Network vs network
O2 vs Lebara
Different masts, different deals. We compare price rises in pounds, roaming, credit checks and today’s cheapest SIMs on both.
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Do they use the same masts?
No. O2 uses its own masts and Lebara uses Vodafone’s masts. Check coverage at home and work for both.
Which one raises prices?
O2: +£2.50 every April. Lebara: No annual rise.
Which is better abroad?
O2: EU included, 25GB. Lebara: EU included on every plan.
O2£228
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 £228 on O2 and £168 on Lebara once April rises are added — Lebara is £60 cheaper. O2 runs on its own masts; Lebara on Vodafone’s masts.
Prices checked 28 October 2026 · facts checked monthly · How we compare
O2 vs Lebara, side by side
| O2 | Lebara | |
|---|---|---|
| Masts | Own masts | Vodafone |
| Annual price rise | +£2.50 every April | No annual rise |
| Roaming | EU included, 25GB | EU included on every plan |
| Credit check | Hard check | None |
| eSIM | Yes | Yes |
| Wi-Fi Calling | Yes | Yes |
| Cheapest SIM, 10GB+ | £7 a month | £7 a month |
| Cheapest SIM, 30GB+ | £8 a month | £8 a month |
| Cheapest SIM, Unlimited | £23 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: £60 less over two years once April rises are counted (O2 rises add about £60, Lebara’s about £0).
Coverage differs: O2 uses its own 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
- You want a price that doesn’t rise every year
- You want to avoid a credit check
- Vodafone signal is strongest where you live
O2 and Lebara SIM only deals, live
FAQ
O2 vs Lebara questions
Is O2 or Lebara cheaper?
Lebara, today: the cheapest 10GB+ SIM costs £7 a month, and over 24 months with April rises the gap is £60.
Do O2 and Lebara use the same network?
No. O2 uses its own masts and Lebara uses Vodafone’s masts.
Which has better roaming?
O2: EU included, 25GB. Lebara: EU included on every plan.
Can I switch from O2 to Lebara and keep my number?
Yes. Text PAC to 65075 from your O2 phone, give the code to Lebara, and the number moves within one working day.