O2 and Vodafone are two of the biggest mobile network providers in the UK. They both offer a wide range of deals and tariffs, making it hard to decide which one to go for. Since O2 and Vodafone offer some very similar services, you might find it overwhelming to pick between them.
This article will help you make that decision by comparing O2 and Vodafone side-by-side. But first, let’s understand them individually to get a clear idea.
O2 Mobile
O2 is a mobile network provider in the UK that offers both pay monthly and pay-as-you-go plans. It is the UK’s largest mobile network with over 31.3 million customers.
O2 has a wide range of phones and tariffs to choose from, so there is something to suit everyone. The network also offers some great perks, such as free O2 wifi and exclusive access to O2 Priority.
However, O2 comes with certain drawbacks that you should be aware of before making the choice. The network can be expensive, and it doesn’t have the best coverage in rural areas.
Pros
- Flexible tariffs
- Cheap long-term plans
- Priority extras
- All O2 sim-only plans are set up for 5G
- 20% off the airtime of your new connection for existing members
Cons
- Network coverage might not be as good as other providers
- Its 4G services are still not available in some parts of the country.
- Might not be suitable if you travel abroad frequently
Vodafone
Headquartered in the UK and managing its business in more than 22 operating countries and two geographical regions, Vodafone offers a wide range of mobile plans to choose from, making it a good choice for both individuals and businesses.
Vodafone has its own network infrastructure, that offers 2G, 3G, 4G, and 5G services to customers. It is one of the biggest operators in the country with around 500 shops in the UK.
What makes it worth trying is its affordable plans and flexible tariffs, making it perfect for those looking for a feature-packed network at a cheaper price.
Pros
- Offers a well-rounded package of data allowance, cheap price, and extra perks.
- Quite affordable
- Award-winning network
- Offers international roaming
Cons
- Poor customer service
So, now you are aware of both mobile networks individually, it’s time to take a step further to understand the key differences between O2 and Vodafone so you can make an appropriate choice.
Compare O2 and Vodafone Phone Plans
Let’s begin the comparison guide with the very important aspect, which is none other than phone plans.
Both O2 and Vodafone offer a myriad of plans, thus allowing customers to pick the one that caters to their requirements and fits the budget well.
However, O2’s Refresh Plans are quite impressive while allowing you to split the cost of your phone and allowance. It means that you can pay off the price of the handset early and get an upgrade. Moreover, O2 also offers Custom Plans, in which you can choose how much you want to pay upfront and how much you want to divide, anywhere between three and 36 months.
Vodafone, on the other hand, isn’t much behind O2 in terms of innovative and impressive plans. Its EVO deals are quite similar to O2 Custom Plans. It allows you to choose the length of the contract while allowing you to make one-off lump sum payments.
Scroll down the page and let’s check the phone plans of O2 and Vodafone individually.
O2 Phone Plans
O2 has endless options when it comes to phone plans. All of them feature unlimited minutes and texts so you can stay connected to your family and friends residing in the country without spending an extra penny.
30-Days Plan
| Data | Minutes | Texts | Cost |
| 1GB | 1000 | Unlimited | £20/ mo |
| 5GB | Unlimited | Unlimited | £23/ mo |
| 20GB | Unlimited | Unlimited | £26/ mo |
| 50GB | Unlimited | Unlimited | £30/ mo |
| Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | £36/ mo |
12-Months Plan
| Data | Minutes | Texts | Cost |
| 1GB | Unlimited | Unlimited | £12/ mo |
| 5GB | Unlimited | Unlimited | £15/ mo |
| 20GB | Unlimited | Unlimited | £18/ mo |
| 100GB | Unlimited | Unlimited | £20/ mo |
| 150GB | Unlimited | Unlimited | £24/ mo |
| 250GB | Unlimited | Unlimited | £28/ mo |
| Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | £32/ mo |
| Unlimited Plus | Unlimited | Unlimited | £34/ mo |
24 Months Plan
| Data | Minutes | Texts | Cost |
| 3GB | Unlimited | Unlimited | £11/ mo |
| 6GB | Unlimited | Unlimited | £12/ mo |
| 30GB | Unlimited | Unlimited | £15/ mo |
| 75GB | Unlimited | Unlimited | £18/ mo |
| 120Gb | Unlimited | Unlimited | £20/ mo |
| 150GB | Unlimited | Unlimited | £22/ mo |
| 250GB | Unlimited | Unlimited | £25/ mo |
| Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | £30/ mo |
| Unlimited Plus | Unlimited | Unlimited | £32 / mo |
Vodafone Phone Plans
Like O2, Vodafone also offers numerous plan options with three different contract lengths, including 24 months, 12 months, and 30 Days. All plans include unlimited minutes and texts and a 5G data allowance.
