Both Orange S.A. and Vodafone are strong contenders in the telecommunications market. Orange S.A. stands out for its competitive pricing and helpful customer service, while Vodafone is notable for its detailed network performance metrics and CSR initiatives. The best choice depends on individual needs and priorities, such as specific geographic coverage, data speed requirements, and preferred pricing structure.
| Attribute | Orange S.A. | Vodafone |
|---|---|---|
| Network Coverage | Wide 4G/LTE/5G network across European operations. 4G covers 99% of the population in France, including 97% in smaller communities. 5G covers over 60% of the population in mainland France. | 2G: 99% of the UK population. 4G: Over 99% of the UK population. 5G: Available in at least 318 UK towns and cities. 3G: Shut down. |
| Data Speed and Reliability | Fast 4G and 5G speeds in many locations, especially within the EU. Fiber optic networks allow data speeds from 100 Mbps to 1 Gbps, and potentially up to 10 Gbps. | 4G: Average download speeds of 23-35Mbit/s, average 4G download speed is 31.1Mbps, upload speed is 7.8Mbps, average 4G latency is 39.0ms. 5G: Average download speed on 5G is 138.7Mbps, median 5G download speed is 155.90Mbps, median upload speed is 12.27Mbps, latency at 30ms |
| Customer Service | Generally available during business hours and is known for being helpful. Reachable via live chat, email, or phone. 24/7 support isn't consistently available. | Rated as the 'Most Reliable Network' by Umlaut in numerous cities |
| Pricing Plans and Value for Money | Various eSIM plans, including pay-as-you-go, unlimited data plans, and regional/global bundles. The cheapest plan is around €4.99 for 1GB (7 days), while the most expensive can be about €59.99 for 100GB (30 days). Competitive pricing compared to Vodafone and Bouygues Telecom. | May not be as cheaply priced as some peers. Red plans are generally the cheapest, and some include entertainment subscriptions. |
| International Roaming Options and Costs | International roaming in over 265 destinations. Roaming charges in the USA can be high, with pay-as-you-go rates reaching approximately $14 USD per MB. Travel passes are available that include data, calls, and SMS. | 5 Roaming: Available in over 100 destinations for an extra $5 AUD daily, using existing plan's talk, text, and data allowances. Fair Usage Cap: 25GB when roaming. Zone A: Republic of Ireland, Isle of Man, Iceland, and Norway - included at no extra cost. Zone B: 49 European destinations - £2 per day. Zones C and D: Worldwide destinations - £6 per day |
| Device Compatibility and Support | eSIM service is compatible with newer smartphones, tablets, and smartwatches from brands like Apple, Google, and Samsung. Orange Spain has a list of approved devices for its 5G+ network, including models from Samsung, Xiaomi, and Apple. | Supports eSIM on iPhones (XR and newer), Samsung Galaxy (S21 series and newer), and Google Pixel (4 and newer) |
| Security Features and Data Privacy | Committed to protecting personal data and ensuring its security. Implemented security measures to prevent unauthorized access, alteration, or disclosure of personal data. | Maintaining trust with customers regarding their data is critical. |
| Bundled Services (TV, Internet, Landline) | Offers fixed line and broadband services, along with a variety of TV channels, often bundled with mobile plans for competitive pricing. | Offers bundled services, including TV and internet. |
| Contract Flexibility and Termination Policies | Not available | Not available |
| Availability of Fiber Optic Internet | Leading provider of FTTH in France since 2007. Expanding fiber availability, aiming to connect more than 1.1 million additional homes by the end of 2025 in certain zones. Fiber speeds can range from 100 Mbps to 1 Gbps. | Offers both part-fibre and full-fibre broadband deals. Full Fibre 74 (or 80) offers similar speeds to Fibre 2 but provides a more consistent, reliable connection since it doesn't involve any copper cabling to get to your home. |
| eSIM Support | Offers eSIM support across its European footprint. eSIMs are available for compatible devices, providing the same plans as physical SIM cards. | Offers eSIMs on Pay Monthly plans (SIM Only, phones on contract, and other compatible device contracts) and Pay As You Go Plus plans. Supported on iPhones (XS and newer), Samsung Galaxy (S20 series and newer), and Google Pixel (3 and newer) |
| Corporate Social Responsibility Initiatives | Emphasizes environmental commitments and digital equality. Their CSR policy includes ethics, anti-corruption measures, human rights support, and environmental responsibility. | Brighter Futures: VOIS program focused on community engagement, education, and digital skills development. Environmental Impact: Committed to reducing its environmental impact and helping society decarbonize. Aims to reach net zero GHG emissions across its full value chain by 2040. Pandemic Support: Offered free connectivity and devices to disadvantaged households during the pandemic. |