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Compare Broadband Plans and Providers in Ireland

An independent guide to broadband in Ireland: what connection you can actually get at your address, the difference between broadband speed and WiFi performance, contracts and switching considerations, and what to have ready before you compare, plus a free Broadband Needs Check.

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Independent information, not a live price comparison Understand what to check before comparing providers
Broadband

What this guide covers

Broadband comparison usually starts with a list of packages and prices. The more useful starting question is different: what connection can you actually get at your address, and only once you know that, what should you compare. This guide sets out how to check what is available where you live, explains the difference between a fast incoming connection and good WiFi around the home, covers what genuinely changes one plan from another, and sets out what to have ready before you compare or switch.

Connection types

The connection types you might be offered

Which of these is actually offered to you depends entirely on the infrastructure that reaches your address, not on which is generally considered best. Knowing the names helps you understand what a checker or a provider is telling you.

  • Fibre to the premises (FTTP or FTTH). A fibre optic cable runs all the way into the home. This generally supports the highest speeds and is the connection type behind most current gigabit capable plans.
  • Fibre to the cabinet (FTTC or VDSL). Fibre runs to a street cabinet, with the final stretch to the home carried over existing copper telephone line. Achievable speed depends heavily on how far the home is from that cabinet.
  • Cable. Delivered over a coaxial cable network rather than a telephone line, generally capable of high speeds where the network passes the address.
  • Fixed wireless, including 5G or 4G home broadband. A signal is received from a mobile or fixed wireless network rather than a cable running into the home. This is often the practical option where fixed line infrastructure has not yet reached an address, and performance can vary with distance from the mast and local conditions.
  • Satellite. A smaller but growing option, generally considered where no other fixed or wireless connection reaches an address, such as some rural properties.

For how these connection types actually differ in practice, including upload speed and consistency at busy times, see our guide to full fibre, part fibre and mobile broadband explained.

A fibre broadband connection point and router installed inside a home
Before you compare price

Check availability before comparing price

An attractive package is irrelevant if the connection type behind it does not reach your address. Fibre coverage has expanded significantly across the country, but it is not yet universal. Two addresses on the same road can have different options, depending on which networks have reached each one.

Before comparing any prices, check your own address using an Eircode or address based checker from National Broadband Ireland, Open Eir or SIRO. This tells you which network operators and connection types genuinely serve your address, rather than what is advertised nationally.

If your address falls inside the National Broadband Plan area, being listed as passed by the rollout is not the same as being ready to order a live connection today. Confirm the current status for your specific address before assuming coverage has arrived.

Availability comes before price, not after it

Comparing prices before checking availability can waste time comparing plans you cannot actually order. Confirm the connection type and provider options at your specific address first, then compare price, speed and contract terms only within what is genuinely available to you.

A WiFi router positioned on an open shelf in an ordinary living room
Speed versus WiFi

Broadband speed versus WiFi performance

A household can have a genuinely fast connection entering the property, yet still have poor WiFi in one bedroom or at the far end of the house. Broadband speed is how much data reaches your router. WiFi performance is how well that connection then reaches around the home, which depends on distance, walls and interference, not on your plan.

  • Connection problem. Performance is poor everywhere, even close to the router or by cable.
  • WiFi coverage problem. Fine near the router, but drops in certain rooms, especially through thick walls or over distance.
  • Router placement problem. The router sits in a cupboard, on the floor, or beside other electronics, weakening its signal.
  • Device limitation. An older device, or an older WiFi standard, can perform worse on the exact same network.
A bigger package will not fix a WiFi coverage problem

If your connection tests well near the router but a particular room is consistently weak, moving to a more expensive plan is unlikely to help. Try repositioning the router to a central, open location first, or consider a mesh WiFi system for a larger or older home, before paying for extra speed you may not be able to use where it matters.

Choosing a plan

What determines the right plan for a household

Once you know what is available at your address, the right plan depends on how your household actually uses its connection, not on the highest number in an advert.

