giffgaff Mobile review in summary
With an array of SIM-only options tailored to fit any budget and boasting excellent coverage thanks to its affiliation with parent company O2, giffgaff excels in simplicity.
Its adaptable 30-day plans are particularly appealing, especially in an era where affordability often means committing to increasingly lengthy contracts. These flexible plans are offered on either a pay-as-you-go basis or a monthly rolling basis (the latter provides slightly more data for the same cost, with the added benefit of being able to terminate anytime).
For those satisfied with Giffgaff’s service, there’s the option to opt for one of their 18-month contracts. While this entails a degree of commitment, subscribers receive significantly more data for their monthly fee, and they retain the flexibility to modify their plan as needed.
However, giffgaff’s device plans, essentially loans for phones over a fixed term, lack the allure of offerings from larger networks.
Customer support is exclusively available online, without the option of speaking with a dedicated team over the phone.
Additionally, while Giffgaff still permits free roaming in EU destinations, its allowances are more restrictive compared to other budget-oriented networks. Presently, it imposes an EU roaming cap of 5GB per month. Exceeding this limit incurs a charge of 10p per MB, regardless of whether your SIM plan offers a higher data allowance.
giffgaff Mobile SIM-only plans
Giffgaff truly shines with its SIM-only plans. Their offerings are both economical and transparent, available on flexible 30-day rolling contracts, pay-as-you-go, and 18-month terms.
Dubbed as “goodybags,” these plans offer complete adaptability, allowing users to adjust their allowances monthly based on their data requirements.
The pricing is competitive. Currently, £6 a month (for a pay-as-you-go plan) grants you 1GB of 5G data alongside unlimited calls and texts. Opting for a monthly rolling plan or 18-month contract provides even more data for the same monthly fee.
For those seeking top-tier options, unlimited calls, texts, and data are available at £35 a month (on either a monthly rolling or 18-month plan), albeit subject to fair usage policies. Giffgaff’s fair usage regulations stipulate a maximum usage of 650GB of data per month, and caution against regularly tethering 12 or more devices using your mobile.
Moreover, users have the opportunity to earn ‘Payback’ rewards by either referring friends and family to giffgaff or actively participating in their online community.
giffgaff Mobile phone contract plans
When compared to major networks, giffgaff falls short primarily in its phone contract offerings. While its SIM-only deals remain appealing due to their affordability, the same cannot be said for its phone contracts.
Giffgaff’s phone contracts essentially function as loans repaid over a two-year period, covering the cost of the device on top of your monthly bill. Unlike larger networks, giffgaff does not provide complimentary gifts or compelling deals to entice customers.
Nevertheless, individuals have the option to purchase unlocked phones outright, and giffgaff’s monthly charges are notably reasonable, even for the latest models from Apple and Samsung.
However, it’s worth noting that opting for a monthly phone contract with major players like Three, EE, Vodafone, or O2 often yields greater incentives and more comprehensive packages overall.
giffgaff Mobile coverage
Benefiting from O2’s network infrastructure, giffgaff ensures its users experience extensive coverage across the UK, reaching a remarkable 99%. This places it on par with leading providers such as Vodafone and Three, with only a slight margin behind EE.
Given the affordability of its plans, giffgaff’s extensive coverage renders it a highly appealing option for consumers. However, it remains prudent to utilize its coverage checker, particularly if you reside in rural areas. Additionally, comparing coverage across all major network providers can provide valuable insights into the best-suited option for your needs.
giffgaff Mobile roaming
In contrast to certain major networks, giffgaff includes roaming services within the EU and select European destinations as part of its package.
This means users can make calls, send texts, and access the internet without incurring additional charges—an offering that providers like EE, Vodafone, and Three have recently scaled back on.
However, it’s important to note that there is a fair usage limit of 5GB, even for subscribers on unlimited plans. While this limitation may not pose a significant issue for shorter trips abroad, it’s something to consider for longer stays.
Outside of Europe, giffgaff does not offer roaming services, necessitating either high fees for mobile usage or reliance on Wi-Fi connectivity by enabling airplane mode.
giffgaff Mobile customer service
Giffgaff effectively controls expenses by leveraging an online user community in lieu of a traditional customer support team.
Although this approach may initially appear unconventional, it consistently earns commendable ratings in Ofcom’s evaluations of mobile network customer satisfaction. Notably, in the 2023 report by Ofcom, giffgaff stood out with a satisfaction rate exceeding the industry average, reaching an impressive 95%.
The platform’s onsite FAQ and community message boards are highly regarded, offering comprehensive solutions to a wide array of inquiries, even those of a more specialized nature. This robust online support system contributes significantly to giffgaff’s reputation for delivering exceptional customer service.
giffgaff Mobile pricing
giffgaff positions itself as a cost-effective option in the market, providing an extensive range of flexible plans to cater to diverse preferences.
One of its notable advantages is the variety of choices it offers, including pay-as-you-go, monthly rolling, or longer-term 18-month contracts. This flexibility allows customers to select the option that best aligns with their needs—whether they prioritize the freedom of a monthly arrangement or seek to reduce costs by committing to a contract.
While giffgaff’s phone contracts generally align with those offered by other budget competitors, customers may find that major providers offer comparable handsets with added perks, such as complimentary subscription services.
Pros and Cons of choosing giffgaff Mobile
Pros
giffgaff stands out for its affordability, providing SIM-only plans that compete favorably with offerings from every network in terms of value.
Their 30-day rolling contracts offer flexibility, allowing users to adjust their plans as needed at any time.
Thanks to its partnership with O2, giffgaff boasts excellent coverage, reaching 99% of the UK population.
Moreover, giffgaff continues to offer free roaming in Europe, albeit with a 5GB limit, ensuring users can stay connected while traveling without incurring additional charges.
Cons
giffgaff may lack major incentives like free streaming services commonly offered by other providers.
Their phone contract options are also relatively limited compared to some competitors.
How does giffgaff mobile compare against other networks?
giffgaff distinguishes itself from other networks through the simplicity of its plans. While providers like O2, Vodafone, EE, and Three offer a plethora of deals that can be bewildering, giffgaff’s SIM-only plans are straightforward and easy to comprehend.
These plans are not only affordable and flexible but also rank among the best available in the market. Additionally, giffgaff’s coverage is on par with the industry’s top performers.
While it lacks value-adding extras and customer rewards commonly found with other providers, giffgaff compensates for this with its competitive pricing.
However, giffgaff does lag slightly behind its competitors in terms of EU roaming. Although it’s commendable that they continue to offer roaming services (an aspect many major networks have discontinued), the 5GB monthly cap falls short compared to the allowances provided by other budget-friendly networks.
In summary, giffgaff stands out in the telecommunications landscape for its simplicity, affordability, and flexibility. While other networks may offer a plethora of confusing deals, giffgaff’s easy-to-understand SIM-only plans provide excellent value for money. Despite the absence of major incentives and slightly lower EU roaming allowances, giffgaff’s commitment to straightforward pricing and reliable coverage makes it a compelling choice for consumers seeking simplicity and affordability in their mobile plans.
