Quick Answer: Telekom vs 1&1
Deutsche Telekom is Germany’s largest broadband provider with 22 million customers and 40 percent market share. MagentaZuhause DSL plans start at 43.95 EUR per month for 50 Mbps. Telekom owns the VDSL infrastructure and offers premium support through nationwide Telekom Shops.
1&1 serves 4.2 million broadband customers using wholesale access to Telekom’s VDSL lines. Plans start at 29.99 EUR per month for 50 Mbps with a FRITZ!Box router included. 1&1 is ranked best in Germany for reliable everyday performance by Opensignal 2025.
Quick verdict: 1&1 for lower prices on the same DSL lines. Telekom for premium support and Hybrid bonding.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Since 1&1 uses Telekom’s VDSL network, the speed capabilities and coverage are nearly identical. The main differences are pricing, included features, and service quality.
| Feature | Deutsche Telekom | 1&1 |
|---|---|---|
| Broadband Customers | 22M | 4.2M |
| Market Share | 40% (#1) | 11.1% (#3) |
| Founded | 1995 | 1988 |
| Parent Company | Deutsche Telekom AG | United Internet AG |
| Network | Own infrastructure | Telekom wholesale |
| 50 Mbps Plan | 43.95 EUR/month | 29.99 EUR/month |
| 100 Mbps Plan | 48.95 EUR/month | 39.99 EUR/month |
| 250 Mbps Plan | 55.95 EUR/month | 49.99 EUR/month |
| 1 Gbps Fiber | 79.95 EUR/month | 69.99 EUR/month |
| Hybrid DSL+Mobile | Available (up to 500 Mbps) | Not available |
| Router | Speedport or FRITZ!Box | FRITZ!Box included |
| Contract | 24 months | Flexible options |
Test Your Telekom Speed | Test Your 1&1 Speed
Speed Comparison
VDSL Speeds (Same Lines)
Both providers deliver the same maximum VDSL speeds because 1&1 uses Telekom’s physical infrastructure. Your actual speed depends on the distance between your home and the nearest DSLAM cabinet.
Deutsche Telekom VDSL Tiers:
- MagentaZuhause M: 50 Mbps download, 10 Mbps upload
- MagentaZuhause L: 100 Mbps download, 40 Mbps upload
- MagentaZuhause XL: 250 Mbps download, 40 Mbps upload
1&1 VDSL Tiers:
- DSL 50: 50 Mbps download, 10 Mbps upload
- DSL 100: 100 Mbps download, 40 Mbps upload
- DSL 250: 250 Mbps download, 40 Mbps upload
Opensignal 2025 ranked 1&1 as best in Germany for reliable everyday performance. Telekom scores highest for contract fulfillment and network availability.
Fiber Speed (Glasfaser)
Where FTTH is deployed, both offer 1 Gbps symmetrical speeds. Telekom charges 79.95 EUR per month and 1&1 charges 69.99 EUR. Fiber availability covers roughly 25-27 percent of German households and varies by street address.
Telekom Hybrid Advantage
Telekom offers MagentaZuhause Hybrid, which combines DSL with 4G/5G mobile data for speeds up to 500 Mbps. This is useful in areas where the DSL line is slow due to long distance from the cabinet. 1&1 has no equivalent product.
Run Speed Test Now to check your actual connection speed.
Coverage Comparison
VDSL Coverage
Both Telekom and 1&1 cover the same 86 percent of German households through the shared VDSL infrastructure. If Telekom VDSL is available at your address, 1&1 can serve you on the same line. There is no coverage difference for DSL broadband.
Fiber Coverage
FTTH availability depends on deployment by Telekom, Deutsche Glasfaser, or other infrastructure providers. Approximately 25-27 percent of German households have access. Check availability at either telekom.de or 1und1.de using your address.
Mobile Coverage
Telekom: 5G covers 90 percent of the German population. 4G covers nearly all populated areas.
1&1: Launched its own 5G Open RAN network in 2023 with limited early coverage. Supplements with national roaming on Telefonica O2 network for broader coverage.
Telekom has a far more mature and wider mobile network than 1&1.
Pricing Comparison
All prices are in Euros (EUR) per month. 1&1 is cheaper at every tier because it avoids the infrastructure costs that Telekom bears as the network owner.
DSL Plan Pricing
| Speed | Telekom | 1&1 | Monthly Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50 Mbps | 43.95 EUR | 29.99 EUR | 13.96 EUR (1&1 cheaper) |
| 100 Mbps | 48.95 EUR | 39.99 EUR | 8.96 EUR (1&1 cheaper) |
| 250 Mbps | 55.95 EUR | 49.99 EUR | 5.96 EUR (1&1 cheaper) |
| 1 Gbps Fiber | 79.95 EUR | 69.99 EUR | 9.96 EUR (1&1 cheaper) |
Over 24 months, 1&1 saves between 143 and 335 EUR depending on the speed tier.
What is Included
| Feature | Telekom | 1&1 |
|---|---|---|
| Router | Speedport or FRITZ!Box | FRITZ!Box included |
| Landline | Flat rate to German networks | Flat rate to German networks |
| Contract Flexibility | 24 months standard | Monthly cancellation available |
| Free Domain/Email | Not included | Included |
| Hybrid Bonding | Available | Not available |
| In-Store Support | Telekom Shops nationwide | Online and phone only |
1&1 includes a FRITZ!Box with all plans and offers flexible contracts with monthly cancellation options. Telekom provides physical retail support through its nationwide Telekom Shop locations.
