Best networks in Northern Ireland: mobile coverage & speeds
The retailers featured on this page may compensate us when our readers follow links to their websites and make a purchase. More
We've analysed 5G/4G/3G signal maps and data speed test information to find out which mobile network performs best in Northern Ireland. Last updated: 26th November 2024.
Which mobile network is best in Northern Ireland?
We’ve checked maps & speeds across Northern Ireland
✔ Better rural signal on some than othersSkip to best in cities
There’s plenty of information about how each mobile network performs across the United Kingdom as a whole. But this guide looks at how each provider performs specifically in Northern Ireland.
With geography having a big impact on mobile signal, we’ve split this guide into two parts. The best networks in Northern Ireland’s cities and towns. And the best in rural and coastal areas of Northern Ireland.
We’ve also picked an overall winner, by combining the results for urban and country. So that if you’re someone who travels around a fair amount, you’ll know which networks are better on balance.
On top of that we’ll cover any other features that any of these networks offer to keep you connected in areas with poor signal. And we provide a list of cheaper providers that use these main networks.
Useful links: Best networks in towns and cities | Best networks in rural and coastal areas
Best networks in Northern Irish towns and cities
1st: O2 have best 4G/5G signal in urban Northern Ireland
What we like:
What we don't like:
Our research into network signal maps puts O2 in first place in Northern Ireland. That’s thanks to a combination of a 5G rollout that’s outpaced every other network. But also quality 4G coverage too.
In Belfast, O2 have the joint best 5G signal and the best 5G in Derry/Londonderry by a mile. And they have strong 5G in places like Bangor, Ballymena and Lisburn, where it’s weak or non-existent on other networks.
O2 also have the best 4G coverage in Belfast, Derry, Armagh and other small towns. Their free WiFi hotspots in larger towns and cities help keep you connected too and save data.
The main downside with O2 is their underwhelming data speeds. In Northern Ireland, Opensignal measured typical 5G speeds of just 60.8 Mbps and typical 4G speeds of 16.9 Mbps via tests on thousands of people’s phones.
In summary, it’s leading coverage but not great speeds with O2 in Northern Ireland. If speed’s important to you, they are beatable by networks below.
Useful link: Check signal near you using O2’s coverage map
These better value options all use O2’s network
If you like the look of O2’s network but are turned off by the high cost of their plans, do look at joining Sky Mobile, Tesco Mobile or giffgaff. They offer access to O2’s network on much better value deals.
giffgaff usually offer the best value per GB of these. They also give you access to some of O2’s WiFi hotspots and include EU roaming on all their deals. They’re great for commitment-free 1-month deals too.
Sky Mobile offer 12-month SIM only contracts that are middle-of-the-road in terms of price, but include benefits such as keeping unused data for 3 years and free data for streaming Sky TV apps.
Tesco Mobile’s best deals are their 24-month and 12-month SIM only contracts. And if you’ve got a Clubcard you get access to even better value deals and can use Clubcard vouchers to get money off your monthly bill:
Useful link: Our guide to the best providers on O2’s network
2nd: Vodafone have excellent 4G in the towns and cities
What we like:
What we don't like:
Vodafone are our second best choice for mobile users in Northern Ireland’s urban areas, mainly due to their excellent 4G data coverage. You should stay on 4G pretty consistently, even in smaller towns like Armagh and Ballymena.
On top of that, Vodafone’s data speeds are more impressive than O2’s. According to Opensignal’s results for Northern Ireland, users get typical 5G downloads of 141.4 Mbps and 4G downloads at 25.1 Mbps.
That puts Vodafone in first place for 5G downloads for Northern Ireland. For 4G, they’re just behind Three and EE. But there’s a reason we’ve ranked them lower than O2.
It’s mainly because Vodafone’s 5G signal is worse in Belfast and they don’t even have it in Derry or other smaller towns. So while Vodafone have better 5G speeds, plenty of people won’t be able to get them yet.
