Best Mobile Networks in UK: 2023 Comprehensive Comparison

Choosing the best mobile network in the UK can be a daunting task with so many options available. This comprehensive comparison of UK mobile networks will help you make an informed decision about which network is right for you. We have compared the top mobile networks in the UK based on factors such as coverage, price, and customer service to help you find the best mobile network for your needs.

Understanding Mobile Networks

A mobile network is the infrastructure that enables your phone and other mobile devices, such as tablets, to connect with each other and to the internet. The network is made up of interconnected cellular receivers (mobile phone towers) and base stations. Base stations direct mobile traffic, much like air traffic control for airports. Towers and base stations work together to deliver coverage to users. All providers use the same network but, to minimize interference, they use slightly different frequencies.

3G, 4G, and 5G: The Generations of Mobile Networks

The G stands for ‘generation’, and 3G refers to the third generation of mobile technology, 4G to the fourth generation, and 5G to the fifth generation. The greatest shift came with 3G, which enabled mobile phone users to send digital messages including images, video, and email, as well as access the internet. Fundamentally, 3G paved the way for smartphones and the wireless technology many of us now take for granted. After 3G came 4G, which allowed data to be sent and received at speeds to rival most broadband connections. Even more recent is the rollout of 5G, which is already available in a number of towns and cities in the UK and will allow for even faster data speeds.

Big Four UK Mobile Networks

In the UK, there are four major mobile providers, also known as the ‘Big Four’, which own slices of the UK mobile spectrum (the physical signal your phone receives). These are:

• EE mobile – Born out of the merger between T-Mobile and Orange, and now owned by BT, this telecoms giant is the largest with around 32 million customers.
• O2 mobile – Just behind EE is O2, which is owned by Spanish telecoms company Telefonica. It has around 24 million customers.
• Vodafone mobile – Despite dominating the telecoms market in other countries, Vodafone is third in the UK with around 17.5 million customers.
• Three mobile – Owned by a Hong Kong-based conglomerate, Three is the last of the Big Four networks with approximately 9.9 million customers in the UK.

These four networks are the only ones that own the UK mobile spectrum, and as such, other providers have to partner with one of these four mobile networks and use their signal to power their Sims, a practice known as ‘piggybacking’.

Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs)

MVNOs are providers that don't own their own mobile network and rent space from the Big Four instead – an agreement known as piggybacking. Examples of MVNOs include Asda Mobile and Plusnet Mobile. Some of the larger virtual network operators in the UK include Giffgaff, Tesco Mobile, BT Mobile, Sky Mobile, Virgin Mobile, and iD Mobile.

Table of Mobile Network Providers

Choosing the Best Mobile Network in the UK

When choosing the best mobile network in the UK, it is important to consider factors such as coverage, price, and customer service. This comprehensive comparison of UK mobile networks has provided you with the information you need to make an informed decision about which network is right for you. By evaluating the top mobile networks in the UK and taking into account their contract lengths, data allowances, and prices, you can find the best mobile network for your needs.

With the increasing usage of mobile phones, it is crucial to have a reliable mobile network with strong signals, high speeds, and excellent customer service. At Which?, we regularly survey customers of the biggest mobile phone networks in the UK. Our detailed analysis of different aspects of a mobile network service, including customer service and value for money, can help you make an informed choice about your next provider.

Which Mobile Phone Network is the Best?

In various satisfaction surveys, over 3,300 customers of 16 of the biggest contract, Sim-only, and pay-as-you-go (PAYG) providers, including EE mobile review, O2 mobile review, Vodafone mobile review, and Three mobile review, have been interviewed. Six providers performed exceptionally well, earning the title of Which? Recommended Providers. These surveys reveal:

• Which mobile phone networks were rated as Which? Recommended Providers
• Quotes from real customers on their experiences
• Each network's UK coverage
• Each provider's deals and incentives

What Makes a Which? Recommended Provider?

To become a Which? Recommended Provider (WRP), mobile networks have to offer more than just excellent service to customers. We also perform a price analysis as part of the WRP calculation. Any providers with prices higher than the market average cannot become WRPs, even if they have a great customer score.

Who are the Biggest UK Mobile Networks?

There are four major mobile providers in the UK, all of whom are household names when it comes to mobile networks:

• EE mobile review – Born out of the merger between T-Mobile and Orange, and now owned by BT, this telecoms giant is the largest with around 32 million customers.
• O2 mobile review – Just behind EE is O2, which is owned by Spanish telecoms company Telefonica. It has around 24 million customers.
• Vodafone mobile review – Despite dominating the telecoms market in other countries, Vodafone is third in the UK with around 17.5 million customers.
• Three mobile review – Owned by a Hong Kong-based conglomerate, Three is the last of the Big Four networks with approximately 9.9 million customers in the UK.

