Skip to main content

Compare Broadband Providers NZ 2026 — Side-by-Side Comparison

Updated

All NZ fibre broadband providers use the same Chorus or LFC infrastructure — the physical connection to your home is identical. The main differences are price, contract terms, customer service, and extras like routers and included content.

Summary of best picks

Cheapest: Skinny (~$55/month Fibre 300) or BigPipe
Best value overall: Voyager or Orcon
Best for bundling with power: Electric Kiwi
Best premium: Spark
Best rural/no-fibre: Starlink

Full Comparison Table — NZ Broadband Providers (2026)

ProviderFibre 300Fibre 900ContractDataCustomer serviceNotable
Skinny~$55/mo~$75/moNoneUnlimitedOnline/chatCheapest fibre in NZ
BigPipe~$55/mo~$75/moNoneUnlimitedOnline onlyNo phone support
Voyager~$70/mo~$85/moNoneUnlimitedNZ phoneStrong service, independent
Electric Kiwi~$65/mo (bundle)~$80/moNoneUnlimitedPhone/onlinePower bundle discount
NOW~$68/mo~$82/moNoneUnlimitedPhone/onlineIndependent, competitive
Orcon~$70/mo~$85/moNoneUnlimitedPhone/onlinePart of 2degrees
2degrees~$70/mo~$85/moNoneUnlimitedPhone/onlineOwns Orcon and Slingshot
One NZ~$75/mo~$90/moNoneUnlimitedPhone/onlineStrong 5G options
Spark~$78/mo~$100/moOptionalUnlimitedFull NZ supportLargest ISP, retail stores
Mercury~$72/mo~$86/moNoneUnlimitedPhone/onlineAlso provides power

Prices are approximate as of mid-2026. Always check provider websites for current pricing.


Provider Profiles

Skinny Broadband

Spark’s budget brand. Cheapest or near-cheapest fibre plans in NZ. Good for price-focused households comfortable with online-only support.

BigPipe

Another budget provider (historically Spark-associated). Online-only support — no phone number. Very cheap plans.

  • Verdict: Best for: absolute minimum price, tech-savvy users comfortable without phone support
  • Full review →

Voyager Broadband

Independent, NZ-owned ISP with a strong reputation for customer service. No data caps, no lock-in, NZ-based phone support. One of the best all-round choices.

Electric Kiwi

Power + broadband bundle specialist. Adding broadband to an EK power account saves on monthly costs. Good Chorus fibre connection.

NOW Broadband

Independent ISP, competitive pricing, phone support. One of the smaller independents with a loyal customer base.

  • Verdict: Good alternative to Voyager for independent ISP choice
  • Full review →

Orcon

2degrees subsidiary. Good mid-tier option. Competitive pricing with phone support. Often runs deals for new customers.

  • Verdict: Best for: 2degrees mobile customers wanting a bundle
  • Full review →

2degrees

Parent company of Orcon and Slingshot. Also sells broadband directly under the 2degrees brand. Mobile bundle discounts available.

One NZ

Formerly Vodafone NZ. Strong 5G broadband options alongside fibre. 5G Home Broadband is available in many urban areas as a plug-and-play wireless option.

  • Verdict: Best for: 5G Home Broadband and One NZ mobile bundle customers
  • Full review →

Spark

NZ’s largest ISP. Most comprehensive support options, including in-store help. Premium pricing, but reliable.

  • Verdict: Best for: customers who value in-person support and full service range
  • Full review →

What to Look for When Comparing

1. Price (total annual cost)

Include the monthly plan cost plus:

  • Any sign-up or activation fees
  • Router cost (some provide free, some charge $50–$100)
  • Any early termination fees

2. Contract terms

Most NZ ISPs now offer month-to-month (no contract). Some offer 12–24 month fixed terms with better monthly rates or included hardware. No-contract plans are generally preferable for flexibility.

3. Data caps

All major NZ fibre plans are now unlimited data. Be cautious of older or very cheap plans that cap data at 100GB or similar.

4. Customer service

How do you want support if your connection drops?

  • Phone support: Spark, One NZ, 2degrees, Voyager, Orcon, EK
  • Online/chat only: Skinny, BigPipe
  • 24/7 support: Spark (most comprehensive)

5. Speed tier

Fibre 300 is sufficient for most households. Only upgrade to 900 if you have 10+ heavy users or specific high-upload needs.