A SIM-only deal is a mobile phone contract or package of calls/minutes, texts and mobile data for a fixed monthly cost, just like a normal mobile phone contract. A SIM-only plan doesn’t include a new mobile phone in the contract, you just get the SIM with the services included in that SIM plan, making it a much more affordable option for those happy with their current handset whether that’s Android or iPhone.
How do SIM-only deals work?
SIM-only contracts are easy to understand. Just choose which package of minutes, texts and data suit your needs, then insert the SIM card into your unlocked phone and you’re ready.
Which mobile phone network has the best SIM-only deals?
Different networks have their advantages, and the network you choose will depend on your priorities.
Vodafone SIM-only Vodafone is a trusted large network that is especially good for SIM-only plans. They offer a variety of SIM-only deals for 30-day, 12-month or 24-month contracts as well as pay as you go bundles. Plus, Vodafone has Unlimited and Red plans that include extras such as Spotify, Amazon Prime and YouTube subscriptions.
Three have a good selection of monthly and pay as you go SIM packages. They also offer different data options to choose from as well as 5G data.
EE SIM-only: EE is great for coverage, with one of the widest ranging networks across the UK. They offer SIM packages for all types of user, from 1GB of data plans all the way to unlimited 5G data. You can also choose one of EE’s Smart Benefit plans to access premium platforms such as Apple Music and BT Sport.
Mobile networks like Vodafone, SMARTY, giffgaff, SKY, O2, iD Mobile and EE are some of the best out there.
O2 SIM-only: O2 is great for flexible SIM-only tariffs with priority extras such as pre-sale music events tickets and other benefits.
Why choose a SIM-only deal?
If you already have a phone you love or are thinking about getting one separately, a SIM-only deal can help you save money in the long run without having to sign up to a long-term mobile phone contract. The good news is that most mobile networks offer this type of mobile phone contract, from Vodafone to iD Mobile and Lebara, so there are a host of SIM-only deals to choose from.
*Updated as of 18/09/2023. Prices may vary by location.
Here’s a tip: the cheapest unlimited data plans tend to come with a data-only SIM. If you don’t need calls and texts, this is definitely the best option for you.
Want to bypass other brands and just get your hands on the latest iPhone?
Unlike pay-monthly phone contracts, SIM-only deals don’t require you to change phones. You can buy a new phone yourself or keep your current phone. Simply buy a SIM from any network, put it in your phone and subscribe to the SIM-only plan that suits you.
More affordable
Since you’re only paying for a SIM card, SIM plans only include the cost of the services without the added cost of a new handset. Some of the best unlimited data plans are SIM-only, meaning you can use your old phone or find a new phone yourself without the long-term cost of a mobile phone contract.
Flexibility
Rather than signing up to a 12-24 month contract, you can get a SIM card package tailored to your needs and budget in a 1-12 month contract. That means you can change your SIM-only deal whenever it suits you.
Easier credit check
Since SIM-only plans do not include a brand new handset, your contract is much cheaper but it also means you are a “lower risk candidate” when it comes to applying.
Ask yourself: are you interested in a network that offers more flexibility, do you just want the cheapest unlimited plan, or are you looking for a special offer? If you’re looking to bundle your mobile deal with other services, we recommend checking for Virgin Media in my area. We also recommend that you compare mobile deals carefully before you decide.
Can I trust smaller, less well-known networks?
Yes, smaller and less well-known networks can be trusted for SIM-only deals. Smaller networks can prove to be a better option for SIM-only deals as they often provide services at cheaper rates. Are you looking for an affordable data plan? You’ll find some of the best unlimited data plans on smaller networks. The quality of service is just as good as with larger networks because smaller ones often use the same infrastructure.
You will want to check a provider’s mobile network coverage in your area before you sign up to a deal with them. Especially if you are looking for a specific area, e.g. the best SIM-only deals in London.
Here are a few lesser known networks worth considering:
If you’re still in-contract, you may have to wait until your term ends or you could be faced with a cancellation fee. If you’ve finished your contract but want to switch to a SIM-only plan with another network, you also need to make sure your phone is unlocked.
Pros and cons of a SIM-only deal
Pros
SIM-only plans are cheaper than mobile contracts. Since you don’t have the cost of a new phone, you only pay for minutes, texts and data.
SIM-only deals are flexible: you can choose 30-day rolling contracts or up to 24 months so you can always have the right SIM for your needs.
It’s easier to get a SIM-only contract if you have a bad credit rating as you don’t have to cover the cost of a handset.
