British Gas OVO Energy (August 2026)
Overall winner
British Gas offers cheaper tariffs and a better Android app, while OVO Energy leads on customer service and Trustpilot ratings.
British Gas is the cheaper choice for fixed and variable tariffs and has the higher-rated Android app. OVO Energy leads on Citizens Advice and Trustpilot, and has the higher-rated iOS app, so the better choice depends on which priorities matter most.
About British Gas and OVO Energy
Who is British Gas?
British Gas is one of the UK's most recognised energy brands and one of the largest domestic suppliers. Owned by Centrica, it supplies gas and electricity to homes across the country. It links with the Centrica-owned Hive smart home brand, letting customers control heating and electric vehicle charging through an app. It also runs PeakSave, giving smart meter customers half-price electricity on Sundays to help balance the grid, and offers home services like boiler cover and heating repairs.
Who are OVO Energy?
OVO Energy was set up in 2009 and grew to become one of the UK's largest domestic suppliers, helped by buying SSE's retail business in 2020. In May 2026, it was announced that E.ON plans to buy OVO's retail business, a deal that would increase its scale once approved. The supplier focuses on smart technology and runs Power Move, a scheme that gives customers credit for using less electricity during busy times. It also has OVO Beyond, a rewards programme offering perks like free hours of electricity in the summer and event tickets.
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Tariffs and pricing
British Gas provides the cheapest overall tariff in this comparison. Its Cap Tracker Plus Sep27 v1 variable tariff costs £1,745 a year. While it does not tie customers to a fixed term, it does carry a £50 exit fee.
OVO Energy’s lowest-priced deal is the Simpler Energy variable tariff, priced at £1,805 a year. Similar to the British Gas equivalent, it operates without a fixed term, though it does not charge any exit fees.
Households preferring to lock in their unit rates will find British Gas offers the cheaper fixed option. The Fix and Fall Aug28 v2 tariff costs £1,834 a year over a 24-month term, with a £150 exit fee. In contrast, OVO Energy’s cheapest fixed deal is the 1 Year Fixed + Boiler Cover 22 July 2026, costing £1,923 a year for a 12-month term and carrying a £100 exit fee.
Tariff options
British Gas tariffs
British Gas offers standard variable and fixed tariffs, alongside a range of specialist options for homes with specific energy needs, such as electric vehicles, heat pumps, and battery storage.
OVO Energy tariffs
OVO Energy offers standard variable and fixed tariffs, as well as specialist add-ons for electric vehicle drivers and export tariffs for homes with solar panels.
Customer reviews
OVO Energy leads in customer sentiment, holding a 4.7 out of 5 Trustpilot rating across 293,863 reviews. British Gas follows with a 4.4 out of 5 from a larger volume of 350,018 reviews. OVO Energy records a higher proportion of five-star reviews at 77%, compared to 65% for British Gas. Conversely, British Gas receives a larger share of one-star reviews at 20%, against OVO Energy's 9%.
Feedback from British Gas users frequently mentions polite staff, efficient repairs, and prompt responses. OVO Energy customers similarly note helpful staff and quick query resolution, though some report long wait times and multiple transfers without a resolution. Both suppliers reply to 99% of negative reviews, usually within 24 hours.
In the annual Which? survey, OVO Energy achieves a score of 61 out of 100, narrowly ahead of British Gas at 59. Both providers score 2 out of 5 for overall customer service and value for money. OVO Energy performs slightly better regarding smart meters, scoring 5 out of 10 compared to 3 for British Gas. Both suppliers score well on helping those who need it, achieving 8 and 9 out of 10 respectively, though British Gas scores 0 out of 5 for switching.
App quality and features
British Gas scores higher among Android users, holding a 4.1 out of 5 rating on the Google Play Store. OVO Energy holds a 3.0 out of 5 on the same platform. Both suppliers record over one million installs on Google Play.
For Apple devices, the ratings are closer. OVO Energy holds a 4.6 out of 5 App Store rating from 18,000 reviews, while British Gas scores 4.5 out of 5 across 13,000 reviews.
