Virgin Mobile plans review

When it was set up in 1999, Virgin Mobile was one of the world’s first Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs). These are companies that sell call plans for mobile phone users, but don’t own their own network infrastructure. Instead they “piggyback” onto an existing operator’s network.

New customers to Virgin Mobile, which is now part of Virgin Media O2, use the Vodafone network to make calls, send texts and download data.

Virgin Mobile offers a range of pay-monthly handset contracts (with 24-month and 36-month commitments) and SIM-only deals (with 12-month and 24-month commitments).

The brand also offers “family” discounts for customers who buy several SIM plans. As part of the larger Virgin Media brand, Virgin Media broadband customers can sometimes benefit from bundle discounts on mobile plans.

Compare Virgin Mobile against its rivals

Click on the button below to compare mobile deals from all major providers, including pay monthly and SIM-only deals.

Find out if you can save on your mobile plan

• Compare a wide range of suppliers
• SIM-only and pay monthly deals
• Switch with minimal effort

Go to site

Virgin Mobile tariffs and service

Network	Vodafone
Contracts with a handset
SIM-only contracts
PAYG tariffs
Offers 5G data
Plan length from	12 months
Cost of European roaming	Free
Link	Go to site

How can Virgin Mobile customers manage their account?

Manage account via smartphone app
Live chat support
Phone support
Email support

Virgin Mobile customer reviews

Regulator Ofcom carries out a survey of mobile network customers every year to gauge their satisfaction with their provider. According to data from the 2020 survey, the latest year for which full data is available, 88% of Virgin Mobile customers told Ofcom that they were satisfied with the overall service they received. This score was below the industry average of 90% last year, and the lowest score among large UK mobile providers.

Unfortunately 13% of Virgin Mobile customers questioned said they had a reason to complain about their service last year. This is 3 percentage points above the industry average for that year.

This theme carries over into reviews posted on the consumer website Trustpilot, where the firm gets an overall customer score of 1.2 stars out of 5, based on 2,900 reviews posted. The overwhelming majority of reviewers (92%) rated Virgin Mobile as “bad” – the worst rating available (last updated October 2021).

Pros and cons of Virgin Mobile

Our verdict: Is Virgin Mobile any good?

Virgin Mobile offers a decent choice of SIM-only plans, and can be one of the more competitive providers when it comes to pay-monthly plans for the latest flashy handsets.

But, it’s worth noting that the firm’s reputation for customer service is mixed at the very least. As long as you’re willing to take that risk, then you may be able to get your hands on a decent value mobile plan.

As a firm which uses a large operator’s mobile network, Virgin Mobile offers a range of 5G-ready SIMs, so they may also be worth investigating if 5G connectivity is an important factor in your choice.

Ready to compare mobile plans?

Frequently asked questions

• How easy is it to switch mobile plans and providers?

  It’s very easy to switch mobile plans. Sometimes all it takes is sending one text message. Once you’ve decided to switch and you’ve found a new contract or pay-as-you-go option that works for you, you can switch using Ofcom’s “text to switch” process. This is the best option if you want to switch networks while keeping your mobile number.

• Will I always be credit checked when applying for a new mobile plan?

  No. PAYG SIM deals and the majority of SIM-only contracts do not require a credit check as nobody is lending you any money. Taking out a contract for a new handset will require a credit check, as you’re essentially renting the phone until you’ve paid off its cost.

• Can I claim compensation from my mobile network operator if things go wrong?

  There is no legal entitlement to compensation if you encounter problems using your phone due to provider fault. However, it’s always worth asking your provider to remedy the situation. The terms and conditions of your contract may entitle you to refunds or account credit if there is a problem. If your service is down for an extended period of time, you may also be entitled to leave your contract without any penalty fees.