Cheapest broadband plans

Last Updated: July 24, 2025 

Searching for the right internet plan can be overwhelming. The purpose of this page is to help Kiwis find the cheapest and best value broadband plans in New Zealand. With so many different options, it can be a challenge to compare the numerous deals and providers available.

This guide is designed to make it simple. Whether you're looking for the cheapest fibre broadband, the best value on an unlimited data plan, or just want to easily compare current broadband deals, you're in the right place. We'll help you cut through the noise and find the perfect plan to suit your needs and budget.

Cheapest Broadband Deals in NZ Right Now

The comparison table at the top of this page shows you the latest broadband deals NZ has to offer, all updated in real-time. It's the best tool to see a quick snapshot of the current market.

But how do you choose the right one from that list? The cheapest plan isn't always the best value for your specific needs.

The rest of this guide is designed to help you understand those deals. We'll break down everything you need to know—from speed and data to contract types—so you can feel confident you're choosing the absolute best plan from the options above.

How to Compare and Find the Best Value Broadband for You

The plan at the top of the list isn't automatically the best one for you. To find the true best value broadband, you need to look past the headline price and match a plan's features to your household's needs. Here’s what to focus on.

📝 What to Look For in a Broadband Plan

Use these four factors to compare the plans in the table above and make a confident choice.

1. Price Look closely at the price. Many of the cheapest deals are introductory offers, meaning the price might increase after the first 6 or 12 months. Always check the standard price you'll pay for the remainder of the contract. A slightly more expensive plan upfront could be cheaper in the long run.

2. Speed Broadband speed is measured in Megabits per second (Mbps) and shows how fast you can download and upload files.

• Standard Fibre  (approx. 300/100 Mbps): This is the gold standard and perfect for most Kiwi households. It handles multiple people streaming 4K video, working from home, online gaming, and everyday Browse with ease.
• Max Fibre / HyperFibre (approx. 950/500 Mbps or faster): This is for power users. If you have a large family with everyone online at once, are a serious online gamer, or regularly upload and download massive files, the extra speed is worth it. For most people, it's more than they need.

3. Data This is simple: for almost everyone, unlimited broadband is the only way to go. With the amount of streaming, gaming, and video calling we do, capped data plans create unnecessary stress about extra charges. Only consider a plan with a data cap if you are a very light internet user.

4. Contract Length

• Fixed-Term Contracts (12 or 24 months): These almost always offer better value. Providers reward your loyalty with cheaper monthly prices, free professional installation, and often a free modem. The only downside is the fee you'll have to pay if you leave early.
• Open-Term (No Contract): These plans offer total flexibility, which is ideal if you're renting short-term or want the freedom to switch providers at any time. You'll usually pay a bit more each month and may have to buy your modem upfront.

📡 Understanding Different Types of Broadband

The type of connection available at your address is the biggest factor in what plans you can get.

• Fibre: This is the best, fastest, and most reliable connection type available in New Zealand. It uses modern fibre optic cables and should be your first choice if you can get it. The vast majority of urban and suburban homes now have fibre available.
• Wireless Broadband: Using the same 4G and 5G networks as our mobile phones, wireless broadband is a fantastic alternative when fibre isn't an option. It's quick to set up and can be very fast, making it a great solution for many rural properties or new subdivisions where fibre hasn't been connected yet.
• VDSL/ADSL: These are older technologies that use copper phone lines. They are significantly slower and less reliable than fibre and are being actively phased out across New Zealand. If you're still on ADSL or VDSL, check to see if fibre is available at your address—the upgrade is well worth it.

NZ's Cheapest Broadband Providers

While the comparison tool shows you the raw numbers, it's also helpful to know a little about the companies behind the plans. Below, we look at some of the providers that consistently offer the most competitive pricing for fibre and unlimited plans in New Zealand.

*Note: The providers featured below are illustrative examples. Please refer to the live comparison table at the top of the page for current market leaders and pricing.

🚀 Cheapest Fibre Broadband Providers

While the comparison tool shows you the raw numbers, it's also helpful to know a little about the companies behind the plans. When searching for the cheapest fibre broadband NZ, two names that frequently appear with highly competitive offers are Zeronet and 2degrees

Here’s a closer look at what they typically offer.

1. Zeronet Zeronet often leads the market with aggressive half-price introductory offers, making their plans incredibly cheap for the first five or six months. They are a strong choice for budget-savvy users who are comfortable signing a contract to secure the best deal.

• Pros: Often features market-leading promotional pricing for new customers. Provides a free modem rental and low setup fees during promotional periods.
• Cons: The best prices require a 12-month contract with an early termination fee. The standard monthly price after the initial offer is higher, so it's important to budget for the full term.
• Check the comparison tool to see Zeronet's latest half-price fibre deals.

2. 2degrees As one of New Zealand's major providers, 2degrees competes by offering strong value, flexibility, and frequent joining credits. They are an excellent all-round option, providing both highly competitive contract plans and flexible open-term plans.

• Pros: Strong brand reputation, often provides valuable joining credits (like $150) on contract plans. Offers open-term plans with no cancellation fees for maximum flexibility.
• Cons: Their most basic plans have lower speeds (e.g., 50 Mbps), so ensure you select the plan that matches your household's speed needs.
• See all available 2degrees plans and joining credits in the table above.

