Network vs network
giffgaff vs Lycamobile
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 Lycamobile uses EE’s masts. Check coverage at home and work for both.
Which one raises prices?
giffgaff: No annual rise. Lycamobile: No annual rise announced.
Which is better abroad?
giffgaff: EU included, 5GB. Lycamobile: EU included, 5 to 35GB by plan.
giffgaff£240
Lycamobile£240Cheapest 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 £240 on Lycamobile once April rises are added, about the same. giffgaff runs on O2’s masts; Lycamobile on EE’s masts.
Prices checked 28 October 2026 · facts checked monthly · How we compare
giffgaff vs Lycamobile, side by side
| giffgaff | Lycamobile | |
|---|---|---|
| Masts | O2 | EE |
| Annual price rise | No annual rise | No annual rise announced |
| Roaming | EU included, 5GB | EU included, 5 to 35GB by plan |
| Credit check | None | None on PAYG |
| eSIM | Yes | Yes |
| Wi-Fi Calling | Yes | Yes |
| Cheapest SIM, 10GB+ | £8 a month | £10 a month |
| Cheapest SIM, 30GB+ | £8 a month | £10 a month |
| Cheapest SIM, Unlimited | £25 a month | £18 a month |
Highlighted = better on that line. Facts from network terms and Ofcom; prices live.
Our verdict
On price they are level for a typical 10GB+ SIM: about £240 over two years each, April rises included.
Coverage differs: giffgaff uses O2’s masts and Lycamobile uses EE’s masts. Check both on the mast owner’s postcode checker for home and work before you decide.
giffgaff and Lycamobile SIM only deals, live
FAQ
giffgaff vs Lycamobile questions
Is giffgaff or Lycamobile cheaper?
About the same today: the cheapest 10GB+ SIM costs around £10 a month on both.
Do giffgaff and Lycamobile use the same network?
No. giffgaff uses O2’s masts and Lycamobile uses EE’s masts.
Which has better roaming?
giffgaff: EU included, 5GB. Lycamobile: EU included, 5 to 35GB by plan.
Can I switch from giffgaff to Lycamobile and keep my number?
Yes. Text PAC to 65075 from your giffgaff phone, give the code to Lycamobile, and the number moves within one working day.