Last Updated: July 8, 2025

Finding the perfect broadband plan shouldn't mean sorting through 900+ confusing options. We've analyzed every major provider in New Zealand to bring you the definitive comparison of broadband deals, from budget fibre to ultra-fast Hyperfibre.

Our Promise: Transparent rankings based on real value, updated monthly with current pricing and promotions. No provider pays for placement in our rankings.

Why Most Broadband Comparisons Get It Wrong

The Problem: Most comparison sites overwhelm you with every available plan or push the highest-commission deals.

Our Approach: We rank plans based on genuine value for different user types, considering total costs (including hidden fees), network reliability, customer service quality, and real-world performance data from our analysis of 945 current broadband plans across 28 providers.

📊 How We Rank Broadband Plans

Our Methodology:

1. Total Cost Analysis: Monthly price + setup fees + contract penalties ÷ contract length
2. Performance Data: Real-world speed tests and network reliability metrics
3. Customer Service Scores: Response times, resolution rates, and user satisfaction data
4. Value Assessment: Price per Mbps, included benefits, and contract flexibility
5. Coverage Quality: Network reach and rural availability

Updated Monthly: We track price changes, new promotions, and service quality shifts to keep rankings current.

Understanding the Different Types of Broadband in NZ

Choosing the right broadband starts with understanding the technology that delivers the internet to your home. Each type has unique strengths, and the best one for you depends on where you live and how you use the internet.

🥇 Fibre Broadband: The Gold Standard

Fibre is the best connection type available for most New Zealanders, offering exceptional speed and reliability. Think of it like a private, multi-lane highway built just for your data. Instead of using old copper phone lines, it uses tiny fibre-optic strands to transmit data as pulses of light, resulting in a faster and more stable connection.

• Benefits: The main advantages of fibre are its incredible speed and unmatched reliability. It's less affected by distance from the exchange or network congestion than older technologies.
• Best For: Fibre is ideal for almost every household, especially those with multiple users who enjoy 4K streaming, online gaming, video calling, and working from home. If it's available at your address, it should be your first choice.

📱 5G & Wireless Broadband: The Future is Here

Wireless broadband delivers internet to your home using the same mobile networks as your smartphone. 5G is the latest generation, offering significantly faster speeds and lower latency than older 4G wireless options.

• Pros: The biggest advantage is the quick and easy setup. You can often install it yourself in minutes without needing a technician. This makes it a great option for renters or anyone needing a flexible connection without a fixed installation.
• Cons: Performance can be highly variable, with real-world speeds ranging from 20-80% of what's advertised depending on your location and network traffic.
• Best For: Wireless broadband is an excellent alternative in areas with poor or unavailable fibre coverage, or for those who need a flexible, non-permanent solution, like renters.

☎️ VDSL and ADSL: What You Need to Know

VDSL and ADSL are older broadband technologies that use New Zealand's copper phone line network to deliver internet. VDSL is faster than ADSL, but both are significantly slower and less reliable than Fibre. They are gradually being phased out as the fibre network expands.

• Why would you use them? You might still use VDSL or ADSL if your property cannot yet get fibre and you don't have good 4G or 5G wireless coverage. They provide a basic connection for Browse and email but will struggle with high-demand activities like 4K streaming.

🛰️ Rural & Satellite Broadband: Connecting the Countryside

Connecting rural New Zealand requires specialised solutions to address the unique challenges of distance and terrain. If fibre isn't an option, fixed wireless and satellite broadband are the primary alternatives for rural customers.

• Fixed Wireless: This technology uses radio signals to connect your home to a nearby broadcast tower. Some providers offer dedicated rural wireless plans.
• Satellite Broadband: This option provides coverage anywhere with a clear view of the sky by connecting to a satellite in orbit, making it a reliable choice for even the most remote locations.

How to Choose the Best Broadband Plan for Your Needs

💨 What Broadband Speed Do You Really Need?

Stop Overpaying: Most households overestimate their speed needs. Here's realistic guidance based on actual usage patterns from our analysis of 945 broadband plans.

🎯 Speed Recommendations by Household Type

📊 Real-World Speed Requirements

Reality Check: A 100 Mbps connection handles 4 simultaneous 4K streams plus web browsing, gaming, and video calls. Most families don't need more than 300 Mbps.

📈 Unlimited Data vs. Capped Plans: Which is Right for You?

A key decision when choosing a broadband plan is whether to opt for unlimited or capped data. A capped plan limits the amount of data you can use each month, while an unlimited plan has no restrictions.

