A smartphone has become an essential tool in 2026, and there are two main approaches to purchasing one.
The first option is to buy it on contract, which includes the phone itself along with a package of calls, texts, and data for a monthly fee. However, purchasing the phone outright and combining it with a SIM-only deal (physical SIM or eSIM) typically leads to lower monthly payments.
Regardless of the approach chosen, selecting a provider is necessary.
In the UK, there are technically only three major networks. However, numerous MVNOs (Mobile Virtual Network Operators) pay EE, O2, and VodafoneThree to utilize their services, providing consumers with many options.
Choosing the right provider can be challenging, which is where this article can help. We will outline what each of the three networks and their ‘piggybackers’ have to offer, assisting you in making the best choice for your requirements.
By law, all phones sold in the UK since December 2021 must be unlocked, enabling easy switching to a different provider. Transferring the same phone number is also quite straightforward.
If you are still undecided on which phone to purchase, refer to our guides on the best budget phones, best mid-range phones, and best overall phones.
What’s the best phone network in the UK?
Let’s first explore the options. Currently, there are only three phone networks in the UK:
EE (including BT Mobile, Lycamobile, Utility Warehouse & more)
