By Shahrum Gilani
Posted: September 4, 2018
HandsetExpert helps you find the very best deals on mobile phones and tariffs. Every day, we gather and input around 1.5-2 million deals to the site from a multitude of different mobile phone retailers. But with so many different retailers to choose from, it can be hard to know which is the best option.
Buying a mobile phone or committing to a contract is often a major purchase, so naturally you want to know you can trust the retailer in question. However, finding out whether they're trustworthy can involve a lot of research - especially if it's a less well-known retailer.
At HandsetExpert we want to make finding the right mobile phone as easy as possible. That's why we've done the research for you and come up with this handy guide to mobile phone retailers. For each of the retailers listed, we've gathered a selection of useful facts and figures to help you make an informed decision.
Affordable Mobiles is an online retailer operated by A1 Comms Ltd, which also operates Phones.co.uk, Buymobiles.net and a range of other communications brands. Affordable Mobiles offers a wide range of handsets and tariffs, as well as SIM Only deals, SIM Free handsets and cashback offers. It claims to be the largest independently-owned mobile phone retailer.
A1 Comms was established in 1997 as a chain of retail shops before moving into the online market.
Affordable Mobiles is based in the UK and headquartered in Derbyshire.
At the time of writing (May 2018):
Parent company A1 Comms has won the following awards:
Alza is one of Central Europe's largest online consumer electronics retailers. It specialises in computers, mobile phones, entertainment, media and toys, as well as home and health and beauty appliances. It also operates a chain of brick-and-mortar stores in the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary and Austria.
Alza was established in 1994. It began operating in the UK in 2014.
Alza is based in the Czech Republic but also operates in Slovakia and a number of other European countries, including the UK.
At the time of writing (May 2018):
Alza has won a variety of awards in the Czech Republic, including:
AO (formerly Appliances Online) is an online retailer specialising in electrical goods. As well as home appliances, it sells mobile phones, computers and entertainment devices.
AO was established in 2000.
It's based in the UK and headquartered in Bolton. It also operates in Germany and the Netherlands.
At the time of writing (May 2018):
Appliances Direct is an online retailer specialising in household appliances. It also sells SIM Free mobile phones. It's a division of Buy It Direct Group, which operates eight websites selling a range of consumer goods including computers, TVs and furniture.
Buy It Direct was established in 1999. It acquired Appliances Direct (formerly Trade Appliances) in 2008.
It's based in the UK and headquartered in Huddersfield.
At the time of writing (May 2018):
Argos is a catalogue retailer that trades both online and through physical stores. It's one of the largest high street retailers in the UK, with more than 850 shops and nearly a billion online visitors per year. In 2016 Argos was acquired by Sainsbury's.
Argos was founded in 1973.
Argos is based in the UK and headquartered in Milton Keynes. It also operates in Ireland.
At the time of writing (May 2018):
No. 1 on Retail Week's 'Top 30 multichannel retailers' list
Asda Mobile is a mobile virtual network operator that operates via EE's network. It's a division of Asda, which in turn is owned by Walmart. It offers a standard Pay as You Go tariff as well as a variety of 30-day Pay as You Go bundles.
It was founded in 2007.
Asda Mobile is based in the UK and headquartered in Leeds.
At the time of writing (May 2018):
Has it won any awards or accolades?
Box is a retailer that sells an extensive range of technology and computing products and services. It operates online and through a physical store in Sutton Coldfield, West Midlands. It has serviced over 1 million customers.
It was established in 1996.
It's based in the UK and headquartered in Sutton Coldfield.
At the time of writing (May 2018):
BT Mobile is a mobile virtual network operator and a division of BT Group. It operates via EE's network, which is also owned by BT. It offers handsets with Pay Monthly plans as well as SIM Only deals.
It launched in 2015. BT Group was founded in 1969.
It operates in the UK and is headquartered in London.
At the time of writing (May 2018):
No, BT doesn't appear to have won any awards or accolades.
BT Shop is part of the BT Consumer retail division of BT Group. It sells home phones, laptops and PCs, electronics, networking devices and smart home devices. It also sells SIM Free mobile phones.
The BT Consumer division was established in 2013. BT Group was founded in 1969.
It operates in the UK and is headquartered in London.
