Which Mobile Network Operator in Germany is the Best?
Cellular quality is an important part of our lives.
To determine the best German operators, Chip magazine conducted a special study where experts traveled over 13,000 kilometers to evaluate the communication quality of Telekom, Vodafone, and O2. The focus was on 35 cities, including Berlin, Hamburg, Munich, Düsseldorf, and Stuttgart.
Which connection should I choose in Germany?
Today, there are three main mobile operators in the German mobile market: Deutsche Telekom (previously known as T-Mobile); Vodafone; and O2. The winner of the study in almost all categories was Deutsche Telekom. This operator has the best communication quality in cities. Vodafone took second place, and O2 came third.
All German mobile operators face communication issues on trains. As in previous years, the quality of communication while traveling is still satisfactory. Vodafone had the best results in this regard, while O2’s network received the lowest rating.
Regarding internet quality, test results showed improvements for all operators. Deutsche Telekom and O2 improved internet quality by nearly 100%, while Vodafone improved by only 25%. The average data transfer rate during the test was 60.52 Mbps for Telekom, 35.82 Mbps for Vodafone, and up to 20.35 Mbps for O2.
Additionally, Telekom and Vodafone have started using a new standard that enhances call sound quality (enhanced voice system).
Regarding tariffs, Germany offers both prepaid and contract plans. It is better to choose German mobile networks with prepaid connections. Before doing so, you should find out which operator provides the best reception at your place of residence.
Connecting to a prepaid service is easier than ever. A SIM card can be purchased at any mobile phone store or supermarket. Operators usually offer three or four tariffs. The cheapest tariffs have no monthly fees but charge separately for each call or SMS. Internet is provided as a package; for example, 500 MB per month costs 10 euros. After using the base limit, payment is made per megabyte for additional usage.
More expensive tariffs with a fixed monthly payment include packages with 50-100 minutes for calls to any landline or mobile network, plus free calls within the network, unlimited SMS, and 200-500 MB of data. The most expensive prepaid tariffs offer unlimited calls and SMS, as well as a data package up to 500 MB. Occasionally, operators offer packages with up to 5 GB of data.
The account can be topped up with vouchers, which can be purchased at ticket machines, supermarkets, gas stations, or small kiosks. On operator websites, you can also pay online by linking a German bank account.
Contract connections are also possible, but you should first find out which operator is best in terms of connection quality in your area. Contracts are for 24 months. The user has the right to choose the tariff. You can register online or in person at one of the many stores. To do so, you must provide your passport and bank details. The payment method for the contract connection is direct debit. Connection fees are not free and cost between 20-30 euros.
Which SIM card is better to buy in Germany?
If you are visiting Germany for a short time or just passing through, the best option is a tourist SIM card in Germany. The coverage area of this card extends to several countries. Experienced travelers are advised to choose a SIM card with the widest possible coverage area.
Free mobile communication in Germany for Ukrainians and how to use it?
Due to the current situation, many operators in Europe offer free SIM cards and favorable tariffs for migrants from Ukraine. Many displaced Ukrainians wonder which SIM card to buy in Germany for the internet or which unlimited mobile internet they should choose.
We suggest paying attention to the three offers from the main German mobile operators:
Deutsche Telekom:
Unlimited calls and internet; you can get a SIM card at the border or through volunteer organizations that help Ukrainian refugees. You will need to provide an identity document.
Telefonica O2:
Free calls to Ukraine from fixed and mobile networks; free roaming from Ukraine; distribution of a total of 10,000 prepaid SIM cards and 2,000 WLAN routers among Ukrainian refugees.