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O2 mobile deals

O2 offers great coverage, flexible plans and exclusive rewards via the O2 Priority app.

Prices correct as of August 2026. We may earn commission when you click through — this never affects our rankings.

O2 review 2026

O2 is one of the UK's four major mobile networks and the second largest by subscribers, operating its own nationwide infrastructure. Unlike the MVNOs on this page, O2 is a full network operator with its own spectrum, masts and customer service operations. It offers SIM only deals, pay monthly contracts and business plans, and runs the O2 Priority rewards programme. O2 is a solid choice for anyone who wants the coverage and support of a major network combined with one of the more established loyalty schemes in UK mobile.

Coverage

O2 covers around 99% of the UK population on 4G, with 5G coverage across most major UK cities and expanding into towns. O2's rural coverage is generally stronger than Three's. Several MVNOs including giffgaff and Tesco Mobile also run on O2's network, which means you can get identical coverage through those providers at a lower price.

Pricing

O2's direct plans sit in the premium tier — you pay more than you would on giffgaff, Tesco Mobile or other O2-based MVNOs for the same coverage. The premium reflects O2 Priority, dedicated phone support, in-store access and the network brand. If you use Priority regularly, the gap in value narrows. Worth noting: O2 does apply annual mid-contract price rises on most of its plans, which is worth accounting for over a 24-month contract.

Roaming

O2 includes EU roaming at no extra cost on most plans, covering calls, texts and data across EU member states. This is one of the more consistently delivered roaming inclusions in the market. O2 also has broader international roaming options for travel outside the EU, though charges apply for non-EU destinations.

Key features

O2 Priority rewards
O2 Priority offers exclusive early access to concert and event tickets, plus discounts at a range of restaurants, shops and leisure venues. It's one of the more tangible loyalty perks available from a UK mobile network.
EU roaming included
O2 includes roaming in EU countries at no extra cost on most plans, covering data, calls and texts.
5G at no extra cost
O2's 5G network is included as standard across compatible plans — there's no separate 5G add-on required.
Nationwide stores and support
O2 has physical stores across the UK, phone-based customer service and a well-established online account management system.

Customer service

O2 offers one of the more comprehensive customer service setups in the UK mobile market. Physical stores are available across the UK for in-person support, device help and account management. Phone support is available through O2's customer service line. For customers who value traditional support infrastructure — a helpline to call and a store to visit — O2 is among the stronger options of any UK network.

Who should choose O2?

O2 suits people who value reliable coverage from a major network, want genuine perks through O2 Priority, or prefer having a high street store to visit for support or upgrades. It's also a strong option if you travel across the UK regularly and want consistent signal.

Worth knowing

O2's direct plans are generally more expensive than equivalent plans from giffgaff, Tesco Mobile or other O2-based MVNOs. If price is your main consideration and you don't use Priority rewards, you can usually get the same coverage for less elsewhere.

Verdict

O2 is the right choice if you want the full-service experience of a major network — strong coverage, in-store support, a phone helpline and tangible perks through O2 Priority. Coverage is among the strongest in the UK, particularly in rural areas. The clear trade-off is price, compounded by annual price rises on contract plans. If getting identical coverage for less money is the priority, giffgaff and Tesco Mobile are worth comparing first. But if you want a comprehensive network experience with a loyalty scheme that actually delivers value, O2 makes a strong case in 2026.

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Frequently asked questions

Is O2 a good network in 2026?
Yes. O2 is one of the UK's four major networks with strong 4G coverage across around 99% of the UK population and growing 5G. O2 Priority is a genuine perk for people who use it for event tickets and discounts. The trade-off is price — O2 is more expensive than MVNOs that run on its own network, like giffgaff and Tesco Mobile.
What is O2 Priority?
O2 Priority is O2's rewards programme, offering exclusive early access to concert and event tickets through Ticketmaster, plus discounts at restaurants, shops and leisure venues. It's available to all O2 pay monthly customers and is one of the more tangible loyalty schemes in UK mobile.
Does O2 have annual price rises?
Yes. O2 applies annual mid-contract price increases on most of its pay monthly plans, typically linked to inflation. This means your monthly price can rise each year during a 24-month contract — worth factoring in when comparing total cost over the contract term.
Can I get O2 coverage for less money?
Yes. Several MVNOs run on O2's network and typically charge less for identical coverage. giffgaff and Tesco Mobile are the most well-known. You get the same signal quality without O2 Priority or in-store support.