If you're looking for broadband but don't want to commit to a lengthy tie-in then short-term and no contract broadband packages might be perfect for you. They give you the chance to connect for short periods of time - ideal for temporary fixes and flexibility.

Key points

• Short-term and no contract broadband are ideal if you don't intend on staying with a provider for a long time
• While they offer greater flexibility in terms of commitment, a 30-day deal tends to cost more than you'd pay per month on an annual contract, plus there are significant set-up costs
• Look at the bundles available before you choose a provider as you may be able to enjoy perks such as free TV packages, but ultimately the deals are better when you commit for longer

What are short-term and no contract broadband deals?

For the majority of broadband deals, you can expect to be locked in for anything between 12 and 24 months. However, there are some providers who offer much shorter deals that start at 30 days with no compulsory renewal after the period ends.

These packages are ideal if you only plan on being somewhere for the short-term, as the name suggests, such as a holiday home or for student accommodation. It’s worth checking out the costs you may have to pay for the added freedom.

Is there a difference between short-term and no contract broadband?

The only things that differ between the individual deals are the providers, the length of service, the speeds, the download limits and any add-ons.

The similarity that groups these types of internet packages together is that they don't force the customer to commit for over six months at a time, and in most cases the deals won't automatically renew at the end of the time period.

Advantages of short-term and no contract broadband

• You won't be tied in to a particular product for a long period of time
• The option to cancel your service at any time, often without large cancellation fees
• Change providers as and when it suits you
• Test out a provider before committing to one of their longer deals
• You can still access fast surfing speeds, decent download limits and added extras

Disadvantages of short-term and no contract broadband

• In most cases you have to pay a set-up fee, which can be expensive
• If you change from one short-term internet provider to another, you'll probably have to pay another set-up fee
• The luxury of flexibility can come at a price, on average working out as more expensive per month than longer term contracts
• You might still have to pay for things like a router or line rental, depending on the deal
• The bonus add-ons and extras may not be as good as those offered with long-term deals

What might I miss out on by not having a traditional contract deal?

By purchasing a short-term contract, you could potentially miss out on cheaper deals on a month-by-month basis as longer contracts can bring the cost down. With longer contracts come commitment perks, such as discounts or freebies with broadband equipment. You will have to renew your internet deal as regularly as every month rather than once every year or two.

Ultimately, you’ll need to weigh up your options and decide whether you want to pay higher costs and miss out on potential freebies from your favourite broadband provider

Alternatives to short-term and no contract broadband

• Tethering - You use the data that you receive on your mobile phone as though it's your Wi-Fi hotspot, essentially extending your phone's internet access so that it can be reached from your laptop or computer.
• Using a dongle - A dongle is a small modem stick that fits into the USB port on your computer or laptop. It allows you to access mobile internet, much like a larger modem would, but it's often limited in terms of data usage and connection speeds.

Find the latest broadband deals, whether it be short-term or long-term, by comparing a range of providers to discover the right package for you.

Compare short term broadband deals