Do I need business broadband?

At Business Broadband Hub, we specialise in connecting companies with the best business broadband providers.

We’re often asked by small business owners whether they actually need to spend extra on a business broadband contract.

This article aims to answer that question by covering the similarities, differences, and price implications of home versus business broadband.

Is there a difference between business and home broadband?

Let’s start with a fundamental point: business and residential broadband packages are very similar.

In both cases, your broadband provider will connect your property to the local broadband infrastructure, providing internet access via a WiFi router.

The biggest broadband providers (BT, TalkTalk, Virgin, etc) offer both home and business broadband products. The payment structure is also similar for both, with an agreed monthly fee for a fixed number of years.

However, there are some key differences; let’s explore these:

Home broadband vs business broadband: What are the differences?

The lists below summarise the key features differentiating home and business broadband packages.

Home broadband features

Bundled broadband packages – The best home broadband deals are often bundled with products like TV packages, which are helpful in the home but not for businesses.
Dynamic IP address – The IP address of a home broadband package regularly changes, making it easier for individuals to maintain their privacy online.
Peak time throttling – Home broadband providers use throttling to reduce the speed available to home users at peak times to manage their bandwidth.

Business broadband features

Advanced routers – Business broadband routers are more advanced, offering higher performance, reliability, and security.
Static IP – Business broadband deals usually include a static IP option, allowing businesses to host servers and websites.
SLAs – A typical business broadband contract will include specific guarantees for uptime and time to fix issues.
Redundancy – Business broadband deals typically offer redundancy connections, such as a 5G business broadband backup, in case of a connection problem.

How much more expensive is business broadband?

Both business and home broadband packages have a wide range of prices depending on the provider, connection type, and speed.

A basic business broadband deal is usually only a few pounds per month more expensive than the equivalent home broadband connection.

Additional features, such as enhanced SLAs and business broadband cybersecurity protections in business broadband contracts, contribute to the extra cost.

Large businesses can spend significant amounts on enterprise broadband solutions such as leased line broadband, 5G private networks, and SD-WAN services.

Find out more with our complete guide to business broadband prices.

Home vs business broadband – FAQs

Our experts answer the most common questions about the differences between home and business broadband connections.

Is business broadband faster than home broadband?

Business broadband is not necessarily faster than residential broadband, as both types of broadband rely on the same infrastructure.

A fast full fibre business broadband package and its equivalent home package will both offer speeds of around 1,000 Mbps.

The main difference occurs at peak times when broadband providers may deliberately prioritise their business customers, potentially slowing down home broadband connections.

Can I use business broadband for home?

Nothing is stopping you from getting a business broadband connection for your home.

Since COVID-19, the boundaries between work and home have become blurred. People across the country spend more time taking work video calls at home in their pyjamas.

Broadband providers will offer business broadband packages to any property with access to their network, even if that property is a home.

The key consideration is whether you want to spend the additional money on business broadband features.