  • Number of people and devices. More people and devices online at once means the connection needs to comfortably handle simultaneous use, not just a single high headline figure.
  • Download versus upload speed. Most advertised figures emphasise download speed. Video calls, cloud backup and uploading files depend on upload speed instead, which is often much lower and worth asking about directly.
  • Working from home or regular video calls. These depend on a stable, low latency connection more than on the highest possible download figure.
  • Online gaming. Sensitive to latency and connection stability, not only to download speed, so ask specifically about this rather than relying on a general speed figure.
  • Streaming across multiple screens. Several simultaneous streams, particularly in high definition, add up quickly and are worth accounting for if this is a daily pattern in your home.

For a fuller walkthrough of how to weigh these factors against each other for your own household, see our guide to what broadband speed does your household need.

Upgrader.ie original tool

Broadband Needs Check

Answer a few questions about your household to see what deserves particular attention when you compare plans. This tool does not compare live broadband plans, does not check availability at your address, does not recommend a specific provider or package, and does not quote a required speed. It is an educational starting point only.

How many people usually live in the home?
How many devices or people are typically online at the same time?
Does anyone in the home work from home with regular video calls?
Is streaming, including 4K or several screens at once, a regular daily activity?
Is online gaming a regular activity for anyone in the home?
Do you regularly upload or download large files, such as backups or creative work?
Are you currently having performance problems?
Are you interested in a broadband and TV bundle?
Are you moving home, or switching provider at your current address?

Answer all the questions to see your personalised summary.

This tool gives general pointers based on the answers you enter. It does not access live plan data, does not check availability at your address, does not compare specific providers or plans, does not quote or recommend a required speed, and does not calculate or estimate savings. It only helps you identify what is worth checking yourself.

Prefer to talk it through? A member of the comparison team can call you about the broadband plans available through the comparison service for your address.

Request a callback
Before you compare

How to Compare Cheap Broadband Deals

When comparing cheap broadband deals, it's important to look beyond the introductory price. Once you know what is available at your address, check the ongoing monthly cost, contract length and additional charges before choosing a plan.

Introductory price versus ongoing price. How long the advertised price lasts, and exactly what it rises to afterwards. Some Irish broadband contracts also include a built in annual price increase, often set as inflation (CPI) plus a fixed percentage, which can materially change the real cost over a 12 or 24 month term, so check the provider's current contract terms before signing.
Contract length. Commonly a fixed term such as 12 or 24 months, though some rolling or short term options exist.
Exit fees. Whether leaving a fixed term contract early carries a charge, and how it is calculated.
Installation or activation charges. Whether setting up the connection carries a one off cost, and whether it is waived as part of an offer.
Router and equipment. Whether the router is included, and what happens to it if you switch away later.
Whether a landline is actually required. Some plans bundle a phone line whether or not you use it, and this can affect the price you are comparing against.
Broadband plus TV bundles. Compare the bundle directly against buying broadband alone plus any streaming subscriptions you would keep anyway, rather than assuming a bundle is automatically cheaper overall.
Installation lead time. How soon a new connection can realistically be activated, particularly if you are moving home or changing connection technology.
Getting ready

What to have ready before you compare or switch

Having a few details ready makes any comparison faster and more accurate, whether you are checking availability or contacting a provider directly.

  • Your Eircode. The fastest way for a checker or provider to confirm what is available at your exact address.
  • Your current provider and account details. Useful for comparing what you have now against what is on offer, and for arranging a switch if you decide to move.
  • A description of any current problem. Note whether poor performance happens everywhere or only in certain rooms, since this affects whether the fix is a new plan or a WiFi change inside the home.
  • Your current contract end date. Relevant if an exit fee applies and you want to avoid it, or if you are simply free to switch now.
Callback

Request a callback

Tell us what you would like help with and a member of the comparison team will contact you.

How it works

  1. Send your details using this form.
  2. A member of the comparison team will call you.
  3. Discuss the available options and decide whether any of them suit you.

Useful to have to hand

  • Your Eircode, so availability at your address can be checked
  • Your current provider and what you pay each month
  • When your current contract ends

Fields marked with an asterisk (*) are required.

