Network vs network
giffgaff vs Lebara
Different masts, different deals. We compare price rises in pounds, roaming, credit checks and today’s cheapest SIMs on both.
bemobiles tips
Do they use the same masts?
No. giffgaff uses O2’s masts and Lebara uses Vodafone’s masts. Check coverage at home and work for both.
Which one raises prices?
giffgaff: No annual rise. Lebara: No annual rise.
Which is better abroad?
giffgaff: EU included, 5GB. Lebara: EU included on every plan.
giffgaff£240
Lebara£168Cheapest SIM with 10GB or more × 24, plus April rises
Live prices; rises estimated for a plan starting this month.
Over 24 months, the cheapest 10GB+ SIM costs £240 on giffgaff and £168 on Lebara once April rises are added — Lebara is £72 cheaper. giffgaff runs on O2’s masts; Lebara on Vodafone’s masts.
Prices checked 28 October 2026 · facts checked monthly · How we compare
giffgaff vs Lebara, side by side
| giffgaff | Lebara | |
|---|---|---|
| Masts | O2 | Vodafone |
| Annual price rise | No annual rise | No annual rise |
| Roaming | EU included, 5GB | EU included on every plan |
| Credit check | None | None |
| eSIM | Yes | Yes |
| Wi-Fi Calling | Yes | Yes |
| Cheapest SIM, 10GB+ | £8 a month | £7 a month |
| Cheapest SIM, 30GB+ | £8 a month | £8 a month |
| Cheapest SIM, Unlimited | £25 a month | £22.50 a month |
Highlighted = better on that line. Facts from network terms and Ofcom; prices live.
Our verdict
On price, Lebara comes out ahead for a typical 10GB+ SIM: £72 less over two years once April rises are counted.
Coverage differs: giffgaff uses O2’s masts and Lebara uses Vodafone’s masts. Check both on the mast owner’s postcode checker for home and work before you decide.
Pick Lebara if…
- You want the lower 24-month cost for a 10GB+ SIM
- Vodafone signal is strongest where you live
giffgaff and Lebara SIM only deals, live
FAQ
giffgaff vs Lebara questions
Is giffgaff or Lebara cheaper?
Lebara, today: the cheapest 10GB+ SIM costs £7 a month, and over 24 months with April rises the gap is £72.
Do giffgaff and Lebara use the same network?
No. giffgaff uses O2’s masts and Lebara uses Vodafone’s masts.
Which has better roaming?
giffgaff: EU included, 5GB. Lebara: EU included on every plan.
Can I switch from giffgaff to Lebara and keep my number?
Yes. Text PAC to 65075 from your giffgaff phone, give the code to Lebara, and the number moves within one working day.