30-Days Plan
| Plan | Monthly Price | Data | |
| Unlimited | £41 | Unlimited (Maximum 10 Mbps) | View Plan> |
| Unlimited Max | £47 | Unlimited (Fastest available) | View Plan> |
| Unlimited Lite | £37 | Unlimited (Maximum 2 Mbps) | View Plan> |
| Red 20GB | £33 | 20GB | View Plan> |
| Red 5GB | £28 | 5GB | View Plan> |
| Red 1GB | £24 | 1GB | View Plan> |
12-Months Plan
| Plan | Monthly Price | Data | |
| Unlimited | £29 | Unlimited (Maximum 10 Mbps) | View Plan> |
| Unlimited Max | £35 | Unlimited (Fastest available) | View Plan> |
| Unlimited + Entertainment | £36 | Unlimited (Maximum 10 Mbps) | View Plan> |
| Unlimited Max + Entertainment | £42 | Unlimited (Fastest available) | View Plan> |
| Red 20GB | £21 | 20GB | View Plan> |
| Red 20GB + Entertainment | £28 | 20GB | View Plan> |
| Red 5GB | £16 | 5GB | View Plan> |
| Red 5Gb + Entertainment | £23 | 5GB | View Plan> |
| Red 1GB | £12 | 1GB | View Plan> |
| 6GB + 4 Xtra Benefits | £23 | 6GB | View Plan> |
| Unlimited Max + 4Xtra Benefits | £38 | Unlimited | View Plan> |
| Unlimited Lite + 4Xtra Benefits | £30 | Unlimited | View Plan> |
| Unlimited + 4Xtra Benefits | £34 | Unlimited | View Plan> |
| 2GB + 4Xtra Benefits | £19 | 2GB | View Plan> |
24-Months Plans
| Plan | Monthly Price | Data | |
| Red 150GB | £10/mo for 6 months, then £20/mo | 150GB | View Plan> |
| Red 200GB | £11.50/mo for 6 months, then £23/mo | 200GB | View Plan> |
| Unlimited Max | £16/mo for 6 months, then £32/mo | Unlimited | View Plan> |
| Unlimited | £13.50/mo for 6 months, then £27/mo | Unlimited | View Plan> |
| Red 150GB + Entertainment | £13.50/mo for 6 months, then £27/mo | 150GB | View Plan> |
| Red 200GB + Entertainment | £15/mo for 6 months, then £30/mo | 200GB | View Plan> |
| Unlimited + Entertainment | £17/mo for 6 months, then £34/mo | Unlimited | View Plan> |
| Unlimited Max + Entertainment | £19.50/mo for 6 months, then £39/mo | Unlimited | View Plan> |
| Red 5GB | £7.50/mo for 6 months, then £15/mo | 5GB | View Plan> |
| Red 5Gb + Entertainment | £11/mo for 6 months, then £22/mo | 5Gb | View Plan> |
| Red 1GB | £5.50/mo for 6 months, then £11/mo | 1Gb | View Plan> |
| Unlimited Max + 4Xtra Benefits | £19.50/mo for 6 months, then £39/mo | Unlimited | View Plan> |
| 6GB + 4 Xtra Benefits | £11/mo for 6 months, then £22/mo | 6GB | View Plan> |
| 180GB + 4Xtra Benefits | £13.50/mo for 6 months, then £27/mo | 180Gb | View Plan> |
| Unlimited + 4Xtra Benefits | £17/mo for 6 months, then £34/mo | Unlimited | View Plan> |
| 2GB + 4Xtra Benefits | £9/mo for 6 months, then £18/mo | 2Gb | View Plan> |
| 250GB + 4Xtra Benefits | £25 | 250GB | View Plan> |
All in all, Vodafone offers cheaper deals as compared to O2 as the latter offers 5G as standard which automatically increases the price.
O2 vs Vodafone Network Coverage
In addition to phone plans, the network coverage is yet another deciding factor when comparing O2 and Vodafone. While both network operators end up serving around 91% geographical coverage and each of them is lauded for delivering stronger connections indoors, O2 still wins this round by offering better rural coverage.
While comparing O2 and Vodafone, we found that O2 has an edge in some key measures, especially in rural indoors, where it exceeds the point table by 5% as compared to Vodafone.
O2 vs Vodafone Mobile Data Speeds
O2 offers 5G as standard, which means that customers tend to enjoy more speed as compared to Vodafone and other network options available on the market. O2 offers its 5G network in around 150 locations while Vodafone is still limited to 100.
However, when it comes to 4G speed, Vodafone dethrones O2 by delivering average speeds of 21.6Mbps, which is way higher than O2’s 17.1Mbps. This speed result is given by OpenSignal; hence, trusted and reliable.
O2 vs Vodafone Wi-Fi Hotspots
Are you still confused with O2 and Vodafone? Let’s compare their WiFi Hotspots, maybe this factor can help you out while making a decision. O2 features a whopping 16K hotspots around the country, out of which, 8k are available for automatic connection if the network speed is faster than 4G in that specific region.
However, unfortunately, Vodafone doesn’t offer any hotspots and is also no longer a part of the London Underground WiFi service, thus losing this round.
O2 vs Vodafone International Calls
O2 and Vodafone allow customers to make international calls but the facility is not available on their standard phone plans. If you are an O2 customer, then opt for the International Monthly Bolt-On or other international plans to enjoy discounted rates.
However, if you have joined Vodafone, then turn to its Call Abroad package to get several international minutes per month. You can cancel the subscription at any time.
O2 vs Vodafone International Roaming
Do you travel frequently? Well, in that case, you must check about the international roaming facility offered by both networks. When it comes to roaming, O2 is way ahead of Vodafone. It delivers European roaming as standard with connections available in 49 countries with all sim-only plans.
However, Vodafone allows you to roam at no extra cost in 83 worldwide destinations but this facility is available on some selected Unlimited data Extra Plans.
O2 vs Vodafone: Which should you get?
There concludes O2 and Vodafone. Still, wondering which company is best? Well, it depends on your needs and preferences. If you want the best coverage and speeds, go with O2. If you’re looking for a cheaper option, Vodafone is probably your best bet.