Which broadband contract length is cheapest: 1, 12, 18 or 24 months?
Dan Howdle • December 4th, 2025
There are essentially four different broadband contract lengths that are widely available – 1, 12, 18 and 24 months – and the price differences can be surprisingly big depending on which you go for. And while longer deals usually come out cheaper, it isn’t always that simple, especially once setup fees, annual price rises, and exit rules enter the chat.
Which contract length actually saves you money? And when does paying more for flexibility make sense? Let’s break down how pricing really works across different contract lengths, what you get for the extra commitment, and where the savings actually are.
Contract length has a huge bearing on what you pay
Broadband pricing, generally speaking, follows a simple rule: the shorter the contract, the more you usually pay each month. Longer contract lengths can be good for you and for the providers – a mutual back scratch where you promise to stay and they offer you the lowest price. Go shorter on the other hand and you're going to be paying through the nose for the right to leave or switch sooner. All pretty straightforward until you look at the 12-month deals.
| Contract length | Average price across all packages | Premium vs 24 months |
|---|---|---|
| 24 months | £28.17 | Baseline |
| 18 months | £31.38 | +11.4% |
| 12 months | £29.44 | +4.5% |
| 1 month rolling | £45.00 | +59.8% |
12-month contracts sit in an odd middle ground. They're not as cheap as 24 month contracts, but they aren’t always dramatically more expensive either. That’s largely down to which providers still offer them, and at what speeds. Some packages match the 24-month pricing, adding up-front costs instead, while others are just have pricing tiers to go with each type of contract.
The table shows average package pricing at the time of writing (factoring every nationally available broadband deal), and how those averages relate to contact lengths. As you can see, you'll pay more for shorter contracts, with 12-month deals being a bit of an odd one out simply because of the very narrow selection of providers who offer them.
In most cases 24 months wins the value contest by a distance. 12 month broadband is the middle-ground if you want shorter commitment (though you'll be very limited in terms of provider choice), and rolling contracts are best only if you need temporary broadband, you're moving soon, or you refuse to lock in for whatever reason.
When short contracts make sense
Long broadband contracts are usually cheaper because being able to leave when you like has great value for you, but there's not much in it for the provider. If you know you won’t be in the same property long, or you just don’t want to be tied in for up to two years, shorter contracts can make more sense, even if you pay considerably more each month.
Short contracts are ideal for renters, students, and a few other outlying cases. But you’re paying for the freedom, not just the broadband, which is why shorter contracts always cost more, either in terms of monthly cost or non-refundable up-front lump sums.
Renters and short-term living
If there’s even a chance you might move within a year, a 24 month deal can backfire. Early exit fees stack up fast, often costing more than the savings you'd make by choosing the cheaper, longer contract in the first place.
Students & temporary housing
Most student lets run 9–12 months. Broadband doesn’t. A shorter contract can help avoid leftover months, exit fees, and arguments about who owes what when everyone moves out.
Case in point: Onestream Broadband pricing
Onestream (prices correct at time of writing) shows clearly how contract length shifts monthly cost. Same broadband, different contract length.
- Onestream Supreme Full Fibre 115 — £22.50 (12-month)
- Onestream Supreme Full Fibre 115 — £18.00 (24-month)
As you can see, the 24 month pricing is quite a bit cheaper. If you know you're staying put, the 24 month option just makes more sense. If you're not, 12 months will be worth the extra outlay since you'll avoid, potentially, a whole year's worth of early exit fee.
Easily compare the best deals, providers and speeds where you live. It's free and takes less than a minute to check your postcode.
When long contracts save you the most money
If you're settled, not planning a move and just want the best, long contracts always win. Providers reward commitment with lower monthly pricing, fewer upfront costs and often better 'deals' where you get something extra like a reward card or bill credit as a new customer.
Stable households
If you expect to be in the same property for the next two years, a 24 month contract is the most cost-effective approach. You lock in a lower price, avoid early exit risks and save significantly compared to shorter options.
