on the exterior wall and run a cable through to the ONT, which is usually placed near a power socket. It’s important for customers to make sure they’re available during the appointment and can agree on a suitable location for the equipment.
Installation times can vary depending on property type and whether any work is needed outside the home. In most cases, installation is completed within a few hours, and the broadband service is live by the end of the visit.
For customers upgrading from older copper-based services like FTTC, moving to full fibre means a new cable and setup. The existing telephone socket is not used, and the new service doesn’t require a phone line unless customers choose to take digital voice service.
Overall, the installation process for EE full fibre broadband is straightforward, but customers should be prepared for a new cable run and internal equipment. Once installed, the connection delivers a faster, more reliable service than traditional broadband options.
Pricing, contracts and annual rises
EE broadband plans are available on fixed-term contracts, usually 24 months. Pricing varies depending on the speed tier selected, with faster plans typically costing more each month. New customers may be eligible for introductory discounts, which reduce the cost for the initial term.
All EE broadband plans are subject to annual price increases. For customers who signed up or upgraded before 10 April 2024, the contract includes an annual rise in line with the Consumer Price Index (CPI) plus 3.9%. This increase takes effect each March and applies even if a customer is still within their minimum term.
For customers who joined or upgraded from 10 April 2024 onwards, EE has moved to a new pricing policy. Instead of a CPI-linked rise, these plans increase by a fixed amount of £2, £3, or £4 per month depending on the broadband tier. This rise also takes place every 31 March.
EE’s website includes a guide to its annual price increase, with worked examples to help customers understand how much their bill will go up each year. The example for 2025 shows a CPI of 4.0%, which would mean a total rise of 7.9% under the CPI + 3.9% method. For customers on the newer fixed rise model, the increase is simpler to predict, as the set amount is stated clearly at the time of joining.
EE also provide customers with a personalised price increase summary when they sign up. This is shown during checkout and included in the contract documentation, so customers can see in advance how future bills will change.
If prices rise and a customer is on the CPI + 3.9% model, they will not be able to leave without penalty unless the increase is higher than stated. However, if EE ever increase prices above what was agreed, customers can cancel without paying an exit fee.
Student broadband
EE broadband offers a student discount for eligible customers, making it easier for students to access faster broadband plans at a lower monthly cost. The discount is available to students who verify their status using Student Beans, and it can be applied to any full fibre broadband package when ordered online.
Students can get the discount by visiting the EE student broadband page and following the steps to confirm eligibility. Once verified, the discount code can be applied at checkout to reduce the monthly cost of the broadband plan.
The discount applies across a wide range of packages, including EE’s fastest plans. That means students can choose anything from a mid-range speed plan up to the 1.6Gb package, depending on what’s available at their address and how much speed they need. In shared homes with several people streaming, downloading, or working online, the faster plans are likely to be more suitable.
Unlike some student broadband deals, EE does not limit the discount to lower-speed packages or shorter contracts. Instead, the full discount is available even on the fastest broadband plan, which offers average download speeds of 1.6Gb per second and is suitable for households with high data use.
At the time of writing, the discount is only available for online orders, and customers will need to complete their checkout journey via the student offer page on EE’s website. The offer cannot be applied after ordering, so students should make sure to follow the correct process to claim the discount.
Bundling with mobile and entertainment
EE broadband customers who also use EE mobile services can benefit from bundling options that may add value to their plan. When broadband and mobile are taken together, EE may offer added extras such as monthly discounts, extra mobile data, or priority support.
Some broadband plans include EE’s Smart WiFi features, which work across both broadband and mobile to improve the overall experience. This is particularly helpful for households with heavy mobile use or where people rely on tethering or mobile backup when the fixed-line broadband is offline.
EE also offer optional add-ons for entertainment, including subscriptions to services like Apple TV+, Netflix, or other premium platforms, depending on the plan. These may be available at a discount or bundled into a package, though this can vary depending on the time of year and current promotions.
Customers with multiple services may find it more convenient to manage everything through one provider, and EE may offer loyalty bonuses or special bundle prices to existing mobile users. However, it’s worth checking what’s included, as not all bundles come with the same extras, and mobile perks may require active mobile contracts.
