As a growing business, selecting the right business broadband – which offers faster speeds, enhanced security, and a higher level of customer support than its domestic cousin – is essential for productivity, efficiency, and seamless day-to-day operations.
But there’s a lot to unpack. How many Mbps do you really need? And does it make any difference if you have a static or dynamic IP address?
In this guide, we’ll answer those questions and explore some of the best UK broadband providers for growing businesses, examining key factors like pricing, features, reliability, and customer reviews.
Our top providers are:
How fast should does my broadband need to be?
Speed is crucial for business broadband. Business-grade broadband offers significantly faster speeds than home broadband, with options including ADSL, fibre, or leased lines. A leased line provides a dedicated connection that isn’t shared with others, ensuring consistent speeds.
Providers offer speeds up to 900mbps, but availability varies by location. Before committing, use provider tools to check coverage in your area.
Fibre broadband is the best choice for growing businesses. It supports faster downloads, cloud-based applications, and uninterrupted video conferencing. Additionally, fibre connections offer superior security, making them less susceptible to cyber threats.
Stability is also vital—whether operating from a home office or a large workspace, ensuring reliable connectivity across all areas is key.
What type of connection should I choose?
Standard broadband (ADSL) uses the public switched telephone network (PSTN), but this will be phased out by BT in December 2027. To future-proof your business, opt for fibre-optic broadband instead.
Should I have a dynamic or Static IP address for my growing business?
Most residential broadband users rely on dynamic IP addresses, which change frequently. However, businesses with specific needs – such as running servers, CCTV, or requiring remote desktop access – may require a static IP.
While static IPs improve functionality, they come with higher security risks. That said, as long as you invest in strong cybersecurity protections to mitigate these risks, you can have peace of mind while enjoying all the benefits a static IP will bring to your growing business.
What level of customer support do I need?
Uninterrupted internet is critical for business operations, making reliable customer support a must. Many business broadband providers offer enhanced customer service, including 24/7 assistance.
Check whether your provider offers a Service Level Agreement (SLA), ensuring minimal downtime and guaranteed response times. A good contingency plan includes automatic 4G backup, allowing continued connectivity during broadband outages.
For businesses operating outside standard customer service hours, such as a restaurant or bar, choose a provider with round the clock or extended customer service availability.
Check online reviews
Many providers make grand claims about the superiority of their service, but don’t just take their word for it. Look for providers with positive reviews and industry awards, and check customer feedback on sites like Trustpilot. Prioritise reliability and responsiveness over cost alone.
Choosing the right broadband for your business
Your broadband needs will depend on your business type and size.
- Home-based businesses: ADSL may suffice for basic browsing and email, but fibre is preferable for frequent video conferencing as it provides a more stable connection
- Retailers: ADSL is cost-effective for processing transactions and emails, but opt for unlimited downloads if streaming music
- Cafés and restaurants: Fibre broadband with unlimited data ensures seamless WiFi for customers
- Offices: Small offices benefit from fibre broadband with static IPs, while larger offices may require leased lines
- Rural businesses: Fibre rollout has improved, but check availability. 5G broadband could be an alternative
- 5G broadband: Some providers offer 5G hubs for fast, wireless broadband where fibre isn’t available
The fastest broadband providers for growing businesses
| Provider | Fibre/ADSL | Download/Upload Speeds | Customer Service | Trustpilot Rating | Pricing (Ex. VAT) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Virgin Media Business | Fibre | Up to 1000mbps / 100mbps | Mon-Fri, 9am-6pm | 1.4 | £29-£53 (24-month) |
| BT | Fibre/ADSL | Up to 900mbps / 104mbps | Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm | 3.0 | £22.95-£42.95 (24-month) |
| Sky Broadband | Fibre/ADSL | Up to 500mbps / 60mbps | 24/7 Support | 1.3 | £24.95-£44.95 (24-month) |
| TalkTalk Business | Fibre/ADSL | Up to 900mbps | Mon-Sun, 8am-6pm | 2.9 | £16.45-£28.95 (12-24 months) |
| Trooli | Fibre | Up to 2000mbps | Not listed | 4.5 | £37.49-£62.49 (24-month) |
Fastest Business Broadband Providers
Virgin Media Business
Type: Fibre
Speeds: Up to 1000Mbps download | Up to 100Mbps upload
IP Options: Dynamic or Static
Customer Service: Monday to Friday, 9 AM – 6 PM
Trustpilot Score: 1.4
Pricing (24-month contract, excl. VAT):
- Voom 200 – £29/month | Up to 200Mbps download, 20Mbps upload
- Voom 400 – £35/month | Up to 400Mbps download, 40Mbps upload
- Voom 600 – £41/month | Up to 600Mbps download, 60Mbps upload
- Voom Gig1 – £53/month | Up to 1000Mbps download, 100Mbps upload
Key Features:
- 99.9% reliability with speeds 13x faster than widely available BT and Sky options.