The BT Shop brand has not been rated as an individual entity. At the time of writing (May 2018) BT Group had the following rating:
No, BT Shop doesn't appear to have won any awards or accolades.
Buymobiles.net is an online mobile phone retailer owned by A1 Comms Ltd, which operates a number of other mobile phone websites including Affordable Mobiles and Phones.co.uk. Buymobiles.net offers a range of handsets and tariffs, including Pay Monthly and SIM Only deals as well as Sim Free phones.
A1 Comms was founded in 1997 as a chain of retail shops, before moving solely online.
It's based in the UK and headquartered in Derbyshire.
At the time of writing (May 2018):
Parent company A1 Comms has won the following awards:
Carphone Warehouse is a mobile phone retailer that operates via physical stores and online. It has 2,400 stores across Europe, trading as Carphone Warehouse in the UK and Ireland and Phone House elsewhere. It is a subsidiary of Dixons Carphone, which formed when Carphone Warehouse Group merged with consumer electronics retailer Dixons Retail in 2014.
Carphone Warehouse was founded in 1989.
It's based in the UK and headquartered in London. It also operates in Ireland, France, Germany, Spain, Portugal, Netherlands and Sweden.
At the time of writing (June 2018):
Chitter Chatter is an online mobile phone retailer. Owned by Chromevalue Holdings, which also owns Direct Mobiles. It specialises in handsets with Pay Monthly and Pay As You Go tariffs on EE, as well as SIM Only plans and SIM Free phones. It started out as a chain of high street stores before moving solely online in 2016.
Chitter Chatter was founded in 1994.
It's based in the UK and headquartered in East Sussex.
At the time of writing (June 2018):
Best Customer Experience at the EE Indirect Partner Awards.
Clove Technology is an online mobile phone and computing retailer. It ships around the world and has a global customer base of over 100,000. It sells new and refurbished phones, gaming consoles, tablets and a variety of gadgets.
Clove was founded in 1992.
It's based in the UK and headquartered in Poole.
At the time of writing (June 2018):
No, Clove doesn't appear to have won any awards or accolades.
Currys is a retail chain specialising in home electronics and household appliances. PC World is a retail chain specialising in computers and computing equipment. Both are owned by Dixons Carphone and many of their physical stores operate under the combined Currys PC World brand. Both brands also sell mobile phones, often as a Carphone Warehouse concession in-store.
Currys was founded in 1884. PC World was founded in 1991. Dixons (now Dixons Carphone) acquired Currys in 1984 and PC World in 1993, and began combining the two brands in 2015.
Currys and PC World are based in the UK and headquartered in London.
At the time of writing (June 2018), Currys had the following ratings:
PC World had the following ratings:
No, Currys and PC World do not appear to have won any awards or accolades.
Debenhams Plus is the consumer electronics division of Debenhams. It operates solely online and sells household appliances, computing equipment, mobile phones, televisions and other electronics. It is operated by Buy It Direct but branded with the Debenhams branding.
Debenhams was founded in 1778. Buy It Direct was founded in 1999.
Both Debenhams and Buy It Direct are based in the UK, with Debenhams headquartered in London and Buy It Direct headquartered in Huddersfield.
At the time of writing (June 2018):
No, it doesn't appear to have won any awards or accolades.
Direct Mobiles is an online mobile phone retailer owned by Chromevalue Holdings, which also owns Chitter Chatter. It’s an EE specialist partner, offering handsets on EE Pay Monthly and Pay as You Go tariffs alongside SIM Free phones and SIM Only deals. It has served over 1 million customers.
Direct Mobiles was founded in 1994.
It’s based in the UK and headquartered in East Sussex.
At the time of writing (June 2018):
Best Customer Experience at the EE Indirect Partner Awards
eBuyer is an online electricals retailer. It started out selling computer components before expanding into mainstream electricals. It now sells laptops, tablets, TVs, audio equipment, home appliances, mobile phones and other household electricals. It now has 4 million registered customers.
eBuyer was founded in 1999.
It’s based in the UK and headquartered in East Yorkshire.
At the time of writing (June 2018):
e2save is an online division of Carphone Warehouse. It offers a wide range of deals on handsets and tariffs, including Pay Monthly, SIM Only and Pay as You Go. It specialises in high monthly allowances at low prices, and has a variety of free gifts and cashback offers available with its mobile phone deals.
e2save was founded in 1999.