Useful link: Check coverage using Vodafone’s map here
Access Vodafone’s network at lower costs on these providers
Talkmobile offer some of the lowest costs per GB around on their 1-month and 12-month contracts. And they offer inclusive EU roaming, which is also excellent if you need to go to the Republic of Ireland:
VOXI are a sub-brand of Vodafone who offer excellent value on their 1-month deals. They also include unlimited social media data on all their plans and unlimited video streaming data on some of them:
Lebara also offer great value 12-month and 1-month plans. All of these include some international minutes which you can use to make calls to the Republic of Ireland and you can roam there at no added cost:
Finally, ASDA offer good value on 24-month and 12-month contracts or 30-day no-contract plans if you prefer a more flexible plan. They also include EU roaming on all plans:
Useful link: Read our guide to the best providers on Vodafone’s network
3rd: Three have good coverage and speeds in Northern Irish towns/cities
What we like:
What we don't like:
Three come in third place out of the four main UK networks for users in Northern Irish towns and cities, but are still a good option. They offer widespread urban 4G data signal and are just behind Vodafone for this.
Their 5G coverage in Belfast is very widespread, and they provide surprisingly decent 5G in Lisburn and Bangor. But 5G in other small towns can either be hard to stay connected to, or is totally non-existent.
But Opensignal’s report shows typical 5G speeds of 141 Mbps for users in Northern Ireland on Three. They’re just behind Vodafone, so 5G should be fast where you get it. And typical 4G downloads sit at a healthy 25.8 Mbps.
We’d say it’s worth checking how well Three cover your local area with 5G (and 4G) using their coverage map here before you buy. If coverage is good near you then you’ll also be able to enjoy their great speeds.
They just come up short for general 5G coverage and their call signal (3G) is the least widespread of all networks, which could cause issues if your phone doesn’t have 4G calling.
Useful link: Check coverage near you using Three’s map
These providers offer a cheap way onto Three’s network
There are a handful of smaller providers who give you full access to Three’s network at lower costs, including SMARTY, iD Mobile. Honest Mobile don’t tend to be cheaper but have unique benefits.
SMARTY are a sub-brand of Three and offer some of the best value 1-month SIM only deals around. And you can roam in the EU (including Republic of Ireland) at no extra cost:
iD Mobile are another great value option, with 24-month, 12-month and 1-month contract options. They also include data rollover on all plans and EU roaming as standard:
Finally, Honest’s 12-month and 1-month SIM only contracts are similar to Three’s in terms of price. Instead of low prices, they market themselves on being the only carbon negative network (read more here):
Useful link: Our guide to the best providers on Three’s network
4th: EE are fast but have weaker coverage in Northern Ireland
What we like:
What we don't like:
EE come in last place for users in Northern Irish towns and cities as they have a worse 5G experience than others. The only place they have good 5G is Belfast, and it’s still worse there than on other providers.
Their typical 5G speed results with Opensignal are below Three and Vodafone’s at 103.8 Mbps. That’s still good, but they’re far from the fastest 5G network in Northern Ireland.
EE do have the fastest typical 4G data speeds of 39.2 Mbps in Northern Ireland though. That pairs up nicely with widespread 4G, even if their coverage still lags behind O2 and Vodafone.
But if you’re an urban user, you’ll want to make the most of living in an urban area with widespread, fast 5G and free WiFi hotspots to save data. EE just don’t provide that, even if you’re living in the capital.
Useful link: Check signal near you on EE
There are some providers on EE’s network with better value
If you’re still looking to get on EE’s network but don’t like the high costs of their plans, you can join 1pMobile, spusu, Lyca Mobile, Talk Home Mobile or Co-op Mobile. They offer identical coverage at lower costs:
1pMobile and spusu offer really good value on 1-month SIM only deals. On top of that they both include EU roaming, which you can use to visit the Republic:
Lyca Mobile and Talk Home Mobile are quite similar in that they both offer great value, 1-month SIM only deals. Both offer inclusive EU roaming too, but Talk Home also offer decently cheap calls to ROI numbers:
Finally Co-op Mobile are a bit more expensive than the other providers, but can still be a decent choice if you’re looking for a 1-month contract:
Useful link: The best smaller providers on EE’s network
Best networks for rural Northern Ireland
1st: O2 offer the best mix of rural call and 4G data signal
What we like:
What we don't like:
If you’re rurally based or coastal, you’ll want a network with widespread call signal (3G/2G) and 4G data signal to give you the best chance of staying connected. In our eyes, O2 provide the best overall mix.