Pros and Cons
Deutsche Telekom Advantages
- Widest coverage in Germany with VDSL reaching 86 percent of households
- MagentaZuhause Hybrid combines DSL with 4G/5G for up to 500 Mbps
- Premium customer support through Telekom Shop locations
- Top scores for contract fulfillment in Bundesnetzagentur tests
- 5G mobile network covering 90 percent of the population
- MagentaTV streaming can be added for 10 EUR per month
- Over 11 million households eligible for FTTH fiber
Deutsche Telekom Disadvantages
- Highest DSL prices among major German ISPs
- 43.95 EUR for 50 Mbps is 14 EUR more than 1&1 for the same speed
- VDSL upload capped at 40 Mbps on all tiers
- 24-month contract standard with limited flexibility
- FTTH fiber only covers 27 percent of households
1&1 Advantages
- Cheapest VDSL pricing on Telekom’s own network
- FRITZ!Box router included with all plans at no extra cost
- Flexible contracts with monthly cancellation options available
- Ranked best in Germany for reliable everyday performance by Opensignal
- Own 5G mobile network using Open RAN technology
- Symmetrical 1 Gbps fiber at 69.99 EUR (10 EUR less than Telekom)
- Free domain and email included with broadband
1&1 Disadvantages
- Relies on Telekom wholesale network with limited control over line quality
- No Hybrid DSL+mobile bonding option for slow lines
- 5G mobile network still in early rollout with limited coverage
- Customer service wait times reported above 10 minutes during peak
- No physical retail shops for in-person support
Which Should You Choose?
The table below matches common use cases to the better provider.
| Use Case | Recommendation | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Budget DSL | 1&1 | Save 9-14 EUR per month for the same speed |
| Premium Support | Telekom | Telekom Shop locations for in-person help |
| Slow DSL Line | Telekom | Hybrid bonding with 4G/5G boosts slow DSL |
| Flexible Contract | 1&1 | Monthly cancellation options available |
| FRITZ!Box Fan | 1&1 | FRITZ!Box included as standard |
| Mobile Bundle | Telekom | Mature 5G network with MagentaMobil bundles |
| Budget Fiber | 1&1 | 1 Gbps Glasfaser at 69.99 EUR vs 79.95 EUR |
| Working From Home | Telekom | Hybrid bonding and stable support |
| Simple Setup | 1&1 | Good self-service, clear pricing |
How to Run a Fair Speed Test
Since both providers use the same VDSL lines, your speed test results should be nearly identical on both. The key variable is your line’s distance from the DSLAM cabinet.
Quick test steps:
- Connect via ethernet cable directly to the FRITZ!Box or Speedport.
- Close all other applications, streaming, and downloads.
- Run 3 tests during different times of day.
- Check your router’s DSL status page for sync rate (this is your line maximum).
- Compare results against your plan’s advertised speed.
Understanding VDSL sync rate: Open your FRITZ!Box admin panel at fritz.box and check the DSL connection status. The sync rate shows the maximum speed your copper line supports. If your sync rate is 70 Mbps, switching from Telekom to 1&1 (or vice versa) will not increase that to 100 Mbps. Both providers share the same physical line.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I get the same speed on 1&1 as Telekom?
Yes, for VDSL services. Both use the same copper lines from the same DSLAM cabinets. Your sync rate and maximum speed are determined by line distance and quality, not by the provider. The only speed difference is that Telekom offers Hybrid bonding for an additional boost using 4G/5G.
Is switching from Telekom to 1&1 easy?
Yes. 1&1 handles the switch process. You provide your Telekom account details and 1&1 coordinates the line transfer. There is no physical installation needed since the same VDSL line is used. The switch typically takes 2-4 weeks. Ensure your Telekom contract has ended to avoid early termination fees.
Does 1&1 include a FRITZ!Box?
Yes. 1&1 includes a FRITZ!Box router with all broadband plans at no extra cost. The specific model depends on your plan tier and speed. FRITZ!Box routers are widely regarded as the best consumer routers in Germany for DSL connections.
Can Telekom Hybrid fix my slow DSL?
MagentaZuhause Hybrid can improve speeds if your DSL line is slow due to distance from the cabinet. The Hybrid router automatically uses 4G/5G mobile data to supplement the DSL connection, reaching up to 500 Mbps combined. This works best in areas with strong Telekom mobile signal. 1&1 does not offer an equivalent product.
Which is better for fiber, Telekom or 1&1?
Both deliver 1 Gbps symmetrical fiber where FTTH is available. 1&1 charges 69.99 EUR per month, saving 9.96 EUR compared to Telekom at 79.95 EUR. The fiber performance is identical since both use the same infrastructure. Choose 1&1 for savings. Choose Telekom for premium support.
Summary
Deutsche Telekom and 1&1 deliver the same VDSL broadband on the same physical lines at different price points. 1&1 saves 9-14 EUR per month on DSL and 10 EUR on fiber by reselling Telekom’s infrastructure without the overhead of network ownership. For pure value, 1&1 is the clear winner.
Telekom justifies its premium pricing with MagentaZuhause Hybrid bonding, which boosts slow DSL lines using 4G/5G. Telekom also provides in-person support through nationwide Telekom Shop locations and scores highest for contract fulfillment. For customers who value support quality and need the Hybrid option, Telekom’s extra cost makes sense.
Before switching, check your FRITZ!Box sync rate to understand your line’s actual capacity. If your VDSL line only syncs at 50 Mbps due to distance, switching providers will not increase that speed. Consider Telekom Hybrid or wait for FTTH fiber deployment at your address.
Test your speed: Telekom Speed Test | 1&1 Speed Test
Last Updated: February 12, 2026 Data Sources: Deutsche Telekom official website, 1&1 official website, Bundesnetzagentur, Opensignal Germany 2025 report