British Gas OVO Energy (September 2026)
Overview
British Gas is cheaper on the tariffs compared here, while OVO Energy performs better on customer service and overall app experience.
British Gas leads this comparison based on its lower tariff pricing and higher Android app ratings. However, OVO Energy achieves stronger independent customer service scores, making it a viable alternative for households prioritising support over the lowest unit rates.
About British Gas and OVO Energy
Who is British Gas?
British Gas is one of the UK's oldest and most recognised energy suppliers. It is owned by Centrica and is one of the UK's largest domestic suppliers, providing gas and electricity to homes across the country.
Products & services
Awards & recognition
Who are OVO Energy?
OVO Energy was founded in 2009 and is owned by OVO Group. It grew through its own growth and by taking on customers from other suppliers, including buying SSE's domestic energy business in 2020. Today, it is one of the UK's largest energy suppliers. In May 2026, E.ON announced it planned to buy OVO's retail business, a deal that would increase its scale.
Products & services
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Tariffs and pricing
Based on current market data, British Gas provides the lower-priced overall deal. Its most affordable option, the Cap Tracker Plus Sep27 v1 variable tariff, is priced at £1,551 a year. This is £60 a year less than OVO Energy's lowest-priced equivalent, the Simpler Energy variable tariff, which costs £1,611 a year.
These two entry-level options are variable deals on a 0-month term, meaning unit rates will fluctuate. It is worth noting that while OVO Energy's Simpler Energy tariff charges no exit fees, the British Gas Cap Tracker Plus Sep27 v1 includes a £50 exit fee.
For households looking to lock in their energy costs, British Gas again offers the lower-priced fixed deal. The Fix and Boiler Bonus v14 tariff costs £1,649 a year on a 21-month term, though it carries a £200 exit fee. By comparison, OVO Energy's lowest-priced fixed option is set at £1,742 a year on a 12-month term, with a £100 exit fee.
Tariff Options
British Gas
British Gas offers standard variable and fixed-term energy plans, alongside a range of smart and specialist tariffs for electric vehicles, heat pumps, and solar panels. Contract terms for fixed deals range from 21 to 24 months.
OVO Energy
OVO Energy offers standard variable and fixed-term energy plans, alongside smart add-ons for electric vehicle drivers and export tariffs for solar panel owners. Fixed contract lengths are 12 months.
Customer reviews
OVO Energy holds a higher Trustpilot rating of 4.7 out of 5 from 299,269 reviews, whereas British Gas scores 4.5 out of 5 across 353,681 reviews. Looking at the breakdown, 78% of OVO Energy's ratings are five-star, compared to 66% for British Gas. Conversely, 20% of British Gas reviews are one-star, while 9% of OVO Energy customers leave the lowest score.
Positive feedback for British Gas often highlights engineers arriving on time and working efficiently. However, negative reviews frequently cite long waiting times and repetitive communication loops. OVO Energy customers tend to praise staff for resolving complicated problems and arranging prompt engineer visits, though some also report frustrations regarding communication delays and wait times.
Data shows both suppliers reply to 99% of their negative Trustpilot reviews, usually within 24 hours. In the latest annual Which? energy survey, OVO Energy achieved a score of 61 out of 100, narrowly ahead of British Gas at 59. Both providers received 2 out of 5 for overall customer service and value for money in the same survey.
App quality and features
While both suppliers provide apps with over a million installs on the Google Play Store, Android user feedback varies significantly. British Gas maintains a rating of 4.2 out of 5 from 13,701 ratings, whereas OVO Energy scores 2.8 out of 5 across 10,825 ratings.
Ratings are much closer on the App Store. OVO Energy sits slightly higher at 4.6 out of 5 from 18,000 ratings, compared to 4.5 out of 5 from 14,000 ratings for British Gas. A recent, albeit very small, sample of iOS reviews for British Gas indicated an average of 1.7 stars, suggesting some isolated user frustration.
Both applications are actively maintained with recent updates. The latest release notes for British Gas highlight a new feature that allows prepayment customers to view their emergency credit status directly within the app.
