Octopus energy vs EDF

Comparing energy suppliers like Octopus Energy vs EDF allows you to choose the best option for your home and wallet in 2025.

UK households continue to spend a large share of their income on electricity and gas. According to a UK Parliament research briefing, typical bills will still be 44% higher than in winter 2021/22 under the October to December 2025 price cap. With little sign of meaningful cuts ahead, choosing the right supplier isn’t just about comfort but cost control and peace of mind.

That’s where the question becomes critical: should you stick with the reliability of EDF, one of the country’s longest-standing providers, or join the wave of households switching to Octopus Energy, known for its smart technology and flexible tariffs?

Both promise greener energy, fair pricing, and customer-first service. Yet behind the branding lies a clear difference in approach, with one built on traditional infrastructure and the other driven by innovation and agile pricing. Understanding those differences could mean saving hundreds each year, or avoiding the frustration of mismatched tariffs and poor support.

Key Takeaways on Octopus Energy vs EDF:

Octopus Energy offers 100% renewable electricity, flexible smart tariffs, and industry-leading customer satisfaction.
EDF Energy provides reliable fixed-rate tariffs and a strong low-carbon mix powered by nuclear and renewables.
Octopus tends to be cheaper for smart-meter and EV users, while EDF suits those who prefer stable, predictable bills.
Both suppliers are well-rated, but Octopus Energy leads overall for innovation, transparency, and value in 2025.

Who Is Octopus Energy?

Octopus Energy has quickly become one of the UK’s most popular suppliers, earning a reputation for transparency, innovation, and fair pricing. It now serves more than 7 million customers across the UK and is currently the largest electricity supplier by account numbers.

At the heart of Octopus Energy’s success is its Kraken platform, a proprietary technology system that automates billing, customer service, and energy trading in real time. This efficiency helps the company keep costs low and service levels high. Octopus consistently tops Which? and Trustpilot rankings, often cited for quick responses and straightforward communication.

All Octopus tariffs supply 100% renewable electricity, generated from solar, wind, and hydro sources. The company also invests heavily in green projects and has built its brand around sustainability and innovation.

Its standout tariffs, such as Octopus Agile, Tracker, and Intelligent Octopus Go, give customers access to flexible pricing that can reflect real-time wholesale market conditions. For households with smart meters or electric vehicles, these tariffs can offer significant savings during off-peak hours.

In short, Octopus Energy combines renewable energy with modern technology to offer a smarter, more adaptable way to manage household bills.

Who Is EDF Energy?

EDF Energy is one of the UK’s largest and oldest energy suppliers, with roots tracing back to the nationalised electricity industry. It is the British subsidiary of Électricité de France (EDF Group), one of Europe’s biggest energy companies. EDF serves around 3 million UK households and remains a key player in the country’s transition toward low-carbon energy.

Unlike Octopus, EDF owns and operates much of its own generation capacity. It supplies a significant portion of the UK’s nuclear power, alongside a growing portfolio of renewable projects in wind and solar. This gives EDF one of the lowest carbon footprints among traditional energy giants, though its energy mix is not fully renewable.

EDF’s reputation rests on reliability and scale. It offers a wide range of tariffs, from standard fixed-rate deals to GoElectric EV tariffs tailored for electric vehicle owners. Customers benefit from an extensive UK support network and the reassurance of long-term market stability.

While EDF’s pricing is often closer to the Ofgem price cap, its fixed-rate options provide predictability for households who prefer consistent bills. The company’s strong infrastructure, nuclear expertise, and investment in renewables make it a central figure in the UK’s energy security landscape.

Octopus Energy vs EDF Tariffs: Pricing, Exit Fees, and Flexibility

When choosing between Octopus and EDF, the tariffs you pick can make a bigger difference to your wallet than branding.

Pricing and Unit Rates

Octopus Energy

Octopus offers a mix of fixed and flexible tariffs. For example, in October 2025, Octopus claims its standing charges will be the lowest among large suppliers, and it states it has never charged the full Ofgem price cap.

Their Tracker tariff follows wholesale costs and updates daily. The Flexible tariff will have slightly different unit rates and standing charges based on your payment method. The rates you pay can also heavily depend on region, usage band, and whether you’re on a fixed or variable plan.

EDF Energy

EDF offers fixed, tracker, and variable plans. The supplier frequently offers fixed deals that allow customers to lock in the lowest prices and enjoy price stability for the next 12 months. In May, EDF’s ‘Simply Fixed Direct May26 tariff’ was £300 below Ofgem’s price cap, and in some versions of that deal, customers signing up directly could avoid exit fees.

Currently, the Simply Fixed Oct26v12 tariff has a typical bill price of £1,605 a year, making it £150 cheaper than Ofgem’s price cap for 1 October to 31 December 2025, which is £1,755 per year. The fixed tariff offers predictable costs but also comes with early exit penalties.

Fixed vs Flexible/Tracker Options

Octopus’s Flexible and Tracker Options

Tracker tariffs adjust daily to reflect wholesale energy costs and ancillary charges, so your price moves with market swings.

EDF’s Fixed and Tracker Options

EDF’s fixed tariffs lock unit rates and standing charges for a set period. These protect you from wholesale price rises during the term.

EDF also offers a tracker / variable rate tariff (Simply Tracker) that ties to the price cap (i.e., it moves with regulated price cap adjustments every 3 months) rather than pure wholesale. EDF’s tracker/variable plans are influenced by price cap changes, making them less volatile than wholesale-based tariffs.

Fixed tariffs sometimes include built-in exit fees and restrictions (e.g,. cannot switch mid-term without penalty) in many cases.

Exit Fees, Early Termination, and Switching

Octopus Energy

One of Octopus’ selling points is its lower or no exit fees on many tariffs, depending on the plan. In some versions of Octopus fixed deals, exit fees apply, but they are relatively modest compared to industry averages. However, some customers on Reddit have criticised Octopus for introducing exit fees mid-cycle.

For their flexible/tracker plans, there tend to be no exit fees, but you may have restrictions, such as not being allowed to re-enroll into the same plan for a period.

EDF Energy

EDF’s fixed tariffs often include exit fees if you leave before the contract ends. The amount varies by tariff.

That said, EDF’s newer fixed deals (signed directly) sometimes offer no exit fees, which is a competitive move.

EDF’s own help pages note that exit fees typically kick in if you leave “49 days or more” before the end of the tariff period.

Switching Flexibility

With Octopus, switching between tariffs is relatively straightforward (assuming meter compatibility and plan rules).

With EDF, switching mid-contract may incur costs or restrictions depending on tariff and timing.

What This Means for You (Practical Guidance)

If you want predictability and dislike surprises, EDF’s fixed tariffs (or its tracker tied to the price cap) may feel safer.
If you’re comfortable with market fluctuations and want to chase the cheapest times, Octopus’ Agile or Tracker options might deliver savings, especially in off-peak or low-demand periods.
Evaluate your usage pattern: heavy daytime users may see fewer benefits from dynamic tariffs.
Always read the fine print: check exit fees, smart meter requirements, and contract duration before committing.
Use real postcode-based quotes to compare nominal rates, rather than relying on advertised averages.

Octopus Energy vs EDF: Green Considerations

The environmental performance of a supplier has become just as important as price for many UK households. Both Octopus Energy and EDF Energy position themselves as sustainable, but they take very different routes toward cleaner power.

Octopus Energy

Octopus Energy supplies 100% renewable electricity to every customer as standard. This energy comes from a mix of wind, solar, and hydro sources, supported by Renewable Energy Guarantees of Origin (REGOs). What sets Octopus apart is that it also invests directly in generation, owning and developing solar farms and onshore wind projects through Octopus Renewables. This means its green claims go beyond paper certificates; they’re tied to genuine investment in new infrastructure.

The company’s sustainability model is deeply integrated into its technology. Smart tariffs such as Agile Octopus and Intelligent Octopus Go encourage customers to use electricity when the grid is least carbon-intensive, helping to balance demand and reduce carbon footprints. For electric vehicle owners, this can mean charging when renewable generation is highest and grid prices are lowest.

EDF Energy

EDF Energy, meanwhile, operates from a different strength. It generates a significant share of the UK’s low-carbon electricity, thanks to its nuclear power stations and expanding renewable portfolio. EDF’s mix is not fully renewable, but it is strongly low-carbon, with an average carbon intensity that remains far below the UK grid average. The company is also involved in major national projects such as the Hinkley Point C nuclear plant and offshore wind investments that will contribute to long-term energy security.

For households focused purely on renewable sourcing, Octopus holds the edge. For those who value low-carbon reliability and national energy infrastructure, EDF’s combination of nuclear and renewables provides reassurance that clean power can scale alongside stability.

Octopus Energy vs EDF Technology and Smart Innovation

Octopus Energy

The energy industry is rapidly evolving into a technology-driven ecosystem, and few suppliers represent that shift more clearly than Octopus Energy.

At the centre of Octopus’s success is its Kraken platform, an intelligent energy management system that automates billing, customer support, and real-time energy trading. Kraken allows Octopus to handle millions of accounts with exceptional accuracy and minimal delays, while giving customers faster issue resolution and transparent access to their data. The platform is so efficient that other major suppliers, including E.ON and Origin Energy, have licensed it to modernise their operations.

This technology edge extends to the customer experience. Octopus offers a fully digital account dashboard and an intuitive mobile app where users can track usage, submit readings, and adjust tariffs instantly. Smart-meter integration allows for dynamic billing, meaning your charges can adjust automatically to reflect actual half-hourly prices under tariffs like Agile or Tracker. For tech-savvy households and EV owners, these systems make Octopus one of the most responsive and intelligent energy providers in the UK.

EDF Energy

EDF Energy, while not as nimble, has made substantial progress with its digital systems. Its EDF Energy app provides straightforward access to bills, usage data, and account management, and its smart-meter rollout has been extensive. EDF has invested in digital tools that support low-carbon living, including online calculators for home efficiency and tailored advice for electric vehicle owners under its GoElectric range.

EDF also benefits from being part of a global energy group, which funds large-scale innovation in battery storage, hydrogen, and AI-driven energy forecasting. These technologies may not yet appear in every home, but they contribute to EDF’s long-term capability to balance the national grid and integrate renewable generation effectively.

Overall, Octopus Energy leads on user-facing technology and software efficiency, while EDF Energy excels in large-scale energy innovation and infrastructure. Octopus gives consumers agility; EDF provides depth and resilience.

Octopus Energy vs EDF Customer Service and Satisfaction Ratings

Price and green credentials matter, but day-to-day experience often comes down to customer service. Responsiveness, billing accuracy, and clarity when something goes wrong are what separate a smooth supplier from a stressful one.

Octopus Energy

Octopus Energy has become the benchmark for customer satisfaction in the UK energy market. It consistently ranks at or near the top in surveys by Which?, Citizens Advice, and Trustpilot, where it holds an average score of 4.8 out of 5 from hundreds of thousands of reviews. Customers regularly highlight the speed of responses, the friendly tone of service teams, and transparent billing. Octopus has also won the Which? Recommended Provider award for 8 years running, an achievement no other major supplier has matched.

Part of that success comes from how Octopus uses its technology. The Kraken platform automates much of the back-end communication, reducing wait times and errors. Customers can reach support through email, chat, or phone, and the average waiting time for calls remains among the fastest in the industry. The result is a company that feels both efficient and personable, even as it continues to grow.

EDF Energy

EDF Energy, as one of the traditional giants, maintains an extensive customer service infrastructure with UK-based call centres and online account management. Its performance has improved over the past few years, but it generally sits mid-table in national rankings. Citizens Advice listed EDF’s average call wait time as over five minutes in 2024, which is competitive but longer than that of Octopus. Trustpilot reviews sit around 4.8 stars, reflecting solid and exceptional satisfaction levels.

EDF’s size means it can handle large volumes of customers and offers comprehensive help for vulnerable or elderly users who prefer speaking to advisors directly. However, customers sometimes report slower resolution for billing adjustments or meter queries compared with newer suppliers that rely more on automated systems.

Octopus Energy leads on overall customer satisfaction, combining speed, transparency, and accessibility. EDF Energy remains reliable, especially for those who prefer human support and a traditional service structure, but it trails in responsiveness and digital convenience.

Octopus Energy vs EDF EV and Smart Tariffs: Which Works Better for Electric Vehicle Owners?

The growing number of electric vehicles on UK roads has reshaped how people think about home energy. For EV drivers, charging costs and smart control options can make one supplier far more attractive than another.

Octopus Energy

Octopus Energy has become the go-to choice for EV owners. Its Intelligent Octopus Go tariff uses smart-meter technology and intelligent scheduling to automatically charge vehicles when electricity is cheapest and the grid is cleanest. During these off-peak hours, prices can drop to around 7p per kWh, which is far below the standard unit rate under the Ofgem price cap. The app connects directly to most modern EVs and chargers, automatically shifting charging times to low-cost periods overnight, typically between 11:30 pm and 5:30 am.

You’re also assured of 6h of cheap energy for your whole home every night. The setup process is simple: link your compatible car or wallbox charger to the Octopus app, set your preferred ready time, and the system handles the rest. For many drivers, it feels like autopilot for energy savings. The same app can also adjust home heating or appliance use in line with real-time prices for even more efficiency.

EDF Energy

EDF Energy also offers EV-specific plans under its GoElectric range. These include fixed-rate and variable options with reduced overnight rates for smart-meter customers. Typical off-peak prices hover around 9p to 10p per kWh, which is still competitive and provides predictable charging costs for households that prefer the security of fixed pricing. EDF’s app includes an EV dashboard showing charging costs, carbon intensity, and estimated savings, although it’s slightly less advanced in automation than Octopus’s intelligent scheduling.

Where Octopus Energy wins is in automation and user control. The Intelligent Octopus system can pause and resume charging in real time based on grid conditions, something EDF’s tariffs cannot yet match. However, EDF Energy remains a strong choice for customers who value fixed rates and want a straightforward, no-surprises bill.

For most EV drivers, Octopus Energy offers the smarter and cheaper option, especially if you have a compatible vehicle or charger and a smart meter. For those who prefer fixed costs and longer-term contracts, EDF’s GoElectric plans still deliver solid savings compared with standard tariffs.

Octopus Energy vs EDF Pros and Cons

Both Octopus Energy and EDF Energy have earned strong reputations, but they suit very different types of households. Understanding where each excels can make the decision much clearer.

Supplier	Pros	Cons	Best For
Octopus Energy	• 100% renewable electricity on all tariffs • Highly flexible options (Agile, Tracker, Intelligent Octopus Go) • No exit fees on most plans• Excellent customer service (4.8/5 on Trustpilot) • Accurate, real-time billing and app integration • Leading smart integration for EVs and smart meters	• Prices on Tracker and Agile change daily • Requires a smart meter for advanced tariffs • Less suitable for households wanting long-term fixed rates	Tech-savvy households, EV drivers, and eco-conscious customers who value innovation and control
EDF Energy	• Backed by EDF Group, one of Europe’s largest energy firms • 90% low-carbon power (nuclear + renewables) • Predictable fixed-rate tariffs• Broad UK customer support network • Reliable EV options under the GoElectric range	• Fixed tariffs often include exit fees • Fewer innovative tariff options • Slightly lower customer satisfaction ratings	Households seeking price stability, traditional billing, and long-term reliability

Which Supplier Is Better for You?

Both Octopus Energy and EDF Energy have strong reputations, but the best choice depends on how you use energy and what you value most, incuding flexibility, predictability, or environmental impact.

For Electric Vehicle Owners

Octopus Energy is generally the smarter pick. Its Intelligent Octopus Go tariff automatically charges your EV at the cheapest off-peak hours, often saving drivers hundreds of pounds each year. EDF’s GoElectric plans are competitive and simpler to manage, but they can’t match Octopus’s smart automation and real-time pricing flexibility.

For Households Wanting Predictable Bills

EDF Energy is the safer choice if you prefer knowing exactly what your bill will be each month. Its fixed-rate tariffs lock in prices for a set period, giving stability against market fluctuations. Octopus also offers fixed deals, but its flexible options can lead to bigger savings or unexpected price swings depending on the market.

For Eco-Conscious Homes

Octopus Energy delivers 100% renewable electricity across all tariffs, while EDF relies mainly on a low-carbon mix from nuclear and renewables. If your goal is to support a new green generation, Octopus’s investment in solar and wind projects gives it a stronger environmental edge.

For Tech-Savvy and App-Focused Users

Octopus leads on usability. Its app, live usage tracking, and smart-meter automation make energy management feel effortless. EDF’s digital tools are solid and reliable, but they cater more to traditional users than those who enjoy monitoring and optimising their energy habits.

For Long-Term Reliability and Established Support

EDF remains one of the most stable names in UK energy. Its decades-long presence, nationwide call centres, and strong corporate backing make it a good fit for customers who value consistency and personal contact over automation.

If you value innovation, transparency, and full renewable energy, Octopus Energy is the better overall choice. If you prefer the reassurance of a large, established provider with fixed-rate protection and long-standing experience, EDF Energy remains a dependable option.

Final Thoughts on Octopus Energy vs EDF

Octopus Energy and EDF Energy are both respected suppliers, but they cater to different household priorities.

Octopus Energy stands out as the innovator. It combines 100% renewable electricity with advanced smart-meter technology, flexible pricing, and exceptional customer service. Its Tracker, Agile, and Intelligent Octopus Go tariffs give customers real-time control and the potential for lower bills, particularly for those with electric vehicles or smart homes.

EDF Energy remains the traditional powerhouse. It delivers stability, wide customer support, and a low-carbon energy mix backed by nuclear and renewable sources. Its fixed-rate tariffs offer reassurance for those who want predictable costs and less exposure to market volatility.

Choose Octopus Energy if you value renewable energy, flexibility, and cutting-edge technology. Choose EDF Energy if you prefer fixed rates, long-term reliability, and a familiar, established service.

FAQs on Octopus Energy vs EDF

Is Octopus Better Than EDF?

Octopus Energy generally outperforms EDF in customer satisfaction, renewable energy sourcing, and technology. It offers 100% renewable electricity on all tariffs and has higher Trustpilot and Which? ratings. EDF remains strong for households wanting fixed prices and traditional service, but Octopus provides better flexibility and innovation overall.

Is Octopus Energy Owned by EDF?

No. Octopus Energy is an independent British company. EDF Energy is the UK arm of Électricité de France, a French state-owned utility. The two companies compete directly in the UK market and are not connected through ownership.

Is EDF Energy Cheaper?

EDF Energy’s fixed tariffs can sometimes offer short-term savings when wholesale prices rise, but its standard variable and flexible plans usually sit close to the Ofgem price cap. Octopus tends to be cheaper for smart-meter and EV users, while EDF can be more affordable for customers preferring stable, fixed-rate contracts.

Why Is Octopus Energy So Cheap?

Octopus keeps prices low through technology. Its Kraken platform automates billing and energy trading, reducing overheads and allowing faster tariff updates. The company also avoids expensive call-centre systems by using digital support and reinvests efficiency savings into competitive pricing for customers.

Sources and References

UK Parliament – Gas and electricity prices during the ‘energy crisis’ and beyond

Octopus Energy – Energy prices from October 2025, and what they mean for you

EDF – Compare our best energy deals on gas and electricity tariffs

Ofgem – Energy price cap explained

Reddit – Four updates to the April 2025 fixed tariff in just 8 days, and now a £50 exit fee added today

Ofgem – Renewable Energy Guarantees of Origin (REGO)

Trustpilot – Octopus Energy

Which? – Energy suppliers: Which? Recommended Providers

Trustpilot – EDF

Citizens Advice – EDF and Utilita named as worst suppliers for customer service in Citizens Advice league table

Octopus Energy – Intelligent Octopus Go: the UK’s most popular EV tariff