Which mobile networks offer free streaming?

VOXI is the standout network for data-free streaming, offering unlimited access to selected video, music and social media apps on many of its plans.

Sky Mobile allows customers to stream their Sky TV subscription through Sky Go without using mobile data, making it a strong option for existing Sky households.

Most other UK networks have moved away from zero-rating specific apps, instead focusing on unlimited data plans or discounted streaming subscriptions that still use standard data allowances.

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TL;DR: Quick summary

True data-free streaming is now limited to a small number of mobile networks. VOXI offers the broadest zero-rated video, music and social media apps, while Sky Mobile allows customers to stream Sky-owned TV content without using their data.

Most other networks have moved away from zero-rating and now focus on bundled streaming subscriptions instead. Services such as Amazon Prime Video, Disney+ or Apple TV+ may be included as plan extras, but all streaming still uses your normal data allowance - which is why many customers now opt for unlimited data plans.

Reality check: Data-free streaming generally applies to use on the mobile device itself. Casting to a TV, using a mobile hotspot, or streaming through a home router will usually count against your standard data allowance.

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At a glance: zero-rated streaming plans

Not all "free streaming" works the same way - this table shows which UK mobile networks still offer data-free access, and which rely on unlimited data or subscription perks instead.

Remember that most data-free streaming offers apply when watching directly on your phone. Streaming to other devices usually uses standard mobile data.

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Mobile networks with zero-rated streaming

Only a small number of UK mobile networks still offer data-free streaming on selected apps as part of their mobile plans.

These offers - sometimes referred to as zero-rating - allow customers to use certain video or music apps without that usage counting towards their monthly data allowance, usually when watching directly on a mobile device.

At present, VOXI, Sky Mobile and EE are the main networks offering some form of inclusive or data-free streaming, although the scope and availability varies by plan and customer type.

VOXI

VOXI offers the most comprehensive zero-rated streaming options of any UK mobile network, with separate unlimited allowances for video, music and social media on eligible SIM-only plans.

Customers on VOXI's mid-range plans can access Endless Video, which allows unlimited streaming from a selected group of popular video platforms without using up their monthly data allowance.

Where a paid subscription is required - such as with Netflix or Amazon Prime Video - this must still be purchased separately. VOXI's plans cover data usage only.

Unlimited data for video

Unlimited streaming on the following video apps and websites:

• YouTube
• Netflix
• Amazon Prime Video
• My5
• TikTok

While the list of supported video services is limited, it includes some of the most heavily used platforms in the UK. For customers who regularly stream from these apps, the data savings can be significant.

VOXI's Endless Video allowance can also be used while tethering another device, meaning customers can stream supported services on a laptop or tablet without using their main data allowance.

Unlimited data for social media

VOXI also includes unlimited use of selected social media apps on eligible plans, allowing customers to stay connected without eating into their data allowance.

Unlimited use of the following social media apps and websites:

• Snapchat
• Instagram
• WhatsApp
• Facebook
• Facebook Messenger
• X (formerly Twitter)
• Pinterest

TikTok is classed as a video service and is included under Endless Video rather than social media.

Voice and video calls made through apps such as WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger are not included and will use standard data.

Unlimited data for music

Unlimited streaming from the following music apps and websites:

• Spotify
• Apple Music
• Amazon Music
• RAYO
• TIDAL
• Deezer
• Napster
• Primordial

As with video and social media, music streaming covered by VOXI's endless allowances does not reduce the customer's monthly data allowance.

VOXI plans are SIM-only, operate on 30-day rolling contracts, and are fully 5G-ready. As an MVNO owned by Vodafone, VOXI uses Vodafone's mobile network and offers the same coverage and speeds.

Although VOXI originally launched in 2017 as an under-25s network, all age restrictions were removed in 2019, and the plans are now available to customers of any age.

While VOXI is not always the cheapest option when compared with the lowest-priced SIM-only deals, its zero-rated streaming allowances can represent strong value for customers who regularly use the supported apps.

Sky Mobile

Sky Mobile offers a form of zero-rated streaming called Sky Watch, which is only available to customers who also subscribe to Sky TV.

First introduced in 2019, Sky Watch allows Sky Mobile customers to stream their Sky TV subscription content on mobile devices without using their data allowance.

The zero-rated content applies only to Sky-owned and Sky-controlled apps, and includes viewing via the following services:

• Sky Go
• Sky+
• Sky Kids
• My Sky
• Sky Sports
• Sky News
• Sky Store
• Sky Sports Box Office

Only content included in a customer's Sky TV subscription can be streamed data-free. For example, access to Sky Sports requires an active Sky Sports TV subscription.

