Origin Broadband Review

Origin, best known for its pay upfront deals, is relatively a small provider in the UK with a limited customer base.

More like other budget providers such as TalkTalk and Plusnet, it offers a simple range of low priced broadband deals with great value and backed by great customer support.

Origin broadband may not include everything you want, but, it is worth considering, if you look out for a fast & reliable broadband service and when additional services like TV and free extras like public WiFi are not important for you.

Like most UK providers, Origin offers one standard ADSL plan with 11Mbps average speed and two fibre plans with 35Mbps and 67Mbps speeds.

Origin broadband is the starter package (11Mbps average) that would perfectly meet the requirements of most households with a couple of users, for internet surfing, steaming videos and social networking. It comes with 12 month contract length.

Origin Fibre is better suited for a quite big family, for watching TV shows and videos in HD and 4K ultra HD. It comes with 35Mbps average download speed and 9Mbps upload speed. A minimum 18 month contract applies.

Origin Max is the fastest package that is great for busy households with multiple users, for streaming HD & 4K videos and for gaming. The plan offers an average 67Mbps download speed and 17Mbps upload speed.

Pros

Truly unlimited

Origin broadband comes with absolutely no monthly usage caps and no traffic management policy. Your connection is never slowed down at anytime during the day or peak times.

Pay as you go calls

All packages include line rental and pay as you go calls as basic. You can upgrade to evening & weekends, anytime or anytime with international calls

30 month price freeze guarantee

The 30 month price freeze guarantee applies to your broadband for 30 months including the length of contract and it will also include call packages or add-ons that you buy at the time of sign up. The extra services that you add later will not get this benefit. 

Pay upfront plans

Origin offers discount and savings of up to 25% when you subscribe for pay upfront plans which require you to pay in advance for your entire contract length of 12 months, 18 months and 24 months.

Cons

Simple WiFi router 

The standard router (Asus DSL-N16) is not up to mark and lacks advanced features that BT Smart Hub or Sky Q Hub come with.It is included with standard & fibre broadband packages. 

However, the advanced Asus DSL-AC56 or the DSL-AC68 router is available with additional, one-off cost.

No ultra-fast speeds

Origin offers top speeds of 67Mbps without any options for ultra-fast plans.

No TV bundles 

Origin does not offer TV with broadband. You can’t add additional services like TV or mobile.

Prices vary

Origin broadband prices may vary depending on location. If you live in its high cost areas, higher costs will apply.

No Extras 

Origin broadband does not include free extras like public WiFi, web storage and internet security like BT, Sky and Virgin Media.