The recent performance tests by Ookla have revealed that Three Mobile has emerged as the leading UK network for fast download speeds, surpassing its competitors. Three secured the top position with an impressive average download speed of 214Mbps, outpacing its closest rival by over 80Mbps. This speed is twice as fast as the average fixed-line broadband speed in the UK.
In the rankings, Vodafone claimed the second spot, followed by EE in third place, while O2 lagged behind with the slowest speeds across all categories. According to Ookla, Three has been recognized as the Fastest 5G Network in the United Kingdom for the third and fourth quarters of 2025 based on its Speed Score, reflecting both throughput and responsiveness.
Here’s a summary of the Ookla results:
– Overall Speed Score:
– Three: 53.46
– Vodafone: 43.05
– EE: 36.73
– O2: 30.70
– Median download speeds:
– Three: 214Mbps
– Vodafone: 129.78Mbps
– EE: 97Mbps
– O2: 78.92Mbps
– Median upload speeds:
– Three: 13.8Mbps
– Vodafone: 10.78Mbps
– EE: 10.96Mbps
– O2: 8.28Mbps
While these results highlight Three’s performance, it’s important to note that testing mobile networks can be challenging due to varying user locations and network conditions. However, the merger between Three and Vodafone is expected to enhance performance further. The newly combined entity, VodafoneThree, aims to invest £11 billion in building the UK’s premier mobile network.
Following the merger in May, VodafoneThree has begun integrating their networks using Multi-Operator Core Network technology. This integration allows customers of both networks to seamlessly connect to each other’s networks at no additional cost, potentially improving coverage and performance nationwide.