EE, Vodafone and O2: what actually differs
Cutting through the branding — the differences you can actually put a number on when choosing between the three networks.
On a SIM only plan the differences between the three networks come down to a short list of things you can actually measure: how the annual increase works, what roaming costs, and the price for the allowance you want. Coverage at your address decides the rest.
Key takeaways
- Annual increase: EE flat 75p; O2 and Vodafone RPI or CPI plus adjustment.
- EU roaming: included on O2; £1.60/day Vodafone; £1.50/day EE.
- Worldwide roaming: £4.00/day O2; £4.26/day Vodafone; £9.00/day EE world (£5.00/day EE business).
- Terms are 24 month or 30 day rolling across all three.
On a SIM only plan the differences between the three networks come down to a short list of things you can actually measure: how the annual increase works, what roaming costs, and the price for the allowance you want. Coverage at your address decides the rest.
Key takeaways
- Annual increase: EE flat 75p; O2 and Vodafone RPI or CPI plus adjustment.
- EU roaming: included on O2; £1.60/day Vodafone; £1.50/day EE.
- Worldwide roaming: £4.00/day O2; £4.26/day Vodafone; £9.00/day EE world (£5.00/day EE business).
- Terms are 24 month or 30 day rolling across all three.
How prices rise
EE applies a flat 75p a month. O2 and Vodafone link the increase to RPI or CPI plus any adjustment they apply. On a cheap plan the flat rise is proportionally larger; on an expensive plan it is usually gentler than an index-linked rise.
Roaming
This is the clearest difference of the three. O2 includes EU roaming, while Vodafone and EE charge a daily fee. Long haul the gap widens: O2 £4.00 a day, Vodafone £4.26 a day, EE £9.00 a day for world roaming with a £5.00 a day business rate.
Coverage
Coverage is the one factor that is personal rather than national. The honest answer is that the best network is the one that works where you live, work and commute — check your postcode rather than trusting a headline claim.
How to choose
Shortlist on coverage first, then on the allowance and term you need, and use roaming as the tiebreak if you travel. Price the plan over the whole term, not just the first month.
- Check coverage at your postcode
- Pick the allowance you actually use
- Choose 24 month for price, 30 day for flexibility
- Use roaming rates as the tiebreak if you travel
Frequently asked questions
Which network is cheapest?
It depends on the allowance and term. Our comparison table lines up like-for-like plans across all three so you can see the starting price side by side.
Which network is best for travel?
O2 includes EU roaming, and its worldwide day rate is the lowest of the three at £4.00. EE's world roaming is the highest at £9.00 a day.
Does the network affect how my price rises?
Yes. EE uses a flat 75p increase; O2 and Vodafone use RPI or CPI plus any network adjustment.
Next steps
Frequently asked questions
Which network is cheapest?
It depends on the allowance and term. Our comparison table lines up like-for-like plans across all three so you can see the starting price side by side.
Which network is best for travel?
O2 includes EU roaming, and its worldwide day rate is the lowest of the three at £4.00. EE's world roaming is the highest at £9.00 a day.
Does the network affect how my price rises?
Yes. EE uses a flat 75p increase; O2 and Vodafone use RPI or CPI plus any network adjustment.
Deals mentioned in this guide
Prices include VAT and show the saving against the network’s own published price where a like-for-like plan exists.
O2 Unlimited
Unlimited streaming and tethering
Fixed for the full 24 month term
Compared against O2 direct, you save £192 over the 24 month term
That’s £8/month less than their £23 price for the same allowance.
Unlimited
Data
24 months
Contract
Vodafone Unlimited
Unlimited streaming and tethering
Fixed for the full 24 month term
Compared against Vodafone direct, you save £216 over the 24 month term
That’s £9/month less than their £26 price for the same allowance.
Unlimited
Data
24 months
Contract