SMARTY vs Talkmobile: comparing the two cheap networks

✔ 4G is similar between them, but 5G is better on SMARTY

Both Talkmobile and SMARTY are smaller providers that piggyback off a larger network for signal. Talkmobile use Vodafone’s network while SMARTY are a sub-brand of Three and use their network.

4G data signal is now pretty close between them. SMARTY’s hosts have massively improved their network to the point that we’d now say 4G coverage is about equal, but in different areas (check their maps here).

But 5G is a clear win for SMARTY, with 580+ live 5G locations across the UK compared to 310+ on Talkmobile. On top of this, SMARTY are generally much better at covering their 5G locations than Talkmobile.

Compare their current SIM deals

For calls and texts, only Talkmobile now have conventional 2G mobile signal. You’ll have to use 4G calling on SMARTY. So if you have an older phone, Talkmobile are the better choice.

Useful link: Check Talkmobile’s map | Check SMARTY’s map

✔ Data speeds are generally faster on SMARTY

Neither SMARTY or Talkmobile have any in-built speed caps vs the networks they run on. But speeds are very different between the two. In our tests we got 4G speeds as high as 110+ Mbps on Talkmobile and 70 Mbps on SMARTY.

But speeds went as low as 5 Mbps on Talkmobile and 7 Mbps on SMARTY. Most often we sat around 25 Mbps on Talkmobile and 30 Mbps on SMARTY matching Opensignal’s results of 31.1 Mbps and 38 Mbps respectively.

For 5G, however, SMARTY clearly come out ahead. Opensignal and Speedtest measured typical 5G speeds of 208.9 Mbps and 260.22 Mbps on SMARTY’s hosts and speeds of 138.7 Mbps and 159.02 Mbps on Talkmobile’s hosts.

Best 5G SIM only plans on SMARTY and Talkmobile

The difference is even bigger for peak speeds, with results of a blistering 680 Mbps on SMARTY and 370.38 Mbps on Talkmobile according to Speedtest. So while 4G is close, SMARTY are much faster for 5G.

Useful link: Our guide to the best 5G networks

✔ Extra network features are better on SMARTY

As 2G and 3G signal are being removed, it’s crucial for both providers to offer WiFi /4G calling so users can keep making calls. Thankfully, they both include these features on all of their plans as standard.

Both features are similar in that they both let you send/receive texts and transfer from a WiFi to a 4G call without it dropping. But SMARTY support a longer list of devices, making it easier to get it working with them.

Best plans with WiFi calling on Talkmobile and SMARTY

SMARTY also access to their hosts’ network of free WiFi hotspots on the London Underground. This is a handy feature for staying connected where you’d otherwise get no signal and is something Talkmobile don’t offer.

Both networks include call forwarding and tethering as features. They do miss out on visual voicemail and eSIMs, but it’s mostly just the bigger networks that have these anyway. In all, SMARTY offer a lot more here.

Useful link: Our guide to the best WiFi calling networks

✔ EU roaming is a bit better on SMARTY than Talkmobile

While many networks have removed inclusive EU roaming, both SMARTY and Talkmobile have kept theirs in place. You can use your plan in these 34 EU countries on SMARTY and these 41 EU/EEA countries on Talkmobile.

The main difference is that SMARTY let you use up to 12GB of your data allowance while there. Talkmobile only let you use 5GB. That’s a pretty big difference when it comes to avoiding extra data charges.

Talkmobile are still good for short trips to the EU. But SMARTY will be the better choice if you’re going away for longer or want to use your phone for more data heavy activities like streaming while you’re away.

Best EU roaming plans on SMARTY and Talkmobile

Neither provider offer inclusive roaming outside the EU, which is to be expected from two budget providers. Roaming beyond the EU will get expensive on both, so you’re probably best off looking elsewhere for this.

Useful link: How to turn on roaming before you go abroad

✔ Talkmobile have much better customer service

Typically, smaller networks can offer such low costs by stripping away parts of their customer service like call centres. But Talkmobile don’t do this. They’re one of the few budget networks to let you call them.

When we called we were put through to an agent quite rapidly and they resolved our issue very efficiently. Talkmobile don’t show up in Ofcom’s report, but our experience of their customer service was very positive.

Their call centres are open between 8am - 10pm on weekdays, 9am - 6pm on Saturdays and 10am - 5pm. Those hours are flexible enough to fit around most work schedules, making it easier to get help.

Best SIM only plans currently on Talkmobile

Talkmobile also let you join a 12-month SIM only contract without needing to pass a credit check. These are great if you just want to sort your deal for a whole year and not being thinking about it.

Useful link: Our guide to the best customer service networks

✔ Generous family plans and more on SMARTY

SMARTY offer a 10% discount on every plan added to your account. That saves you a bit of money on already cheap plans. And you can get that discount on up to 7 extra plans, with each user able to choose their own plan.

They also offer all their plans on flexible 1-month deals. These let you switch or leave your plan each month and let you leave whenever without giving 30 days notice like you have to on Talkmobile.

Best current SIM only deals on SMARTY

And your plan’s cost will never go up on SMARTY. That’s not the case on Talkmobile who hike up your plan’s price each year based on inflation. You get the same great value as long as you stay on your SMARTY plan.

Lastly, SMARTY offer the cheapest data add-ons of any network with the smallest being 1GB for £1. And these last forever until you use them up. Talkmobile’s add-ons are expensive in comparison and only last a month.

Useful link: Our guide to SMARTY’s family plans