Which is the best UK mobile network provider?
Dan Howdle • February 27th, 2025
EE is widely recognised as the best mobile network in the UK, particularly for its unmatched speed, coverage, and performance. But what makes EE stand out from its competitors, is it the right choice for you? And will it still be the best when Vodafone and Three finally merge?
Over the past decade, the UK mobile landscape has seen significant changes, with networks merging, expanding, and innovating. Among these changes, EE has consistently emerged as the leader in terms of network speed, coverage, and overall performance. But it’s essential to look beyond the headlines and understand what EE offers and how it compares with other UK mobile networks.
EE’s Network Coverage: Leading the Pack
EE was the first network to launch 4G in the UK, back in November 2012, giving it a head start that it has maintained over the years. Today, EE's 4G network covers over 99% of the UK population and 89% of its geography. Furthermore, EE's 5G network, which was the first to launch in the UK in 2019, has now expanded to cover over 78% of the UK population, with plans to extend even further.
EE's 5G network coverage continues to grow rapidly and is expected to reach anywhere in the UK by 2028. Its 5G Standalone (SA) network, launched in September 2024 in 15 cities—including all four UK capitals—expanded to 16 additional locations by the end of 2024, now covering approximately one-third of the UK population. EE aims to provide 95% outdoor 5G SA coverage in each launched town or city. This expansion is supported by the recent acquisition of additional 700MHz spectrum, which enhances both indoor and rural coverage.
In addition to its focus on population coverage, EE is heavily investing in geographic coverage, making sure that even remote and rural areas have access to reliable mobile services. This commitment includes improving connectivity on major transport routes, such as roads and railways, and enhancing indoor coverage with technologies like VoLTE (Voice over LTE) and VoWiFi (Voice over Wi-Fi).
Unmatched Data Speeds on EE
When it comes to data speeds, EE consistently outperforms its rivals. Whether you’re using 4G or 5G, EE offers the fastest mobile internet in the UK. EE's overall median download speed is now 89.9 Mbps, nearly double that of its closest competitor, Vodafone, at 49.9 Mbps. With its 5G network, customers can expect even higher speeds, with median 5G download speeds reaching 231.5 Mbps and peak speeds up to 638.5 Mbps.
EE’s 5G network is especially beneficial for data-intensive activities such as streaming high-definition videos, gaming, and video conferencing. The network’s superior performance is evident in independent tests, which consistently rank EE as the fastest mobile network in the UK. In comparison, other major networks like Vodafone, Three, and O2 have made improvements but still fall short of EE’s speed and reliability.
EE’s Added Extras and Benefits
EE offers a range of value-added services known as "Smart Benefits," which include free subscriptions to popular services such as Netflix, Apple Music, and TNT Sports. EE also provides inclusive roaming in select destinations and offers data boosts for customers who bundle their mobile plan with EE’s home broadband.
How Does EE Compare?
While EE’s extras are impressive, other networks also offer competitive value-added services. For instance, Three’s "Go Roam" now covers over 160 destinations. However, a daily charge applies: £2 in Europe, £5 in "Around the World" destinations, and £7 in "Around the World Extra" destinations. Vodafone offers Entertainment Plans that include subscriptions to services such as Amazon Prime or YouTube Premium for 24 months. Additionally, all Entertainment Plans come with 500 international minutes to Europe. O2’s Priority service provides exclusive rewards and experiences, including 48-hour ticket presales to thousands of gigs and events nationwide, weekly free snacks from Greggs, discounted Vue cinema tickets, and savings on Disney+ subscriptions.
Overall, EE’s Smart Benefits are particularly appealing for users who value streaming services and reliable connectivity while traveling.
EE's customer service
Customer service is another area where EE excels. According to Ofcom's most recent customer satisfaction data, EE, Sky Mobile, and Tesco Mobile were the least complained-about mobile providers in Q3 2024. EE's customer complaints were primarily driven by issues related to faults, service, and provisioning.
EE’s commitment to customer service includes answering 100% of customer calls within the UK and Ireland and continuously improving its online chat service for more accessible support. The network's high customer satisfaction ratings reflect this focus on service quality, making EE a reliable choice for users who prioritise customer care.
Is EE Good Value for Money?
Value for money is subjective and depends on individual needs. If you’re seeking a low-cost SIM-only deal with a modest data allowance, EE may not be your best option. Networks like giffgaff, iD Mobile, and Three offer more budget-friendly options with competitive allowances.
However, if you're looking for high-performance, reliable coverage, and a wide range of added benefits, EE's plans offer excellent value, particularly at the higher end of the market. EE’s unlimited data plans, while more expensive than those of its competitors, come with the advantage of faster speeds and better overall coverage.
Additionally, if you bundle your EE mobile plan with their broadband services, you can get significant data boosts, making the higher price point more palatable.
For those who want to benefit from EE’s network without the higher pricing, considering one of the MVNOs (Mobile Virtual Network Operators) that use EE’s network, like Lyca Mobile, 1pMobile, Spusu, Talk Home, or Ecotalk, might be a good alternative.
Which EE price plan should you choose?
EE has a range of plans depending on what you need and how much you want to spend. All EE plans are 5G-ready, so if you've got a compatible phone, you can make the most of their superfast network.
If you want the latest smartphone, EE lets you spread the cost over 12, 24, or 36 months. You can pick from the newest iPhones, Samsung Galaxy models, and other big brands. Some plans even come with "Inclusive Extras," giving you freebies like Apple Music, Apple TV+, Netflix, Google One, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, or TNT Sports on discovery+ at no extra cost.
If you already have a phone you love, EE’s SIM-only plans offer flexibility, with contracts from 30 days up to 24 months. These plans come with unlimited calls and texts, and some even include Inclusive Extras.
For households that need broadband as well, EE bundles its mobile and home broadband services. This can unlock extra perks like big data boosts on your mobile plan, making it a great option if you're already with EE or thinking of switching.
EE’s main mobile plan types include:
- Full Works Plan: Unlimited data, calls, and texts, plus an Inclusive Extra like Apple One or the Roam Abroad Pass for international travel
- All Rounder Plan: Large data allowances with an Inclusive Extra like Netflix or Apple Music
- Essentials Plan: A simple plan with data, calls, and texts, ideal for those who want reliable coverage without extra perks
One thing to keep in mind — EE is increasing prices from March 31, 2025. SIM only plans are going up by £1.50 a month, and handset plans by £4 a month.
If you want the best coverage and perks like streaming services or roaming, EE is a solid choice. Just be sure to pick the right plan based on what you actually need.