Cons
You can’t use a SIM-only contract if you’re still tied to a contract or if your phone is locked to another network.
You need to get your own phone or handset and may need to pay for a warranty if the phone is older.
What type of SIM-only deals are there?
The good thing about SIM-only deals is that they come with a good range of services, and packages to suit your needs.
Pay as you go SIMs allow you to transfer a SIM card from one phone to another compatible one.
Affordable SIM deals can be cheap whilst covering your basic needs or services.
Unlimited data SIMs are great for streaming music or TV without worrying about data usage.
SIM-only deals come in a variety of contract lengths, so you can choose from 30 day, 12-month and 24-month contracts.
What special features do SIM-only deals offer?
Some mobile contracts offer extra perks and incentives to their customers, and SIM-only deals are no different.
These can include priority gigs, entertainment extras and free gifts for SIM-only customers. O2 offers some of the best SIM-only deals.
What is the right SIM-only deal for me?
To find the right SIM-only deal for you, compare a few options and choose the deal that matches best your needs. The different services offered in a SIM-only deal include calls, texts, and GB data. You can choose a SIM-only agreement that offers an unlimited data, calls and texts allowance of all these services or choose to limit allowances you won’t use. Consider the following when choosing your SIM:
What contract lengths are on offer?
SIM-only deals offer contract lengths as short as one month, though 12-month contracts are perhaps the most common. Weigh up different contract lengths to decide whether a monthly plan, a 12-month contract, or a longer deal suits you best, and pick the one that offers the most value for money.
How much data should I look for in a SIM-only deal?
How much data you need in a SIM-only deal depends on your usage. If you only use data to read your emails or browse social media, then 1 or 2GB should work. If you stream a lot of videos, podcasts, download music, you may need a large allowance of 10GB or 20GB data or more per month. You can also consider buying a data-only SIM card and get a cheap unlimited data plan if data is all you need.
Depending on the type of SIM-only deal you’re looking for and the allowances you want, the price will vary. For example if you want a SIM-only plan that allows you to watch movies and TV on your phone, then an unlimited data SIM plan is going to be more costly than a SIM plan with little data. If you’re happy with only a small data allowance and use mostly calls and texts, then the SIM will be more affordable. Although VOXI does offer SIM-only deals that includes some streaming services to stream without data-usage as long as there’s data available.
Many 4G SIM-only plans already come ready with 5G so you can make the most of it right away.
Is 5G available in the UK?
5G is available in over 100 different cities in the UK. These include:
Cities:
Aberdeen
Glasgow
Oxford
Belfast
Hull
Plymouth
Birmingham
Leeds
Sheffield
Bath
Lisburn
Salford
Bristol
Leicester
Stirling Sunderland
Cardiff
Lichfield
Nottingham
Chelmsford
Liverpool
Newcastle
Coventry
Lichfield
Wolverhampton
Edinburgh
London
Wakefield
Many 4G SIM-only plans already come 5G-ready, so you can make the most of it right away.
How do I switch to a SIM-only tariff?
If you’re still on a contract deal, then you may have to wait until it ends otherwise you could be faced with a cancellation fee. Once your contract ends, you’re free to switch to a deal on a cheap SIM card to save money. Your SIM-only deal can be offered by your current provider or on a new network.
How easy is it to switch to another network?
If you’ve finished your contract but want to switch to a SIM-only plan on another network, you need to make sure your phone is also unlocked. Some brands like Vodafone, BT Mobile, Tesco Mobile and O2, lock their handsets. However, if you give your network a call, you can quickly get your phone unlocked. The customer service agent will ask for your phone’s IMEI number and unlock your phone for free. If you haven’t paid off your handset and you’re still in contract, your network will likely charge you what’s left to pay on your deal.
Switching on the same network
If you’re on a pay-as-you-go (PAYG) deal, switching to a different arrangement is easy. All you have to do is sign up for the new deal and put your new PAYG SIM in your handset. However, if you’re in a SIM-only contract on the same network and want to upgrade to a better contract, you will either have to start a new contract (probably with an upfront cost and a higher monthly cost) or upgrade the same contract without creating a new one. Bear in mind, however, that ending any plan early can be expensive unless you’re on a month-to-month contract.
How do I upgrade to a better SIM-only deal?
If you think the deal you’re currently on isn’t right for you, or you’re looking to upgrade from 4G data to 5G data, you can switch to another that’s more suited to your needs regardless of whether it’s on the same or a different network.
