iD Mobile vs Three: the key network differences and similarities

✔ iD Mobile and Three offer identical network coverage

iD Mobile are a virtual network that use Three’s infrastructure for coverage. That means the coverage you get on iD Mobile will be the same as Three, whether you’re using 4G or 5G.

Three have invested a huge amount into their 4G and it shows. They’re now on par with or even better than some networks. iD get full access to Three’s 4G, giving you an identical experience to being on Three.

5G is where Three, and therefore iD, are strongest. You can now get 5G in 580+ UK towns and cities with decent signal strength in those covered areas. iD users will also benefit massively from this.

Best SIM only deals currently on iD and Three

There’s no difference in signal quality or strength between them, so it’s best to check coverage using either provider’s maps. Look at signal at home, at work and anywhere else you use your phone day to day.

Useful links: Three's latest network developments

✔ Data speeds are the same on iD Mobile and Three

iD piggyback off Three’s infrastructure, so you’ll get the same 4G and 5G speeds wherever you are. Our tests found speeds ranged from as high as 90 Mbps in the city to 7 Mbps in rural areas.

Most often we sat around 25 Mbps - 30 Mbps. That lines up with Opensignal’s latest report that put typical 4G download speeds on Three at 25.2 Mbps. Again, those results apply to iD and Three.

5G is where Three really shine. On both networks you’ll typically get between 246.65 Mbps and 260.22 Mbps according to Opensignal and Speedtest. That puts them ahead of most UK networks for 5G speed.

Best 5G SIM only deals on Three and iD

Neither provider have any built-in speed limits. You’ll get the exact same speeds whether you're on iD or Three.

Useful link: Read Three’s guide to their 5G

✔ WiFi calling is similar but Three offer more features

Both iD and Three support WiFi calling and 4G calling on pay monthly plans, letting you stay connected indoors or where 4G is strong enough. However, iD don’t support 4G calling on Pay As You Go, while Three do.

But Three and iD’s WiFi calling works on a similar number of devices, both transfer calls from WiFi to 4G seamlessly if you lose WiFi and both support SMS over WiFi. These are essential as Three’s 3G is gone.

Best WiFi calling plans on Three and iD

Three also include free WiFi hotspots at London Underground stations, saving you data on your commute. Once signed in, your phone reconnects automatically. iD don’t offer anything like this.

Both networks now offer eSIMs, making it easy to join without needing a physical SIM. It's impressive that iD Mobile have kept pace here. But iD don’t have visual voicemail, while Three do even if it’s flawed.

Useful link: Read what difference 4G calling makes

✔ EU roaming is better on iD Mobile, worldwide on Three

If you only ever want to go to Europe, iD Mobile are probably the better choice over Three. Every iD plan includes EU roaming as standard. And you get a massive 30GB for your data to use while you’re abroad (see all details here).

Best iD plans with EU roaming

Meanwhile on Three, you will have to select a slightly more expensive Value plan to get EU roaming included. While there, it’s a lower 12GB fair usage limit too. But the typical UK user would never need that for one or two weeks away.

Best Three plans with EU roaming

If you want to go further afield, Three start to come into their own. iD Mobile do include 4 non-EU destinations (see their Band 2 here) but Three’s list of included 114 non-EU countries is unbeatable.

But you will need to join Three on a Complete plan to get those included. Or you can use their Pay As You Go to get a shorter list of 22 non-EU countries.

Useful link: Full roaming costs and terms on Three

✔ iD Mobile include a solid data rollover scheme and more

iD were one of the first to bring in data rollover. Any data you don’t use in one month is added to next month’s allowance. You’ll use your rolled-over data before your new allowance, which helps avoid paying extra.

You can track and manage your usage easily in iD’s app. While the data only lasts for one month, it’s still a useful way to avoid waste and keep your costs down when your usage changes from month to month.

Best current SIM only plans on iD

iD also won’t increase the cost of your plan on any of their SIM only contracts while Three hike up your bill each year according to inflation. iD also offer better value on their flexible 1-month plans than Three.

Useful link: Get the full story on iD's Data Rollover

✔ Three’s rewards app gives you a lot of nice benefits

Most of the bigger networks include some kind of loyalty or rewards scheme. Three’s is called Three+, and it’s designed to give customers a bit more value on top of their regular deal.

You’ll find a growing number of weekly offers on food, drinks, cinema tickets and subscriptions similar to what O2’s Priority or Vodafone’s VeryMe. It’s not packed with deals yet, but the range is getting better.

Three have also expanded the scheme with presale tickets to events and festivals, which has brought it closer to what O2 offers for sports and music fans. It’s a nice benefit to get at no added cost.

Best SIM only deals currently on Three

Most of Three’s other benefits are only included on their premium plans (read our guide here). But their rewards app is great for what it is and it’s something iD don’t offer at all.

Useful link: See our full guide to Three+

✔ Three have more flexible phone contracts than iD

On Three’s phone deals, your finance agreement for your phone and your usage plan are billed separately. This lets you make lump sum payments, reduce your monthly bill or pay off your device to upgrade early.

They also let you pick from 12, 24 or 36-month contract lengths for your phone, which helps you tailor your it to your budget. Your usage plan still runs as a 24-month contract alongside the finance.

By contrast, iD Mobile still offer standard 24-month contracts where your phone and usage are bundled into a single monthly payment. You can’t upgrade early, change your plan or pay off your device separately.

If you’re looking for more choice and flexibility, Three now have the edge. But it’s still worth checking phone resellers like Samsung, Fonehouse, buymobiles.net for Three contracts, or Currys Mobile for iD deals.

Useful link: See iD's range of phone contracts