For most households today, the answer is simple: you need unlimited data. With the rise of 4K streaming, high-definition video calls, online gaming, and multiple devices running at once, data caps can become restrictive very quickly. Choosing an unlimited plan eliminates the stress of monitoring your usage and protects you from potential overage fees or having your internet speed throttled by your provider.

✅ Your Broadband Comparison Checklist

Before you make a final decision, run through this checklist to ensure you’ve considered all the important factors. This will help you find a plan that truly fits your needs and budget.

Price: Look beyond the monthly fee. To understand the true value, consider the total first-year cost, which includes any one-off setup or installation fees ($0-$250), modem costs ($0-$199), and potential price increases after a promotional period ends.

Speed: Use the tables above to realistically assess your needs. Most families don't need more than 300 Mbps for a smooth experience across all their devices.

Contract Length: Decide if you want the flexibility of a no-contract plan or the savings of a fixed-term contract. no-contract plan offer complete flexibility but may have higher upfront costs. Fixed-term plans (usually 12+ months) often have lower monthly costs and include free setup.

Data Cap: As outlined above, an unlimited data plan is the recommended choice for the vast majority of users to avoid extra fees and restrictions.

Bundles: You can achieve significant savings by bundling your broadband with mobile or power services. However, only bundle if you would happily use that mobile or power provider on their own merit.

Customer Service: You will eventually need support from your provider, so it's wise to choose one with a good reputation for customer service. Our rankings consider support quality, including response times and resolution rates.

Router/Modem: Check if a modem or router is included with your plan. Some providers include a free modem on contract plans, while others may have a rental fee or a one-off purchase cost.

How to Switch Broadband Providers

📋 Step-by-Step Switching Guide

1. Check Your Current Situation

• Log into your current provider's account
• Check contract end date and any early termination fees
• Note your current plan details and pricing

2. Research New Options

• Use our comparison tables above
• Check coverage at your specific address
• Calculate total first-year costs including setup

3. Time Your Switch

• If in contract: Wait for end date or calculate if early termination fee is worth it
• If out of contract: Switch anytime for potential savings
• Consider timing around promotions (often best in March/November)

4. Sign Up Process

• Contact chosen provider directly or through comparison sites
• Confirm pricing, speeds, and contract terms
• Schedule installation (fibre usually takes 2-3 weeks)

5. Manage the Transition

• Keep old service active until new service confirmed working
• Test new connection thoroughly before cancelling old service
• Cancel old service with proper notice to avoid double billing

⚠️ Common Switching Mistakes to Avoid

• Not checking early termination fees before switching
• Assuming advertised speeds will match your location's reality
• Forgetting about setup costs when comparing total value
• Switching during busy periods (December/January installation delays)
• Not testing new service before cancelling old provider

Broadband FAQ: Your Questions Answered

❓ General questions

A: The "best" broadband provider truly depends on your individual needs. There isn't a single provider that is the perfect fit for everyone. Our analysis shows that some providers excel in certain areas:

• For the best overall value, bundle savings, and customer support, our data points to 2degrees as a leading choice for most households.
• If your priority is contract flexibility, a provider like Electric Kiwi offers excellent no-contract options.
• For eco-conscious users, Zeronet stands out with its strong green credentials and competitive pricing.

To find the best provider for you, we recommend using our comparison tool to see which plans are available at your address.

A : For most households, a fibre plan with a speed between 100 Mbps and 300 Mbps is a fantastic starting point. A 100 Mbps connection is powerful enough to handle multiple 4K video streams, online gaming, and video calls simultaneously. You only need to consider faster plans (like 900+ Mbps) if you have a very large family of heavy internet users or frequently download extremely large files. For a detailed breakdown, refer back to our "What Broadband Speed Do You Actually Need?" guide.

A: The main difference lies in how the internet is delivered to your home.

• Fibre Broadband uses a physical fibre optic cable that runs directly to your house. This offers the fastest, most reliable, and most consistent connection available. It requires a technician to install.
• 5G Broadband is a wireless technology that uses the same mobile network as your smartphone. It's incredibly easy to set up yourself (just plug it in), making it ideal for renters. However, its speed and performance can vary depending on your distance from the cell tower and local network congestion.

In short, Fibre is the gold standard for speed and reliability, while 5G is a highly convenient and flexible alternative.

