Network vs network
Three vs giffgaff
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. Three uses its own masts and giffgaff uses O2’s masts. Check coverage at home and work for both.
Which one raises prices?
Three: +£1.80 to £2.30 every April by data. giffgaff: No annual rise.
Which is better abroad?
Three: Go Roam £2.75 a day unless included. giffgaff: EU included, 5GB.
Three£285.60
giffgaff£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 £285.60 on Three and £240 on giffgaff once April rises are added — giffgaff is £45.60 cheaper. Three runs on its own masts; giffgaff on O2’s masts.
Prices checked 28 October 2026 · facts checked monthly · How we compare
Three vs giffgaff, side by side
| Three | giffgaff | |
|---|---|---|
| Masts | Own masts | O2 |
| Annual price rise | +£1.80 to £2.30 every April by data | No annual rise |
| Roaming | Go Roam £2.75 a day unless included | EU included, 5GB |
| Credit check | Hard check | None |
| eSIM | Yes | Yes |
| Wi-Fi Calling | Yes | Yes |
| Ofcom complaints per 100k (Q1 2026) | 2 | 1 |
| Cheapest SIM, 10GB+ | £7 a month | £8 a month |
| Cheapest SIM, 30GB+ | £8 a month | £8 a month |
| Cheapest SIM, Unlimited | £12.42 a month | £25 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: £45.60 less over two years once April rises are counted (Three rises add about £45.60, giffgaff’s about £0).
Coverage differs: Three uses its own masts and giffgaff uses O2’s masts. Check both on the mast owner’s postcode checker for home and work before you decide.
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
- O2 signal is strongest where you live
Three and giffgaff SIM only deals, live
FAQ
Three vs giffgaff questions
Is Three or giffgaff cheaper?
giffgaff, today: the cheapest 10GB+ SIM costs £10 a month, and over 24 months with April rises the gap is £45.60.
Do Three and giffgaff use the same network?
No. Three uses its own masts and giffgaff uses O2’s masts.
Which has better roaming?
Three: Go Roam £2.75 a day unless included. giffgaff: EU included, 5GB.
Can I switch from Three to giffgaff and keep my number?
Yes. Text PAC to 65075 from your Three phone, give the code to giffgaff, and the number moves within one working day.