It's based in the UK and headquartered in Loughborough.
At the time of writing (May 2018):
No, e2save doesn't appear to have won any awards or accolades.
EE is one of the UK's four mobile network operators, along with O2, Vodafone and Three. It was established through the merger of former mobile networks Orange and T-Mobile to become the UK's largest mobile network, and was then acquired by BT in 2016. It has approximately 553 retail stores and services more than 31 million connections.
Orange and T-Mobile merged to form EE in 2010. Previous to this, both networks had been running since 1993.
EE is headquartered in Hertfordshire, and has offices and retail stores throughout the UK.
At the time of writing (April 2018):
eGlobal Central is a global online retailer specialising in consumer electronics and gadgets, including SIM Free mobile phones. It has nine online stores operating in the UK, Europe, Australia and the USA.
eGlobal Central UK was launched in 2014.
It’s based in Hong Kong but operates globally.
At the time of writing (June 2018):
No, it does not appear to have won any awards or accolades.
Fonehouse is a mobile phone retailer that offers Pay Monthly and SIM Free handsets as well as SIM Only deals. It operates online and through physical stores, with 21 stores across the UK. It also operates its own mobile network, IQ Mobile, which uses EE’s coverage.
Fonehouse was established in 1994.
It’s based in the UK and headquartered in Buckinghamshire.
At the time of writing (June 2018):
No, it does not appear to have won any awards or accolades.
Freedom Pop is a mobile virtual network operator. It is unique in that it offers a completely free mobile phone service, as well as paid SIM Only plans. Its mobile services operate via Three’s 3G and 4G network. Customers must download an app to use the service, and make calls and send texts using the app.
It was established in 2011, with a UK presence since 2015.
It’s based in Los Angeles, USA and operates in the USA, UK, Spain and Mexico.
At the time of writing (June 2018):
No, it does not appear to have won any awards or accolades.
Giff Gaff is a mobile virtual network operator that operates via O2’s network. It offers SIM Only plans and unlocked handsets, as well as pre-owned phones.
It was founded in 2009.
It’s based in the UK and headquartered in Slough.
At the time of writing (June 2018):
No, it does not appear to have won any awards or accolades.
What is it?
Handtec is an online consumer electronics retailer specialising in new and refurbished mobile phones and tablets, GPS and sat nav devices, and computers. It has now serviced over 1 million customers.
Handtec was established in 2003.
It is based in the UK and headquartered in Peterborough. It ships products worldwide.
At the time of writing (May 2018):
No, Handtec doesn't appear to have won any awards or accolades.
iD Mobile is a mobile network provider that operates via Three's network and is owned by Carphone Warehouse. It offers Pay Monthly, SIM Only and Pay as You Go deals.
It launched in 2015.
iD Mobile is based in the UK and headquartered in London. It also operated in Ireland until April 2018 when it entered liquidation.
At the time of writing (May 2018):
No, iD Mobile doesn't appear to have won any awards or accolades.
John Lewis is a chain of department stores, with 50 stores across England, Wales and Scotland. It sells home furnishings and appliances, clothing, beauty products, toys, sports equipment and electricals, including SIM Free mobile phones.
John Lewis was founded in 1864.
It’s based in the UK and headquartered in London.
At the time of writing (June 2018):
Laptops Direct is an online retailer specialising in laptops, PCs and tablets. It also sells computer components and accessories, mobile phones, TVs and gadgets. It’s a division of Buy It Direct Group, which operates eight websites selling a variety of consumer goods including electronics and homeware, including Appliances Direct.
Buy It Direct was founded in 1999. The Laptops Direct website was launched in 2004.
It’s based in the UK and headquartered in Huddersfield.
At the time of writing (June 2018):
Lebara is a mobile virtual network operator that provides mobile services in a variety of countries around the world. Its services are targeted at migrants and international communities. In the UK it operates via Vodafone’s network.
Lebara was founded in 2001.
It’s headquartered in the UK but also operates in Europe, Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka and Australia.
