About giffgaff
giffgaff is an MVNO running on O2's network, owned by Telefónica. Founded in 2009 and B Corp certified, giffgaff operates a community-based model — members help each other via forums rather than a traditional call centre. Flexible 30-day 'goodybag' plans, no contract, no credit check. Won Uswitch Mobile Network of the Year 2025. Consistently around 94% customer satisfaction.
Plans
We don't list live prices — they change frequently. Below we explain how each plan type works.
giffgaff 'goodybags' available as monthly rolling (Golden Goodybags) or 18-month contracts. Data from 2GB to Unlimited. 5G on all goodybags. No contract, no credit check on rolling plans. Payback: earn £5 for each friend referred. EU roaming: 5GB fair-use cap across EU/EEA destinations. All include unlimited UK calls and texts.
giffgaff offers refurbished phones and some handset deals (18-month contracts). Device selection smaller than major networks. Device financing available via third-party partners.
giffgaff's 30-day rolling goodybags effectively serve as PAYG-with-bundles. Standard PAYG rates without a goodybag are expensive (25p/min, 10p/text, 10p/MB) — a goodybag is strongly recommended.
giffgaff supports eSIM. Activate via the giffgaff app or QR code. Compatible with iPhone XS+, Samsung Galaxy S20+, Google Pixel 3+. Full eSIM account management through the app.
Coverage & 5G
giffgaff runs on O2's network — 99% population 4G coverage. 5G on all goodybag plans via O2 (70%+ population). Coverage identical to O2 direct.
Roaming Abroad
giffgaff includes EU roaming on all goodybags — use up to 5GB of UK data across EU/EEA countries at no extra cost. This is the lowest fair-use EU cap among O2 MVNOs (Tesco gives 25GB, O2 direct gives 25GB). For data-heavy EU travel, Tesco Mobile or O2 direct are better choices. Beyond 5GB, EU data costs 10p/MB.
Key Features
Community Support
Peer-to-peer community forum — typically faster than call centres. Award-winning approach.
No Contract
30-day rolling goodybags — cancel anytime, change plan monthly, no credit check.
Payback £5
Earn £5 for every friend you refer who buys a goodybag. Community contributors also earn Payback.
B Corp Certified
giffgaff is B Corp certified, committed to environmental and social standards.
O2 Network
Runs on O2's 99% 4G network. 5G included free on all goodybags.
Easy eSIM
Full eSIM support with app-based activation — easy setup.
Strengths & Weaknesses
✓ Strengths
- No contract, no credit check on rolling plans
- Community support — often faster than call centres
- B Corp certified ethical business
- O2's 99% 4G coverage, 5G included free
- Payback rewards for referrals
- Won Uswitch Mobile Network of the Year 2025
✕ Watch out for
- EU roaming only 5GB fair-use (lowest among O2 MVNOs)
- No traditional call centre customer service
- Standard PAYG rates expensive without a goodybag
- Device selection smaller than major networks