EE Mobile Review

EE is one of the UK’s biggest mobile networks, with extensive 4G coverage, a growing standalone 5G network and some of the best results in independent mobile performance tests. It is owned by BT Group and operates its own mobile infrastructure.

In Opensignal’s January 2026 UK report, EE collected 11 of the 15 network awards, including those for reliability, consistent quality and overall download speeds. Its 5G+ network now reaches more than 50 million people, while Ofcom’s latest complaints figures place EE among the mobile providers receiving the fewest complaints.

EE’s mobile plans are not the cheapest, however. Some have speed restrictions, European roaming is only included with selected packages, and most pay-monthly contracts are subject to annual price increases. This review examines EE’s network performance, coverage, mobile plans and additional benefits, along with the areas where rival networks offer better value.

EE Mobile: Who Is It Best For?

EE is particularly suitable for customers who want reliable mobile coverage, good 5G availability and consistent performance when streaming, browsing or working away from home.

Its All Rounder and Full Works plans also appeal to customers who would otherwise pay separately for entertainment subscriptions. Those with EE home broadband can benefit from additional mobile discounts through EE One.

EE has some disadvantages compared with other networks. Its standard mobile contracts can be more expensive than SIM-only deals from smaller providers. The cheaper EE plans also have speed restrictions, while customers who regularly visit Europe may need to choose a more expensive package to avoid daily roaming charges.

For customers primarily interested in the fastest 5G download speeds, Three performed better in Opensignal’s January 2026 tests. O2 also achieved a higher overall coverage experience score.

The deciding factor remains local reception. EE performs exceptionally well nationally, but coverage can differ between streets, buildings and rural locations.

EE Network Coverage and 5G+

EE operates one of the UK’s most extensive mobile networks. Its 4G service reaches more than 99% of the population, while 5G coverage has expanded across major cities, towns and smaller communities.

The network switched off 3G in February 2024, allowing EE to reuse spectrum for newer mobile services. Its 2G network remains operational, although EE plans to begin closing it from May 2029.

EE 5G Coverage

EE was the first UK mobile network to launch commercial 5G, beginning in May 2019. It has since expanded coverage considerably, with 5G available across much of the country.

In Opensignal’s January 2026 report, EE recorded 5G availability of 77.4%, comfortably ahead of O2, Three and Vodafone.

This figure measures how often users with compatible devices were connected to 5G. It should not be confused with population coverage, which measures how many people live within the network’s coverage area.

EE also achieved a Time on Network result of 99%, showing that users maintained a mobile network connection for almost all their measured usage time.

EE 5G+ Network

EE calls its standalone 5G service 5G+. Unlike standard non-standalone 5G, which still relies partly on 4G network equipment, 5G+ uses a dedicated 5G core network.

The technology offers lower latency, improved upload speeds and greater network capacity. These improvements are particularly useful for video calls, online gaming and mobile internet usage in crowded areas.

By April 2026, EE had extended 5G+ coverage to more than 50 million people across over 610 towns and cities. Its longer-term target is to reach 99% of the UK population by March 2030.

Access to 5G+ depends on having a compatible phone, SIM and eligible EE plan. An ordinary 5G handset or SIM does not automatically guarantee access to standalone 5G.

Indoor Coverage and WiFi Coverage Boost

Like other mobile networks, EE cannot guarantee reliable reception inside every building. Thick walls, building materials and distance from the nearest mast can all weaken the signal.

EE offers WiFi Coverage Boost to help customers stay connected in areas with limited mobile reception. The service gives eligible customers access to more than 150,000 BT Wi-Fi hotspots across the UK, including supported locations on the London Underground.

Compatible phones can connect automatically once the service is enabled. Pay-monthly customers can use it with an eligible SIM, while pay-as-you-go customers need to meet EE’s recent top-up requirements.

Before taking out a contract, check EE’s coverage using Ofcom’s Map Your Mobile. The checker compares indoor and outdoor coverage from the four main UK networks and provides performance information for your local postal district.

EE 4G and 5G Speeds

EE performs particularly well in independent tests measuring the average download speeds customers experience across both 4G and 5G.

Opensignal’s January 2026 report recorded average EE download speeds of 53.2Mbps and upload speeds of 10.4Mbps. These were the highest overall figures among the four main UK mobile networks.

The results were different when considering 5G connections alone. Three achieved substantially faster average 5G downloads, while EE performed better for how frequently customers could use 5G.

EE Speed Test Results

Source: Opensignal UK Mobile Network Experience Report, January 2026. Results cover measurements collected between 1 October and 29 December 2025.

EE also won Opensignal’s Reliability Experience award with 915 points out of 1,000, alongside the Consistent Quality award with a score of 78.6%. It performed well in the video and gaming experience categories.

These results indicate that EE is particularly good at maintaining usable connections for everyday activities. However, they represent national averages rather than the speeds every customer should expect.

