Three Mobile has emerged as the top performer in the latest network speed tests conducted by Ookla, surpassing its competitors in the UK. Ookla’s data reveals that Three achieved an impressive average download speed of 214Mbps, outpacing its nearest rival by more than 80Mbps. This speed is double the UK’s fixed-line broadband average.
Vodafone secured the second spot in the rankings, followed by EE in third place, while O2 lagged behind with the slowest speeds overall. According to Ookla, Three has been recognized as the Fastest 5G Network in the United Kingdom for the period Q3–Q4 2025, based on its Speed Score that measures network throughput and responsiveness.
In terms of overall speed scores, Three led with 53.46, followed by Vodafone at 43.05, EE at 36.73, and O2 at 30.70. Median download speeds were highest for Three at 214Mbps, with Vodafone at 129.78Mbps, EE at 97Mbps, and O2 at 78.92Mbps. For median upload speeds, Three also excelled with 13.8Mbps, ahead of Vodafone, EE, and O2.
While these results showcase Three’s dominance, it’s important to note that mobile network testing can be challenging due to varying user locations and network conditions. However, with the recent merger of Three and Vodafone, there are expectations of enhanced performance. The newly combined VodafoneThree entity aims to elevate the UK’s mobile network standards through a substantial £11 billion investment.
The integration of the two networks using Multi-Operator Core Network technology post-merger is set to benefit customers by offering seamless connectivity between Vodafone and Three networks at no additional cost. This integration could lead to broader coverage and improved performance nationwide.