what is the cheapest energy supplier
The cheapest energy supplier right now in the UK depends on your usage and region, but recent comparisons show a few consistent low-cost frontrunners rather than one universally cheapest company.
Quick Scoop: What is the cheapest energy supplier?
In January 2026, comparison data suggests:
- Cheapest overall fixed deals (typical dual-fuel home) :
- Outfox The Market offers some of the very lowest 12‑month fixed tariffs, around £129 per month for a typical household.
* So Energy’s 1‑year green fixed tariffs sit close behind, roughly **£131 per month**.
- Cheapest variable deal (typical home) :
- Some guides list “Home Energy” as among the very cheapest variable tariffs at about £127 per month for average use.
- Cheapest among the big suppliers :
- E.ON Next, Octopus Energy and OVO Energy are locked in a near tie on 12‑month fixes at roughly £134 per month.
* E.ON Next is often flagged as the cheapest “big” supplier with an ~**£133 per month** 18‑month fix in current tables.
However, “what is the cheapest energy supplier” for you personally will depend on:
- Your exact kWh usage for gas and electricity per year
- Your postcode (regional pricing differences)
- Whether you want fixed or variable
- Exit fees, green energy preference, and any bundled services (e.g., broadband, insurance)
Key current low‑cost names
Here’s a compact look at some of the names that frequently appear near the top of cheapest‑tariff tables for early 2026 in the UK.
| Supplier | Why it’s often cheap | Typical deal type mentioned | Notable details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Home Energy | Shows up with one of the lowest standard variable prices for typical users. | [1]Cheapest variable in some January 2026 comparisons (~£127/month). | [1]Good if you want flexibility and don’t want to lock in. | [1]
| Outfox The Market | Known for aggressively low fixed‑price tariffs and low overheads. | [10][1]Very cheap 12‑month fixed around £129/month for typical dual‑fuel. | [1]Independent supplier, has been near the top of “cheapest” lists for several years. | [1]
| So Energy | Competitive pricing with 100% renewable electricity focus. | [10][1]1‑year Green fixed around £131/month for typical use. | [1]Good balance of price and green credentials. | [1]
| E.ON Next | Often the cheapest of the “Big 6” in current surveys. | [5][1]18‑month fixed near £133/month; 12‑month fix ~£134/month. | [1]Backed by a large provider, wide support network. | [5][1]
| Octopus Energy | Highly rated for service and competitive pricing. | [9][5][1]12‑month fix around £134/month with £0 exit fee in some current deals. | [1]Strong customer satisfaction in independent surveys. | [9][5]
| OVO Energy | Regularly close to Octopus and E.ON Next on price. | [9][1]12‑month fixed around £134/month in the current market. | [1]Well‑known large supplier with smart‑meter and app features. | [9]
| British Gas (for big brand) | Not always the very cheapest but offers savings schemes. | [1]Fixed tariffs slightly above the very cheapest majors. | [1]PeakSave scheme offers half‑price electricity on Sundays for some smart‑meter users. | [1]
How to actually find your cheapest supplier
Because tariffs change fast and are highly usage‑specific, you’ll usually save the most by running your own comparison with your real numbers rather than chasing one “cheapest” name.
Step‑by‑step:
- Grab your annual usage
- Look at your latest bill and note yearly kWh for gas and electricity.
- Avoid using “low/medium/high” estimates if you can; your exact kWh really matters.
- Use at least one whole‑of‑market comparison site
- Tools like Uswitch, MoneySuperMarket, and MoneySavingExpert’s comparison engines let you plug in usage and postcode.
* Check results for: monthly cost, unit rates, standing charges, exit fees, and whether prices are fixed or variable.
- Compare fixed vs variable
- Fixed: More predictable, can be slightly higher today but protect you if prices rise later in 2026.
* Variable: Often closer to the price cap; good if prices might fall or you want flexibility.
- Watch out for “too good to be true” extras
- Bundles (e.g., energy + broadband or insurance) might show a low energy figure but lock you into other costs.
* Cashback or rewards are nice, but the base unit rate and standing charge determine most of your bill.
- Read recent service reviews
- Customer‑experience surveys (for example by consumer organisations) often show Octopus and a few smaller suppliers at the top for satisfaction and problem‑handling.
* Very cheap tariffs with poor service can cost you time and stress, especially when fixing billing issues.
What people are saying on forums and social media
While detailed price quotes are best from official comparison tools, forum discussions give a feel for what “real” users are experiencing.
Common themes in recent online discussions:
- Octopus Energy is often praised for quick support, transparent billing and easy‑to‑understand apps, even when it is not the absolute rock‑bottom cheapest.
- Outfox The Market and So Energy get mentioned as “cheapest” by many posters, but you’ll also see reminders that support and stability matter when markets are volatile.
- Some forum users mention “deal fatigue”, saying they now prefer slightly higher but simple tariffs from reputable brands, because they’re tired of chasing constant micro‑savings.
- A recurring tip is to use smart‑meter data and off‑peak schemes (like “half‑price Sundays” style offers) to cut costs even if your per‑kWh rate is not the very lowest.
“The ‘cheapest’ supplier on paper wasn’t actually the cheapest for me once I put in my real usage – my off‑peak heavy use made a different tariff win.”
2026 trends and what to watch
Energy prices remain sensitive to global gas markets and regulatory changes, so tariffs this year could move again, especially around spring and autumn reviews.
Key trends:
- Forecasts of spring 2026 price rises mean many guides are nudging people to consider locking in decent 12–18 month fixes if they comfortably beat the current price cap forecast.
- Green and flexible tariffs (like time‑of‑use rates) are expanding, which can make Octopus‑style smart tariffs or similar products more attractive if you can shift usage off‑peak.
- More tailored comparisons : Some newer platforms emphasise student or sharer households specifically, including guides aimed at renters or international students looking for “cheapest energy supplier in the UK” lists.
Ultra‑short TL;DR
- There is no single permanently “cheapest energy supplier” for everyone, but Home Energy, Outfox The Market, So Energy, Octopus, E.ON Next and OVO currently appear often in the lowest‑price brackets for typical UK homes.
- To find your personal cheapest option, take your annual kWh figures and run them through at least one reputable comparison tool, then weigh cost against exit fees and customer‑service reputation.
Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.