Plusnet broadband routers

Dan Howdle • November 21st, 2024

Plusnet has established itself as a consumer-friendly, budget broadband provider, offering decent broadband options at a more affordable price than some of its competitors. Plusnet is owned by BT, so the broadband is essentially the same as that provided by BT.

There can be a real difference in performance between the routers supplied by different broadband companies. After all, what is the use of a lightning-fast internet connection if the router’s Wi-Fi can’t provide a reliable connection to your home office or bedroom? In this guide we will take a look at the features which make up Plusnet’s routers.

In this guide...

How to get one Legacy routers

Features FAQs

Setting up

How to get a Plusnet router

If you want a Plusnet router, you will need to sign up for a Plusnet broadband package. There are numerous options. Most households will be able to get the 66Mbps 'Plusnet Fibre Broadband'. And if you’re lucky enough to live somewhere you can get Full Fibre (also known as FTTP broadband), the 145Mbps Full Fibre 145, 300Mbps Full Fibre 300, 500Mbps Full Fibre 500, and the 910Mbps Full Fibre 900 will also be available to you.

Plusnet now supplies one type off router for all its packages – the same router you'll get with a BT Broadband deal, in fact, here called the Plusnet Hub Two. It supersedes the old HUB One, which is no longer available. The new Hub Two router is better equipped to cope with faster speeds. However it's not a Wi-Fi 6 router, so don't expect the top Wi-Fi speeds available. Other providers do offer Wi-Fi 6, with EE Broadband even now offering a Wi-Fi 7 router, which is truly bleeding edge. However, Plusnet is a budget provider, and you do get what you pay for.

Your Plusnet router will normally arrive within a couple of weeks of signing up to a new package. If you require a new phone line, the engineer may also set up your router. Otherwise you will receive your new router in the post and set it up yourself.

Compare Plusnet broadband

Plusnet router features

Only the Hub Two is now suppled by Plusnet across all of its broadband packages after it stopped offering ADSL, which would previously have required the Hub One.

Plusnet Hub Two specifications

Full Fibre only – Supplied with Plusnet’s Full Fibre broadband packages
Next generation wifi – Hub Two offers dual band wifi creating two discrete networks in your home. A 2.4Ghz and a 5Ghz network. The former uses the 802.11b, g, and n protocols, the latter the fastest 802.11ac format
Smart channel selection – The Hub Two automatically connects your devices to the fastest wifi channel and frequency available
Four gigabit ethernet ports – The Hub Two has three gigabit ethernet ports, so you can use a wired connection for up to three devices directly, or daisy chain devices from any or all of these ports to your heart’s content
USB port – The useful addition of a USB Port allows users to connect shared hard drives, shared printers and even a 5G dongle if they want a back-up internet connection
Smart power management – The Hub Two will power down when not in use

If there are any unfamiliar terms you'd like a more in-depth explanation of, check out our jargon-busting guide.

Setting up a Plusnet router

The Plusnet Hubs are designed to fit through a letterbox and be installed by the customer. If an engineer is required to install a phone line, they will also set up your router. However with auto-set up included as a feature of Plusnet’s routers, set up is a simple process and you can do it yourself.

To set up your new service, you will need to unplug your existing router, micro-switches and phones from your wall mounted telephone socket. After you have done this, plug the supplied micro-filter into your phone socket. Then plug the grey cable into the micro-filter and push the other end into the port on the back of the router.

Now you can connect the power. Switch off the mains plug socket and plug the power supply into your new router. Now insert the power plug into the mains power socket. Once this is done, switch on the power socket and switch on your router.

On the back of the router, you will find the details required to log into your new Wi-Fi. The Hub Two has a removable card slotted into the back of the router. The card has all your Wi-Fi log-in details printed on it. Wifi log-in details are also printed on the bottom of the router in case the card is lost.

Once your router is up and running, we'd suggest you start making it as secure as possible. Our guide to securing your wifi router can help.

Legacy Plusnet routers

The Plusnet Hub One and Hub Zero are no more. If you still have one you can usually get the latest router as a replacement simply by asking Plusnet.

Frequently asked questions

Will I be able to keep my Plusnet router if I leave Plusnet?

Unlike some suppliers such as Virgin Media, you can either keep your router, or return it to Plusnet for recycling.

Can I get Plusnet broadband without a phone line?

You need a phone line to get Plusnet Standard Fibre, however Full Fibre packages require only a fibre line and do not require a traditional phone line.

What is the latest Plusnet router?

Plusnet’s latest (and now only) router is the Hub Two, which comes with its Full Fibre broadband packages. Customers on Plusnet’s older routers can usually get a free upgrade to whichever router is now appropriate to your current connection.

Can I use my own router with Plusnet?

For the technically-minded among you, a top class router will perform better than the free routers given away by broadband providers. It is important to note that you will need to know what you are doing however. Some fiddly set-up will be needed and you must be sure the router you buy is right for the broadband service you have.

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