For example, 087 123 4567. Include the country code if it is not an Irish number.

By submitting this form, you agree that your details may be shared with Selectra so they can contact you about your enquiry. See our Privacy Policy.

Using this guide

How to use this broadband guide

Upgrader.ie provides the information and the preparation on this page. We explain connection types, speed and what to check before you compare, so you can choose a broadband plan with confidence. Upgrader.ie is not itself a price comparison website and does not sell or switch broadband plans.

  • Upgrader.ie explains what matters and helps you get ready to compare

  • The Broadband Needs Check above helps you work out what your household needs

  • You check availability and switch directly with the provider or service you choose

Upgrader.ie is an independent information resource. If you request a callback, the plans discussed may not include every provider or plan available at your address. Check availability at your address directly with National Broadband Ireland, Open Eir or SIRO. Any switch is a decision between you and the provider or service you choose. See Our Partnerships.

A person comparing broadband options at a kitchen table
Switching or activating

What happens when you switch or activate broadband

  • Same connection technology. Switching provider while keeping the same type of connection at the same address can often be arranged with little or no gap in service.
  • Different connection technology. Moving to a different type of connection, such as from copper based broadband to fibre, generally needs a new installation, which can involve a waiting period. Ask any provider directly about current lead times.
  • Moving home. Availability and connection technology at a new address are separate from your current one and need to be checked independently, ideally before you finalise a moving date.
  • Avoiding an unnecessary loss of service. If you are simply changing provider rather than moving or changing connection technology, ask whether your existing line or connection can be reused, which can avoid unnecessary new work or a gap in service.

For the full switching process, including notice periods, contract terms and what to have ready, see our guide to how to switch broadband provider in Ireland.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Does Upgrader.ie compare every broadband provider in Ireland?

No. Upgrader.ie is an independent information resource. We explain what affects broadband choice and what to check before comparing or switching. Upgrader.ie does not itself operate a price comparison or switching service.

How do I know what broadband connection is available at my address?

Use an Eircode or address based checker, such as those provided by National Broadband Ireland, Open Eir or SIRO, to see which network operators and connection types serve your specific address. Availability depends on your infrastructure, not on what is advertised nationally, and can differ from a neighbouring address. See Check availability before comparing price above.

Why is my WiFi slow in some rooms even though I am told I have a fast broadband connection?

A fast connection entering your home does not guarantee a strong signal in every room. Distance from the router, thick walls, concrete floors and interference from other devices all weaken WiFi separately from your underlying broadband speed. If performance is poor only in certain rooms, this usually points to WiFi coverage or router placement rather than the broadband plan itself. See Broadband speed versus WiFi performance above.

Will my broadband be disconnected while I switch provider?

It depends on whether the connection technology is changing. Switching between providers using the same type of connection at the same address can often be arranged with little or no gap. Moving to a different connection technology, or a new build address, is more likely to need a new installation, which can involve a waiting period. Ask any provider directly about lead time before ending an existing service. See What happens when you switch or activate broadband above.

Does the advertised broadband price stay the same for the whole contract?

Not always. Many broadband plans advertise an introductory price that applies for a limited period, after which the price rises to a higher ongoing rate. Check the length of the introductory period, the price that applies afterwards, and whether any exit fee applies if you decide to leave a fixed term contract early. See How to Compare Cheap Broadband Deals above.

Is Upgrader.ie an accredited broadband comparison service?

Upgrader.ie is an information resource, not a price comparison website, and does not claim any accreditation. Confirm directly with ComReg how any accreditation or regulatory framework currently applies before relying on it.

Have a question about your broadband options? A member of the comparison team can call you.

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Broadband guides

Go deeper on broadband in Ireland

Four companion guides that go further into speed needs, connection types, switching and rural broadband options.

Related guides

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  • All guides: our full library of independent home upgrade and household services guides.
Sources

Where to verify the latest position

This page summarises publicly available guidance current as of September 2026. It is not a substitute for checking directly with the bodies below, and availability, coverage and plan details can change after publication.

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