The DriftEuropa eSIM plans for United Kingdom shown on this page use O2 (Virgin Media O2), Three UK, Vodafone UK, EE and offer 4G/5G depending on the plan. Check each plan for its exact network, data allowance, validity and price before choosing. Available plans are fully refundable within 30 days as long as the eSIM has not been used on a network at the destination.
Three UK
EE offers the widest network with the best rural reach and 5G.
Plan share by operator
Share of the eSIM plans we sell for United Kingdom, by underlying operator.
- O2 (Virgin Media O2)33%
- Three UK33%
- Vodafone UK23%
- EE11%
Network at a glance
O2 (Virgin Media O2) and Three UK is the network most travellers lean on in United Kingdom. 5G is live on at least one operator we carry, so newer phones can reach top speeds in covered areas. On our Mobile Speed Index it scores 59, placing it mid-tier for regional speed. Median data price has held steady from $0.94 per GB in June 2026 to $0.94 in September 2026.
The operators behind our plans
Each network we carry in United Kingdom, with who runs it and what generation it reaches.
Common questions
Which operator is best in United Kingdom?
O2 (Virgin Media O2) and Three UK offers the widest reach for most travellers. EE offers the widest network with the best rural reach and 5G. Our eSIM plans run on the strongest available network, so you do not have to choose a SIM at the counter.
Does United Kingdom have 5G?
Yes. At least one operator we carry runs 5G, available mainly in larger cities and along major corridors. Older devices fall back to 4G automatically.
How much is a local SIM in United Kingdom?
A tourist SIM bought on arrival typically runs $15-25. An eSIM skips the queue and the passport scan, and activates by QR code before you land.
How many operators power United Kingdom eSIM plans?
We carry plans across 4 operators in United Kingdom. The donut above shows how our catalogue splits between them.
How we read this
Plan share counts how many of the eSIM plans we sell for United Kingdom run on each operator. It reflects catalogue depth, not subscriber market share. The top operator is the network we would hand a traveller who can pick only one.