Network vs network
giffgaff vs Tesco Mobile
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?
giffgaff: No annual rise. Tesco Mobile: Fixed rise of about 6% every April.
Which is better abroad?
giffgaff: EU included, 5GB. Tesco Mobile: Home From Home, 48 countries.
giffgaff£240
Tesco Mobile£254.40Cheapest 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 £254.40 on Tesco Mobile once April rises are added — giffgaff is £14.40 cheaper. Both run on the same masts.
Prices checked 28 October 2026 · facts checked monthly · How we compare
giffgaff vs Tesco Mobile, side by side
| giffgaff | Tesco Mobile | |
|---|---|---|
| Masts | O2 | O2 |
| Annual price rise | No annual rise | Fixed rise of about 6% every April |
| Roaming | EU included, 5GB | Home From Home, 48 countries |
| Credit check | None | Hard check |
| eSIM | Yes | No |
| Wi-Fi Calling | Yes | No |
| Ofcom complaints per 100k (Q1 2026) | 1 | 2 |
| Cheapest SIM, 10GB+ | £8 a month | £9 a month |
| Cheapest SIM, 30GB+ | £8 a month | £10 a month |
| Cheapest SIM, Unlimited | £25 a month | £17 a month |
Highlighted = better on that line. Facts from network terms and Ofcom; prices live.
Our verdict
On price, giffgaff comes out ahead for a typical 10GB+ SIM: £14.40 less over two years once April rises are counted (giffgaff rises add about £0, Tesco Mobile’s about £14.40).
Because both use the same masts, coverage is identical — the choice comes down to price, price rises and extras.
Pick giffgaff 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
- You travel and want roaming included
giffgaff and Tesco Mobile SIM only deals, live
FAQ
giffgaff vs Tesco Mobile questions
Is giffgaff or Tesco Mobile cheaper?
giffgaff, today: the cheapest 10GB+ SIM costs £10 a month, and over 24 months with April rises the gap is £14.40.
Do giffgaff and Tesco Mobile use the same network?
Yes, coverage is the same.
Which has better roaming?
giffgaff: EU included, 5GB. Tesco Mobile: Home From Home, 48 countries.
Can I switch from giffgaff to Tesco Mobile and keep my number?
Yes. Text PAC to 65075 from your giffgaff phone, give the code to Tesco Mobile, and the number moves within one working day.