EE Mobile review 2024: Is it any good?
Dan Howdle | September 30th, 2024
EE is the UK’s largest mobile operator in terms of customers and has the fastest, most widespread 4G network of any operator. EE was the first to launch 4G back in 2012 following the merger of Orange and T-Mobile (remember them?) and has set the bar for the UK market ever since.
It has rolled out new features and network upgrades that have helped Britain catch up to other countries, and this is why BT bought EE for £12.5 billion in 2016. This sounds like a ringing endorsement, but having the best network is only part of the equation. EE has a reputation for being more expensive than the competition, and other providers claim to have better customer service. So is the UK’s biggest network the best for you?
Tariffs & plans
EE divides its pay monthly plans into four types: 'Essential', 'Unlimited Essentials Plus', 'Full Works', and 'Full Works for iPhone'. All the deals are 5G-ready, ensuring you're prepared for the fastest speeds, but note that your signal may still dip to 4G if 5G is unavailable in your area.
Currently, EE offers several plans under the 'Essential' label, including 'Unlimited Essentials' and 'Unlimited Essentials Plus'. Both provide unlimited data with speeds capped at 100Mbps. These plans cater to those seeking a fast, reliable connection for video calls, streaming, and downloading. The Unlimited Essentials plan starts at £23 per month on a 24-month contract, while Unlimited Essentials Plus, which also includes no-charge EU roaming, costs £36 per month at the time of writing.
The 'All Rounder' and 'Full Works' plans offer more features for those needing faster speeds and extra perks. These plans are uncapped in speed, perfect for HD streaming and for gaming. The 'Unlimited All Rounder' comes with a VIP network connection during busy times, unlimited smartwatch data, and includes one 'Inclusive Extra' of your choice such as Netflix or Google One, for £21 per month (50% off for the first 6 months at the time of writing). Similarly, the 'Unlimited Full Works' plan, which costs £24 per month, offers even more perks, including no-charge roaming in the EU and beyond, and an option to choose extras like TNT Sports or an Xbox pass.
EE’s 'Full Works for iPhone' plans come with similar features but offer Apple-specific benefits such as Apple Music or Apple TV+ as Inclusive Extras. These plans start at £24 per month after the first six months at half price at the time of writing.
EE also provides data-only SIMs for tablets and mobile Wi-Fi (Mi-Fi) devices, with various allowances available on 30-day or 24-month contracts. These plans are ideal for those who need internet access on multiple devices while on the move.
Phone and device range
EE offers a comprehensive range of pay monthly phones, particularly focusing on high-end flagship devices. The latest handsets include the iPhone 16 Pro Max, Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, and Google Pixel 9 Pro XL, providing a variety of options for those seeking top-tier smartphones. Flagship devices from other manufacturers like Honor and Motorola are also available, giving customers a broad choice.
For those looking at more affordable options, EE offers devices such as the Samsung Galaxy A15 and the Motorola G14. The range also includes entry-level options like the Samsung Galaxy A05s. EE continues to stock refurbished handsets, giving budget-conscious customers the option to save on high-quality phones.
EE’s pay-as-you-go device selection focuses on budget-friendly options, including phones from brands like Samsung, Motorola, and Alcatel. This ensures that those not on a contract can still access a range of affordable devices.
In addition to mobile phones, EE has a solid offering of tablets, including the latest iPad models such as the iPad Air and iPad Pro, as well as Samsung’s Galaxy Tab range.
Smartwatches are another area where EE excels, offering both Apple and Samsung models, such as the latest Apple Watch Series 9 and Samsung Galaxy Watch 6. These devices can be paired with EE’s pay monthly plans to provide seamless connectivity on the go.
If you’re interested in home tech, EE’s Add to Plan service allows you to spread the cost of additional products, such as smart speakers, VR headsets, or gaming consoles, across your pay monthly bill. This gives you access to the latest tech without needing to pay upfront.
Customer service
Having made all the improvements to its network infrastructure over the years, EE has also been working hard on its customer service operations. It now answers 100 per cent of calls from its centres in the UK and Ireland, while it has also invested in an improved online chat service and a new My EE application, which provides 24-hour support.
Ofcom’s most recent figures show that EE receives just six complaints per 100,000 customers, below the industry average of eight, but a rise from previous years. This is better than Three and O2 (nine and ten), and better than Vodafone which also has nine per 100,000. The best performance was from Sky and Tesco Mobile, which recorded just five each.
When it comes to customer satisfaction, EE is on par with the industry average for overall satisfaction, satisfaction 87%.
Value for money
There’s no getting away from the fact that outside of a sale, you do pay a premium for EE’s network, with its cheapest plans considerably more expensive than some of those offered by budget providers. But there are plenty of extras included you won't find with those ultra-cheap SIM deals
Shared plans might be gone, but customers wanting a second SIM deal can claim a ten per cent discount on the price, and EE still supports tethering, which means you can use your phone’s connection to create your own Wi-Fi hotspot – perfect if you don’t have a wireless connection to hand.
And if you take out a home broadband subscription with EE as well, it will give you a mobile data bonus which varies depending on the package (and doesn't apply to unlimited plans, obviously). EE offers a TV service as well, which has recently replaced BT TV, and is rather good.
Network coverage
EE is widely regarded as having the best 4G network coverage of any UK mobile operator. Its 4G network covers approximately 87% of the UK's geographic area and reaches over 99% of the population. The company has been actively improving rural coverage, especially in remote areas, by deploying low-frequency spectrum to enhance signal quality in homes and more rural locations.
EE is also leading the UK's 5G rollout, with its 5G network now available in more towns and cities than any other provider. As of the most recent data, EE’s 5G coverage spans a wide range of cities, including major hubs such as London, Birmingham, Manchester, Edinburgh, and Belfast, as well as smaller towns like Aylesbury, Colchester, and Portsmouth. 5G on EE provides faster and more reliable connections, and the provider continues to expand its 5G reach.
Independent testers RootMetrics have ranked EE as best in category for network reliability, network speed, data performance and text performance categories and for overall performance.
Conclusion
If you want the best network in the UK, then it’s a no-brainer to go with EE. It has the fastest speeds, the best coverage, and the latest handsets at great prices. It also has a reputation for innovation: it was, for example, the first UK operator to offer Wi-Fi calling.
There are some nice perks, but you pay the price for that with its rather expensive airtime plans. Other providers are catching up in terms of coverage and offer bonuses like free streaming and roaming without requiring you to sign up for the most expensive tier of plan, or indeed for a lengthy contract
If sheer network performance is your biggest criteria, then EE is the way to go. But if you’re looking at getting the most bang for your buck, it might be an idea to keep shopping around.
