Providers who use Vodafone's network: we rank the best ones
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Want to get on Vodafone's network but without joining them directly? We take you through options of virtual operators that piggyback on them. Last updated: 31st January 2022.
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Get the quality of Vodafone’s network for less
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We think Vodafone have got one the best mixes of excellent coverage for calls, texts and 4G data - there’s no doubting the quality of their network (read our review here). But they can be one of the priciest providers.
But before you rule Vodafone totally out. It’s worth knowing you can get cheaper phone contracts directly on Vodafone by joining via retailers that sell their contracts instead of going direct. We compare their deals here.
Or if you want SIM only, the same applies. Use our SIM only deals finder below, because you can get some nice cashback on Vodafone SIMs via Mobiles.co.uk / BuyMobiles to reduce the cost.
And there’s also Vodafone Basics. These no-frills 4G-only plans don’t come with any roaming at all, they only work in the UK. And WiFi calling doesn’t work on them. But in exchange, you get very low prices:
But if all that fails, it’s worth knowing the other mobile operators that use Vodafone’s network, to see if you can get better prices and benefits with them. In this guide, we show you each one and their pros and cons.
Skip to: Networks on Vodafone | SIM only plans | Phone contracts
Who uses Vodafone?
VOXI are owned by Vodafone and use their full network
What we like:
Identical network experience WiFi calling and 4G calling Better prices and benefits than Vodafone
What we don't like:
Online-only service
Unsurprisingly, we’d say the closest thing you can get to being on Vodafone directly is with their lower-cost sub-brand VOXI. They’re not even fully a different setup. Your phone still just says “Vodafone” at the top.
You’ll get identical coverage to Vodafone on 2G/3G/4G/5G, WiFi calling and 4G calling and there are no speed caps on VOXI either (see what little differences there are in our VOXI vs Vodafone guide).
As we say in our VOXI review, we’re big fans of their SIMs. They’re fairly priced, there’s no credit check to join, you can leave when you like or change plans monthly and they with excellent free Endless data benefits.
Their phone contracts are flexible too. You do need to compare on price, because it’s not a slam-dunk that VOXI are always cheaper than all the retailers selling Vodafone. Use our comparison below.
Useful link: Read our full VOXI review
Virgin Mobile moved to Vodafone a few years back
What we like: Same coverage as Vodafone Extras like WiFi calling and hotspots Nice added benefits and good prices
What we don't like: Customer service not the best WiFi calling not as good as Vodafone’s
After decades of using EE and its predecessors, Virgin Mobile switched to using Vodafone’s network instead in 2020. You get the same coverage on 5G/4G/3G/2G (read our Virgin vs Vodafone guide) as direct.
In addition, Virgin’s customers can access the Virgin Media hotspot network on their phones, meaning an automatic WiFi connection in loads of places, saving data and staying connected in odd places.
For our review, we did find Virgin’s WiFi calling less reliable than Vodafone’s though. But if it works for you it works. And you can bag some much-improved pricing, particularly on low to mid range SIM only plans:
Virgin are also ultra-competitive on phone contracts. If you want to spread a cost over 36 months and don’t want to pay anything up front, they’re almost always the joint-cheapest phone provider (with Sky).
Useful link: Read our full Virgin Mobile network review
ASDA Mobile are a good pay as you go option
What we like: Same coverage as Vodafone Cheap bundles and pay as you go
What we don't like: Speed caps on unlimited plans
Another mobile network that’s moved from piggybacking on EE to Vodafone is ASDA Mobile. New customers joining on their SIM only plans will be on the Vodafone network, getting the same coverage as direct.
As we say in our ASDA Mobile review, they’re a decent choice if you want a simple monthly low-cost monthly bundle of minutes, texts and data. Most plans are 4G-only. Higher end ones are 5G but speed capped.
In our guide to the best traditional pay as you go SIMs, ASDA are usually in our second-top spot (behind 1pMobile) for having the cheapest basic minute, text and MB data rates for topping up and paying as you go:
You even get more-advanced features like WiFi calling and 4G calling on ASDA Mobile too. And there’s no credit check to join on any of their plans. ASDA are a decent choice all-round on the Vodafone network.
Useful link: Read our full ASDA Mobile review
Talkmobile are a nice cheap and cheerful 4G option
What we like: Same coverage for 4G, 3G and 2G No credit checks to join Great pricing
What we don't like: No WiFi calling or 4G calling No 5G data
Another option is Talkmobile. They were set up years ago originally by Carphone Warehouse but have been sold around a few times and now are owned by Vodafone but run independently.
There are a couple of ways that Talkmobile fall short of being on Vodafone directly: they don’t offer 5G data nor do they have WiFi calling or 4G calling. But 4G, 3G, 2G coverage is the same and the data speeds.
You can actually get phone contracts on the Talkmobile network but they’re mainly about SIM only. They specialise in cheap basic deals, with no credit check to pass.
Unlike some of the other low-cost providers, Talkmobile actually have telephone based customer service too. If you just want a low-cost deal with no fuss or extra features, we like Talkmobile.
Useful link: Read our Talkmobile network review
Lebara are a good choice for international calls
What we like: Save coverage including 5G No credit check to get a SIM Great for international calls
What we don't like: No WiFi calling
Whether or not you’re interested in international calls, Lebara are another option that piggybacks on the Vodafone network. You get the same 2G, 3G, 4G and 5G coverage.
They specialise in pre-paid SIM only bundles. They’re low cost and the majority even include international minutes for if you’ve got relatives abroad. See included countries and rates in the plan details here.
There are no extra network features on Lebara like WiFi calling or 4G calling. But if you want a basic SIM on the Vodafone network at a lower cost with no frills, they’re a suitable choice.
Useful link: Learn more about Lebara
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