If you need to save every euro, 48 also gives a €10.99 student 100 GB plan with college email verification. GoMo has no student tier. On roaming, GoMo and 48 are close, with 23 GB versus 20 GB EU allowance on the listed unlimited plans. For most buyers, local coverage and support tolerance decide this, not the €12.99 headline.
For the wider context across all providers, see best mobile in Ireland. For switch steps, use how to switch mobile.
Quick comparison
Side by side from published August 2026 prices and contract terms. Green highlights the better figure on each measurable row.
| GoMo | 48 | |
|---|---|---|
| Our score | 9.1 | 9.3 |
| Intro from | €12.99 | €10.99 |
| Thereafter from | €12.99 | €10.99 |
| Headline data | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Host network | Eir network | Three network |
| Annual rise | No | No |
| eSIM | Yes | No |
| Kind | MVNO | MVNO |
Price: tied at €12.99 a month, but GoMo charges €12.99 up front
Both providers list unlimited 5G at €12.99 with no intro cliff in our August 2026 data. The difference is day one: GoMo charges a €12.99 once-off activation fee paid up front, so year one is €168.87. 48 has no activation fee — the “activation fee” on its plan card is simply the first month — so year one is €155.88. From year two they are identical.
GoMo markets this as "for life". 48 lists the same numeric price as rolling monthly with no annual hikes. In practice the live checkout terms matter more than the slogan, but today the monthly line is a draw and the first-year line is €12.99 in 48’s favour.
Network: Eir radio vs Three radio
GoMo runs on Eir. 48 runs on Three. That is the real comparison. Coverage and indoor signal quality can differ by area even when plan pricing is the same.
If your current Three coverage is weak in your home or office, GoMo is the natural alternative at the same price. If Three performs well for you, 48 keeps cost low without compromise.
Data and extras: 48 has the student fallback
Both headline plans are unlimited data. GoMo is unlimited calls and texts; 48 is 5,000 minutes and 5,000 texts, which is unlimited for any normal human. 48 has an extra lever: Student 100 GB at €10.99 with college email verification. GoMo does not have an equivalent light-cheaper tier.
That matters for students and budget users who do not need full unlimited every month.
Contract: 30-day rolling on both — the fee is the only lock-in
Both GoMo and 48 plans listed here are monthly rolling with no long lock-in term. That keeps switching friction low and removes month-13 bill shock. GoMo offers eSIM; 48 is plastic SIM only.
This is the category where both brands beat many 12-month mobile contracts in Ireland.
Roaming: GoMo has a small edge
GoMo lists 23 GB EU roaming on its unlimited plan. 48 lists 20 GB EU/UK roaming.
The difference is not huge, but frequent travelers will notice the extra margin.
Who it's for: 48 for confidence, GoMo for Eir-first coverage
48 suits people who want a stronger service score and a student downgrade path without leaving the brand. It is the safer default at this price point.
GoMo suits users who know Eir radio performs better at their locations and who are happy running support through app channels.
Which should you choose?
It comes down to cost profile, host network fit, and contract style. Use this fast decision frame.
Choose GoMo if
You prefer Eir host network performance where you live or commute, you want a one-plan setup, and app-only support does not bother you. You care more about price-for-life messaging than having a student fallback plan.
Check GoMo →
Choose 48 if
You want stronger overall scoring and service reputation at the same €12.99. You prefer Three host network coverage, and you like having a cheaper €10.99 student route if unlimited turns out to be overkill.
Check 48 →Advertiser disclosure: we may earn a commission when you buy through links on this page. That never affects scores or the winner.
