E
EE Review
EE, which stands for Everything Everywhere, is the UK's largest and most decorated mobile network operator. Originally formed in 2010 as a joint ventu...
Network Info
4.2/5
Major Network
5G Ready
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Fastest and most reliable network in the UK, consistently ranked number one by independent testers
- Most advanced 5G Standalone rollout, covering over half the UK population with plans for 99% by 2030
- Strong bundled perks including Apple Music, Apple TV+, and gaming features like Game Mode
- Excellent integration with BT broadband and TV through the EE One household plan
Cons
- Consistently more expensive than rival networks, with a clear premium pricing strategy
- EU roaming is not included free on all plans and costs 2.29 pounds per day on standard plans
- Mid-year price rises linked to inflation can increase monthly costs unexpectedly
Overview
EE, which stands for Everything Everywhere, is the UK's largest and most decorated mobile network operator. Originally formed in 2010 as a joint venture between Deutsche Telekom and Orange S.A. following the merger of T-Mobile UK and Orange UK, EE made history in 2012 by launching the UK's first 4G network. The company was acquired by BT Group in 2016 for 12.5 billion pounds and now operates as part of BT Consumer, serving over 21 million mobile customers across the country.
EE has been named the UK's best mobile network by independent testers RootMetrics more than 25 times, consistently topping performance benchmarks for speed, reliability, and coverage. The network is at the forefront of 5G deployment in the UK, with its 5G Standalone network now reaching over half the UK population and ambitious plans to cover 99% by 2030. EE's median download speeds regularly exceed 100 Mbps, more than double any competing network.
As a premium network, EE positions itself at the higher end of the market, offering a range of pay monthly, SIM-only, and pay-as-you-go plans. The network differentiates itself through bundled perks like Apple services, gaming features, and strong integration with BT's broadband and TV products through the EE One household plan.
Coverage & Speed
EE offers the most comprehensive coverage of any UK network, with 4G reaching 99% of the population and the UK's most extensive 5G Standalone deployment. The network consistently delivers the fastest speeds in independent testing, with median download speeds exceeding 110 Mbps and peak 5G speeds above 700 Mbps.
Plans & Pricing
EE offers a tiered plan structure across Essentials, All Rounder, and Full Works tiers, each with increasing data allowances and bundled benefits. Plans are available on 12-month and 24-month contracts, with the option to add devices or go SIM-only.
Roaming
EE's roaming policy varies by plan tier. Standard Essentials plans charge 2.29 pounds per day to use your UK allowance in 47 European destinations. All Rounder plans include EU roaming at no extra cost, while Full Works plans extend free roaming to a wider range of worldwide destinations with a 50GB fair usage cap. Rest of World destinations outside inclusive zones can cost up to 6.85 pounds per day. EE performs solidly for roaming among the big four but is outperformed by O2 on value for standard plans.
Our Verdict
EE is the undisputed performance leader among UK mobile networks. Its consistent number-one ranking in independent speed and reliability tests, combined with the most advanced 5G Standalone deployment in the country, makes it the clear choice for anyone who prioritises network quality above all else. The bundled Apple services and gaming features add genuine value for users who take advantage of them.
The trade-off is price. EE is consistently the most expensive of the big four networks, and its roaming charges on lower-tier plans put it behind O2 for travellers on a budget. Mid-contract price rises tied to inflation can also sting. For customers already in the BT ecosystem, the EE One household bundle offers meaningful savings, but standalone EE plans carry a noticeable premium.
Overall, EE earns its reputation as the UK's best network through sheer performance, but it is a premium product with premium pricing. If speed, reliability, and future-proof 5G technology are your priorities, EE is hard to beat. If value for money is your main concern, other networks offer more competitive options.