EE Tops RootMetrics Ranking as UK’s Best Mobile Network
After twelve years at the top, EE, owned by BT, has once again been named the UK’s finest mobile network overall in terms of performance.
According to RootMetrics’ most recent “State of the Mobile Union” report, which covers the first half of 2025, EE is still leading the way in mobile connectivity throughout the UK.
More than 625,000 real-world tests across England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales served as the basis for the conclusions. The EE won or shared every single RootScore Award in the UK, so it didn’t simply win this analysis.
EE Continues to Rank as the Number One Mobile Network in the UK
EE has a clear advantage when it comes to speed, which is a crucial metric. The operator provided a scorching 110.8 Mbps aggregate median download speed for the entire UK. It delivers speeds more than twice as fast as Vodafone, whose average reached only 48.4 Mbps.
In addition to its speed, EE won the title of “Best 5G Experience,” highlighting its robust 5G performance and availability. At the local level, this dominance was evident as well, as EE won the Overall RootScore Award in each of the 16 leading cities that were examined.
“While others are engaged in making commitments, we are focused on providing the best network to improve the lives of millions of people across the UK every single day,” stated Claire Gillies, EE’s CEO.
“Everyone has different connectivity needs, and this research shows that EE offers a better network experience nationwide, whether streaming content in Southampton, gaming in Glasgow, or video calling your friends in Cardiff.”
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Fierce Competition for the Last Podium Positions
The research depicts a fierce warfare among the four leading UK mobile operators, each with its own story of growth and challenges, even though EE is by far the best network overall.
Vodafone had a mixed performance in the first half of 2025, with fewer awards at both national and city levels. However, it shared the top Overall RootScore Award with EE in Northern Ireland, highlighting its regional strength. With median download speeds above 50 Mbps in 12 of the 16 markets tested, Vodafone’s performance in large cities stayed dependable.
The tale of Three is one of constant constancy. Although its awards dropped slightly from 33 to 30, the operator still secured the second-highest total in major cities, while maintaining four national awards and a share of the UK-wide Text RootScore Award. Urban speed figures were consistent as well, with three cities offering median download speeds exceeding 50 Mbps, up from 13 the previous time.
Virgin Media O2 Remarkable Progress
Virgin Media O2 has possibly the most remarkable story of advancement. The operator doubled the number of places with median download speeds exceeding 50 Mbps from five to ten, demonstrating significant improvements in network speed within major cities. Additionally, the number of towns with speeds below 40 Mbps was successfully decreased from seven to just three. Its UK-wide average download speed increased from 29.0 Mbps in late 2024 to 36.2 Mbps, reflecting this positive trend.
O2, despite staying in fourth place overall, has shown progress since its merger with Virgin Media, suggesting the network is on a positive path. Nevertheless, the Vodafone and Three merger is expected to further upend the UK market, and the merged company will likely increase its dominance over Virgin Media O2 and possibly even overtake EE.
The fight for the best UK mobile network is far from over, especially as the 5G rollout proceeds at a rapid rate, thanks to EE’s competitors’ resolute advancements following twelve years.