- Instant Connect – Get online immediately with a 4G start-up dongle while your service is being set up.
BT Business Broadband
Type: Fibre or Broadband
Speeds: Up to 900Mbps download | Up to 104Mbps upload
IP Options: Static
Customer Service: Monday to Friday, 9 AM – 5 PM
Trustpilot Score: 3.0
Pricing (24-month contract, excl. VAT):
- Essential – From £22.95/month | Up to 900Mbps download, 19Mbps upload
- Enhanced – From £32.95/month | Up to 900Mbps download, 19Mbps upload
- Pro – From £42.95/month | Up to 900Mbps download, 104Mbps upload
Key Features:
- Minimum speed guarantee on all packages.
- Includes guest WiFi, content controls, and web protection.
- Partnership with EE for extended service options.
- Additional hardware options available, including BT Business Hub, Complete Wi-Fi, and Digital Phone Line.
Sky Business Broadband
Type: Fibre or Broadband
Speeds: Up to 500Mbps download | Up to 60Mbps upload
IP Options: Static
Customer Service: 24/7 Support
Trustpilot Score: 1.3
Pricing (24-month contract, excl. VAT):
- Essential – £24.95/month | 76Mbps download, 19Mbps upload
- Pro – £34.95/month | 150Mbps download, 28Mbps upload
- Plus – £44.95/month | 500Mbps download, 60Mbps upload
Key Features:
- Fixed-price guarantee for the duration of the contract.
- 30-day money-back guarantee.
- 4G automatic backup included in all packages.
- VoiceEdge service for call diversion and three-way calling on higher-tier plans.
TalkTalk Business Broadband
Type: Fibre or Broadband
Speeds: Scalable leased lines up to 10Gbps, or up to 900Mbps on full fibre
IP Options: Dynamic or Static
Customer Service: Monday to Sunday, 8 AM – 6 PM
Trustpilot Score: 2.9
Pricing (12-24 month contracts, excl. VAT):
- Simply Business Broadband – £16.45/month | 17Mbps download, 1Mbps upload
- Complete Business Broadband – £22.45/month | 17Mbps download, 1Mbps upload
- Simply Business Fibre – £25.95/month | 76Mbps download, 18Mbps upload
- Complete Business Fibre – £28.95/month | 76Mbps download, 18Mbps upload
Key Features:
- Market-leading Service Level Agreement (SLA).
- Free static or dynamic IP options.
- Business referral scheme – Earn up to £200 Amazon vouchers for referrals.
Trooli Business Broadband
Type: Fibre
Speeds: Up to 2000Mbps download | Up to 2000Mbps upload
IP Options: Static
Customer Service: Not specified
Trustpilot Score: 4.5
Pricing (24-month contract, excl. VAT):
- EssentialBiz – £37.49/month | 150Mbps upload & download, 1 static IP (upgrade to 5 available)
- ExtraBiz – £45.83/month | 500Mbps upload & download, 1 static IP (upgrade to 5 available)
- SuperiorBiz – £54.16/month | 1000Mbps upload & download, 1 static IP, Free Wi-Fi booster
- ProBiz – £62.49/month | 2000Mbps upload & download, 1 static IP, Free Wi-Fi booster
Key Features:
- Ultra-fast speeds with unlimited data.
- 99.9% network reliability.
- Free Wi-Fi booster included in select plans.
- Static IP upgrades available for £12.50/month (excl. VAT).
