Vodafone Broadband Review

We review Vodafone's five broadband plans and outline the pros and cons of each, benefits and how to get the best price.

Updated 25 July 2021
Summary: 
  • Vodafone in a Nutshell: Vodafone is the second-largest broadband and mobile provider in New Zealand, with a market share of approximately 24% and 37%, respectively. This places Vodafone in an interesting position, in which it constantly seeks to improve its service offerings to close the gap with current market leader, Spark.
  • Coverage: Vodafone broadband services are not available in all areas. To find out what type of service is available in your area, visit their website and enter your address.
  • Plans and Pricing: Vodafone offers four plans:
  1. Unlimited ADSL/VDSL Broadband Plan (from $88.99/month)
  2. Unlimited Fibre 100 Broadband Plan (from $79/month)
  3. Unlimited FibreMax Broadband (from $108.99/month)
  4. Wireless Broadband Plan (from $55/month)
  5. UltraFast HFC Max Unlimited Broadband Plan ($63/month)
 
How to get the best price on a Vodafone broadband plan: 
  1. New Customers: Plans with Vodafone are cheapest when you bring your own modem, sign up on an open term contract and bundle broadband with Vodafone’s mobile plans. Interestingly, Vodafone's monthly rates are lower on Open Term plans than on a 12-month Term, although you do receive a free Vodafone modem on a 12-month plan.
  2. Renewing: If you're happy with Vodafone and would like to continue, the best approach is to compare the pricing when your contract comes up for renewal. If Vodafone offers a better deal than the renew rate, contact their support team and ask for them to apply it to your account.
 
Our review: 
This guide details the four plans pros, and cons compare the plans side-by-side and outline how to choose the right Vodafone broadband plan for you. We cover:

Christopher Walsh, Founder of MoneyHub, shares his views on comparing broadband providers:

  • Broadband plans have never been cheaper or faster, thanks to a nationwide fibre rollout, more competition and better technology.
  • That being said, we believe what matters is reliability, speed, price and support.
  • Our best broadband providers guide and this review help you make an informed choice. Our research team is committed to keeping everything up to date so you can easily find the best deal. 
  • We don't publish complicated tables or tools for comparing broadband. Instead, we focus on making you aware of the best deals where the pricing is fixed for at least 12 months.
  • If you have something we need to know about, please contact our research team - we would love to hear from you.
  • Unlike other broadband comparison websites, we have no relationship with any broadband company, and we're proud that our guides are 100% independent.

Vodafone Broadband Set Up and Installation Charges

Know this first: When comparing broadband providers, service setup charges are an essential part of the deal. In the case of Vodafone, all plans share the same set-up fees. 
  1. Installation cost: Standard installation is free of charge in all Vodafone plans. In other words, if your household already has a phone line and/or ADSL connection, or the fibre access point is within 200 meters from your house, then you will not have to pay for installation.
  2. Modem cost: All plans have the option to rent a Vodafone modem for $4/month (a one time $14.95 postage fee applies). Vodafone’s 4G/5G wireless broadband plans already include a modem.
 
Important: 
  • Non-standard installation fees may apply if your household requires a new ADSL, VDSL, or Fibre connection.

Vodafone Broadband Customer Service and Outage Support

  • Vodafone's Customer Support hours related to billing or switching plans are from Monday to Friday, 7 am - 8 pm, and Weekends and Holidays from 8 am - 6 pm. Outage support is 24/7 via phone, live chat, and TOBi digital assistant. Alternatively, you can browse ‘Help with Broadband’ FAQs.

How fast is a Vodafone broadband connection?

The speed of your internet connection will be determined by the type of line available in your area. Depending on your location, Vodafone may have ADSL, VDSL, Standard Fibre or the FiberMax lines. Below is a reference of what to expect from each line: 
  • Vodafone’s ADSL Speed: Up to 10Mbps download speed / 1Mbps upload speed
  • Vodafone’s VDSL Speed: Up to 50Mbps download speed / 10Mbps upload speed
  • Vodafone’s Fibre 100 Speed: Up to 100Mbps download speed / 20Mbps upload speed
  • Vodafone’s Fibre 200 Speed: Up to 200Mbps download speed / 20Mbps upload speed
  • Vodafone’s FibreMax Speed: Up to 700-900Mbps download speed / 400-450Mbps upload speed
  • Vodafone’s Wireless Speed: Up to 100Mbps download speed (4G), up to 750Mbps download speed (5G). Both figures are based on optimal conditions
  • Vodafone's UltraFast HFC Max Speed: Up to 700-900Mbps download speed, 90-95Mbps upload

Comparing Vodafone Plans - Unlimited ADSL/VDSL Broadband vs Unlimited Fibre Broadband vs Wireless Broadband Plans

Vodafone offers three fixed-line broadband plans, the Unlimited ADSL/VDSL Broadband Plan, the Unlimited Fibre Broadband Plan, and the Unlimited FibreMax Broadband Plan. Additionally, Vodafone offers a Wireless Broadband Plan. Also, during the signing up process, you have the option to choose to pick a mobile plan. We outline the offering of each, as well as the pros and cons.
 
