Why Orange Wasn't on My Radar
After experiences with Movistar and Vodafone, I was ready to try something different. A Spanish colleague mentioned Orange, and I'll admit—I was skeptical. They're smaller than the big two, and their marketing is less aggressive. But sometimes, that's exactly what you want.
I signed up for Orange's 400 Mbps plan in October 2024, moving to Sant Antoni. The sales process was refreshingly straightforward. No pressure, clear pricing, and honest answers about what to expect. The representative even warned me that installation might take a week (it took five days), which set proper expectations from the start.
Installation and Setup
The installation was professional and thorough. The technician spent time explaining the router settings, showed me how to optimize Wi-Fi placement, and even tested speeds in different rooms. This level of service was a welcome change from the rushed installations I'd experienced before.
No hidden costs, no surprises. The price quoted was the price I paid. The router (Livebox 6) is modern and user-friendly, with a better interface than either Movistar or Vodafone's equipment.
Speed Performance: Consistent and Reliable
Orange's speeds aren't the highest I've seen, but they're the most consistent. I consistently get 400-500 Mbps download and 380-450 Mbps upload, regardless of time of day. No evening slowdowns like Movistar, no random drops like Vodafone.
I've been running speed tests weekly, and the variation is minimal—maybe 50-80 Mbps difference between best and worst, compared to 200-300 Mbps swings with the other providers. For my use case (remote work, video calls, streaming), this consistency matters more than peak speeds.
The connection has been rock-solid. In three months, I've had zero outages and zero noticeable disconnections. This reliability has been the biggest surprise.
Customer Service: A Genuine Standout
This is where Orange truly differentiates itself. I had a billing question and called their support line. I waited less than two minutes before speaking to a human. Not an automated menu maze—an actual person who could help.
The representative was knowledgeable, patient, and actually solved my issue in one call. When I mentioned I was considering their service, they offered to have a technician check coverage at my address before I committed—something neither Movistar nor Vodafone offered proactively.
Their online chat is equally responsive, with average wait times under five minutes. The agents seem better trained, and they have access to more information, so they can actually resolve issues without endless escalations.
Pricing: Transparent and Fair
Orange's pricing is straightforward. I pay 48€/month with no promotional period that jumps later. The contract is 12 months with a 120€ early termination fee—reasonable and clearly stated upfront.
They don't bundle as many extras as the larger providers, but that's fine with me. I'd rather pay for what I need than get locked into services I don't use. If you want mobile or TV bundles, they offer them, but they're not pushed aggressively.
What I appreciate most: no surprises. The price is the price, the terms are clear, and there are no hidden fees buried in fine print.
Coverage Considerations
Orange's main limitation is coverage. They're not available everywhere, especially in smaller towns or older buildings. Before signing up, you need to verify they can actually service your address.
In Barcelona, coverage is good in most neighborhoods, but it's worth checking. I was lucky—my building had Orange fiber available. If you're outside major cities, this could be a dealbreaker.
However, if they do cover your area, the service quality makes them worth considering even if you have other options.
What I Love
- Consistent speeds without time-of-day variations
- Excellent customer service with short wait times
- Transparent pricing with no hidden costs
- Rock-solid connection stability
- Professional installation and setup
- Modern, user-friendly router interface
Potential Drawbacks
- Limited coverage compared to Movistar
- Peak speeds slightly lower than Vodafone (though more consistent)
- Fewer bundle options if you want everything in one package
- Less brand recognition (though this hasn't affected service quality)
Who Should Choose Orange
Orange is ideal if you prioritize reliability and customer service over maximum speeds. If you work from home, make video calls, or just want internet that works consistently without drama, Orange delivers.
They're also great if you value transparent pricing and straightforward contracts. No promotional gimmicks, no hidden fees, just clear terms.
The main caveat: check coverage first. If Orange isn't available in your area, this doesn't help. But if they are, they're worth serious consideration, even alongside the bigger names like Movistar and Vodafone.
Final Verdict
Orange has been the surprise of my internet journey in Spain. After dealing with Movistar's evening slowdowns and Vodafone's stability issues, Orange's consistent, reliable service feels like a breath of fresh air.
They're not perfect—no provider is—but they excel where it matters most: delivering what they promise, when they promise it, with customer service that actually helps when you need it.
I'm currently on month three with Orange, and it's the first time I'm not actively considering switching. That says something. Sometimes the underdog wins not by being flashy, but by being reliable.