Tethering is supported, meaning customers can stream Sky content on a laptop or tablet while connected to their Sky Mobile handset without using mobile data.

The main limitation is that Sky Watch requires a Sky TV subscription, which makes it less flexible than SIM-only options such as VOXI. However, for households that already pay for Sky TV, it can be a useful way to watch subscribed content on the go without worrying about data usage.

It's also worth noting that third-party apps available via Sky - such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video or Spotify - are not zero-rated. Only Sky-controlled services are included in Sky Watch.

Here are some example tariffs from Sky Mobile:

You can explore Sky TV, broadband and bundle options here.

EE

EE offers limited zero-rated streaming through paid add-ons, alongside subscription perks included with some of its higher-tier mobile plans.

EE Music Data Pass (current add-on)

The most straightforward zero-rated streaming option from EE is the Music Data Pass, which can be added to most EE mobile plans via the EE app.

The Music Data Pass allows customers to stream music from selected apps without using their plan's inclusive data allowance, for a monthly fee.

Supported music apps currently include:

• Apple Music
• Spotify
• Amazon Music
• TIDAL
• Deezer
• BBC Sounds
• Primephonic
• Global Player

The Music Data Pass can be added or removed at any time and works alongside EE's current mobile plans, including Essential, Essential Plus, All Rounder and Full Works. Customers must still have some inclusive data remaining on their plan for the pass to operate.

Video / Entertainment Data Pass (legacy availability)

EE previously offered a Video Data Pass or Entertainment Data Pass, which zero-rated streaming from selected video and catch-up apps.

Where still available to existing customers, supported apps included:

• Netflix
• Amazon Prime Video
• BBC iPlayer and BBC iPlayer Kids
• YouTube and YouTube Kids
• TNT Sports via discovery+
• TVPlayer
• BritBox
• My5

These video passes are no longer clearly promoted to new customers and appear to be restricted to legacy plans or customers who already have them active. EE does not currently advertise a standalone video zero-rating add-on for new sign-ups.

EE also notes that tethering or hotspot use is not guaranteed to be zero-rated under legacy video passes, as they were primarily designed for on-device streaming.

How EE's approach compares

Unlike VOXI or Sky Mobile, EE does not currently offer broad, always-on zero-rated video streaming for new customers.

Instead, EE now places more emphasis on bundling premium subscriptions with higher-tier plans, such as Apple Music, Apple TV+ and TNT Sports via discovery+, rather than exempting video apps from data usage.

This makes EE a better fit for customers who value bundled content and network performance, rather than those specifically looking to stream video without using data.

EE plan extras (not zero-rated)

Instead of app-specific zero-rating, EE now places more emphasis on subscription extras included with higher-tier plans.

Plans such as All Rounder and Full Works may include bundled subscriptions (for example Apple Music or Apple TV+), but data used by these services still counts towards the plan's standard data allowance.

Here are some current SIM-only plans from EE:

You can compare EE's current plan tiers and extras in more detail on our EE mobile deals page.

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Streaming subscription discounts instead

Some networks, including Vodafone, O2 and EE, now focus on bundling streaming subscriptions with mobile plans rather than exempting apps from data usage.

These offers reduce the cost of services like Prime Video or Disney+, but streaming still uses your normal mobile data allowance.

Vodafone

Vodafone does not offer zero-rated or data-free video streaming. Instead, it focuses on bundling popular streaming subscriptions into selected pay monthly mobile plans.

On eligible Vodafone Entertainment plans, customers can choose either Disney+ or Amazon Prime Video as an included subscription for the duration of their contract (typically 24 months).

Current Vodafone Entertainment options include:

• Disney+ (Standard with ads)
• Amazon Prime (includes Prime Video, Prime delivery and other Prime benefits)

When you take out a Vodafone Entertainment plan, you choose your streaming subscription at the start of the contract. That choice is locked in for the full term, but if you upgrade or switch plans when your contract ends, you'll be able to pick again - and even switch to a different service.

Although the subscription itself is included at no extra monthly cost, any video you watch still counts towards your mobile data allowance. Vodafone doesn't offer data-free or zero-rated streaming, so how much you stream will depend on how much data your plan includes.

Most Entertainment plans start with generous allowances of at least 120GB, which is enough for regular streaming on a phone. Some plans may have speed limits, while higher-tier options offer faster speeds or unlimited data.