These four networks, often called the ‘Big Four,’ are the only ones that own slices of the UK mobile spectrum (which is the physical signal your phone receives) and, as such, other providers have to partner with one of these four mobile networks and use their signal to power their Sims, a practice known as ‘piggybacking’.

Who Powers Mobile Networks Such as GiffGaff and Tesco Mobile?

Because the Big Four mobile networks have a monopoly on the mobile spectrum, other networks have to partner with one of these networks to power their Sims. Providers such as these are called MVNOs (Mobile Virtual Network Operators), and examples of MVNOs include Asda Mobile and Plusnet Mobile. Our list below shows you which of the major mobile networks power some of the largest MVNOs:

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• EE: BT Mobile, Plusnet Mobile, Utility Warehouse
• O2: GiffGaff, Sky Mobile, Tesco Mobile
• Vodafone: Asda Mobile, Lebara, Talkmobile, Voxi, Virgin Mobile
• Three: ID Mobile, Smarty

More details about the big UK mobile phone companies: Which one is right for me?

Here is more information about these mobile companies so that you can form an opinion about which one is best for you. This is a quick overview of who's who in the mobile phone networks operating in the UK. If you continue reading you will find a section with pros and cons of the most popular ones.

Asda Mobile Review

Asda Mobile is a PAYG-only provider, offering a variety of bundles. This means you can't get contracts or Sim-only deals, and you have to pay upfront to use its services. However, it's one of the cheaper providers out there and many customers appreciate the low-cost deals Asda Mobile offers.

BT Mobile Review

After returning to the mobile market in 2015 following its acquisition of EE, BT Mobile is still finding its feet in the mobile market. BT Mobile offers both contract and Sim-only deals to its customers, with BT broadband customers receiving an extra £5 off a month.

EE Mobile Review

Born out of the merger between T-Mobile and Orange, and now owned by BT, telecoms giant EE is now the largest mobile phone provider in the UK. It offers a range of contract, Sim-only, and PAYG deals. EE customers also get free access to the BT Sport app for the first three months, as well as access to 'Smart benefit' rewards when you take out a pay-monthly deal, whether Sim-only or contract.

Giffgaff Mobile Review

Giffgaff has been around for almost 10 years now and has firmly established itself in the mobile network market as a low-cost, no-frills network. Giffgaff mainly offers 30-day Sim-only plans called ‘goodybags’ and some of the lowest PAYG rates available. Part of the reason costs are kept so low is that there is no customer service call center and all non-account-related issues have to be raised in the Giffgaff community, where other customers help answer your questions (there are also chat agents for specific account-related issues).

iD Mobile Review

Carphone Warehouse-owned iD Mobile is powered by the Three network and is another low-cost mobile provider, currently offering some of the cheapest deals around. iD Mobile customers can also get a contract phone with some of the latest iPhones and Samsung Galaxys available due to iD Mobile's partnership with Carphone Warehouse.

Lebara Mobile Review

Initially founded in 2001 as a provider of international prepaid calling cards, and then a mobile network focusing on international calls, Lebara has revamped its Sim-only offering in recent years to become a low-cost Sim-only provider. Lebara offers Sim-only deals with a mix of UK and international calls to over 40 countries such as the USA, Canada, India, and Australia as well as UK data and texts. Customers also can roam free in India as well as the standard EU countries. All packages are on a 30-day rolling plan, and Lebara runs on the Vodafone network.

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O2 Mobile Review

Another of the Big Four companies, O2 offers a large range of deals and can give customers the latest smartphones available on the market. Refresh deals split the cost of the smartphone and airtime, meaning that you never over pay for your contract once it has finished. Also, O2's Refresh allows you to control every aspect of the deal, including length, data allowance, and upfront cost. The Priority app also allows O2 customers exclusive access to special deals, freebies, and concert tickets before anyone else.

Plusnet Mobile Review

Despite being traditionally known as a broadband provider, BT's ownership of Plusnet means that Plusnet is also able to offer mobile services to its customers. Although not a major player in the mobile network market, Plusnet still offers inexpensive Sim-only deals, which last 30 days and are flexible, meaning you can change your package easily, depending on your needs. If you're a Plusnet broadband customer, you're able to get a data boost of 2GB.

