EE has once again been named the UK’s best overall mobile network for performance, extending a twelve-year run at the top for the BT-owned operator.
The latest “State of the Mobile Union” report from RootMetrics, covering the first half of 2025, shows EE continuing to lead mobile connectivity across the nations of the UK.
RootMetrics based its findings on more than 625,000 real-world tests performed across England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. In this analysis EE not only topped the rankings nationally but also won or shared every UK-wide RootScore Award.
EE retains best overall UK mobile network title after a dozen years
On the critical metric of speed, EE’s lead is pronounced. The operator delivered a UK-wide aggregate median download speed of 110.8 Mbps — more than double its nearest rival, Vodafone, which recorded 48.4 Mbps.
Beyond raw speed, EE earned the “Best 5G Experience” award, reflecting strong 5G availability and performance. That dominance extended locally, with EE claiming the Overall RootScore Award in all 16 major cities tested.
Claire Gillies, Chief Executive Officer at EE, commented that while competitors make promises, EE focuses on delivering a reliable network that connects millions of people across the UK every day.
She added that people have diverse connectivity needs and the research shows that whether streaming in Southampton, gaming in Glasgow or video calling in Cardiff, users get a better network experience on EE.
Intense battle for the remaining podium spots
Although EE leads overall, the report highlights strong competition among the other major UK operators, each demonstrating progress and distinct challenges.
Vodafone experienced a mixed first half of 2025. While its total awards declined at national and city levels, Vodafone showed regional strength by sharing the Overall RootScore Award with EE in Northern Ireland. In major cities it remained consistent, recording median download speeds above 50 Mbps in 12 of the 16 markets tested.
Three demonstrated steady performance across cities, picking up 30 RootScore Awards in major urban areas — the second-highest total among operators, slightly down from 33 in the previous report. Three retained a share of the UK-wide Text RootScore Award and kept four nation-level awards. Urban speed results were stable, with Three delivering median download speeds above 50 Mbps in 14 cities, up from 13 previously.
Virgin Media O2 showed the most notable improvement. The operator doubled the number of major cities with median download speeds above 50 Mbps from five to ten and cut the number of cities with speeds below 40 Mbps from seven to three. This progress lifted its UK-wide median download speed to 36.2 Mbps, up from 29.0 Mbps in late 2024.
Although Virgin Media O2 remains fourth overall, the gains since the merger with O2 indicate meaningful momentum. Industry consolidation, such as the completed merger between Vodafone and Three, could further reshape the market and influence future rankings — potentially widening the gap over Virgin Media O2 or challenging EE’s leading position.
After twelve years at the top, EE still leads, but improvements from competitors mean the contest for the best UK mobile network is ongoing, especially as 5G rollout continues rapidly.
(Photo by Carlos N. Cuatzo Meza)
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