Find the cheapest tariff
Comparing suppliers
Switch tariff, keep £200-£400 a year
The cheapest UK supplier for your home isn't the cheapest supplier overall. Unit rates, standing charges and exit fees all shift the answer by region and by usage.
Drop in your details and see exactly which active UK tariff would land you the biggest annual saving, ranked cheapest first and updated daily.
Every comparison site promises to find you the "cheapest" energy deal, but the headline number at the top of the list is rarely the one that will actually save you the most. The right tariff depends on how much energy you use, how you pay, where you live and how long you want to stay put.
This guide explains the handful of factors that genuinely move the needle when you compare gas and electricity, so you can look past the marketing and choose a deal that is cheapest for your home, not just cheapest on paper.
What actually matters when you compare energy
Six things decide whether a tariff is a good deal for you. Weigh all of them together rather than fixating on a single low number.
Unit rate vs standing charge
Every tariff has two prices: a unit rate per kWh and a daily standing charge you pay even if you use nothing. A low unit rate can be wiped out by a high standing charge, so always compare both.
Your actual usage
The cheapest tariff for a low user is rarely the cheapest for a high user. Enter your real annual kWh (from a recent bill) so the comparison reflects your home, not an average one.
Fixed vs variable
A fixed tariff locks your unit rates for the term and protects you from price-cap rises; a variable tariff moves with the cap. Decide which matters more to you: certainty or flexibility.
Exit fees
Fixed deals often charge an exit fee if you leave early. If you might move home or switch again soon, factor that cost in, or pick a tariff with no exit fees.
How you pay
Monthly direct debit is almost always the cheapest payment method. Pay-on-receipt and traditional prepayment meters usually cost more, so the same tariff can differ by payment type.
Region and service
Standing charges and unit rates vary slightly by region. Beyond price, check the supplier's customer-service record and Citizens Advice star rating before you commit.
Why the cheapest tariff is different for everyone
The reason there is no single "cheapest tariff" comes down to the split between the standing charge and the unit rate. The standing charge is a fixed daily fee; the unit rate is what you pay per kWh you use. A tariff with a very low unit rate but a high standing charge suits a heavy user, while a light user is usually better off with a low standing charge even if the unit rate is a little higher.
A simple example
Two tariffs can look almost identical on a comparison page, yet a small flat that uses little electricity will save the most on the deal with the lowest standing charge, while a large family home that uses a lot will save the most on the deal with the lowest unit rate. Same two tariffs, opposite winners, which is exactly why you should compare using your own annual kWh, not a national average.
Fixed vs variable tariffs at a glance
| Fixed tariff | Variable tariff | |
|---|---|---|
| Price certainty | Locked for the term | Moves with the price cap |
| Exit fees | Often apply | None |
| Best if you want | Budgeting certainty | Flexibility to leave anytime |
| Risk | Paying more if the cap falls | Paying more if the cap rises |
How to switch energy supplier
Switching is quick, free and there is never any interruption to your supply. The whole process takes four steps:
- Grab a recent bill so you have your annual usage in kWh and your current tariff;
- Compare deals at your postcode and rank them by total annual cost, not just unit rate;
- Check the small print: contract length, exit fees and the supplier\'s service rating;
- Apply, your new supplier manages the switch, which completes in around five working days.
Under the Energy Switch Guarantee your supply is never cut off, and a 14-day cooling-off period lets you cancel if you change your mind.
Our compare energy guides
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The UK's best energy supplier
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Comparing energy: frequently asked questions
Compare tariffs at your postcode, pick the deal that works out cheapest for your usage, and apply. Your new supplier handles the switch and there is no break in supply, it typically completes in around five working days under the Energy Switch Guarantee, and you get a 14-day cooling-off period to change your mind.
Not always. The cheapest headline rate may carry a high standing charge, an exit fee, or a poor service record. The "best" tariff is the one that is cheapest for your usage and payment method while coming from a supplier you can rely on.
Choose a fixed tariff if you value certainty and want to protect yourself against price-cap rises. Choose a variable (standard) tariff if you want the freedom to leave at any time with no exit fee, and you are comfortable with prices moving up or down with the cap.
No. The gas and electricity coming into your home are physically unchanged, only the company that bills you changes. There are no engineers, no new pipes or wires and no loss of supply at any point during a switch.