Sky Mobile Review

Telecoms giant Sky went live with its mobile offering in 2017, using the O2 network to power its service. Sky TV customers can get the best deals here, with unlimited streaming available if you have a Sky TV package, although data rollover for up to three years is available to all customers.

Smarty Mobile Review

As Three's low-cost virtual network, Smarty's mission is to offer ultra-cheap Sim-only packages with very little in the way of extras. That said, Smarty does offer three data discount plans, whereby the cost of unused data is refunded at a cost of 1p per MB, up to £3 if you use 1GB or less. Smarty's customer service and account management are 100% online and are primarily handled through a mixture of forums and live chat.

Talkmobile Review

Talkmobile is another low-cost virtual network with a sparse but cost-effective offering of Sim-only deals. Don't expect call center customer service or extensive incentives, but if you're looking for a cheap, simple package of data, minutes, and texts, Talkmobile might be suitable.

Tesco Mobile Review

Although Tesco is best known for being the biggest supermarket chain in the UK, Tesco Mobile has grown its base to more than five million customers and has become a real contender in the mobile network market, offering some good deals to customers. Offering contract phones, Sim-only, and PAYG plans, Tesco Mobile's plans are fairly inexpensive and now include 5G plans. Tesco Mobile customers can also collect Clubcard points with its packages and use them in-store or redeem them for vouchers to spend on special rewards.

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Three (3) Mobile Review

The smallest of the big four mobile networks, Three is known for offering data-heavy deals for lightweight prices. Most plans come with Go Roam Around the World, which allows you to call and text the UK as well as use up to 12GB of your allowance in more than 70 countries, including Australia and the US, depending on the package you select.

Virgin Mobile Review

As the world's first mobile virtual network operator (MVNO), Virgin Mobile has been offering mobile services for almost 20 years and uses Vodafone's network to power its mobile service. Now under the Virgin Media umbrella, Virgin Mobile attempts to compete with the big players by offering the latest contract smartphones and Sim-only deals. Virgin Mobile customers also have the ability to use WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, and Twitter in the UK and not use up any of their allowance, although voice and video calls through WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger are excluded.

Vodafone Mobile Review

Another of the four mobile giants, Vodafone has been offering its services for more than 30 years in the UK and has its own network in which to do so. Vodafone also has more than 75 destinations where you can roam free of charge, including Australia, Canada, and the US, more than any other UK network. Although, this is only available on the more expensive tariffs.

Voxi Review

Launched with the intention of attracting younger generations, Voxi offers an extensive range of phone and Sim-only contracts and deals. Voxi's main attraction is its endless social media and video streaming incentives, where using apps such as Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, YouTube, and Netflix will not eat into your data allowance.

Below is a table with the pros and cons of each network. We hope you find it useful

O2 Mobile Network

• 99% mobile coverage
• 16,000+ free wifi hotspots
• Priority booking at O2 venues
• Inclusive roaming for 49 locations

With 99% mobile phone coverage throughout the UK, O2 offers both 3G and 4G connections. O2's 5G network is available in 150 towns and cities across the country. However, it lags behind its competitors in rural network coverage. O2's notable features include access to over 16,000 free Wi-Fi hotspots nationwide.

Pros and Cons

✓ Pros Priority booking at O2 venues. Inclusive roaming for 49 locations.

✗ Cons No data unlimited plans.

Check out the deals in the official O2 online shop

Vodafone Mobile Network

• 97% UK coverage
• 5G in 46 cities
• Free Spotify or Sky Sports
• Inclusive roaming for 110 places

Vodafone provides 4G mobile phone coverage to 97% of the UK, and its superfast 5G network is available in 46 cities. Vodafone's 4G Red plan users can enjoy free 6-month access to the Sky Sports app or Spotify. All Vodafone pay monthly plans include roaming contracts for 110 destinations.

Pros and Cons

✓ Pros 97% 4G mobile phone coverage. Free 6-month access to Sky Sports app or Spotify for 4G Red plan users.

✗ Cons 5G roaming not as fast as EE.

Check out the deals in the official Vodafone online shop

EE Mobile Network

• >99% UK coverage
• Fastest 4G and best 5G connections
• Free Apple Music for 6 months or BT Sport app for 24 months
• No-cost roaming in 48 locations

EE boasts the best mobile phone coverage in the UK with over 99% coverage and the fastest available speeds. It is considered the top mobile network in the UK for coverage. Even the most affordable EE deals offer around 60Mbps speed, depending on your plan and phone's condition. EE provides the best 5G connection, covering 80 cities in the UK.

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Pros and Cons

✓ Pros Best mobile phone coverage in the UK. 99% coverage across the UK.