O2’s 2G/3G signal is the most widespread in Northern Ireland, meaning you’ve got the best chance of staying connected. It’s generally very good on the coast and in West Tyrone where other providers tend to struggle.
Their call signal is also broadcast on better frequencies for getting into buildings, so indoor coverage on O2 should be better. If your phone supports WiFi calling/4G calling, O2 offer both these too.
O2 have the second best 4G data signal. You’ll get 4G in most rural areas and most of the gaps in signal are only in national parks. But their slow typical speeds of 16.9 Mbps according to Opensignal are a drawback.
Finally in border regions, you don’t have to worry about accidentally incurring roaming charges in the Republic of Ireland as it's included as a roaming destination on all plans. In all, O2 are the best choice here.
Useful link: Check rural coverage with O2’s map
You’ll get the same great rural coverage on these providers
If you like the sort of rural coverage you get on O2, you can get identical signal at lower costs on Sky Mobile, Tesco Mobile and giffgaff.
giffgaff are the best value option here, with low prices on 18-month contracts and more flexible 1-month SIM only plans. But they don’t have WiFi calling, which can be an issue if you get poor call signal at home.
Sky are another good value option. And rural users might prefer to use their free data streaming rather than streaming on slow home broadband. And their data rollover is always handy if you go over your allowance.
Tesco Mobile offer good value on 12-month and 24-month contracts, with even better value for Clubcard holders. And if you’re near a Tesco shop you can get the most out of their Clubcard voucher scheme (read more).
Useful link: How we rank the providers that use O2’s network
2nd: Three have the best rural 4G in Northern Ireland
What we like:
What we don't like:
Three are our next best choice for rural and coastal users in Northern Ireland, mostly due to them having the best overall 4G signal in the country. That gives you the best chance of staying connected to data.
Opensignal’s speed results of 25.8 Mbps are based on a countrywide average and rural speeds will probably be slower. But they’ve got the second fastest 4G speeds, so it’s still generally a strength with them.
Their call signal (3G) isn’t great, especially in the western counties. And their call signal is on frequencies that are bad at getting into buildings. But 4G calling can help with this if your phone supports it.
It is good that roaming in the Republic won’t cost anything extra and making calls to ROI numbers while there will come out of your regular allowance. But you do have to pay to call ROI from Northern Ireland (see rates).
Useful link: Check rural coverage using Three’s map
These other providers offer identical rural signal to Three
If you’re looking to join Three because of their strong coverage, it’s worth having a look at the smaller providers who get access to Three’s network first. These are SMARTY, iD Mobile and Honest Mobile.
SMARTY offer low prices on 1-month plans that let you switch or leave your plan whenever and the price of your plan won’t go up (except for temporary promotions). And they offer inclusive EU roaming on all plans:
iD Mobile are another good value option, with low cost 24-month, 12-month and 1-month contracts. They also include EU roaming, so you won’t have to pay anything extra to roam in the Republic of Ireland:
Honest’s main draw is that they’re more eco-friendly than other networks. They’re higher in price, but your bill will go down over time. Also you only get 5 days to roam in Ireland before having to pay.
Useful link: Our guide to the best providers on Three
3rd: Vodafone are great for rural calls with good 4G signal
What we like:
What we don't like:
Vodafone come in third place for users in rural Northern Ireland in our rankings, as they provide a good mix of call signal and 4G data, without excelling in the way that providers above do.
Their call signal is more widespread and better at getting into buildings but are behind Three and even O2 for rural 4G data, being a bit weaker in coastal areas and in the western counties.
