Sky and NOW Broadband come from the same stable. So, which is best? The fully fledged Sky offering? Or NOW Broadband’s snappy service without the added bells and whistles? Read our full Sky vs NOW Broadband review to find out now.
Sky vs NOW Broadband: At a glance
Sky | NOW | |
---|---|---|
Can I get ADSL? | Yes, average speeds of 11Mbps | Yes, average speeds of 11Mbps |
Can I get superfast fibre? | Yes, average speeds of 36Mbps and 59Mbps | Yes, average speeds of 36Mbps and 63Mbps |
Can I get ultrafast fibre? | Yes, up to 900Mbps | No |
Download limit | No | No |
TV | Via Sky Q set top box, Sky Glass TV set, or Sky Stream | Via app only |
Is landline required? | With ADSL and fibre, yes; with full fibre, no | Yes |
Sky vs NOW Broadband: Cost
Sky and NOW Broadband cost roughly the same for ADSL and standard fibre services, with NOW usually just beating Sky on cost by a couple of quid.
However, you can get shorter 12 month and one month rolling contracts with NOW that don’t require credit checks, making them more flexible.
Sky offers more expensive plans, but these are for its ultrafast, fibre-to-the-premises (FTTP) services which are not yet fully available across the UK.
For budget users, NOW edges proceedings thanks to its low cost and shorter term plans.

- 75Mb average* speed
- No TV channels
- £0.00 Setup costs
- 24 month contract
- £26.00 per month
- £23.92 Avg. monthly cost


- 150Mb average* speed
- No TV channels
- £0.00 Setup costs
- 24 month contract
- £28.00 per month
- £25.92 Avg. monthly cost


- 150Mb average* speed
- No TV channels
- £0.00 Setup costs
- 24 month contract
- £31.00 per month

- 75Mb average* speed
- No TV channels
- £0.00 Setup costs
- 24 month contract
- £29.00 per month

- 500Mb average* speed
- No TV channels
- £0.00 Setup costs
- 24 month contract
- £32.00 per month
- £28.25 Avg. monthly cost


- 900Mb average* speed
- No TV channels
- £0.00 Setup costs
- 24 month contract
- £42.00 per month
- £38.25 Avg. monthly cost

*Average speeds are based on the download speeds of at least 50% of customers at peak time(8pm to 10pm). Speed can be affected by a range of technical and environmental factors. The speed you receive where you live may be lower than that listed above. You can check the estimated speed to your property prior to purchasing.

- 100Mb average* speed
- No TV channels
- £0.00 Setup costs
- 24 month contract
- £25.00 per month

- 61Mb average* speed
- No TV channels
- £0.00 Setup costs
- 24 month contract
- £23.00 per month

- 75Mb average* speed
- No TV channels
- £0.00 Setup costs
- 24 month contract
- £23.00 per month

- 300Mb average* speed
- No TV channels
- £0.00 Setup costs
- 24 month contract
- £30.00 per month
*Average speeds are based on the download speeds of at least 50% of customers at peak time(8pm to 10pm). Speed can be affected by a range of technical and environmental factors. The speed you receive where you live may be lower than that listed above. You can check the estimated speed to your property prior to purchasing.
Sky vs NOW Broadband: Average broadband speeds
Sky has the edge when it comes to speed as it is now able to offer fibre-to-the-premises (FTTP) plans that bring fibre right into the home. That means you can get speeds of 500Mbps and 900Mbps – perfect for gamers and those who live in homes with lots of connected devices.
However, the downside is that in order to get these speeds you’ll need to live in an area where FTTP has been installed. (Enter your postcode using our broadband checker to see if you can get it where you live.)
When it comes to ADSL and superfast fibre broadband, which uses copper wiring to complete the journey into the home, Sky and NOW Broadband offer mostly the same average speeds. That means 11Mbps for ADSL and 36Mbps and 63Mbps for superfast fibre (59Mbps for Sky). That’s no surprise, given that NOW Broadband is part of Sky.
Sky vs NOW Broadband: Broadband packages review
Sky and NOW Broadband’s entry level packages are broadly similar. Sky’s Essential Plus clocks in at 11Mbps, as does NOW Broadband’s Brilliant Broadband, though the latter is available on a 12 month deal rather than the 18 months offered by Sky.
Meanwhile, Sky’s Superfast 35 is comparable with NOW Broadband’s Fab Fibre, each offering 36Mbps. Sky offers a 59Mbps service, which stands up well against NOW’s 63Mbps Super Fibre. Once again, NOW offers 12 month rather than 18 month deals.
Sky just about pips the post, as it also offers ultrafast services, with speeds up to 900Mbps. However, you’ll need to live in an area where FTTP infrastructure has been installed to get in on the action.
Sky vs NOW Broadband: Phone
Sky offers pay as you go calls with its broadband packages, as does NOW Broadband.
If you want more you can pay for separate packages covering UK landlines, or pay extra for international calls.
Both providers require you to take out a landline, although you won’t require one if you live in an area with access to Sky’s Ultrafast service.
Sky vs NOW Broadband: TV
This is the area where Sky and NOW Broadband diverge. Sky’s TV service is the stuff of legend and can be bundled with its broadband to create superb home entertainment packages. Its Sky Q set top box comes with tons of storage, access to hundreds of channels, and the ability to stream shows from services including Netflix and, yes, NOW TV.
NOW TV offers deals which let you bundle its streaming passes each month, meaning you can access Sky’s wide range of entertainment and sports channels for a low monthly fee. This is a great alternative for those who don’t want or need to splash out on a bigger TV package.
NOW TV works with smart TVs and mainstream set top boxes and streaming sticks – but just be aware that you won’t get a set top box or any equipment from NOW itself. You’ll need to provide your own TV or device to access the app.
Sky vs NOW Broadband: Fibre offering
Sky and NOW Broadband offer the same superfast fibre services, at around the same price point. These 36Mbps and 63Mbps plans (Sky’s faster option tops out at 59Mbps) use copper wiring to complete the journey into the home, meaning they can be accessed across the UK. Each option is good enough for all but the most hardcore users.
Sky ups the game thanks to its ultrafast plans, which can reach speeds of 900Mbps. However, as you’ll need FTTP in your area, this isn’t as widespread as its standard fibre offering.
Download limits
There are no download limits from Sky or NOW Broadband. That said, if you download games or movies, it may be worth opting for the fastest service available where you live.
Extras
Sky often sweetens its broadband deals with extras such as vouchers and discounts for those that also take out one of its mobile contracts.
NOW Broadband, on the other hand, markets itself as a no frills supplier, meaning you won’t get any additional benefits. This is something to consider if you value getting the odd free gift as an enticement.
Sky vs NOW Broadband: Customer service
Sky rates well in the latest Ofcom report on broadband customer satisfaction, while NOW Broadband benefits from a dedicated helpline and an impressive online community which can solve any minor issues without the need to get in touch directly.
Switching is easy, especially on its rolling contract plans mean customers can come and go as they please depending on their circumstances.
Both providers offer good service, so whichever you pick you’ll be in good hands – but bear in mind that Ofcom does report more satisfied customers on Sky.