Compare the Market Energy – Full Guide to Switching in 2025
Energy bills remain one of the biggest household expenses in the UK, and the way to keep them under control is regular price comparison and switching. With the energy price cap now at £1,641 a year and fixed deals hovering just below that figure, the question many households face is whether a fixed tariff offers genuine savings or simply locks in higher rates. Compare the Market is one of the most recognised comparison platforms, but how does it work, and is it the best choice for your switch?
This guide covers the nuts and bolts of comparing energy prices on Compare the Market, explains the current price cap and fixed tariff landscape, and examines whether the platform is as reliable as its competitors. It also includes Martin Lewis’s latest advice on fixing versus staying on the cap, and a timeline of recent and predicted cap changes.
How do I compare energy prices on Compare the Market?
£1,641/year (June 2025)
Ofgem via MoneySuperMarket
£1,520–£1,580/year
Uswitch data
Takes 5 minutes online, 17 days to switch
Common across comparison sites
Up to £150/year vs. price cap
Uswitch and MSE estimates
- The energy price cap sets a maximum unit rate, not a fixed bill – you can still save by fixing if you find a deal below the cap.
- Compare the Market does not compare every single supplier; no single site covers 100% of the market, so checking two comparison sites is recommended.
- Fixed tariffs are currently very close to the price cap; the best fixed deals are only ~5-8% cheaper, so locking in now is a hedge against potential price rises.
- Martin Lewis recommends using a whole-of-market comparison site but caveats that commission-based models mean not all tariffs appear on every site.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Energy Price Cap (Apr-Jun 2025) | £1,690/year |
| Energy Price Cap (Jul-Sep 2025) | £1,641/year |
| Best 12-month fixed (May 2025) | £1,528 (E.ON Next Fixed) |
| Number of suppliers on CtM | ~15 active |
| Commission per switch | ~£20-30 |
What is the current energy price cap and should I fix my tariff?
What is the cheapest energy tariff available today?
According to Uswitch, the cheapest fixed deal available as of May 2025 was the E.ON Next Fixed tariff at £1,528 a year for typical consumption – that is roughly £113 below the July 2025 price cap. However, that deal may have changed. Current data from comparison sites shows fixed tariffs ranging between £1,520 and £1,580 per year. Some suppliers, such as Octopus, offer variable tariffs with no exit fees, though the savings compared to the cap are small.
Will energy prices drop in 2025?
The energy price cap has already fallen from £1,690 in April 2025 to £1,641 in July 2025. Analysts predict a further increase of around £50–100 in October 2025, but these predictions are based on wholesale gas prices, which are notoriously volatile. No one can guarantee that prices will not rise or fall further.
Should I fix my energy tariff now or stay on the price cap?
Martin Lewis has described fixing now as a “no-brainer” when fixed deals are clearly below the current cap and further price rises are expected. However, the key caveat is that a fix is only attractive if you expect prices to stay high or rise further; if prices fall, a fixed tariff can end up costing more than staying on the cap. MoneySavingExpert advises households to compare all tariffs on the market, including exit fees, tariff length, and whether the deal is dual-fuel or single fuel. If you are on a standard variable tariff and can lock in a fixed deal below the cap without excessive exit fees, it may offer peace of mind against future increases.
The energy price cap applies only to standard/default tariffs. Fixed tariffs are not subject to the cap, so you compare them against the cap rather than being protected by it. If you fix, you give up the ability to benefit from future cap drops.
Is Compare the Market the best energy comparison site?
What is the difference between Compare the Market and Uswitch?
Both are commission-based comparison platforms that allow you to enter your postcode and usage to see tariffs. The main differences lie in the panel of suppliers each site includes. Compare the Market tends to have around 15 active suppliers, while Uswitch often lists more, including smaller players. Neither site compares absolutely every supplier – for example, Octopus Energy does not always appear on Compare the Market due to commission disagreements. Checking two sites, such as Compare the Market and Uswitch or MoneySuperMarket, is widely recommended.
Does Compare the Market compare all energy suppliers?
No. Compare the Market displays only tariffs from suppliers that pay commission. This means some competitive tariffs may be missing. MoneySavingExpert notes that no single comparison site covers 100% of the market, so users should cross-check.
How does Compare the Market make money from energy switching?