EE Network Improvements

EE is continuing to increase capacity on its 5G+ network.

During 2026, it reassigned 2.1GHz spectrum at more than 4,000 mobile sites, improving capacity, indoor reception and upload performance.

The network has also introduced five-carrier aggregation, allowing compatible devices to combine five frequency carriers to improve download speeds. EE reported an average download improvement of 10% following the upgrade.

Another development is Advanced RAN Coordination, which allows neighbouring mobile sites to manage capacity more efficiently. The technology was initially introduced in Manchester and Edinburgh before expanding to London and other major cities.

These upgrades should improve performance in busy locations, although the results will depend on the handset, available spectrum and local network conditions.

EE Mobile Speed Limits

Not every EE plan gives customers access to the fastest available network speeds.

Speed limits depend on the particular plan version. Uncapped means EE does not impose a plan-specific maximum download speed; actual performance still depends on coverage, device capability and network conditions.

For basic browsing, messaging and music streaming, the No Frills speed limit may be sufficient. However, larger downloads and high-resolution video streaming will take longer.

Essentials plans with a 100Mbps limit should comfortably handle most mobile activities, including 4K streaming, video calls and gaming.

Customers who regularly download large files or want access to EE’s highest available speeds should compare the uncapped packages. These generally cost more but remove the plan’s download speed restriction.

EE Mobile Contracts, SIM-Only and Pay As You Go

EE offers pay-monthly phone contracts, SIM-only plans and pay-as-you-go services. There are also packages for tablets, laptops, smartwatches and children.

The choice is extensive, but the differences between its plan names are not always immediately obvious.

EE Pay-Monthly Phone Contracts

EE offers smartphones from Apple, Samsung, Google and other manufacturers on pay-monthly plans.

Customers can choose from several packages, starting with basic plans and extending to All Rounder, Full Works and Full Works Plus.

The main differences are download speed limits, roaming allowances, entertainment subscriptions and access to additional network features.

EE also offers Flex Pay, which separates the cost of a handset from its airtime plan through a device finance agreement. This allows customers to see what they are paying for the phone and mobile service separately.

Most current pay-monthly plans include unlimited UK calls and texts, with a choice of fixed or unlimited data allowances.

EE SIM-Only Deals

EE’s SIM-only packages are available on 24-month contracts and flexible 30-day rolling arrangements, with some 12-month options depending on the plan.

Fixed-data packages suit customers who mainly use Wi-Fi at home or work. Unlimited plans are more suitable for regular video streaming, mobile hotspots and larger downloads.

EE applies a fair-use policy to unlimited data. Usage exceeding 600GB in a month may be treated as non-personal use, allowing EE to deprioritise traffic during busy periods or take other action under its terms. This is not an automatic disconnection at 600GB.

Some fixed-data plans include Stay Connected Data. Once the monthly allowance has been used, speeds are reduced to 0.5Mbps until the allowance renews or additional data is purchased.

That is enough for basic messaging and some light browsing, but video streaming and larger downloads will be difficult at such a low speed.

EE Pay As You Go

EE’s pay-as-you-go service is suitable for customers who prefer not to enter a long-term contract or undergo a credit check.

Its current 30-day plans range from smaller data allowances to unlimited data, with prices and allowances as follows.

All plans include unlimited texts. Prices shown are standard plan prices before any Saver Plan discount.

Customers who set up recurring card payments through EE’s Saver Plan receive a 10% discount.

Eligible pay-as-you-go customers also benefit from data rollover and additional data rewards. Unused data can be carried forward to the next plan, while purchasing two consecutive 30-day plans earns a 2GB data boost, up to a maximum of 12GB.

Plans introduced from May 2026 include Data Parachute. This adds 1GB of emergency data after an eligible fixed allowance has been exhausted. The benefit is not available on unlimited-data packages.

New EE pay-as-you-go plans have a maximum download speed of 25Mbps. They do not have the annual price increases that apply to most pay-monthly contracts.

EE Safer SIMs and Mobile Basics

EE also offers Safer SIMs for children. These have parental controls and restricted speed settings, giving parents more control over mobile internet usage.

The network’s Mobile Basics service is a social tariff for eligible customers receiving certain benefits. It offers a lower-cost mobile connection and is excluded from EE’s standard annual price increases.

EE Annual Price Increases

EE applies fixed annual price increases to most pay-monthly mobile contracts. The amount is disclosed before the customer signs up and depends on when the agreement began.

Under Ofcom’s rules introduced in January 2025, providers must clearly state planned annual increases in pounds and pence rather than relying on future inflation figures.

EE’s scheduled increases normally take effect on 31 March during the minimum contract term. Its published terms specify 1 March for annual increases after the minimum term ends.