Customer service and support
Average wait: 51 sec
Hours: Weekdays 8am–6pm, open Saturday 9am–2pm, closed Sunday
Average wait: 1.6 min
Hours: Weekdays 9am–5pm, closed Saturday, closed Sunday
Replies: 98% within 2 days
Hours: 24/7
Replies: 99% within 2 days
Hours: 24/7
Average response: ~1 min
Hours: Business hrs
Average response: ~7 min
Hours: Business hrs
OVO Energy performs better in the latest Citizens Advice data, placing 8th overall with a score of 3.3 out of 5. British Gas ranks 13th, scoring 2.61 out of 5. OVO Energy also records fewer complaints, logging 39.5 per 10,000 customers compared to 68.7 for British Gas.
British Gas is faster at answering phone calls, with an average call centre wait time of 51 seconds. OVO Energy takes 1 minute 33 seconds on average. British Gas also has a quicker social media response time, averaging 55 seconds compared to OVO Energy's 6 minutes 53 seconds. Both suppliers respond to nearly all email inquiries within two days.
Both providers maintain formal vulnerability commitments registered with Citizens Advice. British Gas operates its phone lines from 8am to 6pm on weekdays and 9am to 2pm on Saturdays. OVO Energy is available from 9am to 5pm on weekdays, but remains closed over the weekend.
| Metric | British Gas | OVO Energy |
|---|---|---|
| Complaints per 10,000 customers | 68.7 | 39.5 |
| Average social media response time | 55 seconds | 6 minutes 53 seconds |
Complaints and performance
Both suppliers have published complaints data for the second quarter of 2026. During this time, British Gas received 944 complaints per 100,000 customers, which is fewer than OVO Energy's 1,775 complaints per 100,000 customers.
Green Energy Comparison
British Gas
Based on Citizens Advice data for January to March 2026, the British Gas electricity fuel mix is largely nuclear, with some fossil fuel and renewables. The supplier encourages customers to use energy when renewable generation is high through its PeakSave scheme. It aims to help the UK reach net zero carbon emissions by 2050. It also offers ways to cut household carbon footprints through smart meters, heat pumps, solar panels, and insulation.[1]
OVO Energy
Based on Citizens Advice data for January to March 2026, the OVO Energy electricity fuel mix is largely fossil fuels, with some renewable and nuclear energy. The company runs a sustainability programme called Plan Zero, which aims to reach net zero by 2035 by cutting carbon emissions by 90% and offsetting the rest. It also offers a Greener Electricity upgrade, which provides 100% renewable electricity backed by Power Purchase Agreements with UK-based generators and sends a £40 annual contribution to independent renewable generators in the UK. As well as this, OVO has planted 5 million trees in the UK since 2015.[2][3]
Our verdict
| If you care most about | Choose |
|---|---|
| The lowest annual cost on our assumptions | British Gas |
| Overall customer service | OVO Energy |
| A well-rated mobile app | OVO Energy |
| A greener fuel mix | British Gas |
British Gas is cheaper on the tariffs compared here, while OVO Energy performs better on customer service and overall app experience.
The choice between British Gas and OVO Energy largely depends on individual household priorities. British Gas currently provides lower-priced variable and fixed tariffs, alongside a notably higher-rated Android app.
Households seeking the lowest possible energy bills may find British Gas more suitable based on the tariffs compared here. Conversely, OVO Energy may appeal to those willing to pay slightly higher rates in exchange for stronger independent service scores and higher Trustpilot ratings.
- Lower-priced overall variable tariff
- Lower-priced fixed tariff options
- Higher Google Play Store rating
- Faster average call centre wait times
- Lower Citizens Advice score
- 20% of Trustpilot reviews are one-star
- Higher Citizens Advice score and rank
- Higher overall Trustpilot rating
- No exit fees on its lowest-priced overall tariff
- Higher-priced variable and fixed tariffs in this comparison
- Lower Google Play Store rating
- Closed at the weekend for phone support
Frequently asked questions
Which supplier is better overall, British Gas or OVO Energy?
British Gas currently offers cheaper variable and fixed tariffs, making it the better option if price is your main priority. However, OVO Energy scores higher across independent customer service metrics and Trustpilot reviews.
Does British Gas or OVO Energy offer cheaper energy tariffs?
In our current comparison, British Gas offers the cheaper deals. Its cheapest variable tariff costs £1,551 a year, which is £60 cheaper than OVO Energy's equivalent. British Gas also offers a cheaper fixed tariff.
Do customers prefer British Gas or OVO Energy?
OVO Energy holds a higher Trustpilot rating of 4.7 out of 5, compared to 4.5 for British Gas. A larger share of OVO Energy customers give five-star reviews, while British Gas has a higher percentage of one-star ratings.
Which supplier has the better mobile app?
