Head-to-head
Lebara vs Lyca vs Ortel Mobile (2026)
Updated May 2026. Three diaspora MVNOs on the same Telefónica/O2 network compete for German users with family abroad. Lebara covers the broadest destination mix (South Asia, Eastern Europe, Turkey). Lyca Mobile is historically strongest for Western Balkans (Serbia, Croatia, Bosnia, Albania, Kosovo). Ortel Mobile is the Germany-to-world generalist with bundles like Smart World XS (3 GB + 120 intl mins) and the Ortel Ultra tier with 1000 international minutes.
Side-by-side
| Feature | Lebara | Lyca Mobile | Ortel Mobile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Network | Telefónica 5G | Telefónica 5G | Telefónica LTE |
| Verified entry tariff | HELLO! Prepaid 25 (25 GB) | Easy XS €4.99/28d (5 GB) | Smart World XS €4.99 (3 GB) |
| High-tier tariff | Up to 200 GB contract | Hero Net Flat €19.99/28d (20 GB) | Ortel Ultra €39.99 (1000 intl mins) |
| Best for | South Asia, Eastern Europe | Turkey, Western Balkans | Germany-to-world generalist |
| eSIM | Verified | Verified | eSIM guidance live; purchase availability needs check |
| Customer service language | English, German | English, German | German, English |
| Contract option | Yes (24 mo and monthly) | Prepaid focus | Prepaid focus |
| Retail distribution | Multicultural retail | Broad prepaid retail | Multicultural retail |
Verdict by destination
Pick Lebara if…
- You call India, Pakistan, Bangladesh
- You call Romania, Bulgaria, Poland
- You want a 24-month contract option
- You want eSIM with verified flow
Pick Lyca Mobile if…
- You call Serbia, Croatia, Bosnia, Albania, Kosovo
- You want a prepaid SIM with a real number
- You like the Hero Net Flat's 20 GB + intl bundle
- You shop in Western Balkans diaspora retail
Pick Ortel Mobile if…
- You call multiple regions, not just one diaspora
- You want huge international minute bundles (Ortel Ultra: 1000 mins)
- You're comfortable with prepaid-only model
- You shop in multicultural retail near home
Frequently asked questions
Are Lebara, Lyca, and Ortel really on the same network?expand_more
Yes. All three are MVNOs on the Telefónica/O2 network. Cell sites, signal coverage, and basic network performance are identical. The brands compete on destination rate cards and customer-service language, not on network quality.
Why pick Lyca over Lebara for the Western Balkans?expand_more
Historical rate-card advantage. Lyca Mobile built its German market around the Western Balkans diaspora (Serbia, Croatia, Bosnia, Albania, Kosovo) and its rate card for those countries has traditionally been tighter than Lebara's for the same destinations. For South Asia or Eastern Europe, Lebara wins.
What is Ortel Ultra?expand_more
Ortel Mobile's highest prepaid tier. €39.99 per 28-day option period with unlimited Germany/EU calling plus 1000 international minutes. The biggest international minute bundle of any German MVNO. Right for users who call many different countries — not just one diaspora.
Should I get a contract or prepaid?expand_more
Prepaid wins for most users. Lebara is the only one of the three offering a 24-month contract option. Lyca and Ortel focus on prepaid. The prepaid model is simpler (no SCHUFA, no Anmeldung needed) and lets you switch between brands as your calling needs change.