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Talk Mobile Review
Talkmobile is a mobile virtual network operator wholly owned by Vodafone, launched in 2007 with a straightforward mission: to provide affordable, no-f...
Network Info
4.0/5
MVNO
5G Ready
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Very affordable plans with some of the lowest prices in the UK market
- Uses Vodafone's full network with no speed deprioritisation
- 5G included as standard on all plans at no extra cost
- Rolling monthly contracts with no long-term commitment required
Cons
- No unlimited data option available, capped at 250GB maximum
- EU roaming data allowance is restricted to just 5GB fair usage
- No eSIM support currently available
Overview
Talkmobile is a mobile virtual network operator wholly owned by Vodafone, launched in 2007 with a straightforward mission: to provide affordable, no-fuss mobile plans on one of the UK's most reliable networks. As a Vodafone subsidiary, Talkmobile customers get the exact same network coverage and speeds as Vodafone customers, but at significantly lower prices. It is one of the few MVNOs where independent testing has confirmed no traffic deprioritisation compared to the parent network.
Talkmobile keeps things deliberately simple. The network focuses almost exclusively on SIM-only deals, offering a range of rolling monthly contracts with data allowances from a few gigabytes up to 250GB. All plans include unlimited UK calls and texts, and 5G access has been added as standard across the range. The absence of long-term contracts gives customers maximum flexibility to switch or cancel at any time.
Following the Vodafone and Three merger in 2025, Talkmobile customers have begun benefiting from MOCN (Multi-Operator Core Network) technology, which allows automatic roaming across both the Vodafone and Three networks. With over 8,000 UK mast sites already upgraded, this effectively gives Talkmobile users access to an even broader coverage footprint at no additional cost.
Coverage & Speed
Talkmobile operates on Vodafone's network, providing 4G coverage to over 99% of the UK population. Following the Vodafone-Three merger, customers can now also roam onto Three's network in areas where it provides better coverage. 5G coverage is expanding steadily and is available in hundreds of towns and cities.
Plans & Pricing
Talkmobile specialises in affordable SIM-only plans on rolling monthly contracts. All plans include unlimited UK calls and texts, 5G access, and the flexibility to change or cancel at any time without penalty.
Roaming
Talkmobile includes free roaming in 42 European destinations on all new plans. However, the data allowance while roaming is limited to a fair usage cap of 5GB, which is notably more restrictive than many competitors. For travellers who need more data abroad, this could be a significant drawback. Calls and texts within the EU use your standard UK allowance.
Our Verdict
Talkmobile is one of the best-kept secrets in the UK mobile market. As a Vodafone-owned MVNO, it delivers the same network quality as its parent at a fraction of the price, and independent testing confirms there is no speed throttling or deprioritisation. The addition of 5G as standard and the upcoming benefits of Vodafone-Three network sharing make it an even more compelling proposition.
The rolling monthly contract model is ideal for anyone who values flexibility. With prices starting under 5 pounds per month for a perfectly usable plan, Talkmobile undercuts almost every competitor. The lack of an unlimited data tier and the restrictive 5GB EU roaming cap are the main limitations, but for the majority of UK-based users, these are unlikely to be dealbreakers.
If you are looking for a reliable, no-frills mobile plan at the lowest possible price and do not need to use large amounts of data while travelling in Europe, Talkmobile is an excellent choice that consistently punches well above its weight.
Quick Specs
Popular Phones on Talk Mobile