It depends on your device. OVO Energy edges slightly ahead on the App Store with a 4.6 out of 5 rating. However, British Gas is the clear winner on the Google Play Store, scoring 4.2 out of 5 against OVO Energy's 2.8.
Is British Gas or OVO Energy faster at answering the phone?
British Gas is faster at answering customer calls. Its average call centre wait time is 51 seconds, whereas OVO Energy takes an average of 1 minute and 33 seconds to answer the phone.
Should I switch to British Gas or OVO Energy?
If you want the lowest prices and use an Android phone, British Gas is the stronger choice. If you are happy to pay slightly more for higher independent customer service scores and better Trustpilot sentiment, OVO Energy is a great alternative.
Does British Gas or OVO Energy charge exit fees?
Yes, both suppliers charge exit fees on some of their tariffs. The cheapest fixed deal from British Gas carries a £200 exit fee, while OVO Energy's cheapest fixed tariff has a £100 exit fee. OVO Energy's cheapest variable tariff has no exit fees, but the British Gas equivalent carries a £50 fee.
Which supplier has a higher Citizens Advice score?
OVO Energy scores higher with Citizens Advice, achieving 3.3 out of 5 and placing 8th overall. British Gas scored 2.61 out of 5, placing 13th in the same independent rankings.
Do British Gas and OVO Energy offer fixed energy deals?
Yes, both suppliers offer fixed-term tariffs that let you lock in your energy rates. British Gas currently offers a 21-month fixed deal, while OVO Energy offers a 12-month fixed option.
What changed this month
This month, OVO Energy's play store net-positive % fell from 1.3 to -9.2, British Gas's fixed tariffs available rose from 1 to 3, and British Gas's iOS sampled negative reviews rose from 0 to 3. There were 31 other data changes this month — see the full changelog below for details.
Data changes this month (40)
British Gas
- Trustpilot rating4.4 → 4.5
- Trustpilot reviews350,018 → 353,681
- Trustpilot 5-star %65 → 66
- Trustpilot 3-star %4 → 3
- Trustpilot positive reviews %73 → 74
- Trustpilot neutral reviews %4 → 3
- Trustpilot net-positive %50 → 51
- iOS app ratings count13,000 → 14,000
- iOS app days since last update9 → 15
- iOS sampled reviews avg starsnow available (1.67)
- iOS sampled negative reviews0 → 3
- Play Store rating4.0881915 → 4.1812863
- Play Store ratings count13,409 → 13,701
- Play Store days since last update10 → 18
- Play Store positive ratings %77.4 → 80.1
- Play Store negative ratings %19.1 → 16.4
- Play Store net-positive %58.3 → 63.7
- Avg social media response timenow available (55)
- Cheapest variable tariff£1,744.71 → £1,550.78
- Cheapest fixed tariff£1,833.95 → £1,649.29
- Cheapest tariff£1,744.71 → £1,550.78
- Cheapest fixed tariff exit fee£150 → £200
- Cheapest fixed tariff term24 months → 21 months
- Tariff count3 → 5
- Fixed tariffs available1 → 3
- Shortest fixed term24 months → 21 months
OVO Energy
- Trustpilot reviews293,863 → 299,269
- Trustpilot 5-star %77 → 78
- Trustpilot 4-star %10 → 9
- iOS app days since last update37 → 25
- Play Store rating3.0206423 → 2.8167422
- Play Store ratings count10,621 → 10,825
- Play Store days since last update37 → 26
- Play Store positive ratings %48.2 → 43.2
- Play Store negative ratings %46.9 → 52.4
- Play Store neutral ratings %4.9 → 4.4
- Play Store net-positive %1.3 → -9.2
- Cheapest variable tariff£1,804.82 → £1,610.88
- Cheapest fixed tariff£1,923.42 → £1,742.03
- Cheapest tariff£1,804.82 → £1,610.88
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Written by
Rob Gibbs
Hi, I'm Rob, and I run Energy-Review.co.uk. I initially started this project in 2018 when I was looking to switch energy suppliers and found there wasn't a website that provided simple, data-backed reviews on all the suppliers available. Since then, I have spent a lot of time (too much, some may say!) looking at all publicly available data about each supplier and writing reviews using this information. These reviews are updated as regularly as possible, and any data is backed up by a source where necessary. I have also started writing guides on various energy-related topics, which hopefully you will find useful. If you find any issues, please use our contact form to let us know.