EE occasionally includes promotional SIM cards or data boosts for mobile users who also sign up for broadband, particularly during seasonal sales or student offers. For households already using EE mobile, these bundles may be more appealing than standalone broadband plans.
Router setup and optimisation
EE broadband customers receive a Smart Hub router with their plan, and higher-tier packages may include more advanced models like the Smart Hub Plus or Pro. These routers are pre-configured for easy setup and are designed to deliver strong wireless coverage throughout the home.
To get started, customers should place the router in a central and open location, away from walls or large appliances. This helps to reduce interference and ensures the best possible wireless signal across rooms. Once connected, the router begins broadcasting WiFi and users can connect devices using the details printed on the back of the unit.
EE also provide access to Smart WiFi features through the EE Home app. This allows customers to check the status of connected devices, run speed tests, and enable traffic prioritisation modes such as Game Mode or Work Mode. These modes are useful for homes with multiple users and can help improve performance for specific activities.
Firmware updates are installed automatically, but customers can check for the latest version using the app or web interface. Keeping the router up to date ensures the best performance and security.
For larger homes or those with thick walls, EE offer WiFi Pods to extend coverage. These are small devices that plug into a wall socket and connect to the main hub wirelessly. Customers can add up to three Pods to help eliminate weak signal areas, and these integrate with the main WiFi network for seamless handover between rooms.
In homes with many connected devices, it’s sometimes better to separate the 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands to reduce congestion. This can be done in the router settings, or the router can automatically steer devices to the best band based on signal and usage.
Where possible, using Ethernet cables is still the best way to ensure the fastest and most stable connection. For gaming consoles, desktop PCs or smart TVs, connecting directly to the router using a cable can help avoid any drops in performance caused by wireless congestion.
Troubleshooting common issues
EE broadband includes tools and support options to help resolve common issues that may affect the connection. These problems can include slower speeds in certain rooms, buffering during streaming, or connection dropouts, especially in homes with many devices or complex layouts.
The most common cause of performance issues is wireless coverage. In larger homes or those with thick internal walls, the signal may not reach every room. EE offer WiFi Pods to extend coverage, and customers on eligible plans can request up to three pods to improve the signal. These work best when spaced correctly between the router and weak areas, and should be plugged directly into a wall socket rather than an extension lead.
For slow speeds, the first step is to check performance using the EE Home app or a wired speed test. If speeds are low on WiFi but fine over Ethernet, the issue is likely related to wireless range or interference. Restarting the router can help in some cases, and it’s also worth checking if any firmware updates are available for the router.
Packet loss or jitter can cause problems for gaming, video calls and streaming. These issues are often linked to network congestion or interference from nearby devices. EE’s Game Mode and Smart WiFi Enhancer can help by prioritising time-sensitive traffic. Moving other devices to the 2.4GHz band, while keeping high-demand devices on the 5GHz or WiFi 6 band, can also reduce interference.
Buffering and disconnections may happen if too many devices are connected at the same time. In these cases, switching off unused devices or limiting background downloads can help restore stability. The EE Home app allows customers to monitor which devices are using the most data and take action where needed.
If the broadband connection goes down completely, EE recommend checking for known faults in the area on their status page. If no fault is reported, restarting the ONT (if using full fibre) and router can often restore service. If problems continue, EE broadband customers can contact support through the app, by phone, or via live chat for further help.
EE compared with other providers
EE broadband competes with several other major providers offering full fibre broadband, including Virgin Media, Sky, BT and Plusnet. Each provider has different strengths, and the best choice will depend on what customers are looking for in terms of speed, reliability, extras and price.
Virgin Media offer faster download speeds than most providers, with their Gig1 plan delivering average speeds of 1130Mb per second. However, EE’s 1.6Gb broadband tier is faster on paper and is available in areas covered by Openreach’s latest full fibre rollout. Virgin Media’s upload speeds are lower than those of EE, and EE’s plans may include features such as Game Mode and Smart WiFi Enhancer, which are not always available from Virgin.
