Network vs network
Sky Mobile vs Vodafone
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. Sky Mobile uses O2’s masts and Vodafone uses its own masts. Check coverage at home and work for both.
Which one raises prices?
Sky Mobile: +£1.50 from Feb 2026, not fixed in contract. Vodafone: +£2.50 every April (Basics +£1.50).
Which is better abroad?
Sky Mobile: Roaming Passport Plus £2 a day. Vodafone: £2.75 a day in Zone B unless included.
Sky Mobile£360
Vodafone£660Cheapest 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 £360 on Sky Mobile and £660 on Vodafone once April rises are added — Sky Mobile is £300 cheaper. Sky Mobile runs on O2’s masts; Vodafone on its own masts.
Prices checked 28 October 2026 · facts checked monthly · How we compare
Sky Mobile vs Vodafone, side by side
| Sky Mobile | Vodafone | |
|---|---|---|
| Masts | O2 | Own masts |
| Annual price rise | +£1.50 from Feb 2026, not fixed in contract | +£2.50 every April (Basics +£1.50) |
| Roaming | Roaming Passport Plus £2 a day | £2.75 a day in Zone B unless included |
| Credit check | Pre-sale check | Hard check |
| eSIM | Yes | Yes |
| Wi-Fi Calling | Yes | Yes |
| Ofcom complaints per 100k (Q1 2026) | 4 | 1 |
| Cheapest SIM, 10GB+ | £6 a month | £7 a month |
| Cheapest SIM, 30GB+ | £11 a month | £8 a month |
| Cheapest SIM, Unlimited | £20 a month | £26 a month |
Highlighted = better on that line. Facts from network terms and Ofcom; prices live.
Our verdict
On price, Sky Mobile comes out ahead for a typical 10GB+ SIM: £300 less over two years once April rises are counted (Sky Mobile rises add about £0, Vodafone’s about £60).
Coverage differs: Sky Mobile uses O2’s masts and Vodafone uses its own masts. Check both on the mast owner’s postcode checker for home and work before you decide.
Pick Sky Mobile if…
- You want the lower 24-month cost for a 10GB+ SIM
- You want a price that doesn’t rise every year
- O2 signal is strongest where you live
Pick Vodafone if…
- You travel and want roaming included
- Vodafone’s own masts are strongest where you live
Sky Mobile and Vodafone SIM only deals, live
FAQ
Sky Mobile vs Vodafone questions
Is Sky Mobile or Vodafone cheaper?
Sky Mobile, today: the cheapest 10GB+ SIM costs £15 a month, and over 24 months with April rises the gap is £300.
Do Sky Mobile and Vodafone use the same network?
No. Sky Mobile uses O2’s masts and Vodafone uses its own masts.
Which has better roaming?
Sky Mobile: Roaming Passport Plus £2 a day. Vodafone: £2.75 a day in Zone B unless included.
Can I switch from Sky Mobile to Vodafone and keep my number?
Yes. Text PAC to 65075 from your Sky Mobile phone, give the code to Vodafone, and the number moves within one working day.