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The 10 best DSL modems to buy in the UK

Picture of a DSL modem

The best DSL modems offer faster internet speeds than those offered by your internet service provider, making them a very worthwhile investment. However, it’s not always easy to understand what to look for in a DSL modem to ensure you get a device that improves your internet.

Check the buying guide below for how to choose the best DSL modem:

What are DSL modems?

A digital subscriber line (DSL) modem is device that connects to computers and routers to DSL configured phone lines, providing access to broadband internet.

Why should you buy a good DSL modem?

A good DSL modem is a worthwhile investment for many, especially if you need to replace a broken modem. Internet service provides typically lease their modem to customers, meaning you pay a small monthly amount to use it. So, by buying the best DSL modem from a retailer, you may end up saving money and result in faster internet speeds, especially if your IPS modem is dated. You also own the modem, and most DSL modems sold by retailers are better than those from ISPs.

How to choose the right DSL modem in 2024?

Another picture of a DSL modem

Choosing the right DSL modem is often difficult, especially for those that aren’t familiar with the various technical terminology. Here are some things to consider that will make buying the best DSL modem much easier:

  • Compatibility: It’s important to choose a DSL modem that is compatible with your DSL broadband service. The current connections available for these modems include asymmetrical digital subscriber line (ADSL), symmetrical digital subscriber line (SDSL), high data rate (HDSL) and very high data rate (VDSL), so be sure to contact your internet service provider to confirm the type of DSL modem is compatible with your internet.
  • Connectivity: You need a DSL modem that connects to the appropriate devices, so for example if want to connect to several devices at once you will require a DSL modem either an Ethernet out connection that can connect to a router, or an easier option is to go for a modem with a built-in router.
  • Speed: The speed of a DSL is important if you require a fast, reliable internet connection at all times. While it may not be essential for casual web browsing and using word documents, it’s essential to get a DSL modem with fast speed settings if you play video games, stream movies, or download. The top downstream speed of a DSL modem is typically around 15Mbps, with the upstream speed clocking a maximum of 1Mbps.

What is the best kind of DSL modem in the UK?

There are several options available when it comes to a DSL modem, which must be compatible with the DSL technology used with your broadband. This includes:

  • ADSL Modem: Asymmetrical digital subscriber line (ADSL) modems support ADSL internet connections which is the most common type of digital subscriber line technology, being found in most homes. ADSL has downstream rates as high as 8Mbps with an upstream rate of around 1.5Mbps.
  • VDSL Modem: Very high rate digital subscriber line (VDSL) modems connect to VDSL internet, which is the quickest form of digital subscriber line. Downstream rates top around 53Mbps and upstream rates hit 2.3Mbps.
  • Modem Router Combo: When connecting a DSL modem to several devices using a single internet connection, you require a router to direct the various lines using the connection. An easy way to do this is to buy a DSL modem router combo, which has a router built into the DSL modem for easy connection across a sinlge network.

Top 10 list of DSL modems in the UK (2024)

The bestseller list compares brands and their DSL modems. Which DSL modem is the best?
Best choice TOP 1
Image of TP-Link Archer VR2100 DSL modem
TP-Link AC2100 Wireless MU-MIMO VDSL/ADSL Modem Router, Dual-Band,…
  • External Power Supply: 12V/1.5A
  • Lightning-Fast Wired Connection – USB 3.0 port and four Gigabit Ethernet ports…
  • Whole-Home Coverage with OneMeshTM – Co-works with TP-Link OneMesh products…
BUY NOW
TOP 2
Image of ASUS 90IG05Q0-BM9100 DSL modem
ASUS DSL-AX82U (AX5400) Dual Band WiFi 6 Extendable xDSL Modem Gaming…
  • Easy Extendable Network – Enjoy seamless roaming with rich, advanced features…
  • Commercial-grade Security Anywhere – Protect your home network with AiProtection…
  • Choose your lighting vibe - Feature ASUS Aura RGB lighting effects that you can choose…
BUY NOW
Offer TOP 3
Image of ASUS 114563 DSL modem
ASUS DSL-AC88U AC3100 Wi-Fi Gigabit Modem Router, Upto 18x Speed than…
  • Note : Please visit the ASUS global website and Upgrade Firmware to the latest v…
  • OS Support - Windows 10, Windows 8.1, Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows XP, Mac OS X
  • USB 3.0/2.0 for faster file sharing, printer sharing, and speed network
BUY NOW
TOP 4
Image of DrayTek V166-K DSL modem
DrayTek Vigor 166, G.fast & VDSL2 Modem, IPv6 and IPv4, 2 Gigabit…
  • Wall or Shelf Mountable - Can be installed securely on a wall or shelf with screw…
  • Add DSL connectivity to any Router - Ideal Partner device for DrayTek dual-WAN products…
  • Full-Bridge Modem and More - Two operation modes for the Vigor 166 allow it to operate…
BUY NOW
TOP 5
Image of TP-Link TD-W9970(UK) DSL modem
TP-Link 300 Mbps Wireless N USB VDSL/ADSL Modem Router, Single-Band,…
  • Guest network access and parental control provides restricted Wi-Fi access for guests…
  • Easily setup an encrypted security connection at a push of WPS button
  • USB Port for storage sharing, printer sharing, FTP server, media server and UMTS/LTE…
BUY NOW
TOP 6
Image of TP-Link TD-W9960 DSL modem
TP-Link 300 Mbps Wireless N VDSL/ADSL Modem Router, Single-Band, Broadband…
  • Effortless management – Set up in minutes with the powerful Tether app or intuitive…
  • Maximized range – powerful external antennas provide far-reaching wireless…
  • Boosted speeds – superfast VDSL broadband speeds of up to 100Mbps together…
BUY NOW
TOP 7
Image of ASUS DSL-N16 DSL modem
ASUS DSL-N16 N300 Wireless VDSL/ADSL 2+ Modem Router, IPTV, PPTP VPN…
  • Note : If there is any problem with your router please upgrade firmware to the latest…
  • PPTP VPN server and PPTP/L2TP VPN client support.
  • VDSL/ADSL WAN multi service for IPTV support.
BUY NOW
TOP 8
Image of TP-Link Archer AX53 DSL modem
TP-Link WiFi 6 OneMesh Router, AX3000 Mbps Gigabit VPN Router, Dual-Core…
  • Compatible with Alexa—Control your router via voice commands and make your…
  • Improved Battery Life—Target Wake Time helps your devices to communicate more…
  • TP-Link HomeShield - Enhanced security defends against the latest cyber threats
BUY NOW
TOP 9
Image of DrayTek V2763 DSL modem
DrayTek Vigor 2763 VPN Router, VDSL2/ADSL2+, 4 x GbE LAN Port, Built-In…
  • Firewall & Content Filtering - Manage Internet access with Firewall, App Enforcement…
  • Powerful SoHo VPN Router - Connect remote locations with 2 VPN tunnels for Remote…
  • Packed With Features - Configure DrayTek’s rich feature set to fit your network…
BUY NOW
TOP 10
Image of BT 16.94-B07SZFKXDT DSL modem
BT Smart Hub 2 Locked To BT Internet AC Wireless Dual Band Router…
  • Brand: BT
  • Product type: NETWORKING ROUTER
  • BT Smart Hub 2 Locked To BT Internet AC Wireless Dual Band Router DSL Modem
BUY NOW
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