Best Broadband in Singapore For Your Household Needs: Singtel vs M1 vs StarHub vs MyRepublic & More

Life without the Internet would be unimaginable.

What would you be doing at home right now without a broadband plan?

You couldn’t catch your favourite show on Netflix, order food delivery, or work from home.

Plus, with so many devices connected to your WiFi at home that your family members start quarrelling over who hogged the bandwidth, it is a good idea to have a strong broadband connection and an appropriate router.

So, we’ve compiled the best broadband plans to solve your connectivity woes!

Please note that the information is valid as of 22 June 2024 and that prices and promotions for these plans can be changed without prior notice. All prices include GST. You should also take note of other initial set-up fees.

TL;DR: Home Broadband Singapore Guide — Broadband Promotion, Prices and More

SIMBA has entered the broadband space, and most providers no longer offer under 1Gbps plans.

Cheapest No-Frills Broadband in Singapore:

SIMBA’s 3 or 12 Month contract broadband plan (no router) for $21.80/month
OR
Whizzcomms 2.5Gbps 12-month contract broadband plan (no router) for $21.80/month.
P.S. Read below for the differences. 

For Regular Home Broadband Users:

• M1’s 24-month 500Mbps Broadband Plan (no router) at $30.45/month.
• ViewQwest’s 24-month 1Gbps Broadband Plan (no router) at $36.40/month.
• Starhub’s 24-month 2Gbps Broadband Plan at $39/month.

For Gamers:
MyRepublic’s 24-month 2 x 1Gbps Gamer Broadband Plan (no router) at $50.99/month and a one-time $61.04 NLT service activation fee.

For The Commitment Phobic:
MyRepublic No Contract 1Gbps Broadband at $61.50/month and a one-time $61.04 NLT service activation fee.

For Owners of Multi-level Homes:
MyRepiblic’s HyperSpeed 10Gbps plan with two beefy Mesh TP-Link Archer BE805 Wi-Fi routers (worth $1,598) is our pick. Granted, you will have to pay $69.99/month and a top-up of about ~$271 for the router, NLT activation fee, and installation fee. But it will bring the total to $81.27/month, which is worth it for the additional router and expanded WiFi coverage.

Jump To:

• Identifying The Best Broadband Plan For Your Household’s Needs
• Cheapest Broadband in Singapore
• Broadband Plan Recommendations
• How Much is Broadband in Singapore?
• Fibre Broadband Set-up Fees
• Broadband Hidden Costs To Look Out for
• Fastest Internet Service Provider (ISP) in Singapore

Identifying The Best Fibre Broadband Plan For Your Household’s Needs

When it comes to broadband plans, choosing the right bandwidth (Mbps/Gbps) and service provider for your household needs is key, especially when the most value-for-money plans lock you in a 24-month contract.

Before you pick a broadband plan, it’d be best to consider the needs of your household.

Are you living in a large home with many devices connected to the internet?

Or perhaps you have a gamer or two in your family that requires low latency connections for gaming?

Multiple Devices Causing Lag

If you live in a large household, you’ll probably have felt the effects of WiFi lag when multiple devices are connected to your router simultaneously. 

Even if you have the best internet speed and a 10Gbps broadband plan, it will all be for nought if you have a lousy router that creates a bottleneck for your devices.

With WiFi 6 becoming the new standard, most modern broadband plans should provide a seamless experience. If you live in a larger home, you should also consider a WiFi Mesh system to cover dead zones in the house.

While many plans come bundled with routers, you should not be using them as a base to choose your ISP! Instead, the best option is to get your own (better) router and choose a plan without one. 

Now that you know what to look for, let’s explore some of the cheapest and most value-for-money broadband plans!

Cheapest Broadband in Singapore: SIMBA Broadband vs Whizcomms 2.5 Gbps

Just want the cheapest? 

You’ll be looking at either SIMBA or Whizcomm’s 2.5Gbps broadband plans.

Both providers offer 12-month contracts at $21.80 (including GST) a month, but the payment cycles and terms differ.

SIMBA Broadband Fees and Payment Cycle 

Note that fees quoted here include GST.

SIMBA Broadband 3 Month Contract: Quarterly Payment

$21.80 per month billed in advance for three months at a time:

• $65.40 for the first billing cycle (subscription fee)
• $61.04 for the Netlink Trust (NLT) charge (where applicable)
• $54.50 for the Optical Network Terminal (ONT) delivery and installation fee
• $65.40 security deposit (refundable).

SIMBA Broadband 12 Months Contract: Annual Payment 

$261.60 per year billed in advance for 12 months at a time

• $261.60 for the first billing cycle (subscription fee)
• $61.04 for the Netlink Trust (NLT) charge (where applicable)
• $54.50 for the Optical Network Terminal (ONT) delivery and installation fee.

Whizcomms Fees and Payment Cycles

Whizcomms provides a monthly plan without a router for $21.80 monthly (including GST) with a 12-month contract. If you need a router (utilised as an access point), Whizcomm offers a router plan for $27.25 monthly (including GST). 

