Network vs network
Tesco Mobile vs O2
Same 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?
Yes — coverage is effectively the same, so choose on price and extras.
Which one raises prices?
Tesco Mobile: Fixed rise of about 6% every April. O2: +£2.50 every April.
Which is better abroad?
Tesco Mobile: Home From Home, 48 countries. O2: EU included, 25GB.
Tesco Mobile£254.40
O2£228Cheapest 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 £254.40 on Tesco Mobile and £228 on O2 once April rises are added — O2 is £26.40 cheaper. Both run on the same masts.
Prices checked 28 October 2026 · facts checked monthly · How we compare
Tesco Mobile vs O2, side by side
| Tesco Mobile | O2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Masts | O2 | Own masts |
| Annual price rise | Fixed rise of about 6% every April | +£2.50 every April |
| Roaming | Home From Home, 48 countries | EU included, 25GB |
| Credit check | Hard check | Hard check |
| eSIM | No | Yes |
| Wi-Fi Calling | No | Yes |
| Ofcom complaints per 100k (Q1 2026) | 2 | 3 |
| Cheapest SIM, 10GB+ | £9 a month | £7 a month |
| Cheapest SIM, 30GB+ | £10 a month | £8 a month |
| Cheapest SIM, Unlimited | £17 a month | £23 a month |
Highlighted = better on that line. Facts from network terms and Ofcom; prices live.
Our verdict
On price, O2 comes out ahead for a typical 10GB+ SIM: £26.40 less over two years once April rises are counted (Tesco Mobile rises add about £14.40, O2’s about £60).
Because both use the same masts, coverage is identical — the choice comes down to price, price rises and extras.
Pick O2 if…
- You want the lower 24-month cost for a 10GB+ SIM
- You travel and want roaming included
Tesco Mobile and O2 SIM only deals, live
FAQ
Tesco Mobile vs O2 questions
Is Tesco Mobile or O2 cheaper?
O2, today: the cheapest 10GB+ SIM costs £7 a month, and over 24 months with April rises the gap is £26.40.
Do Tesco Mobile and O2 use the same network?
Yes, coverage is the same.
Which has better roaming?
Tesco Mobile: Home From Home, 48 countries. O2: EU included, 25GB.
Can I switch from Tesco Mobile to O2 and keep my number?
Yes. Text PAC to 65075 from your Tesco Mobile phone, give the code to O2, and the number moves within one working day.