TODAY: 16 October 2025

Short answer, yes for most UK households. Prices and speeds move quickly, and Ofcom’s One Touch Switch rules mean your new provider now does most of the work. You contact the provider you want, they arrange the transfer, and any downtime should be no longer than one working day. If things go wrong there is an automatic compensation scheme. See Ofcom’s guide to the new process here and the compensation overview here.

The bigger question is how much you stand to gain. Independent consumer testing found average savings for broadband customers who switch are over £100 a year, and bundles can save more. Which reported typical savings of £105 for broadband only and £160 for broadband and TV, with some households saving £235 when leaving certain providers. Read the analysis here.

What has changed in 2025 that makes switching easier

Two shifts matter. First, One Touch Switch is live across the market, which removes the old need to cancel with your current provider. Ofcom explains the new process in plain language here. Second, Ofcom keeps an updated list of accredited comparison services so you can check prices with confidence. You can see the current accreditation list here, or view the best UK broadband deals here. This reduces the risk of biased results and helps you compare on like for like terms.

Automatic compensation if there is a hiccup

Delays to activation, missed engineer appointments or total loss of service should trigger automatic payments. Ofcom’s scheme is uprated annually in line with CPI, and you do not need to chase if your provider is signed up. Details are covered in Ofcom’s compensation guide here.

Social tariffs for households on lower incomes

If you receive certain benefits, you may qualify for a low cost social tariff from your provider. Ofcom keeps a live list of packages and eligibility criteria here. If you are moving to Universal Credit following a Migration Notice, GOV.UK explains what to do here.

How much could you save and who benefits most

Households out of contract usually benefit the most. Which’s study suggests a typical broadband only saving of around £105 a year by switching, with higher savings on certain providers or if you also change TV. Read the figures and caveats here.

• If you are paying list price after a discounted term ended, a new 12 to 24 month deal can cut the bill and boost speed.
• If you can get full fibre today, switching from copper can raise performance and reliability while holding cost steady.
• If you qualify for a social tariff, the lowest prices are often fixed and can undercut standard deals.

Want a quick scan of the sharpest live deals from trusted partners. Start with our always updated guide to the best picks at your address best UK broadband deals.

What counts as hassle today

The main friction points are practical, not legal. With One Touch Switch, the admin burden is lighter. The real work is choosing well, timing the move and returning equipment.

Choosing well without overwhelm

• Check what technology you can get. Full fibre, cable or copper. Our plain guide explains the differences broadband speed guide and the benefits of fibre full fibre benefits.
• Run a fresh speed test at peak time so you know your true baseline. Use one of our group tools like RightSpeed and cross check later after your switch.
• Compare inclusive extras and price rise terms, not just the first three months price. Ofcom lists accredited comparison sites here.

Timing the switch

• Switch near your contract end date to avoid early termination fees.
• If you are mid contract and facing an out of cycle price rise, read our plain English explainer on your options manage price rises.
• Moving home soon. Use our step by step move checklist switch when moving home.

Returning equipment

Return routers or TV boxes on time to avoid non return fees. Keep proof of postage. Your new provider will advise when to disconnect the old kit, but do not unplug until the new line is live unless told to do so.

Pitfalls to watch and how to avoid them

• Early exit fees. If you leave mid contract you may be charged, unless the provider breached the contract. For support with decision timing, see our switching guide how to switch broadband.
• Downtime worries. Ofcom says any loss of service during a switch should not be longer than one working day. If it goes wrong, automatic compensation applies if your provider is in the scheme. See Ofcom’s notes here and compensation rules here.
• Price opacity. Citizens Advice recently criticised murky renewal practices. Switching lets you escape loyalty penalties. Read wider context in the press pricing concerns.
• Marketing spin. Use Ofcom accredited comparison sites to cut through noise. Accreditation list is here accredited comparisons.

Special cases where switching is absolutely worth it

Out of contract and paying list price

This is the classic win. You could save over £100 a year just by moving to a new customer deal. Check popular savings examples in the Which report here, then visit our curated picks best deals at your address.

Full fibre now in your street

When fibre arrives, it often gives higher speeds and better reliability at a similar price. Our explainer covers what to check before you switch to fibre why fibre is better. For real world performance patterns across the UK, see our insights hub broadband insights.

Households on benefits

Ask your current provider about a social tariff, or switch to a provider that offers one. Ofcom maintains a live list social tariffs.

Renters

Check your tenancy for rules on installations. Our renter focused guide covers permissions, mobile backup and the right contract length renter broadband guide.

How to decide in under ten minutes

1. Run a speed test at your busiest hour. Try RightSpeed and take a screenshot.
2. Check whether full fibre is now available using your postcode on a trusted comparison site. You can also try our partner checker Broadband Hunter.
3. Pick three deals that match or beat your current speed with clear price terms. Use Ofcom accredited sites for fair comparison accredited comparisons.
4. Read the small print on price changes and contract length. Our trust checklist helps you spot red flags fast trust checklist.
5. Book your switch date with the new provider. One Touch Switch means they handle the rest. More detail from Ofcom how it works.

The bottom line, is switching worth it

For most people the answer is yes. The time cost is measured in minutes, the average savings can clear £100 a year, and the reliability of modern fibre is a clear step up for home working, streaming and gaming. If you prefer to stay put, call your provider and ask to be moved to a new customer equivalent deal. If they refuse, that is your cue to switch with confidence.

When you are ready, start at our live deals page and compare options at your address see the best UK broadband deals. For a beginner friendly route, use our practical walkthrough switch without the stress and our general UK switching playbook broadband switching playbook.

If your speeds are poor even after switching, work through our simple tuning steps to get the best from your home network boost speed at home.

searchswitchsave, #broadband, #ukbroadband, #fullfibre, #broadbanddeals, #onettouchswitch, #ofcom, #socialtariffs, #moneysaving, #homeinternet, #uktech, #speedtest, #switchandsave