Mobile phone tariffs

Mobile phone tariffs in depth

Choosing the right mobile phone tariff is all about making sure that you don’t pay more than you need to for your using your mobile. Your tariff determines how you pay for your mobile calls and text messages, as well as what free calls or texts you get.

We've listed the bestselling tariffs above to help you compare and make the right mobile phone tariff choice for you.

For more help understanding mobile phone tarrifs, check out our guide to mobile phone tariffs.

The first thing you need to think about when looking for the right mobile phone tariff for you is how you will use your mobile phone. This will help you determine whether you want to pay as you go, or pay monthly for your mobile phone call minutes and texts.

Pay as you go tariff pros and cons

Pros

• Pay as you go is flexible; you are not tied into a monthly mobile phone contract.

• You have complete control. It is entirely up to you how much or little you spend on mobile calls and texts.

Cons

• Call and text charges are generally higher than with contract mobile phones.

• The initial cost of the mobile phone handset is generally higher.

Pay monthly (mobile phone contract)

By signing up for a monthly contract, you are agreeing to pay a set monthly subscription charge to your mobile phone network and then receive a bill for your calls, texts and data usage at the end of the month.

Pay monthly (mobile phone contract) pros and cons:

Pros

• Most mobile phone pay monthly contracts come with a free handset.

• Call charges are generally less with a mobile phone contract.

• Most mobile phone pay monthly contracts come with a set amount of free calls, texts and data allowances.

Cons

• With a contract, you have to commit to a 12, 18 or even 24 month term with that network.

• It could be easy to lose track of how much you are spending on calls, texts and data, leading to bill shocks.

Next steps

Once you have decided what kind of tariff you will go for, you need to decide what you want included in your mobile phone tariff.

If you’re a heavy texter you may want a mobile tariff that gives you loads of free texts each month.

Compare mobile phone and free text deals Mobile phones & free texts.

Maybe you’re someone who loves to chat? You can sign up for a tariff that includes loads of talk time – from great deals on network to network calls, to any network minutes and even international calling, you will find that there is a mobile phone tariff to suit your needs.

Compare the latest mobile phone and free calls packages Mobile phones & free calls

If you’re looking to make the most of your mobile’s multimedia capabilities, it may be worth your while to make sure you get a great deal on a tariff with a big data allowance for things like accessing the internet and streaming music and videos on the move.

Compare the latest mobile phone bundles Mobile phone bundles.

Once you have decided exactly what you need from your mobile phone tariff all you have left to do is pick a great handset and find a network that gives you the best mobile phone tariff you want with it.

Check out the latest mobile phones at our dedicated page: Latest mobile phones.