Network vs network
Tesco Mobile vs Vodafone
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. Tesco Mobile uses O2’s masts and Vodafone uses its own masts. Check coverage at home and work for both.
Which one raises prices?
Tesco Mobile: Fixed rise of about 6% every April. Vodafone: +£2.50 every April (Basics +£1.50).
Which is better abroad?
Tesco Mobile: Home From Home, 48 countries. Vodafone: £2.75 a day in Zone B unless included.
Tesco Mobile£254.40
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 £254.40 on Tesco Mobile and £660 on Vodafone once April rises are added — Tesco Mobile is £405.60 cheaper. Tesco Mobile runs on O2’s masts; Vodafone on its own masts.
Prices checked 28 October 2026 · facts checked monthly · How we compare
Tesco Mobile vs Vodafone, side by side
| Tesco Mobile | Vodafone | |
|---|---|---|
| Masts | O2 | Own masts |
| Annual price rise | Fixed rise of about 6% every April | +£2.50 every April (Basics +£1.50) |
| Roaming | Home From Home, 48 countries | £2.75 a day in Zone B unless included |
| Credit check | Hard check | Hard check |
| eSIM | No | Yes |
| Wi-Fi Calling | No | Yes |
| Ofcom complaints per 100k (Q1 2026) | 2 | 1 |
| Cheapest SIM, 10GB+ | £9 a month | £7 a month |
| Cheapest SIM, 30GB+ | £10 a month | £8 a month |
| Cheapest SIM, Unlimited | £17 a month | £26 a month |
Highlighted = better on that line. Facts from network terms and Ofcom; prices live.
Our verdict
On price, Tesco Mobile comes out ahead for a typical 10GB+ SIM: £405.60 less over two years once April rises are counted (Tesco Mobile rises add about £14.40, Vodafone’s about £60).
Coverage differs: Tesco 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 Tesco Mobile if…
- You want the lower 24-month cost for a 10GB+ SIM
- 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
Tesco Mobile and Vodafone SIM only deals, live
FAQ
Tesco Mobile vs Vodafone questions
Is Tesco Mobile or Vodafone cheaper?
Tesco Mobile, today: the cheapest 10GB+ SIM costs £10 a month, and over 24 months with April rises the gap is £405.60.
Do Tesco Mobile and Vodafone use the same network?
No. Tesco Mobile uses O2’s masts and Vodafone uses its own masts.
Which has better roaming?
Tesco Mobile: Home From Home, 48 countries. Vodafone: £2.75 a day in Zone B unless included.
Can I switch from Tesco Mobile to Vodafone and keep my number?
Yes. Text PAC to 65075 from your Tesco Mobile phone, give the code to Vodafone, and the number moves within one working day.