Overall, Vodafone's approach is a good fit for people who want the simplicity of a bundled streaming subscription and predictable monthly costs, rather than tracking which apps do or don't use mobile data.

O2

O2 does not offer data-free (zero-rated) streaming, but instead focuses on bundling popular subscriptions into its mobile plans through its Extras programme.

On eligible O2 pay monthly plans, customers can choose one of the following services as an Extra:

• Disney+
• Amazon Prime (includes Prime Video, Prime delivery and other Prime benefits)
• Amazon Music
• Audible

How long the subscription is included depends on the type of plan chosen:

• Classic plans - subscription included for 3 months
• Plus plans - subscription included for 6 months
• Ultimate plans - subscription included for the full length of the contract (typically 24 months)

Once the included period ends, customers can continue the subscription by paying for it via their O2 bill. Existing customers may also receive small airtime discounts when paying for subscriptions this way.

It's important to note that all streaming on O2 uses your normal mobile data allowance. None of the supported apps are zero-rated, so watching video or listening to music will count towards your monthly data limit.

O2's approach works best for customers who want discounted access to popular services bundled into their mobile contract, rather than those trying to minimise data usage when streaming.

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Why free streaming is rare now

Between around 2017 and 2020, several UK mobile networks experimented with zero-rated streaming - allowing customers to use specific video, music or social apps without those data usages counting towards their monthly allowances.

One of the earliest and most well-known examples was Three's Go Binge, launched in 2017, which allowed customers on selected plans to stream services like Netflix, YouTube and Spotify without using data. In the same year, Vodafone introduced its flexible pay monthly plans and data Passes, offering zero-rated access to categories such as video, music and social media.

However, these offers gradually disappeared. Three withdrew Go Binge for new and upgrading customers in 2020, while Vodafone removed its zero-rated Passes for new plans from January 2019, shifting focus to unlimited data tariffs and subscription perks instead.

The change was driven in large part by regulatory pressure. Ofcom examined whether zero-rating certain apps complied with the UK's Open Internet Access (net neutrality) rules, which are designed to ensure that mobile networks treat all internet traffic equally and do not give undue advantage to specific services.

In particular, Ofcom reviewed a number of UK mobile providers' zero-rating practices under net-neutrality rules, including Vodafone's former Pass products. These reviews examined whether exempting certain apps from data charges could give specific services unfair preferential treatment. While Vodafone's case was later closed after assurances were provided, the process marked a clear shift in how zero-rating was viewed and helped accelerate the move away from app-specific free streaming in the UK.

Not all zero-rating was affected in the same way. Services such as VOXI and Sky Mobile have continued to offer limited forms of data-free usage because their offers are more narrowly scoped. VOXI's zero-rating applies to a defined set of apps on specific plans, while Sky Mobile's Sky Watch only covers Sky-owned services such as Sky Go and Sky Sports.

Because these offers are tightly controlled, transparent, and do not prioritise third-party platforms over competitors, they have remained compatible with UK net-neutrality guidance.

As a result, most major networks have moved away from broad app-based zero-rating and towards alternatives such as unlimited data plans or bundled subscription discounts. These approaches avoid favouring individual services while still giving customers more predictable streaming costs.

In simple terms, net neutrality aims to prevent networks from favouring particular services over others. Zero-rating selected platforms can conflict with this principle by nudging users towards specific apps, which is why many early "free streaming" deals have since been withdrawn or tightly limited.

Today, only a small number of tightly defined zero-rating offers remain - typically restricted to specific apps, customer groups, or provider-owned services - while unlimited data tariffs and subscription bundles have become the default alternative.

You can read more about the wider principles behind this shift in our guide to net neutrality in the UK.

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Unlimited data as the alternative

As app-specific free streaming has become rarer, most mobile networks now position unlimited data plans as the simplest alternative for customers who want to stream without worrying about allowances.

Rather than exempting individual apps, unlimited plans allow customers to use their full data connection freely across all services - including Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, YouTube and live TV apps - without favouring particular platforms.

Why unlimited data is often a better fit

Unlimited mobile data avoids many of the practical and regulatory issues associated with zero-rating.

• All streaming apps are treated equally
• No need to check which services are included or excluded
• Works across phones, tablets, laptops and hotspots
• More predictable for regular or mixed usage

For customers who stream frequently - especially across multiple services - an unlimited plan is usually more flexible than relying on a small list of zero-rated apps.

Important caveats with "unlimited" plans

While unlimited data removes usage caps, it does not guarantee unlimited performance.

