Vodafone was the first network to connect a mobile call in the UK and has gone on to become a mainstay in a fast changing market.
Its 4G and 5G networks offer comprehensive coverage across the UK, while its SIM-only and phone contract plans offer options for those on a budget or gadget fans hungry for the very latest smartphones.
Read on for our full Vodafone Mobile review 2023.
Our Vodafone review in summary
Vodafone has a wide range of phones available on its contract plans, while its SIM only deals are broadly competitive with its biggest rivals.
Its Red Entertainment package gives the option of scoring cut price access to Amazon Prime, YouTube Premium and Spotify Premium. However, as of 2020, Sky Sports Mobile is no longer available.
The network has struggled with average customer service, but has improved its data offering with a number of unlimited plans designed to vie for supremacy with the likes of EE and Three.
Vodafone SIM-only plans
For those who don’t want to change their existing phone and save a few quid in the process, Vodafone SIM-only plans are affordable and competitive.
That said, prices seem to have gone up quite a bit in the last couple of years, with the cheapest 12 month contract for £15 a month with 2GB of data (with unlimited texts and minutes), compared to a couple of years a go where you’d pay £8 a month which scores you unlimited texts and calls, plus 15GB of data, on a 12 month contract. £6 gets you 4GB of data and unlimited calls and texts for a year.
Its unlimited SIM only data plans don’t come cheap if you want a 30 day rolling contract.
You’ll pay £41 for access to its faster 10Mb data and £44 for unlimited 5G. That said, if you lock yourself in for 12 or 24 months, then you’ll pay much less.
At the time of writing, Vodafone is offering half price unlimited data for those who sign up for a 24 month SIM only plan.
Overall, Vodafone’s SIM-only plans are solid, but there are better deals to be found on other networks.
Vodafone phone contract plans
Vodafone stocks all the latest smartphones, meaning you can get the very best devices on long term contracts.
That includes the likes of the iPhone 14 Pro and Google Pixel 7. Contracts range from 24 to 36 months, meaning you’ll be locked in for the long term, although this is now standard across the industry.
You can get a discount on monthly bills by trading in your old device.
And if you have to have the very latest device as soon as it comes out, Vodafone’s Evo tariff means you can swap to a new phone at no additional cost as long as you take out a new plan that costs the same or more than your existing one, or continue with your current deal.
You’ll need to have bought an eligible phone directly from Vodafone and have had it for at least a year.
Vodafone’s monthly contracts are not the cheapest but are improved by sweeteners and extras and reward loyal customers.
Vodafone coverage
Vodafone is second only to EE when it comes to coverage. Its 4G, 3G and 2G networks cover 99% of the UK, while its growing 5G network is available in major cities throughout Britain.
It’s best to use the Vodafone Network Status Checker to see what coverage is like in your area and in places you’re likely to spend lots of time. Otherwise, you can check our guide on the best mobile networks in your area to gain a broader overview across the market.
Vodafone roaming
As the UK is not in the the EU, Vodafone applies roaming charges in European locations.
Vodafone customers who take out a standard pay-monthly plan or who signed up after 11th August 2021 are liable for a charge of £2.25 per day to use their UK allowances in 51 European locations.
On most Vodafone plans, a £6.85-per-day charge now also applies to use your plan in over 100 other destinations, including the USA and Australia. A 25GB fair usage limit also applies.
There are, however, some Vodafone plans that retain inclusive roaming in Europe for no extra charge, such as Xtra plans with 4 Xtra benefits.
And if you pick an unlimited data Xtra plan with 4 Xtra benefits, you can also use your UK allowances in a further 32 worldwide destinations without incurring any extra charges, too.
Vodafone customer service
In Ofcom’s 2023 report on customer service, Vodafone scored 86% (the sector average is 87%), which is about standard.
So not outstanding, but not too shabby when it comes to customer service.
Vodafone stores and offline experience
Vodafone’s high street stores stock the same phones you’ll find in its online stores, as well as giving you access to all of its latest SIM only plans. Customer reviews of its offline experience are patchy, however.
This remains an area where Vodafone falls down compared with other providers.
Vodafone's deals and incentives
Vodafone’s biggest incentive is its excellent Red Entertainment package.
This gives all pay monthly customers, both on SIM only and phone contracts, the chance to access Amazon Prime, YouTube Premium or Spotify Premium as part of their monthly payment.
What marks it stand out is the fact that it’s cheaper than paying for these services separately.
Vodafone pricing
Vodafone sits in the middle of the market. That means its deals are undercut by the likes of Three, although they are cheaper than market leader EE.
This does reflect its excellent coverage, however. What's more, cheaper deals can be had if you keep an eye out for flash sales or call to check on your upgrade status.
Pros and Cons of choosing Vodafone
Pros
- Red Entertainment offers great value when it comes to streaming and extras
- Great coverage throughout the UK
- Evo plan means you can upgrade early and spread the cost of your smartphone
Cons
- Not the cheapest network around
- Customer service still lags behind rivals
How does Vodafone compare against other networks?
Vodafone continually tweaks its offerings to try and snare new and existing customers on new deals.
Its SIM only plans are becoming more affordable, while the new handsets it offers are wide-ranging. However, its prices are higher compared with Three and GiffGaff, while its network coverage can’t match EE.
With Virgin and O2 merging, Vodafone is being squeezed from all angles. It's fair to say Vodafone’s mobile offering is solid if unspectacular.
Our expert says...
"A quick browse on Trustpilot shows that the Vodafone workers in-store tend to be pretty amazing, with people giving them five-stars after five-stars (especially compared to the call centre which is complained about quite a bit).
"Sure, it's a bit annoying making a trip somewhere - but if customer service is important to you (it certainly is for me), Vodafone is well worth a look." - Charlotte Burns. personal finance expert
What are the alternatives to Vodafone?
How does Vodafone compare against other networks?
See our reviews of other mobile networks:
