If you are looking for a new mobile phone contract or SIM-only deal, you might be wondering what is the best mobile network in the UK. After all, there are so many factors to consider, such as coverage, speed, customer service, value for money, and features. How do you know which one will suit your needs and preferences?
In this post, we will help you answer this question by comparing the UK’s top mobile networks based on various criteria, such as performance, reliability, satisfaction, and incentives. We will also provide you with some tips on how to choose the best mobile network for you, and answer some frequently asked questions about mobile networks in the UK.
By the end of this post, you will have a clear idea of what is the best mobile network in the UK for your specific situation, and how to get the most out of your mobile service.
Performance
One of the most important aspects of a mobile network is its performance, which includes factors such as signal strength, connection speed, and data allowance. You want a mobile network that can provide you with fast and reliable service, especially if you use your phone for streaming, gaming, or browsing the web.
To measure the performance of mobile networks in the UK, we can use the data from RootMetrics, a company that tests the network quality across the country. According to their latest report, the best mobile network in the UK for performance is EE, followed by Vodafone, Three, and O2.
EE scored the highest in all six categories of performance: overall, reliability, speed, data, call, and text. It also had the best 5G coverage and speed, which is the latest and fastest generation of mobile technology. EE claims to cover 99% of the UK population with 4G, and 90% with 5G.
Vodafone came second in overall performance and was particularly strong in speed and data. It also had the second-best 5G coverage and speed and claims to cover 99% of the UK population with 4G, and 44% with 5G.
Three ranked third in overall performance and was the best in call performance. It also had the third-best 5G coverage and speed and claims to cover 99.8% of the UK population with 4G, and 43% with 5G.
O2 ranked fourth in overall performance and was the best in text performance. It also had the fourth-best 5G coverage and speed and claims to cover 99% of the UK population with 4G, and 40% with 5G.
Satisfaction
Another important aspect of a mobile network is its customer satisfaction, which includes factors such as customer service, value for money, and complaints handling. You want a mobile network that can provide you with a positive and hassle-free experience, and that can resolve any issues you might have.
To measure the customer satisfaction of mobile networks in the UK, we can use the data from Ofcom, the UK’s communications regulator, which conducts an annual survey of mobile customers. According to their latest report, the best mobile network in the UK for customer satisfaction is Tesco Mobile, followed by giffgaff, O2, Vodafone, and EE.
Tesco Mobile had an overall customer satisfaction score of 96%, which was higher than the industry average of 92%. It also had the lowest proportion of customers with a reason to complain (1%), and the highest proportion of customers who were satisfied with how their complaint was handled (72%).
giffgaff had an overall customer satisfaction score of 95%, which was also higher than the industry average. It also had a low proportion of customers with a reason to complain (2%), and a high proportion of customers who were satisfied with how their complaint was handled (68%).
O2, Vodafone, and EE all had an overall customer satisfaction score of 92%, which was equal to the industry average. They also had similar proportions of customers with a reason to complain (3% for O2 and Vodafone, 4% for EE), and similar proportions of customers who were satisfied with how their complaint was handled (58% for O2, 57% for Vodafone, 56% for EE).
Incentives
A third aspect of a mobile network is its incentives, which include factors such as deals, offers, rewards, and features. You want a mobile network that can provide you with some extra benefits, such as discounts, freebies, loyalty points, or exclusive access to content or services.
To compare the incentives of mobile networks in the UK, we can look at some of the examples of what they offer to their customers, either as part of their contracts or SIM-only plans, or as optional add-ons or perks. Here are some of the incentives that the four major mobile networks in the UK, and some of their piggybackers, offer:
- EE: unlimited data plans, unlimited streaming of Apple Music, Apple TV+, and BritBox, six months free of Disney+, BT Sport, and Apple News+, Smart Benefits such as Roam Further Pass or Video Data Pass, free device repairs, and 10% off additional lines.
- Vodafone: unlimited data plans, unlimited streaming of YouTube Premium, Amazon Prime, Spotify Premium, or Sky Sports Mobile TV, six months free of Apple Music, Apple TV+, and Apple Arcade, VeryMe Rewards such as discounts, freebies, and giveaways, and 15% off additional lines.
- Three: unlimited data plans, unlimited streaming of Netflix, Apple Music, Snapchat, and SoundCloud, six months free of Disney+, BritBox, and Apple TV+, Go Roam in 71 destinations, and 5G at no extra cost.
- O2: flexible data plans, six months free of Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, Audible, or Calm, O2 Priority Rewards such as discounts, freebies, and early access to tickets and events, and 20% off additional lines.
