Best 5G networks and coverage in April 2025

Which networks offer 5G?

The four big mobile networks – EE, O2, Vodafone and Three – first introduced 5G services to select locations back in 2019.

Since then, 5G has been – and is still being – steadily rolled out to an increasing number of areas. Moreover, plenty of other networks now offer 5G coverage.

As well as the four major networks, budget networks like giffgaff, Tesco Mobile, iD Mobile and SMARTY all provide 5G connections.

According to Ofcom's 2024 Connected Nations report, 61-79% of the UK's outside premises is covered by 5G.

Which network has the best 5G coverage?

In the most recent Opensignal Coverage Experience study, EE topped the chart for coverage experience - a measure that takes into account how customers actually rated their 5G experience with the network.

EE 5G coverage

EE’s 5G network is one of the most widely available in the UK, offering coverage to more than 78% of the population. Plus, it's often named as one of the speediest networks, delivering 50% faster download speeds for the widest number of consumers.

As well as offering coverage in many cities, it often has more than 50% availability in the locations it covers. This means that you’ll very likely be able to enjoy a 5G connection if you live in that general area, rather than it being limited to the most heavily populated areas.

Check whether your area is covered by EE’s 5G network by entering your postcode on its coverage checker.

Three 5G coverage

Three has won several Ookla Speedtest awards for being the 'Fastest 5G Mobile Network', consistently providing median download speeds of above 200Mbps.

Three attributes its fast speeds down to being the only mobile network in the UK with 100MHz of contiguous spectrum - that's the amount the International Telecommunication Union prescribes to achieve 'true' 5G.

Enter your postcode into Three's coverage checker to see if you can access its 5G service.

O2 5G coverage

Although O2 is continuing to expand its network, its coverage is a little more limited than EE in the locations it serves. So, you’re more likely to get it if you live in a busier area.

It’s also worth noting that O2 and Vodafone have partnered with each other to share their infrastructures, meaning that customers of both networks can enjoy faster 5G speeds.

Run your postcode through O2's coverage checker to see if O2’s 5G is available in your area.

Vodafone 5G coverage

Vodafone has worked hard to expand its 5G coverage across the country, although it’s not quite as widespread as the likes of Three and EE.

Nevertheless, if you can get it in your area, you’ll be able to enjoy some of the top upload speeds around.

To see if Vodafone’s 5G network is available where you live, enter your postcode in its network checker.

Sky Mobile 5G coverage

Sky Mobile operates on O2’s network to provide 5G coverage with all its SIM-only plans. That means you’ll get the same coverage and speeds as O2.

VOXI 5G coverage

VOXI piggybacks Vodafone’s reliable network and provides the same speeds and coverage. Plus, all its SIM-only plans are 5G ready for no extra cost, and come with ample amounts of data.

SMARTY 5G coverage

SMARTY uses Three’s network to offer 5G. As such, if you have a SIM only deal with them then you’ll get the best speeds around at an impressively low price.

Which 5G network is the fastest?

Opensignal research covering the period Jun 01 - Aug 29, 2024 found Three to be the UK's fastest 5G network, comfortably ahead of its household-name rivals with an average speed of 208.9Mbps.

Take a closer look at the study results in the table below:

Which 5G network is the cheapest?

Three has some very attractively priced deals on 5G-ready mobile phones that regularly undercut the likes of Vodafone and EE. However, if you’re looking for 5G SIM only deals, plenty of networks offer these at very competitive prices.

For a 5G plan that won’t break the bank, it’s best to stick with a simple and straightforward plan from a budget network, such as SMARTY, VOXI or giffgaff.

Nevertheless, major networks often run deals with exclusive sweeteners thrown in, so it’s well worth checking them to see if you can catch a good deal on a 5G SIM plan.

Is 5G getting cheaper?

In short, yes. Thanks to its wide availability, 5G devices and mobile data plans are becoming increasingly affordable.

And with networks competing to provide the best deals to tempt customers, you’ll likely be able to find some very affordable 5G plans.

How do I check the 5G coverage in my area?

The best way to check 5G coverage in your area is to use each network’s postcode checker, which you can find with a simple web search. These will tell you just how good 5G is where you live.

What is 5G?

It’s the 5th generation mobile network. Following the previous 1G, 2G, 3G and 4G generations, it’s the most high-tech mobile network to date.

5G promises much faster speeds, more reliable connections and a better performance all round. Not to mention, much greater network capacity to connect thousands of devices at the same time.

Where is 5G available in the UK?

5G is being rolled out across the UK, so an increasing number of locations will be able to get 5G. Right now, though, you’ll have more luck if you’re in a major city or town.

Which iPhones are 5G enabled?

ince the release of the iPhone 12 in 2020, all iPhone models have supported 5G. If you have an iPhone 12 or a more recent model, it'll be 5G compatible.

This includes the latest iPhone 16 range, as well as the iPhone 16e and iPhone SE (2022).

Which Samsung phones are 5G enabled?

Samsung has a huge list of phones that are 5G enabled, from their mid-range A-series to their flagship Galaxy S line-up.

If you’re looking for the latest Samsung 5G phone, that includes all Samsung Galaxy S25 models, the Galaxy Z Fold6 and Galaxy S24 FE. But even the Samsung Galaxy S10 released in 2019 is 5G compatible - if you have a Samsung device that was released after that year, it'll support 5G.

Which cities is 5G available in?

Different mobile networks have launched 5G in different cities. But, in general, cities like London, Manchester, Birmingham, Liverpool, Leeds, Bristol, Edinburgh, Glasgow and Cardiff have 5G coverage from all four of the big networks.