Switching Provider Assistance Evaluated by Stiftung Warentest: Certain Provider Transition Services Exhibit Flaws
According to the latest report from "Stiftung Warentest Finanzen" (Issue 9/2025), the top-rated switching services for gas and electricity tariffs in Germany include Verivox, Check24, Preisvergleich.de, Toptarif, and Tarifcheck. These platforms offer a range of benefits, making the process of switching providers faster and simpler for most users.
Advantages of Using Switching Services
Convenience
Switching services save time and effort by aggregating numerous tariffs in one place, allowing users to compare options easily.
Comprehensive Comparisons
These platforms often include many providers and detailed filters for usage, contract length, and payment methods, making it easier to find the best fit.
Promotional Offers
Some platforms negotiate or highlight special bonuses or cashback incentives, providing additional savings for users.
User-Friendly Interfaces
Designed to guide users clearly through the switching process, these interfaces make it simple for anyone to navigate.
Automatic Switching Option
Some services offer the convenience of handling the entire switch automatically, including contract cancellation.
Disadvantages Compared to Independent Switching
While switching services offer numerous benefits, there are also potential drawbacks.
Potential Bias
Some services may receive commissions from providers, potentially influencing their ranking or suggested options.
Less Customized Advice
While filters exist, they may not perfectly capture very specific personal usage patterns or preferences.
Data Privacy
Sharing personal and usage data with third parties could raise privacy concerns.
Missed Niche Offers
Independent research might uncover local or less visible deals not integrated into large platforms.
Service Fees
A few services might charge fees for full switching assistance, while switching independently is typically free.
The Test Results
In the same report, "Stiftung Warentest Finanzen" tested nine switching services and found only two to be convincing: Stromauskunft and Wechselfabrik. The commission for these services is paid either by the supplier or the customer, who pays around 20 to 30 percent of the savings found.
Customers register with their personal details and sign a contract with the switching service. Stromauskunft receives its commission via its cooperation partner Verivox, while Wechselfabrik charges the customer 30 percent of the predicted annual savings as commission.
The Decision for Existing Customers
The shortcomings in the performance of Cheapenergy24, Esave, Scan Energy, Wechselpilot, SwitchUp, and Wechselstrom.eu are not severe enough to advise against their use for existing customers. However, new customers who secure the best prices enjoy an advantage. Comparing tariffs and switching providers requires some effort, but it is manageable.
The Recommendation
For consumers who want to save on energy costs but don't want to deal with the comparison and switching process themselves, "Stiftung Warentest Finanzen" recommends switching services. However, consumers motivated to deeply optimize costs or maintain full control over their data might prefer independent research and direct switching with providers.
The largest savings from switching typically come from doing it independently. Therefore, it's essential to weigh the benefits of convenience against the potential for greater savings when making a decision. Switching gas and electricity tariffs regularly can result in significant savings, making it a worthwhile endeavour for many consumers.
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