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EE Full Fibre 500 Review: A Premium Mid-Tier Powerhouse?
Stepping up from entry-level full fibre often leads you to a sweet spot: the 500Mbps tier. It’s the kind of speed that promises to make buffering a distant memory, even with multiple 4K streams, large file downloads, and competitive gaming all happening at once. But does EE’s Full Fibre 500 plan deliver on this promise of effortless, high-performance internet?
As part of the BT Group, EE leverages the extensive Openreach network, but positions itself as the more innovative and speed-focused brand. With a claimed average download speed of 500Mbps and a robust 73Mbps upload, this plan is aimed at busy households and serious home workers.
We’ve analysed the specs, sifted through customer feedback, and compared it to the competition to see if EE’s offering provides good value or if you’re simply paying a premium for the brand name.
EE Broadband
Powered by BT With Great Hardware
✅ You crave blistering speeds (1.6Gbps is overkill, but future-proof).
✅ Gaming or WFH is non-negotiable (hello, Game Mode!).
✅ You value quick customer support and low complaint rates.
EE Full Fibre 500 Speed Comparison Tool
What this means for you:
Speed & Performance: Reliable and Rapid
Key Stats
| Metric | EE Full Fibre 500 | Industry Average for 500Mbps |
|---|---|---|
| Average Download Speed | 500Mbps | 450-500Mbps |
| Upload Speed | 73Mbps | 50-70Mbps |
| Technology | Full Fibre (FTTP) | FTTP/FTTC |
Real-World Performance
- Typical Speeds: As a full fibre product, expect consistently high speeds with minimal drop-off during peak hours .
- Upload Capability: The 73Mbps upload is a standout feature, making it excellent for video conferencing, cloud backups, and content creation .
- Low Latency: Full fibre connections provide significantly lower latency and a more reliable connection compared to part-fibre options, which is crucial for online gaming and real-time applications .
Who Actually Needs 500Mbps?
✅ Households with 4+ heavy internet users
✅ Frequent 4K streaming on multiple screens
✅ Online gamers and those uploading large files regularly
✅ Home workers using cloud services and video calls extensively
❌ Smaller households with basic browsing and streaming needs
What Can You Do with 500Mbps?
Plan Breakdown: Understanding the Pricing
EE structures its plans with a base broadband cost and several optional add-ons, allowing for customization.
Plan & Add-on Overview
| Component | What’s Included/Cost | Is It Worth It? |
|---|---|---|
| Base Plan | £31.99/month (24-month contract) | Core service with Smart Hub Plus router |
| Smart Hub Pro Upgrade | +£10/month | For tech enthusiasts with Wi-Fi 7 devices; overkill for most |
| Smart Wi-Fi Plus | +£7/month | Adds a mesh disc; recommended for larger homes |
| Wi-Fi Enhancer | +£5/month | Prioritises gaming/work traffic; a “nice-to-have” |
| 4G Backup (Smart Hybrid Connect) | +£7/month | Crucial for those who work from home and cannot afford any downtime |
Important Pricing Note: Like most providers, EE implements an annual price increase. Your monthly cost will rise each year by the Consumer Price Index (CPI) rate of inflation plus 3.9% .
Price Comparison Table
| Provider | Plan Speed | Monthly Cost | Key Differentiator |
|---|---|---|---|
| EE | 500Mbps | £31.99 | Premium hardware, mobile discounts |
| BT | 500Mbps | ~£34.99 (est.) | Similar network, often includes more TV/entertainment |
| Vodafone | 500Mbps | ~£32.00 (est.) | Often cheaper upfront |
| Sky | 500Mbps | ~£38.00 (est.) | Strong TV and entertainment bundles |
Mobile Customer Advantage: EE pay monthly mobile customers receive an ongoing 10% discount on their broadband bill, making the deals significantly more competitive .
Router & Hardware: Modern and Capable
Included Router: Smart Hub Plus
- Wi-Fi 6 Technology: The standard router provided is the Smart Hub Plus, which supports modern Wi-Fi 6 for efficient multi-device connectivity .
- Management: Easy setup and network controls are handled through the user-friendly EE app .