✗ Cons One of the pricier mobile networks available.

EE deals

Disclaimer: Despite claims of 97%+ coverage, there are areas in the UK with patchy coverage or none at all from some networks. It's best to use a postcode checker to confirm a network's availability in a specific location before choosing a mobile plan.

All Mobile Networks

There are four main mobile network providers in the UK, some of which offer more than one mobile network operator. All other mobile phone network companies rent space from these providers. There is minimal difference in mobile coverage among the four competitors, and unless you live in an extremely underdeveloped rural area, the difference between them is hardly noticeable. These network providers and their operators are as follows:

Three Mobile Network

• >99% UK coverage
• Inclusive roaming for 71 destinations
• Fastest 5G connection coming soon

Three offers over 99% mobile network coverage across the UK, making it one of the most widely available providers. Three has enabled 5G broadband in some parts of London, but its mobile 5G is still in development. The company is investing heavily in 5G infrastructure and promises to deliver the UK's fastest 5G connection. Three does not charge extra for roaming in 71 locations.

Pros and Cons

✓ Pros Inclusive roaming for 71 destinations. >99% UK coverage.

✗ Cons Top speeds not as high as some rivals.

Three deals

• Stream any Sky app without using monthly data
• Roll over unused data for up to 3 years
• Flexibility to change calls, text, and data plan whenever
• Upgrade to a new phone mid-contract

Sky Mobile runs on the O2 network and offers 4G mobile phone coverage in 98% of the UK. It provides the option to carry forward unused data to the next month, so you don't lose it. With Sky Mobile, you can upgrade to a new phone even if you were mid-contract on the previous one.

Pros and Cons

✓ Pros Stream any Sky app without using monthly data. Roll over unused data for up to 3 years. Flexibility to change calls, text, and data plan whenever.

✗ Cons Limited range of handsets available.

Sky deals

Tesco Mobile Network

• 99% UK coverage
• Inclusive roaming for 48 destinations
• Free monthly incentives for multiple phone numbers

Tesco Mobile uses the O2 network and offers 99% coverage across the UK. It provides inclusive roaming in over 48 locations and offers free incentives and family perks for users with multiple Tesco mobile accounts.

Pros and Cons</h4

✓ Pros Inclusive roaming for 48 destinations. Free monthly incentives for multiple phone numbers.

✗ Cons Data roaming costs are high.

Check out the deals in the official Tesco online shop

iD Mobile Network

• >99% UK coverage
• Inclusive roaming for 50 destinations
• 10 GB free data

iD Mobile uses the Three network, providing the same mobile network coverage as Three users. iD Mobile plans include inclusive roaming for 50 locations without additional fees. They also offer Data Cushion, a data emergency fund with 10GB of free data that can be used when needed.

Pros and Cons

✓ Pros Inclusive roaming for 50 destinations. 10 GB free data.

✗ Cons No telephone-based customer support.

iD deals

Talkmobile Network

• 97% UK coverage
• Budget-friendly plans

Talkmobile uses Vodafone's mobile phone network, offering the same coverage as Vodafone. Talkmobile phone plans don't include many extras but make up for it in affordability.

Pros and Cons

✓ Pros 97% UK coverage. Budget-friendly plans.

✗ Cons No unlimited data option.

Talkmobile deals

GiffGaff Mobile Network

• 99% UK coverage
• Flexible data limits
• Inclusive roaming for 37 destinations

Like Tesco Mobile, GiffGaff also uses O2's network, providing connection speeds and mobile coverage similar to O2. GiffGaff offers discounts to customers who recommend the network to friends. It also provides the option to change your data allowance monthly.

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Pros and Cons

✓ Pros 99% UK coverage.

✗ Cons Only one unlimited data plan.

Check out the deals in the official Tesco online shop

Recommendations You Can Trust

Which? is independent. We work for you, the consumer, so you can be sure that our recommendations are only influenced by our test and survey results. We're not influenced by third parties, and we don't accept freebies from product manufacturers or retailers.

Remember to read any terms and conditions carefully, especially around unlimited data use. Many mobile providers have fair use policies, which can limit your use or slow it down between certain hours if you exceed a certain amount, even if you have an unlimited data plan.

We hope this guide has provided you with valuable information to make the best decision when choosing your mobile network provider in the UK. Happy searching and may you find the perfect match for your mobile needs!

If you would like to know other articles similar to Best Mobile Networks in UK: 2023 Comprehensive Comparison updated this year 2025 you can visit the category Price of living in the UK.