Networks running on EE: the best virtual providers in 2025
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See which smaller MVNOs that piggyback on EE's network we rate best. We compare their 4G/5G coverage, data speeds and plans. Last updated: 10th March 2025.
Alternatives to EE on their network
Get EE network quality, without their steep prices
✔ Use EE’s network with a different providerSkip to the networks
In large parts of the country, EE are still the best network (read our full review). Their 4G coverage and speeds are unbeaten. And their rollout of 5G is going well and delivering fast data.
But if you're on this page, you've probably been put off by EE's high prices, no more EU roaming, or even the fact they've just introduced annoying speed caps across their range of SIM only plans.
So in this guide, we talk you through the best alternatives to EE, with providers that run o their network but have cheaper deals and all or most of the same connectivity.
They're not all the same, so you'll need to decide what's important to you. Get started below.
Skip to: Networks on EE | Compare SIM only plans
Who uses EE?
1pMobile offer the closest experience to being on EE directly
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If you want the closest possible network experience to being on EE directly, we recommend 1pMobile. Don’t be put off by the cheap looking branding, under the surface they use all EE’s technology off the shelf.
It means 4G/5G coverage is absolutely identical to being on EE directly (check for yourself here), even on band 20. And unlike EE, we’ve found no speed caps on 1p either. So it’s full speed 4G and 5G too.
On top of that, you get WiFi calling and 4G calling on 1p too. Meaning, anywhere conventional signal is weak, you can still make calls. The number of supported devices is vast. Every 1pMobile plan has EU roaming.
1pMobile are beatable on price via other providers on this page. But those networks aren’t without their flaws though. We think it’s worth investing in 1pMobile for the quality. They still thrash EE for cheapness.
Useful link: Our full network review of 1pMobile
spusu are a great option on EE for bargain hunters
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If you’ve not heard of them, spusu are originally an Austrian company, who now specialise in ultra low cost and flexible 1-month SIM only plans on EE’s network. Again, it’s identical coverage to EE (see here).
Speed-wise, our tests for our network review of spusu got downloads over 100 mbps on 4G/5G. That’s the same as on EE SIMs in that area. So we’ve no reason to doubt spusu’s claims of no speed caps.
One advantage spusu have over 1p is that you can join them instantly on an eSIM. spusu also have WiFi calling and 4G calling. Though, our tests found calls dropped if you moved between them mid-call.
You also get EU roaming and telephone based customer service on spusu. They’re not flawless though. People have had some historical issues getting through one time passwords from certain numbers like their banks.
Useful link: See spusu’s full range of SIM only plans
Lyca Mobile are another decent budget alternative to EE
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We also think Lyca Mobile are worth considering as an alternative to EE. They’re not just for international calls, they now have a range of brilliant value 1 to 24-month pay monthly SIM only plans:
Historically, there were coverage differences on Lyca vs EE. But we’re happy to report this has now been sorted and you’ll get identical 4G/5G signal (see their network map here for proof).
There are no speed limits on Lyca either, meaning you access to the fastest possible 5G/4G/3G/2G speeds. We found joining basically instantly on eSIM very slick too.
The main feature missing on Lyca Mobile is WiFi calling. 4G calling works (it’s needed because of the 3G switch off on all EE-based providers). So if there’s no mobile signal indoors, you’re on your own.
Useful link: Read our full Lyca Mobile review
Talk Home Mobile: another good low budget choice with 5G
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Another option as an alternative to EE is Talk Home, who we joined and reviewed here. They get access to EE's 5G/4G/3G/2G with no speed caps but, there are some 4G data coverage differences.
But again, for most people, this won't be an issue and you can enjoy some cheap, 1-month deals with EU roaming and cheap international calls on Talk Home:
Talk Home are also a good choice if you want to join on Pay As You Go, as they offer very cheap rates of 1p per min, text and data. And for a budget network they offer an excellent customer service experience.
The only thing we really don’t like is that they don’t have WiFi/4G calling, making indoor blackspots more of an issue. Still, Talk Home are a brilliant choice if you’re looking for a low-cost, low-frills network.
Useful link: Why should you join Talk Home Mobile?
IQ Mobile: signal is the same as EE but thin on benefits
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In some ways, IQ Mobile are actually better than Lyca and Talk Home. They're not missing the band 20 4G transmitters, coverage is identical to being on EE.
When we took out an IQ Mobile SIM card and popped it into our phone it even said we were connected to ‘EE’. They even now have WiFi calling and VoLTE. (We've not tested it yet though).
Our main issue is that IQ's plan pricing and flexibility can't compete with any of the providers above. They're more expensive, make you commit to 3 months up front and pay for delivery of your SIM card.
We also found the customer experience poor on IQ. Once you buy your SIM, there's basically no My Account section to log in to, no app, no help section. It feels like you're on your own.
Overall, we can't see what you get on IQ Mobile that you can't get elsewhere on better terms.
Useful link: See IQ Mobile plans
Co-op Mobile: higher in price with no outstanding benefits
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Co-op Mobile are another provider on EE, where we can't really see the benefit of joining them. You now get 5G data with them, and network extras like WiFi calling.
There's nothing bad per se but you can get a like-for-like or better experience to Co-Op Mobile with some of the providers above for a lower cost. Other than their climate credentials, it's hard to see Co-Op's appeal.
That all said, all their plans are on flexible 1-month deals, Co-Op members get a 10% discount and there's inclusive EU roaming too. Many will still decide it's worth investing in an ethical mobile brand.
Useful link: See Co-op Mobile's website
These networks either no longer use EE or have shut down
✖ No access to EE on these networks
You might know that both BT Mobile and Plusnet Mobile used to use the EE network. Out of them, BT Mobile was essentially identical to being on EE direct. But both companies have now closed to new customers.
A few providers have previously used EE’s network but have now moved to another one. ASDA Mobile moved to Vodafone’s network a while ago. While Virgin moved to Vodafone, then O2, and have now closed to new customers.
This isn't a reflection of EE being a poor network to use signal for but more to do with the commercial relationships between companies (Virgin Media and O2 merged for example).
Finally, some providers used to use EE but have now gone out of business. For example, The People’s Operator were an ethical network in the 2010s but have long since folded.
SIM only plans on EE-based networks
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