- Coverage: Suitable for most 3-4 bedroom homes. For larger properties or those with thick walls, the Smart Wi-Fi Plus add-on (mesh discs) is recommended .
Optional Upgrades:
- Smart Hub Pro: For an extra £10/month, you can upgrade to a Wi-Fi 7 router, making EE one of the first major UK providers to offer this future-proof technology .
- Smart Hybrid Connect: This 4G backup box is a valuable add-on for reliability. It automatically switches to EE’s mobile network if your fibre line fails, ensuring you stay online .
Customer Service: EE’s Winning Card
Customer Satisfaction Scores
Support Channels:
- UK-Based Call Centers: 24/7 availability
- Online Chat: Average 5-minute wait times
- EE App: Comprehensive troubleshooting tools
- Community Forum: Peer-to-peer support
EE Broadband
Powered by BT With Great Hardware
✅ You crave blistering speeds (1.6Gbps is overkill, but future-proof).
✅ Gaming or WFH is non-negotiable (hello, Game Mode!).
✅ You value quick customer support and low complaint rates.
Verdict: A Solid Choice for the Connected Household
Choose EE Full Fibre 500 if:
✅ You are an EE mobile customer (the discount makes it a great deal) .
✅ You value hardware innovation like available Wi-Fi 7 and 4G backup .
✅ Your household has high demands for both download and upload speeds .
✅ You want a provider with a strong track record for reliable full fibre performance .
Consider alternatives if:
❌ You are on a tight budget and are not an EE mobile customer.
❌ You prioritize the absolute best customer service experience above all else .
❌ You do not need the extra speed and a lower-tier plan would suffice.
Final Thoughts
EE’s Full Fibre 500 is the premium estate car of broadband – offering serious power and space for the whole family, without the supercar price tag. It delivers a rock-solid 500Mbps for downloads and a zippy 73Mbps for uploads, all powered by a capable Wi-Fi 6 router that handles multiple devices with ease.
At £31.99/month, it sits in a competitive sweet spot, though Vodafone often undercuts it slightly. The real value unlock is for EE mobile customers, who get a 10% discount. For smaller households, the 150Mbps plan is plenty, but for families with heavy streaming, gaming, and working from home, this 500Mbps tier is the perfect balance of performance and price.
My take: Go for EE Full Fibre 500 if you’re a data-hungry household that wants headroom for the future and you’re on an EE mobile plan. If you’re a budget-focused buyer, check Vodafone’s price. For content creators who live in the upload lane, a symmetrical alt-net might be worth the hunt.
Still torn? Compare all 500Mbps deals here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does EE Full Fibre 500 come with a landline?
No, EE’s Full Fibre plans are data-only and do not include a traditional landline. If you need a home phone service, you can add a Digital Home Phone service for an extra cost, which provides calling over your broadband connection .
What is the Wi-Fi Enhancer feature?
This is an EE feature that allows you to prioritise internet traffic for specific uses, like gaming (Game Mode) or work applications. It aims to reduce lag and find the best server connection, though it comes at an additional monthly cost .
Is the Wi-Fi 7 router upgrade worth the extra £10/month?
For most households, probably not yet. The Smart Hub Plus (Wi-Fi 6) is already very capable. The Smart Hub Pro (Wi-Fi 7) is a future-proofing option best suited for tech enthusiasts with many Wi-Fi 7 compatible devices who want to maximise performance .
What happens if my speed is consistently below 500Mbps?
EE guarantees the speed to your hub. If after 30 days of reporting an issue they cannot restore the promised performance, you may be able to exit your contract without an early termination fee .
Can I use my own router with EE?
Yes, but you might lose access to some of EE’s bespoke features and support guarantees that are optimized for their own Smart Hub .
Are there any perks for EE mobile customers?
Yes, this is a significant advantage. EE pay monthly mobile customers get a 10% ongoing discount on their broadband bill and often receive extra data on their mobile plan .
What is the contract length and are there setup fees?
EE Full Fibre 500 typically comes with a 24-month contract and often has no upfront setup cost .
How does the annual price increase work?
EE, like most major providers, increases your monthly bill each year (usually in March or April) by the Consumer Price Index (CPI) rate of inflation plus 3.9%. This means your bill will go up by a few pounds each year .