At the time of writing (June 2018):
Littlewoods is an online retailer that allows customers to spread the cost of purchases. It offers clothing, toys, furniture, household appliances, sports equipment, electricals and other consumer goods. It’s part of the Shop Direct group, which was formed by the merger of Littlewoods and Shop Direct.
Littlewoods was established in 1932 as a catalogue retailer. It was bought by Shop Direct in 2005.
It’s based in the UK and headquartered in Liverpool.
At the time of writing (July 2018):
Lycamobile is a global mobile virtual network operator that specialises in plans that include low-cost international calls. It offers handsets that come with monthly rolling plans, as well as SIM Only plans. It operates in 23 countries including the UK, USA, Australia, Hong Kong, Tunisia, South Africa and countries across Europe.
It was founded in 2006.
It’s headquartered in the UK but operates worldwide.
At the time of writing (July 2018):
Metrofone is an online mobile phone retailer. It offers handsets with Pay Monthly plans, as well as SIM Free phones and SIM Only plans on EE. It’s owned by KTM Online Ltd, which also owns Fonehouse.
It was established in 1994.
It’s based in the UK and headquartered in Buckinghamshire.
At the time of writing (July 2018):
No, it doesn’t appear to have won any awards or accolades.
Mobile Phones Direct is an online mobile phone retailer. It started out as a high street retailer before moving solely online. It now offers mobile products to over 1 million customers.
The company started life in 1992 and expanded onto the internet in 2004.
Mobile Phones Direct is based in the UK and headquartered in Berkshire.
At the time of writing (April 2018):
Google Reviews: Of 7,577 reviews, 95% were positive, with an overall score of 4.8 out of 5.
Trustpilot: Of 23,296 reviews, 89% were positive, with an overall score of 9 out of 10.
Best Online Retailer at the Mobile News Awards 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018.
Best Online Retailer at the What Mobile Awards 2017.
mobiles.co.uk is an online mobile phone retailer and a division of Dixons Carphone, which also owns Currys, Carphone Warehouse, e2save, and iD. It claims to be the longest-running online mobile phone shop. It offers handsets both SIM Free and with Pay Monthly plans, as well as SIM Only plans.
It was founded in 1995.
It’s based in the UK and headquartered in Leicestershire.
At the time of writing (July 2018):
Motorola, or Motorola Mobility, is an American telecommunications and consumer electronics company. It was formed after the split of the original Motorola in 2011 to take on the company’s consumer electronics lines, primarily Android smartphones. It’s currently owned by Lenovo, which purchased it from Google in 2014.
Motorola Mobility was formed in 2011. The original Motorola company was founded in 1928.
It’s headquartered in Chicago, US, but operates globally.
At the time of writing (July 2018):
Telefónica UK Ltd, which trades as O2, is a telecommunications company and the UK’s second-largest mobile network operator. It started life as Cellnet, which became BT Cellnet in 1999, and then O2 in 2002. The company was purchased by Spanish telecommunications company Telefónica in 2006. Telefónica also owns GiffGaff.
Cellnet was founded in 1985.
It’s based in the UK and headquartered in Slough.
At the time of writing (July 2018):
OnePlus is a Chinese smartphone manufacturer. It specialises in high-end handsets with lower prices than other phones with similar specifications.
It was founded in 2013.
It’s based in Shenzhen, China, but operates globally.
At the time of writing (July 2018):
Phones.co.uk is an online retailer owned by A1 Comms Ltd, which operates a range of business and consumer communications brands including Affordable Mobiles and Buymobiles.net. Phones.co.uk offers deals on handsets with Pay Monthly contracts on EE, Vodafone and Three, as well as SIM Free handsets.
A1 Comms was founded in 1997. It started life as a chain of retail shops before moving online.
Phones.co.uk is based in the UK and headquartered in Derbyshire.
At the time of writing (May 2018):
Parent company A1 Comms has won the following awards:
Plusnet is an internet service provider that offers broadband, landline, digital television and mobile services. It was acquired by BT Group in 2007.
It was founded in 1997.
It’s based in the UK and headquartered in Sheffield.
At the time of writing (July 2018):
No, Plusnet doesn’t seem to have won any awards or accolades for its mobile services.
ROK Mobile is a mobile virtual network operator that operates via Three’s network. Its SIM Only plans come with added benefits including breakdown cover, personal accident and assault cover and funeral expenses. Customers can also choose to have a mobile only plan without the added benefits.