Whizzcomms also charges:

• $61.04 for the Netlink Trust (NLT) fee 
• $54.50 for the Optical Network Terminal (ONR) delivery and installation fee.

SIMBA Broadband Speed and Technicals

SIMBA offers impressive claimed download speeds of up to 2.5 Gbps and upload speeds of 1.25 Gbps, making it ideal for intensive downloading, high-resolution streaming, and seamless online gaming. It’s important to mention that SIMBA uses Carrier0-Grade NAT (CGNAT) technology, where multiple users share the same public IP address. This can affect online services or applications that require unique IP addresses. There are also some drawbacks like:

• Hosting services on your home connection is not possible.
• Port forwarding for gaming consoles or PCs is restricted.
• There’s a risk of being part of an IP ban if another user within the same IP range is banned.

Moreover, SIMBA users need a wireless router capable of handling a 2.5 Gbps WAN connection to achieve full speed, as standard routers may restrict speeds.

Currently, SIMBA has not been fully rolled out in all areas, and its stability has yet to be proven. Also, on 30 March 2024, SIMBA experienced a significant outage that affected some users.

Another difference lies in the technology. SIMBA offers users an Optical Network Terminal (ONT), while Whizcomms offers an Optical Network Router (ONR).

To understand the differences between ONTs and ONRs, you will need to know these terms:

• Modem: A device that transforms incoming signals into data
• Router: A device that receives and distributes this data to the appropriate user downstream. Most consumer routers also function as wireless (WiFi) transmitters.

Thus, ONT = modem and ONR = modem + router (all-in-one)

ONT and ONR devices are essential in a fibre-optic network setup but serve different purposes. The ONT is purely a signal conversion device, ideal for those who want the flexibility to use a separate, possibly more advanced router. The ONR, the other hand, offers an all-in-one solution, simplifying the network setup by combining the ONT and router functionalities. This makes it convenient but could restrict advanced users who prefer specific router features or future upgrades.

Whizcomms Broadband Speed and Technicals

Additional Points of Contention:

• SIMBA: Provides a basic ONT with a 2.5 Gbps output port, allowing connections to a switch or a compatible 2.5Gbps wireless router to fully utilise the bandwidth. This plan does not include a digital voice line or additional routers, which are available for purchase as part of the plan.
• Whizcomms: Offers the option to add a digital voice line for an extra $3 per month and provides various bundle options, including a router.
• SIMBA: SIMBA’s 2.5 Gbps plans are currently available only in select areas of Singapore. Prospective customers should verify availability in their area by checking SIMBA’s website or contacting them directly.
• Whizcomms: Delivers its 2.5 Gbps plans across Singapore, ensuring broader accessibility for subscribers throughout the island.

Overall Comparison of SIMBA vs Whizcomm Broadband Speed and Technicals:

For the average user seeking a cost-effective fibre internet plan, and who is not concerned with the limitations of the ONR, Whizcomm’s 2.5 Gbps might be the preferred option. Stability is often the key consideration for typical users.

The limitations of the Whizcomm ONR may not significantly impact an average user. Whizcomm’s 2.5 Gbps plan could be considered more stable between the two, as it operates over the established Singtel network and is currently available to all users, unlike SIMBA, which is still in the process of rolling out its service.

It’s important to note that these plans require a 1-year contract. Cost savings might not be apparent until the second year since the broadband provider does not cover installation charges and NLT fees. With total costs around S$31 (including GST), the pricing is comparable to an M1 500 Mbps plan.

For Regular Home Broadband Users (For 3 – 6 pax)

Based on our research through countless forums and discussion posts, M1 or Starhub plans are the best choice for price and reliability. 

If you are in a three-person household, choose M1’s 24-month 500Mbps Broadband Plan (no router) at $30.45/month.

If you require a bit more bandwidth for multiple users, we recommend ViewQwest’s no-frills 24-month 1Gbps Broadband Plan with no router. It costs just $29.99/month nett, and the company has waived installation and NLT activation fees.

While we recommend getting your own router as they are often better than what telcos include in their bundles, if you are too lazy to get one yourself, you could also go for Starhub’s 24-month 1Gbps Broadband Plan at $39/month nett as the company has waived installation and NLT activation fees. We chose this over M1’s plan as it has a better Linksys MX2 Mesh WiFi 6 router which can be expanded with more nodes.

For Gamers (1 – 2 gamers)

Do you need the lowest latency possible for those sweaty in-game moments? A gamer-focused fibre broadband plan is best for you.

These plans typically include custom networking routing to ensure the lowest pings when making your MLG plays. Our preferred choice is MyRepublic’s 24-month 2 x 1Gbps Gamer Broadband Plan (no router) at $50.99/month and a one-time $61.04 NLT service activation fee with lower pings to most server locations. 

For The Commitment Phobic

If being tied down for a year or two isn’t your cup of tea, you can choose a no-contract plan to switch whenever you’d like.

Currently, only MyRepublic offers a no-contract plan. The functionally named MyRepublic No Contract 1Gbps Broadband costs $61.50/month and a one-time $61.04 NLT service activation fee.

