# Best Mobile Network Providers in the UK _CompareFairly · en/GB · neutral comparison, cited sources, no paid placement_ **Category:** telecom › mobile phone › mobile network **Our pick**: Giffgaff (79/100) · **Cheapest**: Plusnet Mobile · **Best value**: Giffgaff ## Comparison table | Criterion | Giffgaff | iD Mobile | Three | Vodafone | EE | O2 | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Coverage Score (score) | 86 | 85 | 85 | 89 | 90 | 88 | | 5G Availability | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | | Monthly Price (GBP) | 18 | 19 | 20 | 24 | 25 | 22 | | Data Allowance (GB) | 100 | 60 | 150 | 90 | 100 | 75 | | Contract Length (mois) | 1 | 1 | 12 | 24 | 24 | 18 | | Roaming Options | Limited | Standard | Standard | Extensive | Standard | Limited | | Plan Flexibility | High | High | Medium | Medium | Medium | High | | International Calls Included | - | - | - | - | - | - | | Download Speed (Mbps) | 50 | 53 | 55 | 65 | 70 | 60 | | Upload Speed (Mbps) | 15 | 16 | 18 | 22 | 25 | 20 | | Customer Reviews Score (score) | 87 | 81 | 80 | 82 | 85 | 88 | | Customer Service Rating (score) | 4.2 | 3.7 | 3.5 | 3.8 | 4 | 4.5 | ## 1. Giffgaff Giffgaff offers SIM-only deals with flexible monthly 'goodybags' and a strong community focus. _Source (estimate): [https://www.giffgaff.com/](https://www.giffgaff.com/)_ ## 2. iD Mobile iD Mobile offers flexible plans with data rollover and no contract length, using Three's network. _Source (estimate): [https://www.idmobile.co.uk/](https://www.idmobile.co.uk/)_ ## 3. Three Three offers unlimited data on some plans and good value for money, with improving 5G coverage. _Source (estimate): [https://www.three.co.uk/](https://www.three.co.uk/)_ ## 4. Vodafone Vodafone provides extensive roaming options and a reliable network, with competitive data plans. _Source (estimate): [https://www.vodafone.co.uk/](https://www.vodafone.co.uk/)_ ## 5. EE EE offers strong coverage and 5G availability, with competitive pricing and good data allowances. _Source (estimate): [https://www.ee.co.uk/](https://www.ee.co.uk/)_ ## 6. O2 O2 is known for its customer service and flexible plans, with decent coverage and 5G options. _Source (estimate): [https://www.o2.co.uk/](https://www.o2.co.uk/)_ ## 7. VOXI VOXI offers flexible SIM-only plans with unlimited social media data, aimed at a younger audience. _Source (estimate): [https://www.voxi.co.uk/](https://www.voxi.co.uk/)_ ## 8. Virgin Mobile Virgin Mobile provides flexible plans and good value, often bundled with other Virgin services. _Source (estimate): [https://www.virginmobile.com/](https://www.virginmobile.com/)_ ## 9. Tesco Mobile Tesco Mobile provides good value SIM-only deals and contract options, with reliable coverage. _Source (estimate): [https://www.tescomobile.com/](https://www.tescomobile.com/)_ ## 10. Plusnet Mobile Plusnet Mobile offers competitive SIM-only deals, often with good value data allowances. _Source (estimate): [https://www.plus.net/mobile](https://www.plus.net/mobile)_ ## 11. Sky Mobile ## 12. Smarty ## 13. Lebara Mobile ## In short This comparison evaluates 13 mobile networks based on 12 criteria, including Coverage Score, 5G Availability, Monthly Price, Data Allowance, Contract Length, and Roaming Options, with Giffgaff ranking first with a score of 79/100, notably excelling in 5G Availability and Contract Length, while iD Mobile is a close second at 77/100 and surpasses Giffgaff in Roaming Options, and Plusnet Mobile is identified as the most affordable choice. The facts in this summary are computed from the table below; only the wording is generated. ## Frequently asked questions **What are the best mobile network providers in the UK for 2026?** Giffgaff is currently leading the rankings with a score of 79/100, followed closely by iD Mobile, based on comprehensive comparison criteria. **How do UK mobile networks compare on coverage and 5G?** Our comparison evaluates coverage scores and 5G availability for each provider, alongside pricing and data allowances, to help you find the best fit. **Are there any UK mobile networks with good roaming options?** We assess the roaming options offered by mobile networks in the UK, factoring them into the overall ranking alongside monthly prices and contract lengths. **How is the mobile network ranking determined?** Our ranking is based on objective data for coverage, 5G, price, data, contract length, and roaming; we do not accept payment for placement, ensuring our neutrality. --- _Generated by CompareFairly - neutral universal comparator. Ranking not for sale, data sourced._ --- _CompareFairly · https://comparefairly.com/en/GB/best-mobile-network-in-the-uk — citation with a link is allowed; bulk extraction/redistribution is prohibited._