Three 5G Home Broadband Review: Cutting the Cord Without Compromise
Tired of waiting weeks for an engineer to install fibre broadband? Sick of buffering during Netflix binges while your family’s 10 devices fight for bandwidth? You’re not alone.
As traditional broadband struggles to keep up with modern demands, Three’s 5G Home Broadband emerges as a wireless saviour. I’ve tested this plug-and-play router for six weeks across urban and suburban homes – here’s why it might finally make you ditch your landline for good.
The compact router blends into any room – no ugly cables or wall drilling required.
Three Broadband
No Landline No Problem – Unlimited Data
✅ Renters or frequent movers: No installation = no landlord headaches.
✅ Rural users: If fibre hasn’t reached you, Three’s 4G/5G can be a lifeline.
✅ Temp setups: Think pop-up shops, festivals, or backup internet.
Key Takeaways: Why This Matters
Before we dive deep, here’s what urban streamers, remote workers, and tech nomads need to know:
- Blazing Speeds: 150-700 Mbps downloads – 3x faster than average UK fibre
- Plug & Play Setup: Online in 15 minutes vs 3-week fibre installations
- Budget-Friendly: £20-24/month undercuts most broadband contracts
- Gamer-Ready: 35-40ms latency handles Fortnite (but Counter-Strike pros beware)
- Risk-Free Trial: 30-day money-back guarantee
The Setup: Easier Than IKEA Furniture
Three’s system is refreshingly simple:
- Unbox: Router, SIM card, power cable
- Position: Window sill (upstairs works best)
- Connect: Plug in, wait for green lights
- Optimize: Test locations using their app’s signal meter
Pro Tip: Rotating the router between windows boosted my speeds from 220 Mbps to 340 Mbps – worth 5 minutes of experimentation!
Speed Showdown: 5G vs Fibre
Real-world tests across three households revealed consistent performance:
| Activity | Three 5G Performance | Virgin Fibre Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| 4K Streaming | 8 simultaneous screens | 3 screens |
| Zoom Call + Gaming | Zero lag | Occasional pixelation |
| PS5 Game Download (50GB) | 12 minutes | 35 minutes |
| Smart Home Devices | 42 connected devices stable | 25-device limit |
Gaming: Not Just for Mobile Anymore
As a casual gamer, I was shocked:
- Fortnite: Stable 38ms ping (wired)
- Xbox Cloud Gaming: Flawless 1080p
- Massive Updates: 700 Mbps peak = 1.2GB/minute
Latency Comparison: 5G vs. Fibre
But hardcore gamers note: Fibre’s 10-20ms latency still rules for esports.
Wi-Fi Woes? Not Here!
Testing coverage was done in a 3-story detached property
Ground Floor Kitchen: 190 Mbps
Attic Office: 275 Mbps
Back Garden: 134 Mbps (boosted to 210 Mbps with a £60 mesh extender)
Router Specs That Matter:
Price Breakdown: Where 5G Shines
Why pay more for slower fibre?
| Provider | Speed | Price | Contract | Setup |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Three 5G | 150-700Mbps | £22/month | 24 months | Free |
| BT Fibre | 67Mbps | £31.99 | 24 months | £30 |
| Virgin Media | 132Mbps | £35 | 18 months | £35 |
Source: Ofcom UK Home Broadband Report 2023
Who’s This For? (Spoiler: Probably You)
Perfect Match If You:
✅ Rent and can’t install fibre
✅ Live in cities with 5G coverage areas
✅ Hate long contracts and engineer visits
✅ Need flexibility (works in vans/boats!)
Stick With Fibre If You:
❌ Host serious gaming tournaments
❌ Have 6+ 4K security cameras
❌ Live in rural 4G only areas
Three Broadband
No Landline No Problem – Unlimited Data
✅ Renters or frequent movers: No installation = no landlord headaches.
✅ Rural users: If fibre hasn’t reached you, Three’s 4G/5G can be a lifeline.
✅ Temp setups: Think pop-up shops, festivals, or backup internet.
The Verdict: Internet Freedom Unleashed
Three’s 5G Home Broadband isn’t just an alternative – it’s an upgrade. While not flawless (I’d kill for symmetrical uploads), the combo of easy setup, blistering speeds, and no strings attached makes this the best broadband innovation since fibre landed.
Still on the fence? Their 30-day trial is genuinely risk-free. I returned my first unit hassle-free when testing rural performance.
Rating: 4.5/5 ★★★★☆
Docked half a star for upload limitations, but still a game-changer
FAQs: Your Questions Answered
Can I use my Netgear Nighthawk router instead?
Absolutely! Enable modem mode on Three’s hub and connect via Ethernet.
What if I move house?
Unplug and reconnect anywhere with 5G coverage – no provider transfer drama.
Is there really no data cap?
None. I downloaded 1.2TB in a month with zero throttling.
Rain affecting speeds?
Modern 5G handles weather well – saw 5% speed dips during storms.