Important: Unless stated otherwise, all prices are based on an open term naked broadband plan with no Vodafone Pay Monthly Mobile Plan or home phone). 

​Vodafone Unlimited ADSL/VDSL Broadband Plan Review

Summary: ADSL/VDSL plans are the most basic offered by Vodafone, and as such, they are a good option for families or individuals with moderate speed and bandwidth requirements. 
  • Pricing: from $88.99/month – ADSL up to 10Mbps download speed / 1Mbps upload speed, VDSL up to 50Mbps download speed / 10Mbps upload speed
  • Add-ons: You can add Vodafone Mobile and home phone plans during the signup process. Home Phone plans start from $10/month.
  • Discount: When you bundle broadband with Vodafone Mobile, you will receive $10 off your broadband plan bill. As a broadband customer, you are also eligible for Vodafone Rewards.
  • Learn more: Visit Vodafone's website.
 
The Pros: 
  1. ADSL/VDSL broadband at a good price point
  2. Unlimited data transfer, with no caps to worry about
  3. Additional savings when you bundle broadband with a Vodafone mobile plan
  4. Discounts on movies, events, and more thanks to Vodafone Rewards
  5. Good value in areas where fibre broadband is not available
  6. Average speed, good for basic to moderate online tasks
  7. Free standard installation
  8. Free modem ($14.95 postage fee) on a 12-month contract
 
The Cons: 
  1. ADSL and VDSL plans cost the same
  2. Poor price-value ratio when compared to Vodafone fibre plans
  3. If you opt for a fixed-term contract and cancel it before it ends, you will have to pay an early termination fee of up to $199. For more details, read Vodafone Terms and Conditions

Vodafone Unlimited Fibre Broadband Plans Review

Summary: Vodafone's Unlimited Fiber Broadband Plans offer an unsurpassed cost-benefit ratio, along with enough speed and bandwidth to meet the needs of any modern home in New Zealand. 
  • Pricing: from $79/month – Standard Fibre 100 up to 100Mbps download speed / 20Mbps upload speed
  • Add-ons: You can add Vodafone Mobile and home phone plans during the signup process. Home Phone plans start from $10/month. You can also rent a Vodafone modem for $4/month.
  • Discount: The price includes a $10/month discount for the life of the plan, which applies regardless of your contract type. When you bundle broadband with Vodafone Mobile, you will receive $10 off your broadband plan bill. As a fibre broadband customer, you are also eligible for Vodafone Rewards and wall-to-wall SuperWifi.
  • Learn more: Visit Vodafone's website.
 
The Pros: 
  1. Offers the best value of all Vodafone broadband plans
  2. Unlimited data transfer, with no data transfer limits to worry about
  3. Additional savings when you bundle broadband with a Vodafone mobile plan
  4. Discounts on movies, events, and more thanks to Vodafone Rewards
  5. Eligible for Vodafone's state-of-the-art SuperWifi Mesh Kit
  6. Very fast, ideal for moderate to intensive online tasks
  7. Free standard installation
  8. Free modem ($14.95 postage fee) on a 12-month contract
 
The Cons: 
  1. If you opt for a fixed-term contract and cancel it before it ends, you will have to pay an early termination fee of up to $199. For more details, read Vodafone Terms and Conditions.

​Vodafone Unlimited FibreMax Broadband Plan Review

Summary: If the highest possible speed and bandwidth is what you are looking for, then Vodafone's Unlimited FibreMax Broadband plan may be for you. This plan is ideal for professionals who work from home and New Zealand families who want to enjoy multiple 4k screens simultaneously. 
  • Pricing: from $108.99/month – UltraFast Hybrid Fibre Coaxial (FibreMax)  up to 950Mbps download speed / 500Mbps upload speed.
  • Add-ons: You can add Vodafone Mobile and home phone plans during the signup process. Home Phone plans start from $10/month. You can also rent a Vodafone modem for $4/month.
  • Discount: When you bundle broadband with Vodafone Mobile, you will receive $10 off your broadband plan bill. Moreover, for a limited time, you can get an additional $10/month off if you sign up on a 12-month plan. As a fibre broadband customer, you are also eligible for Vodafone Rewards and wall-to-wall SuperWifi.
  • Learn more: Visit Vodafone's website.
 