Both suppliers actively maintain their applications. OVO Energy has released two iOS updates in the last 90 days. British Gas has not updated its iOS app in the same period, although its Android version received a recent update. A sample of recent iOS reviews for British Gas indicates some user frustration with login processes and app speed. OVO Energy users frequently note the app's detail, but some report freezing issues on iPads and missing tariff information.
Customer service and support
OVO Energy ranks higher in the Citizens Advice data, scoring 3.3 out of 5 and placing 8th overall. British Gas places 13th with a score of 2.61 out of 5. OVO Energy also logs fewer complaints, recording 39.5 per 10,000 customers compared to 68.7 for British Gas.
Regarding contact times, British Gas reports a faster average call centre wait time of 51 seconds, compared to OVO Energy's 1 minute 33 seconds. Both suppliers reply to approximately 98% of emails within two days. OVO Energy publishes a social media response time of 6 minutes 53 seconds, whereas British Gas does not provide this specific metric.
Both suppliers accept Direct Debit, cash, cheque, and prepayment, and both maintain formal vulnerability commitments registered with Citizens Advice. Neither British Gas nor OVO Energy is currently signed up to the Energy Switch Guarantee. OVO Energy's phone lines operate on weekdays from 9am to 5pm and are closed on weekends. British Gas phone lines are open from 8am to 6pm on weekdays and from 9am to 2pm on Saturdays.
Complaints and Performance
In Q4 2025, British Gas received 1,158 complaints for every 100,000 customers. OVO Energy received more, with 1,651 complaints per 100,000 customers during the same period.
Green energy comparison
British Gas
The British Gas electricity fuel mix is largely nuclear, with some fossil fuel and renewables. The supplier aims to help the UK reach net zero carbon emissions by 2050 by offering home upgrades like heat pumps, solar panels, and insulation. It does not currently offer a mainstream green tariff, but it does offer 100% renewable electricity on specific specialist tariffs, such as its Heat Power tariff.
OVO Energy
The OVO Energy electricity fuel mix is largely fossil fuels, with some renewable and nuclear energy. The company has a sustainability strategy called Plan Zero, which sets out how it aims to reach net zero by 2035. It also plants one million trees a year in the UK and runs the Power Move scheme to encourage customers to use electricity during greener, off-peak times.
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 offers cheaper tariffs and a better Android app, while OVO Energy leads on customer service and Trustpilot ratings.
British Gas and OVO Energy present distinct advantages depending on household priorities. British Gas is currently the cheaper option for both variable and fixed tariffs, which may suit those primarily focused on price. It also provides a higher-rated Android app and reports faster average phone answering times.
Alternatively, OVO Energy performs better across independent customer service metrics. It holds a higher score from Citizens Advice, receives fewer complaints per 10,000 customers, and maintains a higher Trustpilot rating. Households prioritising service metrics over the lowest available price may find OVO Energy more suitable.
The comparison is finely balanced: British Gas is the better fit for households prioritising the lowest available tariffs, while OVO Energy may suit those who place more weight on service and app experience.
- Cheaper variable and fixed tariffs
- Higher-rated Android app
- Faster average call centre wait times
- Phone lines open on Saturdays
- Lower Citizens Advice score
- Higher rate of complaints per 10,000 customers
- Lower Trustpilot rating with a higher share of one-star reviews
- Higher overall Citizens Advice score
- Higher Trustpilot rating with 77% five-star reviews
- Fewer complaints per 10,000 customers
- Higher-rated iOS app
- More expensive variable and fixed tariffs
- Lower-rated Android app
- Slower average call centre wait times
- Phone lines closed on weekends
Frequently asked questions
Which is better overall, British Gas or OVO Energy?
There is no clear overall winner: British Gas is the better choice for cheaper fixed and variable tariffs and a higher-rated Android app, while OVO Energy is stronger on customer service measures and iOS app ratings.
Does British Gas or OVO Energy have the cheaper fixed tariff?
British Gas has the cheaper fixed tariff. Its cheapest fixed deal costs £1,834 a year, while OVO Energy's cheapest fixed option costs £1,923 a year.
