Clear has one key caveat: first month free, but a €12.99 activation fee. 48 has no activation fee on its listed unlimited plan and adds a student 100 GB plan at €10.99 for eligible users. Clear counters with a slightly larger roaming allowance at 23 GB versus 48's 20 GB.
If Vodafone coverage is better at your address, Clear is the right call. If both networks are fine, 48 wins on flexibility and no setup-fee friction.
Quick comparison
Side by side from published August 2026 prices and contract terms. Green highlights the better figure on each measurable row.
| 48 | Clear Mobile | |
|---|---|---|
| Our score | 9.3 | 9.2 |
| Intro from | €10.99 | €12.99 |
| Thereafter from | €10.99 | €12.99 |
| Headline data | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Host network | Three network | Vodafone network |
| Annual rise | No | No |
| eSIM | No | No |
| Kind | MVNO | MVNO |
Price: both €12.99, but setup differs
On monthly fee, it is a draw. Both list unlimited 5G at €12.99 with no month-13 jump in our data.
Clear includes a €12.99 one-time activation fee, while 48 does not — the “activation fee” on 48’s plan card is simply the first month. Clear’s first month is free, though, and that cancels the fee exactly: year one is €155.88 on both, and day one is €12.99 on both. Of the three €12.99 unlimited SIMs, 48 is the only one with no up-front fee; Clear and GoMo both add €12.99, and only Clear gives a month back.
Network: Three host vs Vodafone host
48 is an MVNO on Three. Clear is an MVNO on Vodafone. Neither owns masts.
This category is personal by location. If Vodafone signal quality is better for your daily map, Clear is the practical winner even if scores are close.
Data and plan range: 48 is more flexible
Both main plans are unlimited data. On talk time, Clear is unlimited minutes with 10,000 texts; 48 is 5,000 minutes and 5,000 texts, which is a cap nobody sensible will reach. 48 has an extra student plan at €10.99 for 100 GB. Clear has only one listed plan tier.
That extra tier gives 48 better flexibility for students and moderate users.
Contract: both are rolling monthly
Both providers list rolling monthly terms on their core plans. No 12-month lock-in is required.
This keeps switching easy and protects users from typical long-term promo traps.
Roaming: Clear is slightly better
Clear lists 23 GB EU/UK roaming. 48 lists 20 GB EU/UK roaming on the unlimited plan.
For frequent EU travelers, that extra 3 GB can matter.
Who it's for: 48 by default, Clear for Vodafone-first users
48 is the safer default because it avoids activation-fee friction and offers a student fallback tier.
Clear is the best pick for people who specifically want Vodafone host network at the €12.99 unlimited price point.
Which should you choose?
It comes down to cost profile, host network fit, and contract style. Use this fast decision frame.
Choose 48 if
You want no activation fee friction, stronger overall scoring, and the option to move to 48 Student 100 GB at €10.99 with a college email if unlimited turns out unnecessary.
Check 48 →
Choose Clear Mobile if
Vodafone host-network coverage is clearly stronger where you live, work, or travel. You are fine with the €12.99 activation fee and want 23 GB EU/UK roaming on the core unlimited plan.
Check Clear Mobile →Advertiser disclosure: we may earn a commission when you buy through links on this page. That never affects scores or the winner.