• Speed limits: Some plans apply speed caps, particularly on lower-priced unlimited tariffs.
• Fair use policies: Networks may apply usage thresholds designed to prevent excessive or non-consumer use.
• Network congestion: Streaming quality can still vary depending on location, coverage and time of day.

Unlimited data is also not the same as zero-rating. All usage still travels over the mobile network and performance is affected by signal strength and network conditions.

Best use cases for unlimited data

Unlimited mobile data is most effective for:

• Regular streaming across multiple apps
• Watching TV on phones, tablets or laptops
• Occasional hotspot use for streaming
• Households without access to reliable fixed broadband

For more detail on which networks offer unlimited plans, speed tiers and pricing, see our guide to unlimited mobile data plans.

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Important limitations to be aware of

Whether you're using zero-rated streaming, subscription perks, or an unlimited data plan, there are important limitations that can affect how well mobile streaming works in practice.

These aren't always obvious at sign-up, but they make a real difference to how usable "free" or "unlimited" streaming actually is.

Mobile-only restrictions

Most zero-rated or inclusive streaming offers only apply when content is watched directly on a mobile device.

• Streaming must usually take place on a phone or tablet
• Hotspotting to another device often uses standard data
• Casting to a TV (Chromecast, AirPlay, smart TV apps) typically uses your normal allowance

This means "data-free" streaming rarely applies when watching on a TV screen, even if the content itself is included.

Resolution and data usage

Streaming apps behave differently depending on the device being used.

• Phones and tablets usually default to lower resolutions
• Smart TVs default to HD or Ultra HD where available
• Larger screens require sustained higher data throughput

As a result, watching the same programme on a TV can use significantly more data than watching it on a phone - and will expose performance issues much more quickly.

Tethering and hotspots

Some zero-rated services allow tethering, but many do not guarantee it.

• Networks may not reliably detect app usage when tethering
• Zero-rating may stop applying when another device is connected
• Streaming via a laptop hotspot often uses standard data

If you plan to stream via tethering regularly, unlimited data plans are usually a safer option than app-specific exemptions.

Read more about how to tether a mobile phone as a WiFi hotspot.

Downloads vs streaming

Downloading content for offline viewing can reduce data usage - but this depends on the app and the plan.

• Downloads usually count as data usage, even if streaming is zero-rated
• Some apps restrict download quality on mobile connections
• Downloaded content may expire after a set period

If offline viewing matters, it's worth checking which services support downloads and how they handle mobile data. We cover this in more detail in our guide to the best streaming services in the UK.

Fair use and network management

Even where data is advertised as unlimited or free for certain apps, networks may still apply fair use policies.

• Extremely high usage may trigger speed management
• Performance can drop at busy times or in congested areas
• Unlimited does not guarantee consistent HD or 4K streaming

Mobile broadband is inherently more variable than fixed broadband, and streaming quality will reflect that.

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Verdict: Which mobile network is best for free streaming?

If your priority is genuinely data-free streaming on mobile, VOXI remains the strongest overall option. Its zero-rated video, music and social media allowances cover many of the most-used apps, work on flexible one-month plans, and apply even when tethering - something most competitors do not reliably support.

That said, VOXI's approach is deliberately selective. Not every major streaming service is included, and customers still need enough standard data for everything else they do on their phone. For users whose viewing habits match VOXI's supported apps, however, it offers the clearest savings without needing an unlimited data plan.

Sky Mobile's Sky Watch sits in a different category. It can be extremely useful for existing Sky TV customers who mainly stream Sky-owned content on the go, but it is not a general-purpose free streaming solution. Because it only applies to Sky services - and requires an active Sky TV subscription - it works best as a mobile companion to a wider pay TV package rather than a standalone benefit.

EE no longer offers broad zero-rated video streaming to new customers, but still provides limited data-free listening through its Music Pass add-on, alongside subscription perks on higher-tier plans. These options can add value, but they are typically paid extras and do not remove the need for a generous data allowance if you stream video regularly.

For most other networks, including Vodafone, O2 and Three, the focus has shifted away from app-specific free streaming altogether. Instead, they now prioritise unlimited data plans or bundled subscription discounts, which offer predictability without the regulatory complexity of zero-rating.

Overall verdict: If you want the most data-free streaming for the lowest monthly cost, VOXI is still the best choice. If you prefer simplicity, flexibility across all apps, or regular TV streaming on larger screens, an unlimited data plan is usually the more practical long-term solution.