ROK Mobile launched in the US in 2014, and in the UK in 2015.
It’s headquartered in Los Angeles, US, but also operates in the UK
ROK Mobile did not appear to have been rated in the UK.
No, it doesn’t appear to have won any awards or accolades.
Samsung is a South Korean multinational conglomerate comprising multiple affiliate businesses. Most notably it manufactures consumer electronics, with its mobile phones consistently rated among the best in the world.
It was founded in 1938.
It’s headquartered in Seoul, South Korea but operates globally.
At the time of writing (July 2018):
Sky Mobile is a mobile virtual network operator that operates via O2’s network. It’s owned by telecommunications company Sky UK. It offers data-focused Pay Monthly plans with deals on handsets.
Sky Mobile launched in 2017. Sky UK was founded in 1990.
It’s based in the UK and headquartered in West London.
At the time of writing (July 2018):
The Smartphone Company is an online mobile phone retailer, and a division of Mobile Phones Direct. It offers handsets with Pay Monthly deals as well as SIM Free phones and SIM Only deals.
The Smartphone Company was founded in 1992 and moved online in 2004.
It’s based in the UK and headquartered in Berkshire.
At the time of writing (July 2018):
Smarty is a mobile virtual network operator that is owned by Three, and runs on Three’s network. It’s a SIM Only network that offers a selection of three simple plans. The unique selling point of Smarty is that if you have unused data at the end of the month, you get credit back for the next month.
It launched in 2017.
It’s based in the UK and headquartered in Berkshire.
At the time of writing (July 2018):
No, Smarty doesn’t appear to have won any awards or accolades.
Tesco Mobile is a mobile virtual network operator that operates via O2's network. It is a division of Tesco PLC and can be found online and in 450 Tesco stores across the UK. It offers Pay Monthly, Pay as You Go and SIM Only deals.
Tesco Mobile was launched in 2003.
It is based at Tesco House in Hertfordshire.
At the time of writing (August 2018):
Google Reviews: Of 16,251 reviews, 95% were positive giving an overall score of 4.7 out of 5.
Trustpilot: Of 296 reviews, 64% were negative, with an overall score of 3.2 out of 10.
Reviews.co.uk: An overall score of 5 out of 5, from 5 reviews. 100% of reviewers would recommend Tesco Mobile.
Reevoo: Of 11,580 respondents in the past 6 months, 98% they would buy from Tesco Mobile again. Of 3,562 respondents 96% said their delivery was made on time and in good order. Of 4,910 respondents, 94% said enquiries handled effectively.
Which? named it a recommended mobile phone provider for the 7th year running in 2017
Best MVNO at the Mobile Industry Awards 2016
Three is one of the UK's four mobile network operators, along with O2, Vodafone and EE. It is owned by CK Hutchison Holdings Limited. It operates online and through physical stores, with 324 stores in the UK. Three was also the first company to offer All You Can Eat data.
Three was founded in 2003.
Its UK headquarters are in Berkshire.
At the time of writing (August 2018):
Trustpilot: Of 6,832 reviews, 62% were positive, with an overall score of 4.8 out of 10.
Reviews.co.uk: An overall score of 2.80 out of 5, from 30 reviews.
Best Network – Customer Service at the Mobile News Awards 2018
Best High Street Retailer at the Mobile Industry Awards 2018, 2015 and 2011
Best Network for Data at the Mobile Choice Consumer Awards 2017
Best Network for Roaming at the Mobile Choice Consumer Awards 2017
Best Network for Data at the Mobile Choice Consumer Awards 2017
TobyDeals is an online retailer specialising in consumer electronics including mobile phones, computers, cameras, audio accessories and gadgets.
The company's website domain was registered in 2016.
The company is headquartered in Hong Kong but ships to the UK and Ireland.
At the time of writing (April 2018):
No, TobyDeals doesn't appear to have won any awards or accolades.
TPO, or The People's Operator, is a charitable mobile network provider operating via Three's network. It offers SIM-only plans and directs 10% of each customer's spend towards a charity or cause of their choice, at no extra cost.
TPO has been operating since 2012.
It's based in the UK and headquartered in London, and has also expanded into the United States.