A: The best way to find the cheapest unlimited plan is to use a comprehensive comparison tool that calculates the total cost. Follow these steps:

1. Use the comparison tool on our website, broadband.co.nz.
2. Filter the results to show only "Unlimited" data plans.
3. Sort the plans by "Price (Lowest to Highest)".
4. Pro Tip: Don't just look at the monthly price. Pay close attention to any one-off setup fees, modem costs, or contract exit fees to find the plan that offers the true cheapest cost over the first year.

A: Yes, absolutely. Many providers in New Zealand offer "no-contract" or "open-term" plans that give you the freedom to cancel at any time with just 30 days' notice.

• Pros: These plans are perfect for renters, students, or anyone who doesn't want to be locked in for 12 or 24 months.
• Cons: The main trade-off is that you may have to pay an upfront fee for the modem or setup, which is often included for free on fixed-term contracts. The monthly fee might also be slightly higher.

💰 Cost & Pricing Questions

A: For fixed-term contracts: Monthly cost × 12 months. For no-contract: (Monthly cost × 12) + setup costs ($150-250). Our tables show total first-year costs including all fees.

A: Common extras include: Setup/installation fees ($0-250), modem costs ($0-199), early termination fees ($200-300), and overage charges on capped plans. Fixed-term contracts usually include setup costs.

A: Most promotions last 6-12 months, then revert to standard pricing. Always check what you'll pay after the promotional period ends.

🏠 Installation & Setup Questions

A: 2-3 weeks from order to completion. Installation itself takes 2-4 hours and requires someone home. Some properties may need additional work if fibre isn't already connected to the premises.

A: Wireless broadband: Yes, usually takes 10-15 minutes. Fibre broadband: Requires technician installation for first-time connections. Existing fibre connections often just need modem replacement.

A: Check Chorus coverage maps first. If no fibre: Consider 4G/5G wireless, fixed wireless, or satellite options. ADSL/VDSL may be available on copper lines.

📡 Technical Questions

A: Fibre: Usually 80-100% of advertised speeds. Wireless: Highly variable (20-80% of advertised) depending on location and network traffic. Test actual speeds after installation. Q: What's the difference between upload and download speeds? A: Download: Data coming to your device (streaming, browsing). Upload: Data sent from your device (video calls, file sharing). Most plans have much faster download than upload speeds.

A: Yes, for most households. With 4K streaming, video calls, and multiple devices, data caps become restrictive quickly. Unlimited eliminates overage fees and speed throttling.

📋 Contract & Switching Questions

A: Fixed-term: Lower monthly costs, free setup, good if staying 12+ months. No-contract: Higher upfront costs but complete flexibility, ideal for renters or uncertain situations.

A: Contact your provider with required notice (usually 30 days). If in contract, you may pay early termination fees. Get cancellation confirmation in writing to avoid continued billing.

A: Provider-based emails (e.g., @xtra.co.nz) usually close when you cancel. Switch to independent email (Gmail, Outlook) before changing providers to avoid losing access.

Final Recommendations: Best Plans by Situation

🎯 Quick Decision Guide

Best Overall Value: 2degrees Fibre Starter ($65/month) - Perfect balance of price, features, and support

Cheapest Option: Skinny Wireless 4G ($55/month) - Unlimited data, good speeds for budget users

Best No-Contract: Electric Kiwi Sweet Lite ($61/month) - True flexibility without premium pricing

Best for Families: Skinny Fibre UFB ($80/month) - 300 Mbps handles multiple users and 4K streaming

Best Premium Experience: 2degrees Ultimate Max ($110/month) - 900 Mbps with excellent support and perks

Best Rural Option: Starlink Satellite ($159/month) - Reliable coverage anywhere with clear sky view

Best Future-Proofing: Zeronet Hyperfibre 2000 ($145/month) - Ultra-fast speeds with great promotional pricing

💡 Money-Saving Tips

1. Bundle Smartly: Only bundle if you'd choose that mobile/power provider anyway
2. Time Your Switch: March and November often have best promotional deals
3. Negotiate: Call providers directly - they often match competitors or offer exclusive deals
4. Check Regularly: Broadband pricing changes frequently, review annually
5. Consider Total Costs: Cheap monthly prices with high setup fees may cost more overall

🚨 Red Flags to Avoid

• Too-good-to-be-true pricing without checking contract terms
• Providers with poor customer service ratings (you'll need support eventually)
• Plans with data caps unless you're very light users
• Long contracts if you're renting or situation might change
• Bundling with services you don't need just for small discounts

🔄 This guide is updated monthly with current pricing, promotions, and provider changes. Bookmark this page for the latest broadband deals 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.