EE Annual Price Rise Amounts

These figures reflect EE’s published March 2026 increases. Customers should check the precise amount and dates in their pre-contract information, particularly when upgrading or changing plans.

The annual increase is added to the existing monthly charge, meaning customers can pay more in each subsequent contract year.

Older EE contracts may have different arrangements, including inflation-linked terms or revised fixed increases following notification from EE.

Customers generally cannot leave without an early termination charge when a scheduled increase was clearly included in their original contract. Different cancellation rights can apply if EE introduces an increase beyond the agreed terms.

EE has frozen annual increases on Mobile Basics and pay-as-you-go plans. Its 30-day rolling SIM arrangements offer greater flexibility, allowing customers to leave rather than remain committed to a lengthy contract.

Device finance payments under separate Flex Pay agreements should be distinguished from airtime charges when comparing annual increases.

EE Wi-Fi Calling, 4G Calling and eSIM

EE supports Wi-Fi Calling, 4G Calling and eSIM on compatible devices. These features help customers make calls in areas with poor reception and use their mobile service without relying on a physical SIM card.

Wi-Fi Calling

EE Wi-Fi Calling lets customers make and receive calls and texts using a Wi-Fi connection when the mobile signal is weak or unavailable.

It works through the phone’s normal calling and messaging functions, without requiring a separate app.

Calls are deducted from the customer’s usual allowance, with no additional network charge. Wi-Fi Calling does not use the mobile data allowance, although it consumes a small amount of data from the Wi-Fi connection.

If a customer moves out of Wi-Fi coverage during a call, a compatible phone can transfer the connection to EE’s 4G network. The call may disconnect if there is no suitable mobile signal.

Emergency calls are supported, but location information may be less accurate when calling over Wi-Fi.

4G Calling

EE’s 4G Calling service, also known as VoLTE, allows voice calls to take place over the 4G network.

This improves call quality on compatible phones and means customers can continue using 4G mobile data while speaking.

Most recent smartphones support the feature, although compatibility can vary when using handsets purchased from other retailers.

EE also supports 5G Calling, known as Voice over New Radio, on selected devices connected to its standalone 5G+ network.

EE eSIM

EE offers eSIM on compatible pay-monthly phone contracts and SIM-only plans.

An eSIM is built into the device and performs the same function as a physical SIM card. Customers can activate a new connection digitally or replace an existing physical SIM using the EE app or supported phone settings.

This can be useful for dual-SIM phones, particularly when keeping separate personal and work numbers.

EE does not currently offer eSIM for its standard pay-as-you-go service, so customers wanting a prepaid eSIM will need to consider another provider.

EE Roaming Abroad

EE’s roaming arrangements depend on the age and type of mobile contract.

Selected packages include European roaming, while customers on standard plans generally pay extra to use their UK allowances abroad.

European Roaming

Current Essentials Plus, All Rounder and Full Works packages include roaming across EE’s European zone, subject to the relevant fair-use allowance.

Customers on other newer contracts normally pay a daily charge or purchase a roaming pass.

Current charges from EE’s October 2026 price guide.

The daily charge follows the UK calendar day, ending at midnight UK time rather than running for a full 24 hours from first use.

Older mobile contracts taken out before 7 July 2021 can still include European roaming without an additional daily charge, depending on the original terms.

EE’s European roaming zone includes EU and EEA countries as well as selected destinations such as Switzerland, Gibraltar and the Channel Islands. The Republic of Ireland has separate inclusive arrangements.

A 50GB roaming fair-use limit applies to eligible unlimited-data plans when used outside the UK.

Roaming Outside Europe

EE’s Full Works and Full Works Plus plans include roaming in its Rest of World Zone 1, covering destinations such as the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Turkey and the UAE.

Customers without inclusive roaming can purchase passes for supported countries.

Zones 3 and 4 have much smaller data allowances than Zones 1 and 2. Charges and supported destinations depend on the country.

The included allowances vary considerably. Some destinations permit customers to use their UK plan allowance, while others have smaller daily data limits.

EE Pay As You Go Roaming

Pay-as-you-go customers need a separate roaming add-on to use their plan allowances in Europe.

Customers must have an active eligible 30-day plan to purchase these add-ons.

Roaming is not available on EE Safer SIMs. Customers travelling abroad should also check their spend cap, destination and roaming allowance before departure.

EE Extras and Benefits

EE includes several additional features with its more expensive mobile contracts, although the benefits vary considerably between packages.

The main attraction is its range of Inclusive Extras, which allow customers to include an entertainment or digital subscription with an eligible mobile plan.

EE Inclusive Extras

All Rounder and Full Works customers can choose one Inclusive Extra, with the option to change their selection every 30 days.

All Rounder packages offer services such as Netflix Standard with adverts, Apple Music, Apple TV and Google AI Plus, depending on whether the plan is for an iPhone, Android phone or SIM-only.

