EE vs O2 in London (2026): Which is Better?

Q: Which is better in London, EE or O2?

It depends. EE wins consistent quality at 80.4% in Opensignal's January 2026 London report and several 5G experience metrics. O2 wins 5G availability (time on 5G) at 77.8%. Pick EE for premium feel and steady performance; pick O2 for more time on 5G and Priority perks.

Q: Is EE more expensive than O2?

At entry tier, O2 is cheaper. O2 SIM-only starts at GBP 7 for 10 GB; EE SIM-only starts at GBP 16 for 30 GB. EE plans include Inclusive Extras (Apple Music, BT Sport, etc) which can offset the price gap if you would buy those subscriptions anyway.

Q: Does EE or O2 have more 5G in London?

O2 has more 5G availability in London at 77.8% vs EE's roughly 65%. EE wins on 5G consistency and 5G games experience. So O2 keeps you on 5G more often, but EE delivers a steadier 5G experience when on it.

Updated May 7, 2026 · Jules de Bruin, Editor

Updated May 2026. EE wins consistency in London at 80.4%, the highest in the city. O2 wins 5G availability at 77.8%, also the highest. EE costs more at the entry tier (GBP 16/mo for 30 GB) than O2 (GBP 7/mo for 10 GB) but bundles Inclusive Extras like Apple Music. O2 includes Priority perks, 25 GB EU roaming, and runs the Essential social tariff. Pick EE for premium consistency, O2 for more time on 5G and lower entry price.

Side-by-side
Network
Prices
Verdict
FAQ

EE vs O2 at a glance

EE EE

Consistency: 80.4% (best)
5G availability: ~65%
Cheapest plan: GBP 16 (30 GB)
Unlimited from: GBP 30+
Annual price rise: GBP 2.50
Perks: Inclusive Extras

O2 O2

5G availability: 77.8% (best)
Consistency: ~72%
Cheapest plan: GBP 7 (10 GB)
Unlimited from: GBP 23 (24 mo)
EU roaming: 25 GB
Perks: Priority + Essential

Whose network performs better in London?

Different metric, different winner. EE wins on consistency and 5G games experience; O2 wins on 5G availability.

Metric (Opensignal Jan 2026)	EE	O2	Winner
Consistent quality	80.4%	~72%	EE
5G availability	~65%	77.8%	O2
5G download	~150 Mbps	~120 Mbps	EE
5G games experience	~88	~76	EE

EE vs O2 prices side by side

Tier	EE plan	EE price	O2 plan	O2 price
Entry	SIM-only 30 GB	GBP 16/mo	SIM-only 10 GB	GBP 7/mo
Value	—	—	100 GB	GBP 12/mo
Unlimited	Smart Pay Monthly	GBP 30/mo	Unlimited	GBP 23/mo
Social	—	—	Essential 10 GB	GBP 10/mo

O2 is meaningfully cheaper at every tier. EE only justifies its premium if you would actually use the Inclusive Extras like Apple Music or BT Sport.

Should I pick EE or O2 in London?

Pick EE if:

· You want the most consistent network quality
· You game or video-call (best 5G games experience)
· You would buy Apple Music or BT Sport anyway
· You bundle with BT broadband (EE One)
· You travel beyond Europe regularly

View EE plans →

Pick O2 if:

· You want more time on 5G in London
· You want the cheaper entry plan (GBP 7)
· You value O2 Priority perks (early ticket access, free coffee)
· You travel in EU regularly (25 GB roaming)
· You qualify for Essential social tariff

View O2 plans →

Frequently asked questions

Which is better in London, EE or O2?

It depends. EE wins consistent quality at 80.4% in Opensignal's January 2026 London report and several 5G experience metrics. O2 wins 5G availability (time on 5G) at 77.8%. Pick EE for premium feel; pick O2 for more time on 5G and Priority perks.

Is EE more expensive than O2?

At entry tier, O2 is cheaper. O2 SIM-only starts at GBP 7 for 10 GB; EE SIM-only starts at GBP 16 for 30 GB. EE plans include Inclusive Extras (Apple Music, BT Sport) which can offset the price gap.

Does EE or O2 have more 5G in London?

O2 has more 5G availability in London at 77.8% vs EE's roughly 65%. EE wins on 5G consistency and 5G games experience. So O2 keeps you on 5G more often; EE delivers a steadier 5G experience when on it.