Compare the Market earns a commission – typically £20–30 – every time a household switches to a supplier through its platform. The commission is paid by the supplier, not the customer. This model means the site has an incentive to include suppliers willing to pay, but the results are still regulated by Ofgem’s Standards of Conduct.
Because Compare the Market only shows suppliers that pay commission, you may miss out on tariffs from providers like Octopus or smaller green suppliers. Always compare on at least one other site, such as Uswitch or MoneySuperMarket, before switching.
What does Martin Lewis say about Compare the Market energy?
Is Compare the Market a reliable energy comparison site?
Martin Lewis has frequently recommended using comparison sites, but he emphasises that no single site compares everything. He advises households to check all the big comparison platforms because each has a different panel of suppliers. In a recent MoneySavingExpert guide, he said: “Use a comparison site but check all the big ones as no site compares everything.” That applies directly to Compare the Market – it is reliable for what it shows, but not exhaustive.
What is a whole of market energy comparison?
A whole of market comparison would theoretically include every tariff available in the UK. In practice, no comparison site offers this because some suppliers refuse to pay commission. The term is sometimes used loosely by sites that claim to compare “the whole market” of participating suppliers. For a truly thorough search, you need to use at least two comparison sites and also check suppliers that do not appear on any comparison platform.
How has the energy price cap changed in 2024-2025?
- – Price cap set at £1,717/year.
- – Cap increases to £1,738/year.
- – Cap decreases to £1,690/year.
- – Cap decreases further to £1,641/year (current).
- – Analysts predict cap may rise ~£50-100/year.
What is certain and what is uncertain about energy prices?
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| The price cap for July–September 2025 is confirmed at £1,641/year. | Future price cap levels are only predictions based on wholesale gas prices. |
| Switching online takes 17 days and cannot be blocked by your old supplier. | Not all fixed tariffs are shown on any single comparison site. |
| Compare the Market displays only tariffs from suppliers that pay commission. | Martin Lewis’s specific recommendation changes frequently; check his latest guide. |
How does Compare the Market work as a comparison platform?
Compare the Market operates as a commission-based comparison platform. It does not compare all UK suppliers – for example, Octopus Energy is not always listed due to commission disputes. Users should cross-check with Uswitch or MoneySuperMarket for truly ‘whole of market’ coverage. The recent price cap drop to £1,641 offers a window where fixed tariffs are close to the cap, making fixing less urgent than in 2023–2024.
What do Ofgem, Martin Lewis, and Uswitch say?
“The energy price cap will fall to £1,641 from July 2025.”
Ofgem
“Use a comparison site but check all the big ones as no site compares everything.”
MoneySavingExpert (Martin Lewis)
“The cheapest fixed deal is currently £1,528, around £113 less than the price cap.”
Uswitch
Is it worth switching energy with Compare the Market?
Switching energy through Compare the Market can save you money if you find a fixed tariff below the price cap and you intend to stay with that supplier for at least 12 months. However, because the site does not show every tariff, it is wise to also compare on Uswitch or MoneySuperMarket. For more on how to get the best from comparison tools, read the Martin Lewis Money Saving Expert – official site and free tools. And before you switch, make sure you know your current consumption by learning How to read electric meter – complete guide for all meter types.
Frequently asked questions
What is Fuse Energy?
Fuse Energy is a newer supplier offering a 100% fixed tariff with no exit fees. It may not appear on Compare the Market’s panel.
Can I compare business energy on Compare the Market?
No, the Compare the Market energy tool is for residential customers only. Business energy can be compared on dedicated B2B comparison sites.
What is the marginal pricing of energy?
Marginal pricing is the system where all electricity generators are paid the price of the most expensive unit needed to meet demand. It affects wholesale costs but not your direct tariff rate.
How do I read an energy comparison table?
Look for the estimated annual cost for typical usage, the tariff type (fixed or variable), exit fees, and whether it’s dual-fuel or single fuel.
What happens when I switch energy supplier through Compare the Market?
You complete an online form, and the new supplier handles the switch. Your supply will not be interrupted, and the process takes up to 17 days.
How often should I compare energy prices?
At least once a year, ideally just before your current fixed tariff ends. If you are on a standard variable tariff, consider comparing quarterly when the price cap changes.
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