The cheapest broadband providers for growing businesses
| Provider | Fibre/ADSL | Download/Upload Speeds | Customer Service | Trustpilot Rating | Pricing (Ex. VAT) |
| Vodafone | Fibre | Up to 900mbps / 100mbps | Mon-Fri, 8am-6pm | 4.5 | From £23 (24-36 months) |
| Zen | Fibre/ADSL | Up to 910mbps / 109mbps | Mon-Fri, 8am-8pm | 4.5 | £29-£66 (18-24 months) |
| bOnline | Fibre/ADSL | Up to 1000mbps / 115mbps | Mon-Sat | 4.3 | £14.95-£48 (24-month) |
Vodafone Business Broadband
Type: Fibre broadband
Speeds: Up to 900Mbps download, 100Mbps upload
IP Options: Static
Customer Service: Phone & live chat, Monday – Friday, 8 AM – 6 PM
Trustpilot Score: 4.5
Pricing (excl. VAT):
- Fibre Broadband – from £23/month (up to 900Mbps download, 100Mbps upload)
- Business Broadband Pro II – from £32.50/month (up to 900Mbps download, 100Mbps upload)
Key Features:
- Flexible contracts (24 to 36 months) with no upfront fees.
- Free installation, and a 14-day return policy.
- Guarantees minimum speeds, allowing early contract termination without fees if the guarantee isn’t met.
- A plug-and-play hub is provided for immediate setup.
Zen Business Broadband
Type: Fibre or broadband
Speeds: 67Mbps – 910Mbps download, 18Mbps – 109Mbps upload (varies by package)
IP Options: Static
Customer Service: Phone support, Monday – Friday, 8 AM – 8 PM; Weekends, 9 AM – 5 PM
Trustpilot Score: 4.5
Pricing (excl. VAT):
- Business Fibre Essentials – £29/month (plus £15 activation fee) – 55-73Mbps download, 17-18Mbps upload
- Business Fibre Pro 4G – £49/month (plus £35 activation fee) – 55-73Mbps download, 17-18Mbps upload
- Business Full Fibre Essentials 100 – 900 – £30-£46/month (plus £15 activation fee) – 105-910Mbps download, 18-109Mbps upload
- Business Full Fibre Pro 4G 100 – 900 – £50-£66/month (plus £35 activation fee) – 105-910Mbps download, 18-109Mbps upload
Key Features:
- Zen caters specifically to small businesses, offering 18 to 24-month contracts with a free Fritz!Box router.
- It has been a Which? Recommended Provider (2021-2024).
- Available speeds and packages depend on business location.
bOnline Business Broadband
Type: Fibre or broadband
Speeds: Up to 1000Mbps download, 115Mbps upload
IP Options: Static
Customer Service: Monday – Friday, 9 AM – 6 PM; Saturday, 10 AM – 2 PM
Trustpilot Score: 4.3
Pricing (excl. VAT):
- Business Broadband – £14.95-£26.95/month (70-80Mbps speeds)
- Business Fibre – £14.95-£35/month (up to 300Mbps)
- Business Fibre+ – £37-£48/month (330Mbps-1Gbps download, 50-115Mbps upload)
Key Features:
- bOnline specialises in affordable broadband for small businesses, operating on the BT Openreach network but at a lower cost.
- All plans include line rental and a free router.
- Businesses can customise their package with over 50 features to meet specific needs.
- A price match guarantee ensures competitive rates.
XLN Business Broadband
Type: Fibre or broadband
Speeds: Up to 160Mbps
IP Options: Static
Customer Service: Monday – Thursday, 8:30 AM – 6 PM; Friday until 7 PM; Saturday, 10 AM – 2 PM
Trustpilot Score: 4.4
Pricing (excl. VAT):
- Superfast Fibre Broadband – £27.95/month (24-month contract)
- Superfast Full Fibre Broadband – from £31.95/month (24-month contract)
- Free Public WiFi Service – from £15/month (24-month contract) – lets customers connect for free with no setup cost or password sharing
Key Features:
- XLN exclusively serves small businesses, leveraging both BT Openreach and TalkTalk Business networks.
- Packages include line rental, unlimited UK calls, and a free plug-and-play router (£9.99 P&P).
- It also offers a public WiFi service, allowing businesses to provide free guest WiFi.
Related Stories
Technology
The 9 best card readers for UK small businesses
These are the 9 best card readers that meet the demands of scaling businesses according to cost, transaction fees, and features.