♾️ Cheapest Unlimited Broadband Providers

For most Kiwis, "unlimited broadband" is a must-have, and thankfully, it's now the standard for most fibre plans. The providers who are cheapest for fibre are therefore usually the cheapest for unlimited data too. The providers above are all excellent choices for cheapest unlimited broadband NZ plans.

Here’s a brief overview of what to expect from providers in this space:

• They typically focus on the standard 300/100 Mbps unlimited fibre plan as their lead offer.
• Most will offer a discount for signing up for a 12-month term.
• Promotions like "first month free" or a "joining credit" are common ways they compete for your business, adding extra value beyond the monthly price.

Power and Broadband Bundles: A Good Way to Save?

You've probably seen the ads: get your power and broadband from one company and save. But is bundling your utilities always the cheapest option? It can be a great deal for some, but it pays to understand the pros and cons before committing.

✅ The Upside: Why a Bundle Might Be for You

• Guaranteed Savings: The biggest draw is the discount. Most providers offer a clear monthly discount (e.g., $10-$20 off the total bill) when you combine services, which is an easy, consistent way to save money.
• Convenience: Getting one single, simple bill for both power and internet reduces your life admin. You only have one company to deal with for payments and support.
• Extra Perks: To sweeten the deal, some companies throw in attractive joining credits, free months of broadband, or even a new television when you sign up for a fixed-term bundle.

⚠️ The Downside: What to Watch Out For

• It's Not Always Cheaper: While you get a discount, the provider's base rates for power and broadband might not be the absolute cheapest on the market. A savvy shopper can sometimes save more by finding the cheapest standalone power plan and the cheapest separate broadband plan.
• Reduced Flexibility: Bundling often means signing a 12 or 24-month contract for both services. This makes it harder to switch if a better deal for just one of your utilities comes along.
• Complexity of Leaving: If you're unhappy with one service (e.g., the broadband is unreliable), untangling the bundle and switching can be more complicated than with separate providers.

🔍 Who Offers Power and Broadband Bundles?

Many of New Zealand's largest energy and telecommunications companies offer bundles. The main players to look for include Contact Energy, Mercury, Nova Energy, and providers from the 2degrees group (which also includes Slingshot).

The Verdict: If you value convenience and want a simple, guaranteed way to save money each month, a bundle is an excellent choice. However, if your top priority is getting the absolute lowest price and you don't mind managing two separate accounts, it's worth comparing standalone plans.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What is NZ's best value broadband plan at the moment?

A: "Best value" is a balance of price, speed, reliability, and customer service. For most Kiwi households, the best value plan is currently an unlimited 300/100 Mbps fibre plan. This speed is more than enough for streaming, gaming, and working from home, and it is offered by most providers at a very competitive price.

The specific provider offering the best deal changes frequently due to promotions. To see the current leader, check the live comparison table at the top of this page.

Q: Is internet cheap in New Zealand?

A: Compared to a decade ago, internet in New Zealand is significantly cheaper and faster. Thanks to the nationwide fibre network, the price for high-speed, unlimited data plans has become very competitive.

While some countries may have cheaper entry-level plans, New Zealand offers excellent value when you compare the high speeds of standard fibre plans to the prices paid in other OECD countries like Australia or the United States. So, while it may not be the cheapest in the world, the internet here is generally considered affordable and high-quality.

Q: Who is the cheapest fiber provider?

A: The title of "cheapest fibre provider" changes hands frequently. Providers like Zeronet often have the lowest headline prices due to sharp introductory offers (e.g., half price for the first 6 months). Other providers like 2degrees and Slingshot also compete fiercely on price, especially when you factor in joining credits or bundle deals.

Because these offers change so often, the only way to know for sure who is cheapest today is to use the comparison tool at the top of this page.

Q: Which is cheaper, fibre or wifi?

A: For most people, fibre is now cheaper than wireless broadband (using 4G or 5G). Entry-level unlimited fibre plans typically have a lower monthly cost than comparable wireless plans.

Furthermore, fibre provides significantly better value with faster speeds, much lower latency (crucial for gaming and video calls), and a more stable connection. Wireless broadband is an excellent alternative if you can't get fibre, but if you have the choice, fibre is almost always the cheaper and better-performing option.

Find your perfect plan and start saving today

Choosing the right broadband in New Zealand doesn't have to be complicated. As we've covered, the key is to look beyond the headline price and find the plan that offers the best value for your household.

Remember the key takeaways:

• For most people, an unlimited 300/100 Mbps fibre plan is the perfect sweet spot for speed and value.
• Always check if a cheap price is an introductory offer and what the cost will be for the full term.
• The best deals from providers are constantly changing, which is why comparing is so important.

Stop guessing and start saving. The fastest and easiest way to find the cheapest and best broadband plan is to use our powerful comparison tool.

🔄 This guide is updated monthly with current pricing, promotions, and provider changes. Bookmark this page for the cheapest broadband plans and comparison data.

Disclaimer: Pricing and offers subject to change. Always confirm current rates and terms with providers before signing up. Rankings based on publicly available data and may not reflect individual experiences.