Who has better customer reviews, British Gas or OVO Energy?
OVO Energy has a higher Trustpilot rating at 4.7 out of 5, with 77% of its reviews being five stars. British Gas holds a 4.4 out of 5 rating, with 65% five-star reviews.
Are the British Gas and OVO Energy apps any good?
Both suppliers have highly rated iOS apps, scoring 4.5 and 4.6 out of 5 respectively. However, British Gas is much stronger on Android, scoring 4.1 out of 5 on the Google Play Store compared to OVO Energy's 3.0.
Which supplier is easier to contact?
British Gas answers phone calls faster, with an average wait time of 51 seconds compared to 1 minute 33 seconds for OVO Energy. Both suppliers reply to nearly all emails within two days.
Should I switch to British Gas or OVO Energy?
Choose British Gas if you want the cheapest prices or use an Android phone. Choose OVO Energy if you care more about customer service and high Trustpilot ratings.
Do British Gas and OVO Energy charge exit fees?
Yes, depending on the tariff. British Gas charges a £50 exit fee on its cheapest variable tariff and £150 on its cheapest fixed deal. OVO Energy charges £100 on its fixed deal but has no exit fees on its standard variable tariff.
What are the opening hours for British Gas and OVO Energy?
British Gas is open from 8am to 6pm on weekdays and 9am to 2pm on Saturdays. OVO Energy is open from 9am to 5pm on weekdays and is closed on weekends.
How do British Gas and OVO Energy compare in the Which? survey?
The two suppliers score similarly in the Which? survey. OVO Energy scores 61 out of 100, while British Gas scores 59. Both received 2 out of 5 for overall customer service.
How often are the British Gas and OVO Energy apps updated?
Both apps are actively maintained with regular updates. British Gas recently added emergency credit visibility for prepayment users, while OVO Energy has focused on fixing bugs and improving performance.
What changed this month
This month, OVO Energy's iOS app days since last update rose from 13 to 36, OVO Energy's play store days since last update rose from 14 to 36, and British Gas's iOS app updates in last 90 days fell from 3 to 0. There were 28 other data changes this month — see the full changelog below for details.
Data changes this month (39)
British Gas
- Trustpilot reviews345,969 → 350,018
- iOS app days since last update9 → 16
- iOS app updates in last 90 days3 → 0
- iOS sampled negative reviews2 → 3
- Play Store rating4.0481653 → 4.0881915
- Play Store ratings count13,077 → 13,409
- Play Store days since last update14 → 9
- Play Store positive ratings %76.2 → 77.4
- Play Store negative ratings %20 → 19.1
- Play Store neutral ratings %3.7 → 3.4
- Play Store net-positive %56.2 → 58.3
- Avg social media response time55 → no longer available
- Cheapest variable tariff£1,804.81 → £1,744.71
- Cheapest fixed tariff£1,702.64 → £1,833.95
- Cheapest tariff£1,702.64 → £1,744.71
- Cheapest tariff exit fee£150 → £50
- Cheapest tariff term24 months → 0 months
- Fixed tariffs available2 → 1
- Variable tariffs available1 → 2
- Shortest fixed term14 months → 24 months
OVO Energy
- Trustpilot reviews287,327 → 293,863
- iOS app days since last update13 → 36
- iOS app updates in last 90 days3 → 2
- iOS sampled reviews avg stars4.2 → 3.67
- iOS sampled positive reviews4 → 2
- Play Store rating3.2850413 → 3.0206423
- Play Store ratings count10,351 → 10,621
- Play Store days since last update14 → 36
- Play Store positive ratings %55.4 → 48.2
- Play Store negative ratings %40.2 → 46.9
- Play Store neutral ratings %4.5 → 4.9
- Play Store net-positive %15.2 → 1.3
- Cheapest fixed tariff£1,797.13 → £1,923.42
- Cheapest tariff£1,797.13 → £1,804.82
- Cheapest tariff exit fee£100 → £0
- Cheapest tariff term12 months → 0 months
- Tariff count5 → 4
- Fixed tariffs available4 → 3
- Longest fixed term24 months → 12 months
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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.