The Pros: 
  1. Ultra-fast and reliable broadband
  2. Unlimited, no data transfer limits to worry about
  3. Additional savings when you bundle broadband with a Vodafone mobile plan
  4. Discounts on movies, events, and more thanks to Vodafone Rewards
  5. Eligible for Vodafone's state-of-the-art SuperWifi Mesh Kit
  6. Super fast, ideal for bandwidth-intensive applications
  7. Free standard installation
  8. Free modem ($14.95 postage fee) on a 12-month contract
 
The Cons: 
  1. If you opt for a fixed-term contract and cancel it before it ends, you will have to pay an early termination fee of up to $199. For more details, read Vodafone Terms and Conditions.

Vodafone Wireless Broadband Plan Review

Summary: Ready to enjoy the best wireless network in New Zealand? Vodafone offers you the best coverage and the highest speeds nationwide. 4G/5G Wireless Broadband plans are an excellent alternative for families who are just looking for an affordable and practical solution to satisfy their internet requirements. 
  • Pricing (on a 12-month term): $40/month (4G 60GB data cap), from $55/month (4G 300GB data cap), $65/month (4G Unlimited data transfer) -  Superfast 4G broadband up to 100Mbps download speed (4G), up to 750Mbps (5G)
  • Add-ons: You can add Vodafone home phone plans during the signup process. Home Phone plans start from $10/month. Free modem rental included ($14.95 shipping and handling fee applies).
  • Discount: When you bundle broadband with Vodafone Mobile, you will receive $10 off your broadband plan bill. Moreover, for a limited time, you can get an additional $10 off per month for the life of the plan if you sign up to a 12-month contract. As a wireless broadband customer, you are also eligible for Vodafone Rewards and wall-to-wall SuperWifi.
    Learn more: Visit Vodafone's website.
 
The Pros: 
  1. Superfast and reliable 4G broadband (and 5G in certain locations)
  2. Unlimited data transfer plans available
  3. Free modem rental ($14.95 postage fee applies)
  4. Additional savings when you bundle broadband with a Vodafone mobile plan
  5. Discounts on movies, events, and more thanks to Vodafone Rewards
  6. Eligible for Vodafone's state-of-the-art SuperWifi Mesh Kit
  7. Free installation
 
The Cons: 
  1. To be eligible for the Wireless plan, you have to bundle it with an Endless mobile plan on a 12-month term
  2. No open term plans available; you have to sign for either a 12 or 24-month fixed term contract.
  3. All fixed-term contracts have an early termination fee of up to $249. For more details, read Vodafone Terms and Conditions.

Vodafone UltraFast HFC Max Unlimited Broadband Plan Review

Summary: Access high speeds in parts of Wellington, Kapiti and Christchurch with the UltraFast HFC Max plan, giving you great value for high bandwidth consumption
  • Pricing: from $63/month on a 12-month plan - Up to 700-900Mbps download speed.
  • Add-ons: You can add Vodafone home phone plans during the signup process. Home Phone plans start from $10/month. Free modem rental included ($14.95 shipping and handling fee applies).
  • Discount: When you bundle broadband with Vodafone Mobile, you will receive $10 off your broadband plan bill. Moreover, for a limited time, you can get an additional $10 off per month for the life of the plan on a 12-month contract. You are also eligible for Vodafone Rewards and wall-to-wall SuperWifi.
    Learn more: Visit Vodafone's website.
 
The Pros: 
  1. Superfast broadband at a lower price than the Fibre Max plan
  2. Unlimited data transfer plans available in selected locations with 5G coverage.
  3. Free modem rental ($14.95 postage fee applies)
  4. Additional savings when you bundle broadband with a Vodafone mobile plan
  5. Discounts on movies, events, and more thanks to Vodafone Rewards.
  6. Eligible for Vodafone's state-of-the-art SuperWifi Mesh Kit
  7. Free installation
 
The Cons: 
  1. Only available in selected locations across Wellington, Kapiti and Christchurch
  2. No open term plans available; you have to sign for a 12-month term
  3. All fixed-term contracts have an early termination fee of up to $249. For more details, read Vodafone Terms and Conditions

Which Vodafone Broadband Plan is the Best?

In our opinion, the UltraFast HFC Max Broadband Plan offers the best cost to value ratio: for comparable download speeds and slightly lower upload speed, you receive all the benefits of the Unlimited Fibre Broadband Plan but at a much reduced price. However, this is only available in certain Wellington, Kapiti and Christchurch locations. For New Zealanders unable to connect to UltraFast HFC, the 4G/5G Wireless Unlimited Plan offers high speeds over Vodafone's 4G/5G network similar to the Unlimited Fibre Broadband Plan, but at a significantly lower cost.

