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The Daily Insight

What is the difference between BT Smart Hub and Smart Hub 2?

Author

Sarah Cherry

Updated on February 24, 2026

BT Smart Hub review: Performance It's unlikely that you will, though, as the Smart Hub has by far the best Wi-Fi performance of any Home Hub - and most likely any current ISP router. The Smart Hub's signal was still pretty good, and it still achieved 21.4Mbit/s at this range.

Similarly, you may ask, what is a Smart Hub 2?

The Smart Hub 2 provides 7 antennas uniquely positioned to maximise power, the latest Wi-Fi technology, smart channel selection, smart scan and clever app-based services to help them set up and manage their home Wi-Fi. BT Smart Hub 2 comes with 2 DECT antennas and integrated support for Ultrafast broadband (G.

Additionally, is Smart Hub 2 better than Smart Hub? fast) services in mind, although it's WiFi speed at 5GHz is still 1733Mbps and thus akin to the SH1 (we don't know the 2.4GHz speed yet).

More videos on YouTube.

Smart Hub 2 Wi-Fi Disc
802.11n support Yes Yes
802.11ac support Yes Yes
Stated speed Gigabit Ethernet LAN Gigabit Ethernet LAN

Additionally, is the BT Smart Hub 2 any good?

This is a mesh Wi-Fi system like no other. It's really a BT broadband service which combines an upgraded Smart Hub router, add-on Wi-Fi discs plus a 4G data connection (if you opt for BT Plus) which maintains your internet connection should the main broadband go down.

Is the BT Smart Hub better than Hub 5?

The Smart Hub is slightly taller and wider than the Home Hub 5, but it contains massively improved hardware. It has seven antennas, which BT claims will let it offer significantly improved connection distances over the Home Hub 5, which had a 2 x 2 dual antenna setup. The Smart Hub also has a USB 3.0 port on its rear.

Related Question Answers

Can I buy a BT Smart Hub?

Our original Smart Hub comes as standard with our Superfast fibre broadband. The Smart Hub 2 comes included when you buy or upgrade to BT Plus with Complete Wi-Fi. It's our smartest hub yet and is future-proofed to deliver fast speeds throughout the home.

Can I upgrade my router?

Generally, we recommend you upgrade to a new router every three to four years. Newer devices are probably using the 802.11ac standard, so you will get the fastest speeds at long distances with an 802.11ac router. If you hoard old devices, you will also get faster speeds and greater range.

What is a smart hub?

A smart home hub is hardware or software that connects devices on a home automation network and controls communications among them. Smart home hubs, which connect either locally or to the cloud, are useful for internet of things (IoT) devices that use the Zigbee or Z-Wave protocols or Bluetooth, rather than Wi-Fi.

Is BT Smart Hub 2 Dual Band?

The BT Smart Hub is dual band. This means it has two wi-fi bands. If you do want to split your SSID, here's what to do: Open a new web browser on a device connected to your Hub and type 192.168.

Who makes the BT Smart Hub 2?

The BT Home Hub 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 devices connect to the Internet using a standard ADSL connection.

BT Smart Hub.

Manufacturer Inventel Technicolor Gigaset/Sagem Huawei
Introductory price £129.99 (free with BT Broadband)
Operating system Linux
Storage Optional external USB drive

Can I use 2/bt routers at the same time?

You can't have two BT Home Hubs directly connected to a broadband-enabled phone line at the same time - you can only have one Broadband Advice modem in use on any one line. The best option is to site your Home Hub close to your TV (for Vision), then use a USB wi-fi adapter for your PC upstairs.

Can I get a BT Smart Hub free?

BT will give you a Smart Hub for free if you contract, or re-contract, for a minimum of 18 months. BT's wholly-owned, but arm's length, subsidiary, Plusnet, is offering a rebadged version of the slightly older Home Hub 5 free to new customers and those who agree to re-contract with them.

Which is the latest BT Hub?

Meet our Smart Hub 2 If you have Complete Wi-Fi or Ultrafast Plus you can get our next generation Smart Hub (below). Our next generation Smart Hub is still more powerful than the hubs from other big broadband providers. It's our smartest hub yet and is now future-proofed to deliver fast speeds throughout the your home.

How does BT guarantee WiFi in every room?

BT's Complete Wi-Fi service is designed to give customers a guaranteed wi-fi connection in every room of their home. The service combines a next-generation Smart Hub 2 router with up to three Wi-Fi Discs that all talk to each other using mesh networking technology.

Why is BT WiFi so bad?

The position of your BT Hub in your home can affect the strength of your wi-fi signal and the speed of your broadband, so check it's in the best position possible. Solid surfaces like walls and doors can slow down the wi-fi signal, so try and reduce the number of walls it has to go through.

What's the best BT Hub?

What's the difference between the BT Hubs?
BT Smart Hub 2 BT Home Hub 5
Wi-fi bands (2.4GHz and 5GHz) Dual Next generation AC wi-fi Dual AC wi-fi
2.5GHz wi-fi band 3x3 11b/g/n/ac 2x2 11b/g/n
5GHz wi-fi band 4x4 11a/n/ac 3x3 11a/n/ac
Built-in 4G filters Yes No

What is the BT WiFi disc?

Expand your existing BT Whole Home Wi-Fi network system with this add-on disc. This additional disc will only work when added to BT's Whole Home Wi-Fi solution to further expand your superfast, super-reliable Wi-Fi network. With a mighty AC2500 wireless punch Whole Home Wi-Fi puts what matters most at your fingertips.