BT broadband is closely linked to EE, as both are part of the same group. BT offers similar full fibre packages with the same speed tiers, but prices can be slightly higher. Both providers use the same Openreach network, and routers provided by BT and EE offer comparable performance. Customers choosing between BT and EE may prefer EE if they already use EE mobile or want access to EE’s student broadband discounts.
Sky also offer full fibre broadband plans, including a Gigafast tier with average speeds around 900Mb per second. Their pricing is competitive, and Sky have a strong reputation for customer service. However, EE’s 1.6Gb plan offers higher speeds for households that want more bandwidth, and the addition of Game Mode and Smart WiFi features may appeal to gamers or larger households.
Plusnet provide more basic broadband plans at a lower monthly cost. Their top plan offers average download speeds of 900Mb per second, and they’re known for customer satisfaction and simplicity. While Plusnet doesn’t include WiFi guarantees or high-end router features, their low pricing makes them a good choice for people who just want a reliable broadband service without extras.
In summary, EE’s broadband offering sits between the premium services of Virgin and BT and the value-first approach of Plusnet. It’s a strong option for customers who want fast full fibre speeds, smart router features, and the flexibility to prioritise online activities like gaming, streaming or working from home.
Who’s EE Broadband Suited For?
EE broadband is a good option for households looking for fast full fibre speeds with added features that help improve performance for everyday use. The plans are especially well-suited to homes where several people want to get online at the same time to carry out different activities, such as gaming, working from home, or watching HD and Ultra HD content.
The 1.6Gb broadband tier is best for busy homes with high demands, offering more bandwidth than most providers. This makes it ideal for homes that use multiple smart devices, regularly download large files, or want to stream in the highest quality without any interruptions.
Gamers can also benefit from EE broadband, thanks to Game Mode and low latency over full fibre. These features help improve response times and reduce lag, which is important for online games where fast reactions are needed. Households with next-gen gaming consoles or gaming PCs may find the connection more consistent than older part-fibre services.
EE’s Smart WiFi and WiFi Enhancer tools also make the service a good fit for homes that struggle with WiFi coverage. With the option to add WiFi Pods and adjust settings through the app, users can improve speeds in harder-to-reach rooms.
Students may want to consider EE because the provider offers a student broadband discount that applies to all full fibre tiers, including the fastest plan. That means shared student homes can sign up for a faster plan at a reduced rate, giving everyone the bandwidth they need without paying more.
Customers who already have an EE mobile plan may also benefit from taking broadband from the same provider. Bundles and extras can be included, and it can be simpler to manage everything under one account.
For customers who want predictable pricing, EE’s newer fixed monthly increase model introduced in April 2024 is easier to understand than CPI-linked rises. This could appeal to anyone who wants to know how much their broadband will cost throughout the contract.
Is EE broadband any good?
EE broadband offers full fibre plans with fast average download speeds and a good range of extra features to support gaming, working from home and general everyday use. The provider’s top tier plan reaches speeds of 1.6Gbps, making it one of the fastest widely available broadband options in the UK.
EE include Smart WiFi and Game Mode on supported plans, helping to prioritise specific types of usage and reduce issues like lag or buffering. WiFi Pods can also be added to improve wireless coverage in larger homes.
Prices are competitive, and EE offer a simpler approach to annual price rises on newer contracts, with fixed monthly increases instead of the CPI-linked model used by other providers. There’s also a student broadband discount available on all full fibre plans.
EE broadband is a good fit for households wanting a reliable full fibre connection, with the added benefit of smart features and support for high-performance activities like streaming and online gaming.
Pros
- Plans available with speeds up to 1.6Gbps
- Game Mode, Work Mode and Stream Mode included on supported routers
- WiFi Pods and Smart WiFi app help boost coverage in larger homes
- Student broadband discount applies across full fibre tiers
- Clear fixed-price increase policy on new contracts from April 2024
- Strong option for gaming, video calls and remote working
- Good performance over the Openreach FTTP network
Cons
- Top speeds require compatible hardware (WiFi 6 or 2.5Gb Ethernet)
- Fixed line availability varies depending on Openreach rollout
- No TV bundles or landline included as standard
- Some plans may cost more than low-cost providers like Plusnet
- WiFi features and router model may vary depending on the package