You’ll also need to factor in the cost of buying your router.

For Owners of Multi-level Homes

Living in a Good-Class Bungalow (GCB) and needing full Wi-Fi coverage for your entire home? Consider Singtel’s unique FibreEverywhere bundle solution, which guarantees peak network performance of over 1Gbps connectivity in every room, powered by Singtel 10Gbps from $100/month. 

Note that you must pay a one-time $61.04 NLT service activation fee. However, for a limited time, all new signups can choose from a  FREE Nespresso Vertuo Pop or PRISM+ C240 Monitor.

These bundles typically include multiple units that extend Wi-Fi coverage, ensuring a strong signal throughout the house. 

How Much Is Broadband in Singapore?

Please note that the information is valid as of 22 June 2024 and that prices and promotions for these plans can be changed without prior notice. All prices include GST. You should also take note of other initial set-up fees.

Fibre Broadband Set-up Fees

Note that all service providers depend on NetLink Trust (SGXX: CJLU) to set up your fibre broadband.

The usual fees associated with setting up your fibre broadband include:

• NetLink (NLT) Trust Fibre Termination Point installation fee for those who do not have it installed in their homes (includes the first 15 meters of optical fibre): $182.03 (HDB / Private High Rise Apartments) or $333.54 (landed property)
• NLT Trust Activation Fee: $61.04 per port activation
• ONT or ONR (ONR) Delivery and Installation fee: $54.50 – $147.70 [Depending on your ISP and day of installation (weekday/weekend)]
• And more depending on the service provider and size of your home.

Depending on your plan, some of these fees, such as Service Activation Fees and ONT Activation fees, are waived.

Be sure to read the fine print and be aware of any extra costs to avoid shock.

Broadband Hidden Costs To Look Out for

This is similar to how telcos tag a premium to their contract plans by packaging the price of a handset with the mobile service.

The router cost is a common cost to consider when choosing a home fibre broadband plan.

It’s usually bundled with the package you sign up for.

But if you have a specific router in mind, it might cost a little extra to get it from your ISP.

Best Internet Service Provider: Which Is the Fastest Broadband in Singapore?

Bandwidth vs Internet Speed: is 1Gbps Enough Singapore

Many Singaporeans often confuse bandwidth with internet speed.

To be clear, bandwidth refers to the maximum capacity of a wired or wireless communications link to transmit data over a network connection in a given amount of time. This does NOT mean that your internet speed will be a steady 1Gbps if you sign up for a 1Gbps plan. It only means that you can receive up to 1 GB per second.

While 1Gbps broadband plans are the most common, did you know you might not need this much bandwidth?

You might even be able to save a hundred-plus dollars a year when you opt for a 500Mbps plan instead…

So if you’re looking to reduce your bills and amp up your savings rate, why not consider it as well?

Internet Speed

Since bandwidths are not really the issue here, let’s look at the more important benchmark:

Internet Download/Upload Speeds

Note that ViewQwest has the lowest test count, which may skew results a little.

According to Speedtest by Ookla, ViewQwest has the fastest median download and upload speed in the first half of 2022.

However, do not base your decision solely on this; things might have changed since then, and your download speed will also vary. One ViewQwest broadband user will not have the same download or upload speed as another.

Latency

Another important metric is latency. Ever had two live streams on at one time and realised that one is faster than the other? That’s the difference in latency, or the “delay before a data transfer begins following an instruction for its transfer.

Latency, commonly known as ping among gamers, is probably the most important for gaming. If you have a 300ms ping, for example, the total time taken for you to react to something that happens on your screen would be your ping + your human reaction time + any monitor lag. Thus, having your ping as low as possible will help you be more competitive in gaming.

For the non-gamer, latency will affect things like internet TV, YouTube live streams, and basically anything that you want to watch “live.” If you don’t mind being a couple of seconds late to what is being broadcast in real time, latency shouldn’t be a concern. 

Latency/ping is a rather weird subject. I can be on Singtel, for example, and ping a server in Japan for 150ms, while a server in the US will probably get me 300ms. Meanwhile, M1, for example, could get me 200ms in Japan (worse than Singtel) and 200ms in the U.S. (better than Singtel). This means that if you play a particular game, you will want to know how an ISP does its routing to have a good ping to whatever server your game is on. 

That said, as a gamer myself, it has long been known in the community that MyRepublic offers custom routing with often the lowest latency/ping to most server locations. Recently, there have also been user-run tests on HardWareZone that double confirms this:

Which Is the Best Home Broadband Provider in Singapore? Which Wi-Fi Broadband Is Best?

There are too many options, and you still can’t decide.

We’ve decided to help you make that decision by giving you access to real user reviews of broadband plans left by our awesome Seedly Community:

This way, you can take our price comparison and use the SeedlyCommunity’s reviews to confirm your decision.

Think that your current home fibre broadband plan sucks?

Why not leave a review to stop others from making the same mistake you did?

Compare the Best Broadband Plans

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