Vodafone vs O2 – Which is the better mobile network
Vodafone and O2 are some of the biggest and best networks in the UK offering some similar services. You may be torn between the two when signing up for a new mobile deal.
When to use Vodafone
Vodafone is one of the oldest mobile networks in the UK with a strong infrastructure nationwide and the largest telecommunication provider in the world. It delivers reliable mobile network services with a wide variety of SIM and device plans for you to choose from.
When to use O2
This mobile network operator will not only guarantee you a wide coverage, but it does so at lower prices. You can use its wide Wi-Fi hotspot coverage across the country and if you love gifts, then O2 is the network for you.
Vodafone vs O2 Feature comparison
Features |
Vodafone |
O2 |
Average download speeds |
17.7 Mbps |
16 Mbps |
Unlimited data |
No |
No |
Contract length |
30 days – 24 months |
0 days – 36 months |
Price |
£6 – £37 |
£12 – £35 |
International roaming |
81 destinations |
48 destinations |
How to evaluate Vodafone and O2
There are a few factors that we look at to give you a proper evaluation of Vodafone and O2. These include:
Network Coverage
Download speeds
Extras & benefits
Cost
Vodafone vs O2 overview
Vodafone Overview
Vodafone is one of the big 4 mobile networks in the country and one of the oldest making it one of the most reliable. The network is not only in the UK but also around the world with a physical presence in over 25 countries.
Tariff |
Data |
Monthly Price |
Details |
Vodafone Basics |
2 GB |
£6 |
|
Vodafone Red |
1 GB – 120 GB |
£11 – £33 |
|
Unlimited Lite |
Unlimited (@ 2 Mbps Max) |
£22 |
|
Unlimited |
Unlimited (@ 10 Mbps Max) |
£26 |
|
Unlimited Max |
Unlimited (@ 2 Mbps Max) |
£30 |
From the table, this network has wide and flexible plans to choose from. All the above plans come with unlimited calls and texts. Vodafone offers international roaming on all their plans allowing its costumes to use their allowances in any of the 48 destinations included in the Vodafone Essentials & Red Extra plans. Besides, you get up to 500 minutes to make calls to 31 destinations at no extra charges. For someone in need of more roaming say to Australia, Canada and the US, the Red Entertainment plans include roaming to 77 destinations worldwide.
Also, Vodafone offers extras with higher-end phone contracts and 12-month SIMs. You get a free subscription to an entertainment app of your choice for up to 24 months when you subscribe to bigger Red Entertainment plans.
Pros
- Good 4G network coverage
- Free subscriptions with the Red Entertainment plans
- Up to 81 roaming destinations worldwide
- Access to BT Wi-Fi hotspots depending on the plan
- Unused allowances rolls over
Cons
- Not the cheapest option
O2 overview
O2 is popular among people looking for freebies due to its Priority rewards that earns you early access to free coffee gig tickets, competition, and many more. The network offers a wide variety of SIM Only deals and Pay Monthly plans for customers to choose from.
Tariff |
Data |
Monthly Price |
Contract period |
Details |
O2 plan |
2 GB |
£12 |
2 months |
|
O2 plan |
5 GB |
£15 |
12 months |
|
O2 plan |
6 GB |
£10 |
18 months |
|
O2 plan |
10 GB |
£17 |
12 months |
|
O2 plan |
12 GB |
£12 |
18 months |
|
O2 plan |
100 GB |
£20 |
18 months |
|
O2 plan |
150 GB |
£25 |
12 months |
|
O2 plan |
Unlimited |
£35 |
12 months |
|
O2 plan |
Unlimited |
£33 |
18 months |
You get a wide variety of plans to choose from at affordable prices. The network is most ideal for people that love going to live events who can take advantage of the network’s ticket offers and pre-orders. Since the network is run by BT, you get access to around 15, 000 BT Wi-Fi hotspots across the UK in shops, cafes, restaurants, and many other places regardless of the plan.
Pros
- Freebie offers on O2’s Priority scheme
- Free Wi-Fi hotspot access across the UK
- Affordable
- Flexible contracts
Cons
- Slower download speeds
How does Vodafone and O2 compare?
Network coverage
Network coverage is great on both mobile networks with around 99% of the population being able to access 3G or 4G network coverage on either network. Both networks have rolled out 5G networks too. However, O2 has a slightly better network coverage around the country compared to Vodafone.
Download speeds
When it comes to 4G speeds, both networks are pretty fast with the average speeds ranging between 15 to 25 MB. However, Vodafone has speeds of around 3-4 MB faster than O2.
Cost
Both networks offer SIM Only and Pay Monthly contracts as well as PAYG plans. Despite Vodafone having the best PAYG, O2 is cheaper on both phone contracts and on some SIM-Only plans.
Benefits & extras
When it comes to extras and benefits, with Vodafone Red you get up to 24 month’s free subscription to an entertainment app from Spotify, Sky Sports Mobile,and Now TV. However, O2 offers better deals with its O2 Priority. You get discounts & vouchers, early tickets to gigs, VIP service at O2 venues, and many more.
Conclusion
Both networks have a reliable network, a variety of plans and tariffs to choose from, international roaming, benefits, and relatively same download speeds. However, the overall winner is O2 compared to Vodafone. This is because it’s more reliable across the UK, more affordable and offers more benefits & extras.
FAQs
How is O2’s PAYG package?
O2’s PAYG is flexible and you can change your plan from one month to the next month. O2 offers you 5 big bundle plans with prices ranging from as low as £10 to £30 and get 2 GB, 500 minutes and texts with £10.
Does O2 have a 5G network?
Yes, O2 has a 5G network.