- Tesco Mobile: flexible data plans, Clubcard Plus benefits such as double data and Clubcard points, Family Perks such as extra data, minutes, or money off your bill, and free Tesco deliveries with Clubcard Plus.
- giffgaff: flexible data plans, always-on data with unlimited calls and texts, payback points that can be redeemed for cash, credit, or charity donations, and free calls and texts to other giffgaff numbers.
- Sky Mobile: flexible data plans, unlimited streaming of Sky TV and apps, data rollover for up to three years, free unlimited calls and texts for Sky TV customers, and Sky VIP rewards such as discounts, freebies, and prize draws.
- Voxi: flexible data plans, unlimited social media and video streaming, endless roaming in Europe, and Voxi Drop rewards such as discounts, freebies, and giveaways.
As you can see, there are a lot of incentives to choose from, depending on what you value most. Some of them might be more appealing to you than others, depending on your usage, preferences, and budget.
Tips
Now that you have an overview of what is the best mobile network in the UK based on performance, satisfaction, and incentives, you might be wondering how to choose the best one for you. Here are some tips to help you make the right decision:
- Check the coverage and speed of the mobile network in your area. You can use the coverage checkers of the four major mobile networks, or the Ofcom mobile coverage checker, to see how good the signal and data are where you live, work, or travel. You can also use speed test apps or websites to measure the actual speed of your connection.
- Compare the prices and plans of the mobile network that suits your needs. You can use comparison websites such as Uswitch, MoneySuperMarket, or Compare the Market, to see the different options available for contracts or SIM-only deals
- Choose the mobile network that offers the best incentives for you. You can look at the examples of what each mobile network offers, and see which ones match your interests, hobbies, or lifestyle. You can also look for special deals or offers that might be available for a limited time, or for specific groups of customers, such as students, NHS workers, or existing customers.
- Consider the customer service and reputation of the mobile network. You can look at the customer satisfaction scores, the complaints handling, and the reviews of other customers, to get an idea of how the mobile network treats its customers, and how likely they are to resolve any problems you might have. You can also look for awards or recognition that the mobile network has received from independent organisations, such as Which?, uSwitch, or Mobile Industry Awards.
- Think about your future needs and preferences. You might want to choose a mobile network that can offer you flexibility, such as the ability to change your plan, upgrade your phone, or cancel your contract without penalties. You might also want to choose a mobile network that can provide you with the latest technology, such as 5G, or the best features, such as Wi-Fi calling, VoLTE, or eSIM.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about mobile networks in the UK, and their answers:
- What is a piggybacker? A piggybacker is a mobile network that uses the infrastructure of one of the four major mobile networks (EE, Vodafone, Three, or O2) to provide its service. For example, Tesco Mobile, giffgaff, Sky Mobile, and Voxi are all piggybackers that use the O2 network. This means that they have the same coverage and speed as O2, but they might offer different prices, plans, or incentives.
- What is the difference between 4G and 5G? 4G and 5G are both generations of mobile technology that enable data transmission over wireless networks. 5G is the latest and fastest generation, which can offer up to 10 times faster speeds than 4G, as well as lower latency, higher capacity, and more reliability. However, 5G is not widely available yet, and it requires a compatible phone and a plan to access it.
- What is the difference between contract and SIM-only? A contract is a type of mobile plan that includes a phone and a SIM card and usually lasts for 12, 18, or 24 months. You pay a monthly fee that covers the cost of the phone and the service, and you might have to pay an upfront fee as well. A SIM-only is a type of mobile plan that only includes a SIM card, and usually lasts for 30 days or 12 months. You pay a monthly fee that covers the cost of the service only, and you need to have your phone or buy one separately.
- What is the difference between pay-as-you-go and pay monthly? Pay-as-you-go is a type of mobile plan that requires you to top up your credit before you can use your phone. You pay for what you use, and you can choose from various bundles or tariffs that offer different amounts of data, minutes, and texts. Pay monthly is a type of mobile plan that requires you to pay a fixed amount every month, regardless of how much you use your phone. You get a set amount of data, minutes, and texts, and you might have to pay extra if you go over your allowance.
Conclusions
In this post, we have answered the question of what is the best mobile network in the UK, by comparing the four major mobile networks (EE, Vodafone, Three, and O2) and some of their piggybackers (Tesco Mobile, giffgaff, Sky Mobile, and Voxi) based on various criteria, such as performance, satisfaction, and incentives.
We have seen that there is no definitive answer to this question, as different mobile networks might suit different customers, depending on their needs, preferences, and budget. However, we have provided you with some tips on how to choose the best mobile network for you, and some frequently asked questions to help you understand more about mobile networks in the UK.