Full Works expands the selection to higher-value subscriptions, including Netflix Premium, Apple One, Google AI Pro, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and TNT Sports.

The exact options depend on the plan and device. Customers should compare the available subscriptions before choosing a package, particularly if they already pay for one of these services.

Network Boost and Fast Lane

EE’s Network Boost feature gives eligible customers priority during busy periods, helping maintain performance when mobile sites are heavily used.

Full Works Plus goes further by including Fast Lane, introduced in August 2026.

Fast Lane uses EE’s 5G+ network to give eligible connections higher priority during periods of congestion. It can move mobile data further ahead in the network queue, although EE does not guarantee a particular speed improvement.

A compatible device, SIM and 5G+ coverage are required.

Full Works Plus for iPhone also includes iPhone Handoff, allowing customers with compatible iPhones to move their mobile number between two devices without maintaining separate phone numbers.

EE One Broadband and Mobile Benefits

Customers who have both EE home broadband and an eligible EE mobile plan can access additional benefits through EE One.

These include discounts on unlimited-data SIMs and, for eligible existing mobile plans, an upgrade to unlimited data.

The maximum advertised saving is £20 a month on selected mobile packages, although the actual discount depends on the plan and offer.

EE also supports data gifting between eligible mobile lines, allowing family members on the same account to share part of their data allowances.

Some packages include unlimited data for a compatible smartwatch, while selected handset plans provide additional device support and protection benefits.

EE Customer Service and Switching

EE performs well in Ofcom’s latest mobile complaints figures.

For April to June 2026, EE was among the mobile providers generating the fewest pay-monthly customer complaints. Three, Vodafone, giffgaff, Tesco Mobile and iD Mobile were also in this group.

O2 and Sky Mobile received the highest number of complaints relative to their customer bases during the same period.

These figures provide a useful indication of customer problems, although they measure complaints submitted to Ofcom rather than every complaint handled directly by a network.

EE customers can get support through the EE app, online account, telephone or retail stores.

For telephone assistance, customers can call 150 from an EE mobile or 0800 956 6000 from another phone.

Switching to or from EE

Moving to EE from another network is straightforward, and customers can usually keep their existing mobile number.

Text PAC to 65075 from the number you want to transfer. Your current provider will send a Porting Authorisation Code, which you give to EE when arranging the switch.

If you want to move without keeping your number, text STAC to 75075 instead.

Customers who are unsure whether they are still within their minimum contract term can text INFO to 85075. This helps identify any early termination charges before switching.

A PAC normally remains valid for 30 days. Once the new provider uses it, the old service is cancelled automatically.

Customers with several mobile numbers on one account may need to request their switching details through the provider’s app or customer service team.

EE Mobile Pros and Cons

Frequently Asked Questions

Does EE still have a 3G network?

No. EE completed its 3G switch-off in February 2024. Customers now use 4G or 5G for mobile data, although EE’s older 2G network remains available until its planned closure begins in 2029.

Is EE 5G+ faster than ordinary 5G?

It can be. EE 5G+ uses standalone 5G technology, which offers lower latency, greater capacity and potentially faster download and upload speeds. Performance depends on coverage, network congestion and the device being used.

Does every EE plan support 5G+?

No. Customers need an eligible EE plan, a compatible phone and suitable SIM or eSIM. Standard 5G access does not automatically include standalone 5G+.

What happens when I run out of EE mobile data?

Eligible pay-monthly plans include Stay Connected Data, which reduces download speeds to 0.5Mbps until the next billing cycle. Customers can also purchase additional data. Selected pay-as-you-go plans include a separate 1GB emergency-data benefit.

Is EE unlimited data really unlimited?

EE does not impose a normal fixed-data allowance on unlimited plans. However, its fair-use policy allows traffic management if monthly usage exceeds 600GB. Customers using very large amounts of data may experience slower speeds during busy periods.

Will my EE mobile bill increase every year?

Most pay-monthly contracts include a fixed annual price increase, with the amount disclosed before signing. EE has frozen annual increases for Mobile Basics and pay-as-you-go customers.

Does EE charge for roaming in Europe?

It depends on your plan. Essentials Plus, All Rounder and Full Works include European roaming, while many standard plans have a daily charge. Some older contracts also retain inclusive EU roaming.

Can I use an eSIM with EE Pay As You Go?

No. EE currently offers eSIM on eligible pay-monthly and SIM-only contracts, but not on its standard pay-as-you-go plans.

Is Wi-Fi Calling free on EE?

Yes. EE does not charge extra for Wi-Fi Calling. Calls and texts use your normal allowance, although the service requires a compatible phone and an active Wi-Fi connection.

Can I keep my number when switching to EE?

Yes. Text PAC to 65075 from your existing mobile number and give the code to EE. Your number will transfer when the new service is activated.