giffgaff was born in 2009 as one of a new breed of digital-first “virtual” network operators. The firm, which uses the existing O2 network, doesn’t have any high street branches or call centres, but instead focuses on carrying out its sales and customer support online. According to company founder Gav Thompson, the name “giffgaff” comes from an old Scots phrase which means mutual giving.
The firm offers a range of monthly bundles, called “goodybags”, that provide data, call minutes and texts for an upfront charge. These can be bought as often as needed, with no fixed-term contract tying you in. These bundles typically cost between £6 and £35 per month, depending on the data and usage allowance you need. giffgaff offers discounts on certain goodybags if you allow your plan to recur each month.
Click on the button below to compare mobile deals from all major providers, including pay monthly and SIM-only deals.
 | |
| Network | O2 |
| Contracts with a handset | |
| SIM-only contracts | |
| PAYG tariffs | |
| Offers 5G data | |
| Plan length from | 1 month |
| Cost of European roaming | Free |
| Link | Go to site |
| |
| Manage account via smartphone app | |
| Live chat support | |
| Phone support | |
| Email support | Email: giffgaffteam@mailuk.custhelp.com |
Regulator Ofcom carries out a survey of mobile network customers every year to gauge their satisfaction with their provider. The last year for which full data is available, 2020, suggests that 93% of giffgaff customers told Ofcom that they were satisfied with the overall service they received, the best score among large mobile providers last year.
The same survey found that a whopping 95% of giffgaff customers questioned felt they received value for money from their carrier, again the best score on this measure among larger providers over the same period.
This positive response is matched on the reviews site Trustpilot, where the firm gets an overall customer score of 4.1 stars out of 5, based on more than 21,000 reviews posted. A great majority of reviewers (67%) rated giffgaff “excellent” – the best rating available. A further 11% described their provider as “great”, with only 12% giving “bad” or “poor” scores (last updated: November 2023).
giffgaff is a great choice because it offers a good range of cheap and flexible call and data plans. Plus, giffgaff consistently gets great reviews for the quality of its customer service.
Whether you’re trying to lower your mobile phone costs, get more flexible call plans, or need a strong short-term pay-as-you-go option, giffgaff will almost certainly offer a plan to suit you.Ready to compare mobile plans?
Raylo is looking to revolutionise the mobile phone market with its eco-friendly mobile leasing service.
Need some help clarifying the differences between different types of mobile phone plans? Read our quick guide to see the key features of each plan.
If you’re not sure which mobile plan best suits you as a senior, take a look at the options on offer in this guide.
All of the UK’s top mobile phone providers in one place.
Our review of Vodafone mobile plans lays out typical packages, Finder score and pros and cons.
Learn all about O2 mobile plans, including typical pay monthly and SIM-only packages, customer perks, pros and cons, and Finder score.
Our review of BT Mobile, when you’re after a mobile plan within budget.