Which ISPs allow you to swap router?

TheComputerGuru

I am trying to compile a list of ISPs that allow the end user to swap their free router for something a lot more powerful.

I want to consider ADSL, VDSL and Fibre variations.

Neil_Jones

Pretty much everybody bar maybe Virgin (since you need to use their modem, though you can put the Superhub into Modem Only mode and use another router)) and Google suggests Now and Sky T&Cs say otherwise (and Now requires a specific router option apparently)

But you'll probably find if you want/need technical support, unless you're using their router, they won't help.

TheComputerGuru

I am currently with virgin FTTP and the Hub 5x has sadly had modem mode removed.

TheComputerGuru

I know that a few years ago Sky Mac address locked their ADSL offering.

No idea if it's still the same.

Peter999_2

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82120334#Comment_82120334

I used my own router with Sky in December 2025 and I didn't have to spoof the MAC. It worked just using a DHCP configuration.

Peter999_2

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82120307#Comment_82120307

You actually can use your own router with Virgin. It's very expensive and fiddly but can be done.

amcc1

If you also have Digital Voice (SIP/VOIP) service from your ISP, this adds some extra complication and depends on the ISP being willing to provide configuration details.

JSmithy45AD

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82120333#Comment_82120333

You should be able to activate IP Passthrough on the Hub 5x and separately disable the wifi to achieve the same result as modem mode on the Hub 5.

JSmithy45AD

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82120307#Comment_82120307

Now TV are exactly the same as Sky broadband, on Openreach around 20% of their user base require a router that supports Option 61 (DHCP Option 61 / MER), Asus are usually a good choice there. On the other 80% and their Cityfibre customers, pretty much anything works.

If you need the landline though (presumably applies to all ISP suppliers) the you need to retain the hub and use a mesh perhaps in AP mode for better wifi performance. You also won't get technical support without plugging their device back in.

MyRealNameToo

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6681503/which-isps-allow-you-to-swap-router

Virgin Fibre was the only one that I couldn't use my own router with, have used my own with a wide range of providers over the years. Some do get a little ratty if you have any issues and arent using theirs but not to the extent that they wash your hands of you.

There is always the other option of using two, use theirs as the true router but with wifi turned off and connected by ethernet to your more powerful wifi access point. Never done it, seems unnecessary to me, but Hyperoptic support using your own but recommend this setup with their router as they claim to be able to interface with it remotely to aid diagnostics.

onomatopoeia99

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82120374#Comment_82120374

Not if you have a static IP as those aren't provisioned over DHCP but using a GRE tunnel that the VM hub builds back to their network. Put the hub into modem only mode and the tunnel isn't built and nothing works.