My phone is unlocked. Can I use a SIM-only deal?
Switching to a SIM-only deal on any network in an unlocked phone is easy. All you need is to decide which SIM plan is best for you, put the SIM card in your phone, and start using it!
How can I check if my phone is unlocked and will accept a different network’s SIM?
To check if your phone is unlocked, simply insert a different SIM and try to make a call. If the call connects, then your phone is unlocked. You could use a free PAYG SIM or a friend’s SIM to see if it works on your device. If your phone is locked, you’ll need to unlock it first by giving your network a call.
How do I pay for a SIM-only plan?
SIM-only contracts give you a fixed allowance of data, calls, and texts for a certain period (usually a monthly contract) and require you to make a fixed payment for it, each month.
Term
Plan benefits
30-day plan
One-month contracts allow you to pay periodically without a long-term commitment and usually come with an extra cost as a result.
12-month plan
Often offers better value than a one-month deal, though cancellation will mean having to pay off what’s left on your contract.
Longer plans
Some networks offer 18, 24, or even 36-month contracts. A good option if you find a great price you want to lock in long-term.
PAYG SIM
Pay-as-you-go SIMs offer maximum flexibility to the customer, you just get a SIM from the provider and pay for the minutes, texts and GB data you use.
SIM-only deals FAQs
Yes, you can. You can port your number to a SIM-only deal and save yourself the hassle of a new number by keeping your old one. All you need to do is get a PAC code from your current network before starting with your new one. PAC codes usually have expiry dates, but if you fail to swap them before the code expires you can just ask for another one.
When you get in touch with your old network by phone or online, they can give you your PAC code. You can also use Ofcom’s ‘text to switch’ service by texting ‘PAC’ to 65075 and get the code sent directly to your phone. Once you receive the code, simply send it to your new network provider to transfer your number.
If you’re keeping your number and switching to another network, your number won’t lose service while it’s being transferred to your new network. It will remain active on your old SIM until the transfer is complete, and after that you can just put in your new SIM and enjoy your service without any interruption.
If you lose service or experience other problems with your network, the best thing to do is contact your provider and register a complaint. You will usually be able to find a number to contact on your network’s website or in their mobile app. Make sure you’ve communicated your problem clearly to your service provider. If you feel you’re not getting the attention you need from them, consider getting a deal with another network.
Don’t just throw your old SIM card away when you get a new one. Your SIM also acts as a data storage device and can save personal information, such as contacts and other files. To ensure your safety and protect your privacy, make a copy of your data and then destroy your old SIM card before throwing it away.
Be sure to get a SIM that’s compatible with your device, otherwise you’ll be left unable to access the allowance you’ve paid for. Don’t panic if you’re not sure which SIM card you need, most network providers will send you a 3-in-1 card so you can use the one that fits best for your device. Here’s a table outlining the different sizes that SIM cards are available in:
Type of SIM
Size
Description
Combi, or multi-SIM
Multi-use
Comes in the standard size but can be broken into smaller sizes. Can be used in various devices and is now offered by many networks to ensure compatibility with any device.
Standard
Large
Larger than newer models, can’t be used in most new phones.
Micro
Small
Used in certain models of the iPhone, as well as many LG and Samsung devices. Smaller than standard but larger than nano.
Nano
Tiny
Smallest and most common SIM size, with most new handsets using them. iPhone X SIM card is an example of a nano SIM.
When your SIM-only contract is coming to an end, you’ll receive an end-of-contract notification. If you had a good experience, you can often renew the same agreement. If you didn’t have a good experience, you can start to look for a better deal.
If you’re not satisfied with your current deal, you can call your network’s customer service team to cancel it. You’ll have to pay off the remainder of your contract before you cancel. Some networks allow you to unsubscribe via SMS - this service is called text-to-switch.
If you often bring your tablet with you when you go out and want to have access to the internet when you’re not connected to WiFi, you can get a data-only SIM card. They are similar to other SIM cards but don’t have any minutes or texts, just data.
Before you go and buy a data only SIM, check your tablet has a slot along the side for a SIM card, since not every device does. It’s a good idea to also check the manufacturer’s handbook so you know what kind of SIM you should get.
There are usually no credit checks for short-term deals, but, if you’re signing up to a 12-month plan, there will be a credit check. A network might not allow you to enter the contract if you fail this check. Alternatively, you can go for a short-term contract or get a PAYG SIM deal.
A SIM-only deal can improve your credit rating if you make your payments every month and on time.