At the time of writing (April 2018):
No, TPO doesn't appear to have won any awards or accolades.
Unshackled.com is an online mobile phone retailer that allows customers to spread the cost of a phone purchase. It claims to be the UK’s only 100% independent phone retailer, meaning that it is not affiliated to any network (Carphone Warehouse doesn't qualify as they own iD Mobile). It offers unlocked phones and SIM Only deals, as well as the opportunity to sell your phone.
It was launched in 2016.
Unshackled is based in Manchester.
At the time of writing (August 2018):
Google Reviews: Out of 422 reviews, 96% were positive, with an overall score of 4.8 out of 5.
Trustpilot: Out of 354 reviews, 92% were positive, with an overall score of 9 out of 10.
No, it doesn't appear to have won any awards or accolades.
Utility Warehouse is an online multi-utility provider supplying energy, mobile, phone and broadband services. It is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Telecom Plus PLC. It offers SIM Only and Pay Monthly deals, plus mix-and-match deals with any handset.
It was founded in 2002.
It is based in their headquarters in London.
At the time of writing (August 2018):
Google Reviews: Out of 1,632 reviews, 93% were positive, with an overall score of 4.6 out of 5.
Trustpilot: Of 5,730 reviews, 80% were positive, with an overall score of 7.9 out of 10.
Telecom Services Provider of the Year 2017 from Which?
Vectone Mobile is a mobile virtual network operator that operates on EE’s network. It offers Pay as You Go, Pay Monthly and SIM Only deals, as well as plans for low-cost international calls.
It was launched in September 2009.
Vectone Mobile is based in London.
At the time of writing (August 2018):
Trustpilot: Out of 762 reviews, 92% were negative giving an overall score of 0.6 out of 10.
No, Vectone Mobile doesn't appear to have won any awards or accolades.
Very is an online department store selling a large range of items including electronics, fashion and homeware. It is part of the Shop Direct group, which also includes Littlewoods. Very sells SIM Free phones.
It was founded in 2009.
It is based in Liverpool
At the time of writing (August 2018):
Trustpilot: Out of 11,155 reviews, 49% were negative, with an overall score of 1 out of 10.
Reviews.co.uk: An overall score of 1.94 out of 5, from 933 reviews. 23% of reviewers would recommend Very.
Best Online Retailer at the Verdict Customer Satisfaction Awards 2016 and 2015
Virgin Mobile is the wireless communications division of Virgin Media, which itself is part of Liberty Global PLC. It offers Pay Monthly, SIM Only and Pay as You Go deals.
Virgin Mobile was founded in November 1999.
It is headquartered in Swansea, Wales.
At the time of writing (August 2018):
Trustpilot: Out of 728 reviews, 94% were negative, with an overall score of 0.7 out of 10.
Best MVNO at the What Mobile Awards 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013 and 2012
Best Value Network at the Mobile Choice Consumer Awards 2015 and 2014
Vodafone is one of the UK's four mobile network operators, along with O2, Three and EE. It is one of the world's largest telecommunications groups, operating in 26 countries and with partner networks in 55 others.
Vodafone was founded in 1982.
Vodafone is based in Berkshire.
At the time of writing (August 2018):
Trustpilot: Out of 6,071 reviews, 86% were negative giving an overall score of 0.7 out of 10.
Reviews.co.uk: An overall score of 1.24 out of 5 from 915 reviews. 5% of reviewers would recommend Vodafone.
Innovative Product at the Mobile News Awards 2018
IoT Application at the Mobile News Awards 2018
Retail Innovation Award at the Mobile Industry Awards 2017
Best High Street Retailer at the Mobile Industry Awards 2017
Best Customer Care at the Mobile Choice Consumer Awards 2015
Voxi is a mobile network created by Vodafone exclusively for people under 30 years old, which means that customers are required to verify their age when activating a Voxi SIM card. It offers 30-day SIM Only plans that include endless 4G data use for social sites including Facebook, WhatsApp and Instagram.
It was launched in 2017.
Voxi is based at Vodafone House in Berkshire.
At the time of writing (August 2018):
Trustpilot: Out of 22 reviews, 45% were positive, with an overall score of 5.1 out of 10.
No, Voxi doesn't appear to have won any awards or accolades.
