The era of solely using our mobile phones for calls is a thing of the past. These pocket-sized devices now possess PC-like power and provide a complete entertainment package. Streaming movies and TV series has become a prominent feature of smartphones, especially those like Samsung’s latest Galaxy Z Fold7, which boast large displays.
For on-the-go live streaming, a fast mobile network is essential, and one provider stands out as the frontrunner. Vodafone has emerged victorious in the recent awards by Ookla’s speed-testing team, narrowly surpassing competitors like EE, Three, and O2 to secure the top position overall.
Millions of download tests were conducted to determine the winner. Vodafone excelled in various categories, including the overall Video Streaming Score, Acceptable Video Start Time, and streaming video in full HD resolution. It narrowly trailed Three and O2 in the Uninterrupted Playback tests.
In their announcement, Ookla declared, “Vodafone is the Best 5G Video Experience in the United Kingdom, Q1–Q2 2025.” The Ookla Speedtest Award for Mobile Video Experience is based on the Video Streaming Score, which evaluates key performance indicators during high-resolution video playback.
Here are the comprehensive results:
– Video Streaming Score: Vodafone • 85.29, Three • 84.33, EE • 82.64, O2 • 81.67
– Uninterrupted Playback: Vodafone • 98.05, Three • 98.37, EE • 98.19, O2 • 98.15
– Acceptable Video Start Time: Vodafone • 65.01, Three • 62.61, EE • 60.96, O2 • 55.43
– Full HD Resolution: Vodafone • 92.32, Three • 91.99, O2 • 91.42, EE • 88.75
With the increasing trend of streaming movies, live sports, and binge-watching, network performance is crucial to avoid buffering interruptions. Consider transitioning to 5G if your signal is struggling, as it offers faster speeds and better handling of multiple connected devices simultaneously, making it more reliable in crowded areas like stadiums and train stations.
Most new smartphones are 5G-ready, so ensure your SIM has 5G activated for optimal speeds.