Which mobile network has the best coverage?

According to the connect Mobile Network Test 2025 (conducted by Umlaut), EE has the best network coverage in the UK, while O2 was placed first in Opensignal’s latest rankings. Although the rankings can vary between different tests, EE achieves the best overall results with most first places when gauging overall network experience – in terms of network coverage, speeds, and reliability. On this page, we explain how to identify the network with the best coverage, the factors that affect coverage in your area, and why network coverage is an important factor to compare when choosing a provider.

How is the network with the best network coverage determined?

There are several different analytics companies that regularly measure the providers’ networks. Some examine network quality based on various parameters in different geographical categories, while others focus on the actual user experience in areas known to have network coverage.

Umlaut use method number one. They measure network quality based on voice, data, and crowdsourcing categories, with several further subcategories. In terms of calls, they evaluate a variety of factors including call quality, dialling, and the number of successful connections, while for data they measure elements such as upload/download speeds, data usage, and streaming. In crowdsourcing, testing of mobile apps takes place over several weeks.

The tests are conducted through extensive driving tests covering three different geographical categories: metropolitan areas, smaller towns and so-called connectivity roads.

Opensignal’s test, on the other hand, provides a more focused assessment of area network coverage where the users are located, rather than coverage in terms of a wider geographical area. Using collected data, Opensignal then assesses the quality of video streaming, gaming, voice and video calls, and download/upload speeds. However, since the speed is measured with real users, the results can vary, for instance, depending on the type of mobile and contract in question.

Which provider has the best 5G network?

According to the latest RootMetrics report State of the Mobile Union, EE clinched the award for the best 5G experience, but Three and Vodafone were not far behind. The report shows that both Three and Vodafone performed well in terms of 5G speeds, but it was EE’s 5G availability and performance that gave EE first place.

RootMetrics did note that all the providers in their rankings had improved their 5G results across most, if not all, of the cities selected for the tests. And this applies to both download speeds and availability.

According to Opensignal’s latest test, EE is the best in terms of both 5G availability and network coverage. Three, however, takes home the first prize for the highest upload and download speeds in 5G. Looking at the average speeds across all network generations, it is EE that performs the best.

Which providers share networks?

  • EE: Utility Warehouse, 1pMobile, Lycamobile, Your Co-op, Ecotalk, IQ Mobile, RWG Mobile
  • O2: Giffgaff, Sky Mobile, Tesco Mobile
  • Three: iD Mobile, Smarty, FreedomPop, Honest Mobile, Superdrug Mobile
  • Vodafone: Voxi, Asda Mobile, Lebara Mobile, Talkmobile, RWG Mobile

Providers who share one of the four largest networks should be able to offer the same network coverage. If, for example, O2 has good network coverage in your area, then Giffgaff, Sky Mobile, and Tesco Mobile should provide a similar service quality. This can be useful to know when choosing a provider, as the smaller providers are often somewhat cheaper.

Why network coverage is crucial for the mobile experience

Network coverage is an essential part of your mobile experience as it affects both call quality and data speeds. If the network coverage is poor, it can be difficult to hear clearly what is being said over a connection. Calls may also be interrupted if the network coverage drops. It will also slow films and music streaming, accessing online newspapers, and switching between web pages.

If the provider has good network coverage in your location, you will be able to enjoy calls and use data consistently without the risk of sudden interruptions or frustrating delays.

How is the network coverage where I live?

The easiest way to get an idea of a provider’s network coverage is to enter your address or postcode into a coverage checker to view a map of the estimated signal strength in your area. This is not a guaranteed coverage, but at least you get an indication of what you can expect where you live or plan to use your mobile or mobile broadband the most.

Network coverage varies between cities and rural areas

When discussing mobile network coverage in the UK (or any country), it’s important to remember that conditions can vary quite significantly between urban and rural areas. This is due to differences in infrastructure and geographical features. As a result, the quality of your network coverage depends to a large extent on where you live. Urban areas generally have better network coverage than rural areas, due mainly to the following factors.

Urban areas

  • More available mobile masts
  • Stronger signal strength
  • Overall higher speeds
  • Better network coverage in 5G

Rural

  •  Fewer masts
  •  Fluctuating signal strength
  •  Limited access to 5G
  •  Geographical challenges

To bridge the gap between urban and rural areas, various initiatives have been undertaken by both the government and the network providers. By subsidising network expansion in rural areas and setting guidelines for network coverage in national spectrum licensing, the aim is to offer a more even coverage level and network service across the country as a whole. 

Various technical solutions are also being considered to improve connectivity in rural areas, such as satellite internet and long-range LTE technology.

What factors can affect network coverage in my area?

Regardless of which provider you use, there are always issues that can temporarily impair network coverage. The signal from the base station can, for example, be disrupted by weather-related factors such as wind, snow, and heavy rain. The distance between the base station and your location is also a crucial factor in the strength of your network coverage.

You may also experience differences in network coverage depending on your location and the surrounding environment. Indoors, thick walls can prevent the signal from reaching, and outdoors, natural obstacles like forests or mountains can affect network coverage. If you are in a crowded area, you may also experience temporary deterioration of network coverage due to competition between more devices connecting to the same mobile mast.

A newer device can provide better network coverage

If you find that the connection is poor despite the provider offering good network coverage in your location, and there are no obvious factors that could affect it, the issue might be with your mobile or tablet. Older devices generally cannot receive as many frequencies from mobile signals as the latest models, which may affect network coverage. So it might be time to switch to a newer device with better functionality.

Summary

When choosing a provider, network coverage is one of the most crucial factors to consider, as it will affect almost every part of your service experience – both in terms of call quality and internet speeds. Begin by considering where you live or where you will use your mobile or mobile broadband the most, and perform a quick search using your address to get an indication of the network coverage in your area.

Independent tests of the networks can be a good guide in choosing a provider, but find out which measurement methods have been used and focus primarily on the results that meet your requirements as an ‘everyday’ user. Bear in mind that different analytics companies use a diverse range of tests with a wide variety of focus, which means that the winner in one test may not necessarily be the winner in another.

Feel free to conduct your own research as well, for example by comparing the providers’ network coverage maps and asking neighbours or friends who live nearby which provider they use and how satisfied they are with the network coverage.