About Vodafone
Vodafone UK is one of the original UK mobile networks — it made the UK's very first mobile call on 1 January 1985. Now part of VodafoneThree (formed 31 May 2025 after merger with Three), Vodafone continues operating as a separate brand. With the combined entity, VodafoneThree has approximately 27 million customers. In May 2026, Vodafone Group announced a £4.3 billion buyout of CK Hutchison's 49% stake, which would give Vodafone 100% ownership of VodafoneThree.
Plans
We don't list live prices — they change frequently. Below we explain how each plan type works.
Vodafone SIM Only tiers: Unlimited Lite (100Mbps speed cap), Unlimited (100Mbps), Unlimited Xtra (no cap, entertainment perks — choose Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, or YouTube Premium), Unlimited Plus. 30-day rolling, 12-month, and 24-month contracts. Annual price rise: £2.50/month each April.
Vodafone Pay Monthly mirrors SIM Only tiers with handsets from Apple, Samsung, Google. Xtra/Plus plans include entertainment perks. Business plans offer dedicated account management and SLA guarantees.
Vodafone PAYG offers Big Value Bundle add-ons for 30 days. Good for occasional users. Standard PAYG rates expensive without a bundle.
Vodafone supports eSIM on iPhone XS+, Samsung Galaxy S20+, Google Pixel 3+. Activate via My Vodafone app or QR code. Connected devices (Apple Watch, Samsung Galaxy Watch) also supported.
Coverage & 5G
Vodafone provides 99% population 4G coverage. 5G is expanding rapidly under the VodafoneThree £11 billion investment plan — targeting 50 million people (71% of population) with fastest 5G within one year of merger. MOCN network sharing with Three already underway. Vodafone/Three combined 5G speeds targeting best-in-class.
Roaming Abroad
EU roaming on most post-August-2021 Vodafone plans is NOT free — approximately £2.42–£2.57/day. Exception: Xtra plans include EU roaming free. Zone A (Ireland, Isle of Man, Iceland, Norway) always free. Vodafone's Global Roam plan (Unlimited Max Xtra) covers 84 countries worldwide — the most comprehensive worldwide roaming from any major UK network.
Key Features
Global Roam 84 Countries
Unlimited Max Xtra with Global Roam covers 84 countries — the widest worldwide roaming of any UK network.
Entertainment Perks
Xtra plans include your choice of Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, or YouTube Premium free.
Best Business Plans
Dedicated business SLAs, account management, and priority support — strongest business offering.
Secure Net
Network-level security blocking malware, phishing, and scam calls automatically.
VeryMe Rewards
Weekly loyalty treats — food, cinema tickets, competitions.
Connected Devices
Full eSIM support including Apple Watch and Samsung Galaxy Watch pairing.
Strengths & Weaknesses
✓ Strengths
- Global Roam 84 countries (widest worldwide roaming)
- Entertainment perks on Xtra plans (Disney+, Prime, YouTube)
- Best business mobile plans in the UK
- Secure Net included
- Improving 5G via VodafoneThree integration
✕ Watch out for
- EU roaming NOT free on standard plans (daily charge)
- Annual price rise £2.50/month each April
- 5G still catching up vs EE in coverage
- Historically lower customer satisfaction scores
- Unlimited plans have speed caps on lower tiers