Mobile network coverage map

Poor phone reception is a common complaint, so it's important to do your research into a mobile network before you buy. 

Our interactive coverage map, which uses data crowdsourced by mobile analytics company RootMetrics, can help. 

Once you've found the network with the best signal in your area, browse the best and worst mobile phone networks in the UK to choose a provider that performs. Keep in mind that other operators piggy-back on EE, O2, Three and Vodafone's networks – and some of them have extremely satisfied customers.

Which? is bringing legal action against Qualcomm. If you bought an Apple or Samsung phone after 1 October 2015, you could be affected. Find out more.

3G, 4G and 5G coverage map

Our map includes 5G data across the UK, so you can see what 5G coverage is like in your area.

To use the coverage map, enter your street name, postcode or location in the search box at the top right.

You can also choose the network you're interested in, and apply layers such as call performance, data speed and the type of network technology in use, from the drop down in the middle.

How does the mobile coverage checker work?

The map has been produced by independent coverage experts RootMetrics.

While coverage maps provided by phone networks are based on computer predictions, which can be inaccurate, RootMetrics' maps are based on a combination of  millions of real-life signal readings and their own scientifically sourced readings. The signal readings are collected by users of the company's free Android and iPhone apps, which helps RootMetrics produce a coverage map showing the best network in your area.

Virtual providers, such as Giffgaff and Tesco Mobile, aren't shown because they don't have their own networks – they use the networks of the big providers, so you can expect their coverage to be similar to the parent network.

How you can help

Because the map uses real signal readings, you can trust the information we display. However, there may be times where we're only able to provide limited information if we haven't received enough readings in that location.

To help give the best possible coverage, and to keep the map up to date, download RootMetrics' free Android or iPhone app.

These apps provide the company with the data it needs to keep its maps up to date – and in return show you the coverage in your area. The data collected is stripped of any identifying information, and uploaded to RootMetrics' servers, taking care to use as little processing and battery power as possible.

You can read more about the apps and the coverage map on the RootMetrics website.