Choosing the Right Vodafone Plan - Standard Broadband vs Fibre Broadband vs HFC Broadband vs Wireless Plans

Vodafone offers a huge range of plans ranging from ADSL to cutting edge 5G Wireless. Most plans share the same add-ons, discounts, and extra benefits, so when choosing the right Vodafone plan, it all comes down to your speed and bandwidth needs.
 
1. Connection Speed: In general terms:
  • Vodafone’s Standard Broadband Plans Vodafone ADSL and VDSL plans are designed for families and individuals with modest internet requirements. This is why the speeds of up to 50/10 Mbps offered by these plans are more than enough for light activities such as reading the news and browsing the web.
  • Vodafone’s Fibre Broadband Plans Fiber plans definitely provide a noticeable improvement over ADSL/VDSL plans. With speeds up to 200/20 Mbps, these plans can easily handle multiple Netflix, Amazon Prime, or Disney+ screens at once without a sweat. Moreover, their incredible bandwidth and high reliability make them an ideal choice for professionals working from home and content creators using applications that require fast connection.
  • Vodafone’s Fibre Max and UltraFast HFC Broadband Plan Hybrid Fibre Coaxial (FibreMax) plans are a quantum leap over traditional fibre connections. With speeds of up to 900/450 Mbps on Fibre Max and 900/95Mbps for UltraFast HFC, these plans provide 10x the speed and bandwidth of standard fibre broadband, making them attractive to large families and professionals who need ultra-fast connections.
  • Vodafone’s Wireless Broadband Plan Vodafone has invested a great deal of money in expanding its 5G network in New Zealand and for good reason. For a fraction of the cost required to deploy HFC fibre lines, 5G technology offers almost the same performance. Its incredible speed of 750Mbps and its low monthly cost makes it a very attractive alternative for all types of users, from couples to large families who want to use several 4k screens simultaneously. Note, however, that this technology is only available in some areas. Currently, Vodafone wireless broadband is mostly based on its 4G network.
 
2. Flexibility:
  • Vodafone is one of the broadband providers that offer more flexibility in their plans. Except for Wireless and UltraFast HFC plans, you have the option of choosing between fixed or open term contracts without having to pay more for it. Interestingly, many of Vodafone's open term plans are slightly cheaper than their fixed term plans, though this comes at the cost of renting a free modem. All this makes Vodafone a great alternative for many users, including landlords and tenants looking for this kind of flexibility.
 
3. Set-Up Charges:
  • From an installation cost perspective, Vodafone also demonstrates its leadership by providing the option to rent a premium modem for as little as $4/ month, along with zero set-up charges for customers with pre-existing ADSL, VDSL, and fibre connections.
 
4. Monthly Costs:
  • In our opinion, all Vodafone wireless and fibre plans are competitively priced. However, when making up your mind, consider that you get the best value by choosing UltraFast HFC Broadband or Wireless 5G plans.

5. Additional perks:
  • As for additional perks, Vodafone currently has a great variety of them. For starters, the Vodafone/TP-Link SuperWifi guarantees wall-to-wall Wifi coverage or $100 account credit. There are also the Vodafone Rewards that give you discounts and exclusive offers only for Vodafone customers.

Vodafone Broadband Frequently Asked Questions

To help you decide if Vodafone is right for your home, we've included several frequently asked questions to help you know more about the service.

Is Vodafone available at my address?

There is a good chance that broadband service is available at your address as Vodafone is one of the top service providers in New Zealand. To verify what type of plans is available in your area, you just have to enter your address on the Vodafone page.

Does Vodafone offer a free modem?

Yes, Vodafone offers the Vodafone Ultra Hub modem for anyone with a 12-month term plan on Fibre, UltraFast HFC, VDSL or ADSL. Alternatively, you can bring your own modem (BYO) as far as it’s compatible with Vodafone plans. To set up your own modem, you can follow the Set up your own modem guide on Vodafone’s help page.

Does Vodafone offer additional perks?

Yes, it does. You have Vodafone Rewards, Vodafone SuperWifi, Vodafone Always Connected (available with eligible mobile plans), and Vodafone Ninjas Masters of Tech. 

Does Vodafone offer an open term contract?

Yes, Vodafone does offer an open-term contract on all its ADSL, VDSL, and Fibre plans.

Does Vodafone offer discounts for broadband plans?

Yes, when you bundle broadband with Vodafone Mobile, you will receive $10 off your broadband plan bill. Moreover, you can get an additional $10 off per month for the plan’s life for most new plans.

Who owns Vodafone?

Vodafone broadband NZ is part of the Vodafone Group plc, a multinational telecommunications company with headquarters in Newbury, Berkshire, England.​

Does Vodafone offer a home phone add-on with its broadband plans?

Yes, Vodafone does offer home phone add-ons with all its fixed-line broadband plans starting at $10/month.
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