How many BT WiFi discs can I have?

We'll send you up-to three discs to ensure a strong signal of at least 10Mbps in every room of your home. If you still can't get a strong signal we'll give you a one-off credit of £20 off your next BT bill.

How does a BT WiFi disc work?

The BT Complete WiFi plan gives you discs that work like WiFi extenders, bouncing signal around your home. It's the world's first guarantee from a broadband company that you will get fast and reliable WiFi in every room of your home," said BT's Pete Oliver.

What does a BT modem look like?

An Openreach modem is a white box that allows customers with a Hub 3 or Hub 4 to get access to superfast fibre speeds. An Openreach modem is a white box that allows customers with a Hub 3 or Hub 4 to get access to superfast fibre speeds.

Is BT complete WiFi mesh?

As part of its BT Plus service (which bundles in mobile phone, broadband and landline into one contract), you can get its new Smart Hub 2 with a Wi-Fi Disc, a pairing that it's calling Complete Wi-Fi. The idea of getting a mesh system as your basic network device sounds promising to us, so let's take a deeper look.

What do I do with my old BT Hub?

Option 1 - Free via the Post Office
  1. Click here to print out the pre-paid label >
  2. Cut out the label and stick it to the front of your package.
  3. Take it to your nearest Post Office.
  4. We'll know you've sent the TV box back by scanning the barcode on it.

What is a BT Smart Hub?

BT Smart Hubs are the UK's most powerful… Designed to give you a swift and reliable connection, our Smart Hubs are the UK's most powerful compared to broadband routers from other big broadband providers. So you'll enjoy a fast wi-fi signal that goes further round your home.

Which BT Hub have I got?

The black box in the top left-hand corner of the sticker will reveal which generation of the Home Hub you have.

Can I use my old BT Hub?

As long as it is a BT line. Logins are generic, any home hub can be used on any BT line.

Is BT Hub 6 a Smart Hub?

The BT Smart Hub - also perhaps known as the Home Hub 6 - is the latest router from the provider, and stands a good few inches taller than BT's former routers.

How long does a BT Hub last?

Re: BT Home Hub replacement If you stay for 12 months, then they will waive the charge. If you leave within 12 months, they will charge you for it.

What is a WAN port?

WAN port. (Wide Area Network port) The socket on a network device that is wired to an external network, which is typically the Internet. In the home and small business, a WAN port is an RJ-45 Ethernet port on a router that is wired to a cable or DSL modem. Contrast with LAN port.

Is BT Hub better than sky?

Both offer good value deals with handy extra features and additional TV and mobile services. BT does have faster entry-level fibre speeds, more freebies and extras, and an excellent mobile service, but on balance we have to give this one to Sky because of its stronger customer service record and lower prices.

Is the BT Smart Hub worth it?

Expert Reviews describes it as: “incredibly fast and great value”. The site concludes: “For BT customers, it's well worth upgrading to, particularly if you're on a fast fibre connection.” USwitch says the Smart Hub is a: “major upgrade from the Home Hub 5.

How fast is BT Smart Hub?

Hardware-wise, the BT Smart Hub has seven antennas—good for 3x3 MIMO at 2.4GHz (max throughput ~200Mbps) and 4x4 MIMO at 5GHz (max throughput ~1700Mbps). There are four gigabit Ethernet ports and a single USB 2.0 port (USB 3.0 was passed over due to "higher levels of interference," BT told Ars).

Can I get a free BT Home Hub upgrade?

Upgrade BT Home Hub for FREE ! If BT are your service provider give them a call. In particular if you have it, that you aren't able to take full advantage of the faster BT Internet Connection Speed offered by Fibre or Superfast Broadband. BT will upgrade you to the Hub 4 free of charge.

Can I use my own router with BT Infinity?

Configure your own router for BT Infinity. With BT Infinity service you normally have two devices provided by BT: OpenReach VDSL modem and BT Home Hub Wireless Router. If you want to use your own router you have two options: You can replace both BT devices with a single VDSL capable router.

Is the BT Home Hub any good?

BT Smart Hub review: Performance It's unlikely that you will, though, as the Smart Hub has by far the best Wi-Fi performance of any Home Hub - and most likely any current ISP router. The Smart Hub's signal was still pretty good, and it still achieved 21.4Mbit/s at this range.

Which Internet provider has the best router?

Providers
  • Sky (13) Home Broadband Deals)
  • TalkTalk (30) Home Broadband Deals)
  • Plusnet (21) Home Broadband Deals)
  • Vodafone (12) Home Broadband Deals)
  • Virgin Media (124) Home Broadband Deals)
  • EE (12) Home Broadband Deals)
  • BT (12) Home Broadband Deals)
  • NOW Broadband (24) Home Broadband Deals)

How many devices can I have on my BT Hub?

Re: Wi-fi Issues (Multiple Devices) All routers have a natural limit of 250 connected wireless devices but it is unlikely that that is what the Customer Services are refering to.

What is the USB port for on a BT Smart Hub?

The USB-A port was intended to be used when connecting your BT Fusion adapter to the Home Hub, and according to BT's site, this port "may be used for future developments". On older Hubs, there was a USB-B port, which could be used to connect directly to a PC. You need special Home Hub USB drivers available from BT.

Can you boost internet speed?

Dead zones: Use a Wi-Fi extender to increase the range of your router throughout your entire home. With Wi-Fi extenders, you can increase your internet speeds for around $50. Connection speeds: If your internet service provider is found to be the source of the slow speeds on your network, you have a few options.