Higher-speed packages
Longer contracts can make the top-tier broadband packages more affordable, especially if there's a good deal or offer on at the time. Over two years, the savings compound quickly, which is why it's worth working out the total cost of the contract including any special deal deductions.
When providers bundle incentives or rewards
Long contracts are also where the best 'deal-sweeteners' live – reward cards, gift vouchers, lower setup fees, Wi-Fi guarantees, router upgrades and mesh boosters. Sometimes these extras alone can outweigh the inflexibility of staying put.
Full Fibre 900
First month payable upfront
910Mb
Average speed
No phone line
24
Month contract
Zero upfront cost
£31.99 Per month
Effective monthly cost is calculated by adding up all the monthly costs, price rises and any discounts and dividing it by the contract length.
Once activated you'll receive claim information by email and must claim within 2 months, then activate within 3 months of it being issued.
Full Fibre Gigafast
600Mbps speed guarantee£5 fee refunded to first bill
900Mb
Average speed
Pay as you go calls
24
Month contract
Zero upfront cost
£39.00 Per month
Effective monthly cost is calculated by adding up all the monthly costs, price rises and any discounts and dividing it by the contract length.
You will be sent instructions on how to choose your Gift Card up to 120 days after your purchase. You will have 90 days to claim your Gift Card by sending it to your email or mobile phone.
Gig1 Fibre Broadband
Fixed price until March 2026 bill
1.1Gb
Average speed
No phone line
24
Month contract
Zero upfront cost
£24.99 Per month
Effective monthly cost is calculated by adding up all the monthly costs, price rises and any discounts and dividing it by the contract length.
Price reduction from usual price of £29.99pm to £24.99, saving £120. Also, Virgin Media are offering a switching credit up to £200.
Hidden costs to watch for
Contract length doesn’t just change the monthly price as discussed further up, it also changes how exposed you are to annual price rises. A 24 month deal can seem cheaper overall, but once you factor the annual price rises you may not have to face on a 12 month deal, the difference can narrow or even disappear completely.
But there are other pitfalls to look out for that are affected by the contract length you choose too:
- Upfront and activation fees – Shorter and rolling contracts are far more likely to come with setup, activation or router delivery charges. Some providers only waive these on 24 month deal, so a 'cheap' 1 or 12-month deal can stop looking so cheap once you add in the upfront costs
- Out-of-contract price rises – When your minimum term ends, you’re usually bumped onto a higher rolling monthly price unless you renew your contract or switch. This will happen sooner on a shorter contract
- Annual, mid-contract price increases – Providers now build annual price rises into your contract. Our deal listings show you what you'll be paying each year of your contract, and on a 24 month deal, that can mean two price increases during your contract term
- Early exit fees – The longer the contract, the harsher the bill if you have to leave early. A rock-bottom 24 month price can still be the wrong choice if there’s any real chance you’ll need to cancel or switch provider sooner
One-month rolling broadband — worth it?
Rolling monthly broadband is the most flexible option you can get, but you pay heavily for that freedom. Prices are often around 60% higher than equivalent 24 month deals, and upfront fees are more common too. It’s maybe broadband on your terms, but it's going to cost you.
Where rolling contracts shine are in specific living situations, or when you simply don’t want to commit and are willing to pay for the privilege.
The bottom line
If you’re looking for the best value, 18 or 24 month contracts win every time. They offer the lowest monthly pricing and the widest choice of packages and providers. 12 month deals are somewhat rare, and sit awkwardly in the middle – sometimes competitive, sometimes noticeably more expensive – while one-month rolling contracts are very expensive, so you're going to need a really good reason to get one.
Our advice is pretty simple really. Opt for an 18 or 24 month contract (this will vary depending on provider) to get the best deals and pay the least money for what you get. If you're eyeing something shorter, you're going to need a really good reason to justify the extra cost.
Our expert advisors have access to special offers and can create a personalised package just for you. Give us a call!
Call 0330 221 9424