Opensignal put Vodafone in third place for 4G data speeds. You won’t usually speed ahead in rural areas but they should be decently reliable. And roaming in the ROI is inclusive, even if your plan doesn’t include the EU.
With Vodafone it’s really a case of them doing everything well, but just not as well as the networks above. Still, it’s worth checking their signal map as you might get better signal in your area than on other providers.
Useful link: Check rural signal using Vodafone’s coverage checker
Use identical signal to Vodafone on these cheaper providers
If you’re thinking of joining Vodafone, you might want to consider some of the budget networks that provide full access to Vodafone’s network at prices that won’t break the bank.
Lebara are a great option for rural users in Northern Ireland because of their great value deals. And you can roam in Ireland at no added cost and you get inclusive international mins to call ROI numbers.
Talkmobile and ASDA Mobile are similar in that they offer great value plans on 24-month, 12-month and 1-month contracts. They’re both low-frills, low-cost options that let you roam in the Republic at no added cost.
VOXI are another low-cost option and offer unlimited social media and video streaming data. Those can be handy for saving data as you move around. And roaming in Republic of Ireland is included so that won’t cost you extra:
Useful link: Our guide to the best providers on Vodafone’s network
4th: EE have widespread call signal but are behind for 4G
What we like:
What we don't like:
EE are our last place choice for users in rural Northern Ireland. The main reason is their underwhelming 4G signal compared to the networks above, which is surprising as their 4G is the strongest in the rest of the UK.
It’s a bit of a shame as they have the fastest typical 4G data speeds according to Opensignal’s latest report, but there’s no point in good speeds if you can’t access them.
Like Vodafone, EE have switched their 3G masts over to 4G. If your device supports 4G calling this isn’t a big issue, but if not you’ll be stuck with 2G for making calls. And this isn’t EE’s biggest strength.
Not only is their 2G coverage behind Vodafone and O2’s, but its broadcast on frequencies that aren’t ideal at getting into buildings. WiFi calling can help, but if your phone doesn’t support it you’re a bit stuck.
At least accidentally connecting to signal from the Republic of Ireland won’t cost you as it's included in your plan. But calls to the Republic are charged. In all, EE aren’t a great choice for Northern Irish users.
Useful link: Use EE’s coverage map to check signal near you
These providers offer a cheaper way onto EE’s network
If you want to get access to EE’s network but don’t like the high cost of their plans, there are a few providers with better value plans who offer identical signal to being on EE directly.
1pMobile and spusu offer great value on 1-month SIM only plans and let you roam in the Republic of Ireland at no added cost. 1p also offer decent calling rates to Irish numbers at 9p per min:
Co-op Mobile’s plans are closer to EE’s in terms of price, but they do offer a bit more flexibility with their 1-month contracts. And they include EU roaming, which is something EE don’t.
Talk Home and Lyca Mobile don’t get access to EE’s band 20 4G masts, meaning they get worse 4G coverage in rural areas than being on EE. But they both include EU roaming and are good for calling Irish numbers:
Useful link: Our guide to the best providers on EE
Our combined winner for Northern Ireland
O2 are consistently the best network in Northern Ireland
If you want the best chance of getting good signal as you move around Northern Ireland in urban and rural areas, O2 are the best choice. They consistently have the best call (3G/2G), 4G and 5G data signal.
We were genuinely impressed at the amount of locations they cover for 5G and how good coverage tends to be in those locations. They blow the other networks out of the water for Northern Irish 5G coverage.
The only downside is their underwhelming data speeds. They consistently work out as the slowest 4G and 5G network, so Three or Vodafone might be a better choice if you just want the fastest speeds possible.
O2 also tend to be one of the most expensive networks in the UK, so we’d recommend looking at the budget providers that offer full access to O2’s network at lower prices. We go into all of them here.
