VOXI vs Vodafone: the differences between the two networks

✔ All coverage is identical between them

Vodafone are one of the UK’s four main network operators. They own and operate their own network, distinct from EE, Three and O2. VOXI were set up directly by Vodafone as a sub-brand to appeal to new customers.

As such, VOXI get full access to Vodafone’s entire widespread network. That’s absolutely a good thing as Vodafone have one of the best 4G networks of all providers. You’ll get 4G in surprisingly rural areas on both.

On top of that, you get access to Vodafone’s 5G network on VOXI too. So you’ll get 5G in the same list of 310+ UK towns and cities with generally very good coverage within these locations too.

Best 5G SIM only plans on VOXI and Vodafone

Finally, 2G signal for calls and texts is also identical, but is slowly being removed. With Three and Vodafone set to combine their networks, VOXI and Vodafone customers can look forward to an even better experience.

Useful link: Other networks that use Vodafone

✔ 4G/5G speeds are also the same on both providers

We tested 4G speeds on VOXI and Vodafone in the same locations to see if there were any differences. We got speeds as high as 110+ Mbps and as low as 5 Mbps in the countryside on both.

Most often we sat around 20 Mbps - 25 Mbps on both, which lines up with Opensignal’s result of 21.2 Mbps. In all, we noticed no differences in speeds between the two despite VOXI being a budget provider.

5G data speeds are also identical between them. So Opensignal and Speedtest’s results of 138.7 Mbps and 162.63 Mbps as well as their peaks of 370.38 Mbps also apply to both providers.

Best 5G SIM only plans on VOXI and Vodafone

As you can see there are no speed differences being on VOXI vs Vodafone. And speeds should only increase once Vodafone combine their network with Three which will also benefit VOXI users as well.

Useful link: Vodafone's latest improvements to their network

✔ WiFi/4G calling is the same, Vodafone some other features

WiFi calling and 4G calling are features that let you call over WiFi and 4G signal rather than conventional 2G/3G call signal. It’s crucial that both offer this as 3G has been removed and 2G is being shut off.

If you’re on WiFi call and you lose WiFi signal you’ll be switched over to a 4G call without it dropping (but call will drop if you then lose 4G signal). And both networks let you send/receive texts over WiFi/4G.

VOXI and Vodafone support the same devices for WiFi calling. In terms of other features, both providers include visual voicemail. And you can join both on an eSIM and it works very well on both too.

Compare VOXI and Vodafone SIMs

The only difference is that VOXI don’t include call forwarding while Vodafone do. It’s a minor win for Vodafone, but it is something that they offer that VOXI don’t. Otherwise they’re largely the same.

Useful link: FAQs about Vodafone's WiFi calling

✖ EU roaming is only included on Vodafone’s premium deals

You no longer get inclusive EU roaming on Vodafone’s regular pay monthly contracts. New customers either have to pay a daily rate or take one of Vodafone’s premium plans to use their SIM abroad without buying passes.

Any of Vodafone’s plans with 3 Xtras will give you inclusive roaming in these 51 EU countries. But their most expensive Unlimited data plans with 3 Xtras actually let you roam in a further 32 worldwide countries.

Vodafone plans with EU roaming

While you’re abroad you’ll be limited to 25GB of your monthly allowance. That’s absolutely loads but could be frustrating if you’re an absolutely massive data user or if you’re on an “unlimited” data plan.

On Vodafone’s other plans (and their Basics plans) you have to pay £2 a day to roam in the EU and £6 per day beyond the EU. So either way you have to pay extra to roam in the EU on Vodafone, which is disappointing.

Useful link: Know all costs before you go abroad

✖ VOXI also make you pay extra to roam in the EU

VOXI also removed their inclusive EU roaming a while ago. Much like Vodafone you have to pay a daily rate to use your allowance in their EU destinations. There are no premium plans that come with EU roaming.

You have to pay £2 a day to use your plan in these EU countries or take a temporary roaming pass, which are better value per day. You’re also limited to 20GB and VOXI’s Unlimited benefits don’t work while abroad.

Best current SIM only deals on VOXI

VOXI also don’t offer inclusive worldwide roaming, but do let you take a Global Roaming Extra. These give you a small allowance of mins, texts and data for a temporary period. That’s better than paying their rates.

The changes they’ve made to their roaming mean VOXI sit in joint-last place in our list of the best EU roaming networks. At least Vodafone include roaming on some plans, VOXI don’t offer it on any.

Useful link: Full costs and charges when roaming on VOXI

✔ VOXI offer Unlimited data benefits and more

One of the best things about being on VOXI vs being on Vodafone is their Unlimited Social Media data benefit. This lets you use these social media apps without using up your data allowance on all their plans.

And on VOXI’s higher end plans you can get Unlimited Music and Video. These let you use these music streaming apps and these video streaming apps without eating up your data and can save a huge amount per month.

SIM only plans with Unlimited Video

Another benefit of being on VOXI is that all of their plans are sold as flexible 1-month deals. These let you switch plans each month, pause your plan, or leave VOXI altogether whenever you choose.

And lastly you won’t need to pass a credit check to join any of VOXI’s plans like you do on Vodafone’s. This makes VOXI an excellent alternative to Vodafone if you don’t have a good credit history.

Useful link: VOXI's full guide to Unlimited Social Media

✔ Entertainment subscriptions on premium Vodafone plans

If you take out one of Vodafone’s premium Entertainment plans you can take one subscription to any of these entertainment services and have it included on your contract. You can get these as SIM only or phone deals.

Last time we checked you could choose a subscription to YouTube Premium (video streaming), Amazon Prime (films and TV) or Spotify Premium (music streaming).

When you choose your service you’ll be subscribed to it until your contract is over. But unlike VOXI, however, you don’t get free unlimited data to use with these services. Using them on data will come out of your allowance.

Vodafone's current Entertainment plans

Vodafone do give you some nice rewards with their VeryMe app. This gets you special offers on high street food, drinks and shopping and some freebies. It adds a bit of extra value to your plan which we appreciate.

Useful link: Full offer details and terms

✔ VOXI offer better value, Vodafone offer more flexibility

Both providers offer all their phone deals on “split contracts” where the cost of paying your finance agreement (basically a loan) for your phone and usage plan (mins, texts, data) are separate payments.

The difference is that VOXI let you pay off your phone over 12, 24, 30 or 36 months, while Vodafone let you choose a contract between 3 to 36 months for your phone. That makes it easier to suit it to your budget.

VOXI do give you the benefit of switching or leaving your usage plan while still paying off your phone. On Vodafone you have to stay on your usage plan for 24 months and don’t let you switch your plan down.

And VOXI tend to offer better value on their phones and usage plans, saving you a good amount over the full contract vs being on Vodafone. But ultimately, your choice will come down to what you prefer.

Useful link: VOXI's FAQs about their phone contracts