Octopus Energy vs The Big Six — Is Switching Worth It in 2025?

This comparison helps people thinking about switching decide if Octopus Energy is better than the Big Six suppliers. We cover price, green credentials, smart tech, and customer experience so you can decide with confidence.

What to compare

• Price and tariffs

• Green credentials and renewable sourcing.

• Smart meter and tariff options.

• Customer service and app experience.

• Extras: energy management tools, flexible billing, and referral rewards.

• 
  

Price and tariff flexibility

• Octopus is known for competitive fixed and variable tariffs plus a range of smart tariffs that reward off-peak usage.

• Big Six suppliers often have broader national presence and legacy tariff structures; prices vary by region and promotional timing.

• For households with smart meters and flexible usage, Octopus smart tariffs can be cheaper; for simple fixed usage, compare on your postcode and typical consumption.

• 
  

Green credentials

• Octopus markets itself strongly on renewable generation and buying energy from clean sources.

• Big Six suppliers differ — many now offer green tariffs or offset programmes, but the level of direct renewable support and transparency varies.

• If you value measurable green energy sourcing, Octopus’ product communications and community projects typically score highly.

• 
  

Smart tech and customer experience

• Octopus offers a modern app, good meter data integration, and value from time-of-use tariffs for households that can shift load.

• Larger suppliers may have more established customer service teams and nationwide infrastructure for on-site visits.

• If timely, mobile-first account management matters to you, Octopus’ customer experience is often a strong selling point.

• 
  

Billing, switching and support

• Octopus aims for simple, digital-first switching with clear progress updates; switching windows are usually a few weeks.

• Big Six suppliers sometimes have longer legacy processes for meter migrations but may offer in-person support more readily.

• If you prefer a fully digital switch and frequent billing updates, Octopus suits digitally confident customers.

• 
  

Who each supplier suits

• Choose Octopus if: you want competitive smart tariffs, good app-based control, strong renewable commitments and the potential to save by shifting consumption.

• Choose a Big Six supplier if: you want broad infrastructure support, in-person help options and are locked into specific legacy offers or bundled services.

• 
  

Quick savings example

• A household with an electric vehicle and smart charger that charges overnight on a smart tariff can see significant monthly savings on Octopus’ time-of-use plans compared to a static fixed tariff with the same headline rate.

• 
  

Final decision checklist

• Do you have a smart meter or can you shift energy use? Yes / No

• Is renewable sourcing a priority? Yes / No

• Do you prefer app-based account control? Yes / No

• Want the £50 referral credit on switching? Yes / No

If you're tired of confusing bills and want to support clean energy, this is your chance to use the Octopus Energy Switching Service. Use my referral link to get started: share.octopus.energy/dusk-foal-263