Useful link: Read our full review about O2’s network and benefits
Networks
Providers:
Plan
Data: (0MB+)
Minutes: (0+)
Thanks, we'll send that out now. Please check your inbox for our email.Republic of Ireland roaming and calls
Some networks offer inclusive mins to ROI numbers
If you’re looking to make calls to friends or family in the Republic of Ireland from Northern Ireland, it will usually cost extra to do so on any network. So it’s worth knowing which ones offer cheap (or even inclusive) calls to there.
We’ve compared every network’s calling rates to the Republic of Ireland from Northern Ireland and ranked them based on the cheapest mins and texts to ROI numbers.
Lebara - 5p per minute and 6p per text (they also include international minutes on their SIM only plans)
Honest Mobile - 7p per minute and 7p per text
giffgaff - 8p per min and 6p per text
1pMobile - 9p per min and 6p per text
Lyca Mobile - 19p per min and 6p per text (and they include some international minutes on their plans)
iD Mobile - 18p per min and 6p per text
Sky Mobile - 19p per min and 6p per text
SMARTY - 19p per min and 6p per text
Talkmobile - 19p per min and 6p per text
Tesco Mobile - 19p per min and 6p per text
VOXI - 19p per min and 6p per text
O2 - 19.5p per min and 6p per text
Three - 19.5p per min and 6.2p per text
Vodafone - 22p per min and 6p per text
EE - 23p per min and 6p per text
ASDA Mobile - 15p per min and 15p per text
Talk Home Mobile - 19p per min and 19p per text
spusu - 25p per min and 15p per text
Lebara are the clear winner here. Not only do they have the cheapest out of plan international mins, but they also include some in your plan. You can use these to call Irish numbers without paying per minute.
The plans with more inclusive international mins and texts are higher in price. But if you call or text abroad often then you’ll save a lot in the long run. Some even include unlimited international mins and texts.
Lyca Mobile also include international mins and texts. But their out of plan rates are much higher than Lebara’s, so you really don’t want to go over your allowance. You can see each networks’ rates in the dropdown above.
Useful link: Our guide to the best networks for international calling
Most networks won’t charge you for roaming in the Republic
If you live near the border of the Republic of Ireland, it’s not uncommon for your phone to accidentally connect to signal from there. You might worry that this would cost you extra, but that’s not always the case.
Most UK networks include the Republic of Ireland as a roaming destination. Some have it as part of their inclusive EU roaming, while many that don’t offer inclusive EU roaming still include Ireland as a free destination..
In any case, you’ll be able use your mins and texts to EU numbers and your data while in Ireland. The amount of data you can use there and how long you can stay before being charged does differ per network:
These networks include Ireland as an EU roaming destination:
O2 - 25GB data limit and 63 day limit within a four-month period
SMARTY - 12GB data limit and 60 consecutive day limit
iD Mobile - 30GB data restriction and day limits if you spend more time in Ireland than UK over four months
giffgaff - 5GB data limit and 63 day limit during a four-month period
Lebara - 30GB data limit and restrictions if you use more data in Ireland over a 120 day span than in the UK
Honest include Ireland as an EU destination, meaning you’ll start paying if you’re there for more than 5 days in a row. But these free roaming days reset once you connect to a UK network, so this shouldn't cost you.
Lyca Mobile - 5GB-35GB data limit and restrictions if you spend more time in Ireland than in the UK over four months
spusu - Data limits differ per plan and no time restrictions
Tesco Mobile - No data limit but restrictions if you stay for two months over a four-month period
1pMobile - 14GB data limit and restrictions if you spend more time in Ireland than in the UK over 90 days
Talk Home Mobile - Data limits depend on your plan but no time restrictions while abroad
On the other hand, Three, Vodafone, VOXI, Sky Mobile and EE don’t offer inclusive EU roaming but do offer Ireland as a free roaming destination on all plans.
EE don’t have any data or time limits in Ireland at all, even if their website incorrectly says you have to pay - read their customer support page here.
VOXI are one of the only two networks with a data limit in Ireland, capping you at 20GB. Sky, on the other hand, may limit your data usage in Ireland but don’t specifically say when this will kick in.
Useful link: Read Three’s guide to roaming in Ireland