EE and Vodafone are two of the UK’s four major networks, meaning you get a huge range of SIM plans and phone contracts to choose from. But which is best?
Both EE and Vodafone are major players in the world of mobile. Being two of the 'Big Four' networks, they offer plenty of extras and perks to entice customers, as well as some of the top speeds on the market.
Picking a winner is a challenge, so let’s see how they look head-to-head in our EE vs Vodafone review.
Overall winner in snapshot: EE
EE takes the crown, but only just. The plans available from both networks are similar in their scale and price, but EE has an incredible 4G network and a 5G platform that remains the envy of the mobile industry.
That’s not to say Vodafone is lacking – it’s very close – but there are just a few more ways that EE shines. However, Vodafone do offer a nice customer rewards scheme, if you're looking to get exclusive discounts and treats.
EE vs Vodafone: Plans and pricing
EE’s SIM-only plans aren't the cheapest on the market. But with access to its rapid 4G and 5G service, unlimited calls and texts, and tons of data options to choose from, they really are impressive. You can choose between one-month, 12-month or 24-month SIM plans. There's a range of data allowances, from 2GB all the way to unlimited data per month.
Select plans may come with Inclusive Extras, which get you a free subscription of your choice, whether that's a monthly Roam Abroad Pass, Microsoft 365, a streaming service like Apple Music, Netflix or TNT Sports (formerly BT Sport), among others. Some plans also include useful things like data gifting and 'Stay Connected' data.
Not to mention, EE's Multi-Line Discount is a fantastic system for families and households. You can save up to 30% for every additional SIM added to your plan, as well as share data across different devices on your account.
EE has all the very latest smartphones available on contract, but prices are on the high side. You can expect to be tied to an EE pay-monthly phone contract for either 24 months or 36 months.
Likewise, Vodafone SIM-only plans aren’t the cheapest around. They're also available on a 30-day, 12-month or 24-month basis .
If you opt for a pricier, longer-term contract, you'll be able to enjoy some additional perks, such as a subscription to YouTube Premium, Prime Video or Spotify, inclusive EU roaming, and Xtra benefits (more on these below). And all plans come with a free three-month Secure Net trial.
Similarly, Vodafone’s monthly phone contracts are on the pricier side, but that’s because you get a lot – and the sweeteners and extras do make them pretty appealing.
As with EE, you’ll find all the best smartphones, so you won’t be lacking for quality tech. You'll then be able to build your plan – depending on the phone and Airtime Plans available, you'll be able to choose plans that come with a free subscription to a streaming service, inclusive roaming to 51 or 83 destinations, and/or some of Vodafone’s Xtras.
Xtras include things like a device care plan, unlimited picture messages, or money off other connectivity.
It’s incredibly close, as both networks have a good range of plans with excellent bonuses.
EE vs Vodafone: Coverage and 5G coverage
Both EE and Vodafone have 99% UK coverage for 4G.
However, when it comes to 5G, EE wins. Covering more locations than any other network, it has the most widespread 5G network in the UK – meaning you'll have a speedy and reliable signal in many locations.
Nevertheless, Vodafone is also rolling out its 5G across the country, and have greatly improved its coverage in recent years. Speeds are good, with its upload speeds some of the fastest on the market.
Overall, EE’s coverage is marginally better, with decent rural as well as urban access. But both networks offer speedy 5G. And as networks continue to expand their 5G coverage, it's always helpful to check whether you can get it where you live.
EE vs Vodafone: Mobile data speeds
EE wins when it comes to speed, but Vodafone remains a strong second.
Research carried out by OpenSignal found that EE's average 4G download speed was around 36.4Mbps, while Vodafone came in second, with an average 4G speed of 22.4Mbps.
In terms of 5G, a 2022 study by RootMetrics found EE to be the fastest network in the UK. In fact, EE consistently comes out as one of the speediest 5G networks, along with Three.
Vodafone is no slacker, either. In the same tests carried out by RootMetrics, it finished second behind EE for 5G speeds. It's worth noting, though, that 5G doesn't come with all Vodafone SIM plans as standard.
EE vs Vodafone: Customer service
Ofcom's 2023 report showed that EE and Vodafone are in line with each other when it comes to customer satisfaction – that is, both networks fall short of the average.
It found that EE and Vodafone customers were less likely than average to be satisfied, as well as being less likely to recommend their provider to a friend.
Customers have reported Vodafone’s customer service over the phone to be patchy, although helpful online. EE fares better – but if it’s really great customer service you want, neither covers themselves in glory.
EE vs Vodafone: Wi-Fi hotspots
As EE is owned by telecoms giant BT, customers can enjoy access to BT's free Wi-Fi hotspots across the UK.
In contrast, Vodafone doesn't operate any of its own public Wi-Fi hotspots.
Still, both networks allow you to get online on any London Underground station, which is a nice bonus.
EE vs Vodafone: Roaming
Unfortunately, both networks no longer offer inclusive EU roaming as standard. You'll either need to pay more for it as a standalone service, or get a pricier plan which may offer roaming as a 'free' extra.
EE announced in 2021 that it was bringing in roaming charges from January 2022 for anyone who took out a contract after July 2021.
With EE, your only option is to pay £15 for a month-long Roam Abroad Pass. This will let you use your phone in 47 European destinations, as well as the USA, Canada, Mexico, Australia and New Zealand.
Vodafone's roaming rules are a little more complex, as it depends on your plan and where you're going.
On most Vodafone plans, visitors to 47 European destinations will have to pay £2.25 a day to use their usual plan, although there’s a discount if you buy the pass in eight or 15 day bundles.
It’s then £6.85 a day to use your plan in over 100 other destinations, including the USA and Australia. A 25GB fair usage limit also applies.
The exceptions are if you're signed up a plan with 3 Xtra benefits, all of which offer inclusive roaming in Europe.
If you're signed up to an Unlimited plan with 3 Xtra benefits, you qualify for inclusive roaming further afield too.
EE vs Vodafone bonuses and rewards
Both networks offer similar services when it comes to extras, with the option to add inclusive entertainment subscriptions to your plan.
EE offers some plans with Inclusive Extras. If you pick one, you can choose from services like Apple Music, Netflix, TNT Sports, or inclusive roaming.
Vodafone’s equivalent deals are its Entertainment plans – with options to add Spotify, YouTube Premium, or Amazon Prime.
You’ll also get VeryMe Rewards. Much like O2 Priority, these give you special discounts and offers on high street brands, restaurants, and tickets.
Though you aren’t left wanting with EE, Vodafone wins out here. Its extras are just that bit better.
How do other networks compare against each other?
For more on each individual network, read our full EE and Vodafone reviews.
