With cheap deals, an array of cutting edge handsets, and the fastest 5G network, Three has long been a great bet for anyone looking to keep costs down while still getting a plan from one of the UK's 'big four' mobile networks.
As rivals start to serve up affordable contracts and roll out their 5G networks, how good is Three in 2025? Read our Three mobile review now and we’ll break it all down for you.
Our Three review in summary
Three was out in front for years with its low-cost unlimited data plans, but has since seen competitors start to edge into its territory (particularly when looking at smaller, budget-focused networks).
Its 'Go Roam' roaming package was also a market leader, but with the reintroduction of charges to use your allowance when travelling, what was once a clincher is now a lot less alluring.
That said, Three’s range of handsets on monthly contracts is impressive, while its SIM-only plans continue to represent great value. If you're looking for a SIM deal from one of the 'big four' UK networks, rather than a smaller budget network, Three is a good shout.
And its SIM plans often come with the nice extras you'd only get with a major network: for example, its Three+ Rewards scheme, or a few months' free subscription to streaming services or 'Go Roam' passes.
Although Three's customer service and satisfaction merely scores as 'ok' in Ofcom's annual reports, it does regularly come out top when it comes to speed. In fact, Three is typically crowned as the UK's fastest 5G mobile network in Ookla's Speedtest Awards.
Three SIM-only plans
Three's SIM-only plans have long been its cornerstone, offering great value with added incentives to entice switching and upgrading customers.
All deals come with 5G as standard, so you'll be able to take advantage of Three's widespread 5G coverage and fast speeds: the fastest in the UK, according to many tests.
So, as long as you have a 5G-compatible phone, you'll be able to stream, browse and download on the fastest network in many locations across the UK.
Three’s SIM-only plans are available on rolling one-month, 12-month and 24-month deals. The longer you lock yourself in for, the less you’ll pay each month.
Additionally, the 24-month SIM deals often come with a host of nice extras, such as 'Go Roam' passes and a few months' free access to Paramount+. And they sometimes come with discounts, such as a cheaper monthly price for the first 12 months.
Customers can also enjoy access to Three+ Rewards with all SIM plans (more on that below).
At the time of writing, the cheapest deal is a 24-month SIM plan, which gets you unlimited calls and texts and 1GB of 5G data for £9 a month (as well as a discounted rate for the first 12 months).
Want to shop around? With MoneySuperMarket, you can compare Three to our best SIM-only deals on the market.
Three phone contract plans
Three’s phone contract plans let you spread the cost of the very best new smartphones over 12, 24 or 36 months – or you can choose to pay the entire cost upfront.
As with all major networks, it makes a big play of having the very latest iPhone and Samsung devices. Some can even be bundled with other gadgets, like earphones.
What makes Three stand out is its excellent range of alternative devices from the likes of OnePlus and Xiaomi.
Whether you want the latest and greatest flagship, or a mid-range phone that can do the job without the sky-high price tag, Three has a deal for you.
Three’s deals are similar to most providers, although it does offer enticements to switch, such as savings on its unlimited data 24-month plans and money off when trading in your old device.
Three coverage
Three’s 4G network covers 99.8% of the UK.
Furthermore, its 5G network is billed as the fastest in the UK. Coverage is pretty good, too. All its SIMs come with 5G as standard, meaning you'll be able to make use of these lightning fast speeds (provided you have a 5G-compatible device, of course).
As for 3G, that's being phased out by Three. By the end of 2024, it'll be switched off completely.
Three roaming
For years, Three’s roaming offering was what made it stand out from the crowd. Its 'Go Roam' service allowed users to make free calls, send texts and go online at no extra cost in 71 destinations, including the USA.
Unfortunately, Three has since reintroduced roaming fees. Go Roam in Europe access will cost £2 a day, rising to £5 a day for Go Roam Around The World. It’s a real disappointment, even if Vodafone and EE have done the same.
Three customer service
While Three has extensive live chat and call centre options for customers looking to make changes to their plan, query a bill or complain, the network has not come out well in past Ofcom reports.
For the past few years, Ofcom's reports have shown that Three customers were less likely than average to recommend their mobile network to a friend. Additionally,Ofcom's 2023 report found that Three customers were more likely than average to have a reason to complain.
Three stores and offline experience
Three’s stores can be found on high streets throughout the UK. If you're someone who prefers brick-and-mortar stores to online shopping, or simply likes getting help in person rather than calling, this is a nice-to-have.
The in-store service is good, with devices available to try and staff trained in all the latest deals, meaning you should walk away with the best contract and device to suit your needs.
Three's deals and incentives
Whether you have a SIM-only plan or pay-monthly phone contract with Three, you'll have access to the Three+ Rewards scheme. This is Three's rewards app that gets you discounts and offers from high-street brands, as well as pre-sale tickets to shows.
Its 24-month SIM-only plans are the most generous when it comes to freebies and discounts, and many come with 'Go Roam' passes and/or a few months' free access to the Paramount+ streaming service.
As for its pay-monthly phone plans, some give you the option to bundle it with a gadget, such as earphones or smartwatches. Three also runs regular sales around events such as Black Friday, meaning you can secure cut-price deals, vouchers or cash incentives.
However, it doesn’t offer the same level of comprehensive entertainment bundles like the other 'big four' networks (O2, EE and Vodafone). That's reflected in its more affordable prices, however. If you’re happy to get the likes of Spotify, Apple Music or Amazon Prime separately, then we don’t regard this as an issue.
Three pricing
Three’s prices are pretty much in line with its rivals, especially when it comes to monthly phone contracts.
However, its SIM-only deals are good value, thanks to being 5G-ready and offering unlimited data at a price that’s well within reach of most phone users. Sure, you can get cheaper SIM-only deals from smaller budget networks, but Three is generally the cheapest you can get from a big-name provider.
If you have an old phone you want to keep or prefer to buy your device outright and opt for a SIM-only package, Three is the real deal.
Pros and Cons of choosing Three
Pros
- Great range of affordable SIM-only deals
- Excellent handsets available, beyond the usual suspects from Apple and Samsung
- Fastest 5G network in the UK
Cons
- Customer service lags behind competitors
- Roaming charges when in Europe and overseas
How does Three compare against other networks?
Three’s range of handsets and affordable SIM-only plans give consumers plenty of reasons to opt for it.
While customer service is average, it’s broadly the same as Vodafone. The new roaming charges are disappointing, but EE and Vodafone are doing the same.
The lack of sweeteners means that those who like getting something for free will probably want to look elsewhere. However, its burgeoning 5G network means it gives EE, O2 and Vodafone a good run for their money.
What are the alternatives to Three?
How does Three compare against other networks?
See our reviews of other mobile networks:
