Is Octopus Energy Still the Cheapest Supplier in 2026?

Last updated: 5 October 2026

The UK energy market is ever-changing, leaving many consumers questioning whether their current supplier provides the best value. Octopus Energy has been widely recognised for its competitive pricing and strong focus on renewable energy. This article explores whether Octopus Energy continues to stand out as an affordable choice and evaluates how it compares to other suppliers in terms of cost, service quality, and added benefits.

Is Octopus Energy still the cheapest supplier?

Not necessarily. Octopus Energy can offer competitive tariffs in October 2026, but the cheapest supplier varies depending on individual usage and regional rates. Tracker adjusts daily with wholesale prices and can be more expensive than a price-capped tariff. MSE’s comparison updated on 2 October lists competitive fixed deals from Fuse Energy, E.ON Next and Outfox the Market. Compare current quotes to find the best deal for your home.

You could even get £50 credit if you make an eligible switch to them using our referral link here. Credit is paid after you are on supply and your first successful monthly Direct Debit. You can find out more about the refer-a-friend scheme here.

Existing customer? You can earn credit by referring someone who joins. T&Cs apply (only one switching offer per household)

The Current Energy Market

The UK energy sector has experienced significant price fluctuations in recent years due to factors such as geopolitical tensions, increasing demand, and global supply chain issues.

As of October 2026, energy costs remain a concern for households. On 1 October, Ofgem’s energy price cap rose by around 3.6%, setting the annualised benchmark at £1,723 for typical dual-fuel use paid by Direct Debit in Great Britain. This applies until 31 December 2026 and limits unit rates and standing charges, not your total bill. The rise highlights why many consumers are re-evaluating their options to ensure they are not overpaying.

Wholesale energy prices continue to be unpredictable, and suppliers face challenges in offering consistently low tariffs. As a result, consumers must carefully assess their energy usage and supplier contracts to avoid unexpected costs.

Octopus Energy’s Tariffs

Octopus Energy offers several tariff options to suit different needs, making it appealing to a broad range of households and businesses. Here are the main options:

• Flexible Octopus: A price-capped variable tariff with no exit fees. Its rates can change, and customers can switch if better deals arise.
• Octopus Tracker: A tariff linked to wholesale energy prices, which updates daily and requires a compatible smart meter. It can result in lower costs when market prices fall but can also exceed the standard Ofgem price cap.
• Octopus Go: Designed for electric vehicle (EV) owners who charge at home, this tariff provides reduced rates overnight. It requires a compatible smart meter; compare daytime rates and exit fees too.
• Fixed Tariffs: These plans lock in unit rates and usually standing charges for a set period, protecting customers from rate increases. Your bill still depends on how much energy you use.

Each tariff is structured to meet specific energy usage patterns, allowing customers to find a plan that suits their financial and practical requirements.

Comparing Octopus to Other Suppliers

Octopus Energy faces stiff competition from other major suppliers in the UK. Comparing its tariffs to other providers gives a clearer picture of its position in the market:

• British Gas: A well-known name with a variety of fixed and variable tariffs. Compare its current quote with Octopus rather than assuming either supplier is cheaper.
• EDF Energy: Known for offering a range of fixed-rate plans, EDF also offers FreePhase smart tariffs with occasional free electricity periods. These incentives may benefit specific households depending on their usage and eligibility.
• E.ON Next: E.ON Next offers fixed tariffs and a Next Pledge cap tracker. The tracker gives a discount below the cap over a 12-month term, but its rates change when the cap changes.
• Outfox the Market: This supplier offers competitive fixed and cap-tracker tariffs. Its October fixed deal features in the MSE comparison cited above; check the current quote and exit fees.
• Ovo Energy: OVO offers fixed-rate tariffs that provide protection from rate increases. Its planned takeover by E.ON received regulatory approval on 1 October 2026; completion is pending and the suppliers continue to operate separately.

When looking for the cheapest supplier, don’t forget to consider all elements of tariff, including standing charges, exit fees, and potential perks offered by the supplier.

If you want to find out the cheapest energy supplier right now, check out our guide on current energy supplier tariffs.

Customer Satisfaction

The quality of service provided by energy suppliers is just as important as the cost of their tariffs. Octopus Energy has built a strong reputation for customer satisfaction, with many users praising its transparency, responsive service, and easy-to-use digital tools.

On Trustpilot, Octopus Energy holds a rating of 4.8 out of 5, reflecting positive experiences from a large number of customers. British Gas has a Trustpilot rating of 4.4 out of 5. These ratings were checked on 5 October 2026 and can change over time.

Octopus’s focus on clear communication and reliable service has helped it establish itself as a trusted provider, even if it is not always the cheapest option.

Beyond Pricing

While the cost of tariffs is a key factor, there are other aspects that influence the overall value of an energy supplier:

• Customer Support: Quick and effective resolution of issues can make a significant difference, particularly when dealing with billing or technical problems.
• Sustainability: Octopus Energy invests in renewable generation and offers renewable-backed electricity tariffs. Check the tariff’s fuel mix and how its electricity is matched with generation.
• Technology: Octopus offers innovative tools, including an app and an online portal that allow customers to monitor usage and manage their accounts easily.
• Extras: Services like smart meter installations and tariffs tailored for electric vehicles offer added convenience for customers with specific needs.

These elements add value to a supplier’s offering, even if they do not directly affect the cost of energy.

Tools for Choosing the Right Supplier

Choosing an energy supplier can be simplified by using the right resources:

• Comparison Websites: Platforms such as MoneySavingExpert and Compare the Market help users compare prices, standing charges, and additional benefits across different suppliers.
• Energy Usage Monitoring: Analysing past bills and usage patterns can help identify the most suitable tariff for your household.
• Customer Reviews: Reading feedback from other customers can provide useful insights into the experiences offered by various suppliers.

Using these tools helps ensure that you select a supplier that aligns with your financial and practical needs.

Is Octopus Energy Still the Cheapest?

Whether Octopus Energy remains the most affordable choice depends on individual circumstances, such as your energy consumption, location, and preferences.

For some households, Octopus’s transparent pricing and innovative tariffs may offer excellent value, especially for those prioritising renewable-backed electricity. However, other suppliers like Outfox the Market or E.ON Next might provide lower rates under specific conditions. You can use our search tool to find your area’s cheapest supplier and other energy-related stats.

Octopus Energy continues to be a strong choice for those who value sustainable energy and highly rated service. Nevertheless, regular comparison of tariffs is essential to ensure you are getting the best deal.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What makes Octopus Energy different from other suppliers?

Octopus Energy stands out for its focus on renewable energy, transparent pricing, and customer-friendly digital tools. It also offers innovative tariffs like Octopus Go for electric vehicle owners and Octopus Tracker, which tracks daily wholesale energy prices.

2. Is Octopus Energy 100% renewable?

Zero-carbon electricity is not always renewable. Octopus’s published fuel mix for April 2024–March 2025 includes nuclear as well as renewable generation. On tariffs advertised as 100% renewable, electricity use is matched with renewable generation certificates. Your home still receives the shared grid mix, and this does not mean your gas is renewable. Check the tariff’s current fuel mix and terms.

3. How can I switch to Octopus Energy?

Switching to Octopus Energy is straightforward. Visit their website, choose a tariff that suits your needs, and provide your details. Octopus handles the transition process with your current supplier, ensuring no interruptions in your energy supply.

4. Are Octopus Energy’s prices affected by the energy price cap?

Flexible Octopus is subject to Ofgem’s price cap. However, wholesale-linked tariffs such as Tracker and Agile have different terms and can exceed the standard cap. Fixed tariffs lock in rates for their agreed term and do not automatically change with the cap; your total bill still depends on usage.