SIM Only deals

SIM only deals are very straightforward: you just pick a deal based on how much mobile data you want each month, as well as extras such as minutes and calls. Then you get sent a SIM card to insert into your phone, and you're all set.

SIM only deals are perfect if you already have a phone you're happy to carry on using, or if you'd rather just pay for a handset outright without a long-term contract attached.

If you stay on the same price plan once your contract ends, your network could carry on charging you the same amount as when you signed up. This means you may still be charged for a handset that you've already fully paid off - and spending way more than you need to as a result.

If you do have a new smartphone in mind that you'd like to purchase, buying it outright could save you money, too. While it'll cost more initially, SIM only deals are usually much less expensive per month than a handset + SIM plan, so you could make the money back over the length of your contract.

Essentially, SIM only deals often give you great plans with plenty of data, minutes and texts for a fraction of the price of a contract plan.

SIM only deals come in thick and fast. It’s a competitive market with networks big and small all trying to out-do each other with enticing deals. That makes SIM only a great option for customers. And if you’re looking for our best deals, you should keep a few things in mind first.

How long do you want your contract to last? Our best SIM only deals come in a range of lengths - including 30-day, 12-month, 18-month and 24-month plans.

How much data do you need? SIM only deals will include a specific amount of data you can use every month. From 6GB to 10GB and all the way up to unlimited data, you can choose from a wide variety of data allowances across networks to suit your usage.

What network do you want to join? We offer deals from all major UK mobile networks. You can compare SIM only contracts from Vodafone, O2, Smarty, VOXI, Three, giffgaff and more.

Several factors will come into play when choosing the right SIM only deal for your needs.

They're great value for money, they're flexible, they can include lots of data and much more.

There aren't many cons, with the only main downside being that they don't come with a mobile phone included in the deal, so you will need a handset of your own to use the SIM card.

How much data you need is all down to how much data you actually use on your phone. According to Ofcom, the average mobile phone user in 2021 used about 5GB per month while connected to mobile data on their smartphone.

That amount of data covers things like browsing the web, checking email, scrolling through social media and watching the odd video.

But if you love streaming video and regularly listen to music and podcasts while you're out and about and not connected to Wi-Fi, you'll probably need quite a bit more.

If you want to see how much data you're using, all you have to do is take a look at your network's app on your phone.

You should find a detailed breakdown of exactly how much data you use on a monthly basis.

With this info you should be able to make a well-informed decision on the kind of mobile plan you need, unless of course you plan to change your usage. Either way you'll have a clear view of how much you're using.

You can choose from 30-day, 12-month, 18-month and 24-month plans. You'll likely pay less for a longer deal, but get more flexibility with the 30-day offer options.

The length of contract you choose comes down to your personal preference. If you’ve got a smartphone you’re happy to use for the long term and want a big data deal then you could be well suited to an 18 or 24-month plan.

But if you’re unsure of how long you’ll use your current contract, then it might be best to get a rolling 30-day deal.

However, different networks offer different types of SIM only deal, and you might not be able to get every contract length on every network. For instance, you’re more likely to get a cheap 30-day deal on a network like giffgaff or SMARTY, while larger networks like Vodafone and O2 offer the most longer-term contracts.

It’s best to shop around to find your perfect price plan.

When you get a new SIM only deal, you need to make sure you get the right SIM card for your phone. You can find out which SIM card you need in your phone's instructions, or if you no longer have those, a quick Google of your smartphone's make and model will reveal which card you need.

These days most networks send out a three in one SIM card, so no matter what phone you have, you can adapt the provided SIM card to fit.

With many networks competing on the market, you'll a range options for every type of smartphone user.

From pay monthly packages to SIM only deals, with lot of data for downloads and socials or maybe just enough minutes and texts to stay in touch with friends and family - figuring out what you need from a mobile plan is the first step to picking the right network.

Each year we highlight mobile networks in our Uswitch Awards, recognising the best in the market customer service, coverage, roaming and more.

Determined by consumer research as well as the decisions of a panel of judges, comprised of technology journalists and industry experts, these awards represent a seal of quality.

Take a look at the 2023 winners to see how the networks did in a selection of different categories.

If you want to switch networks to find a better deal, you first need to find out how long is left on your existing contract.

If you're approaching the end of your contract, your network is now obliged to send you an end of contract notification.

Once you're out of contract, switching networks is as simple as sending a text thanks to the introduction of the text-to-switch legislation.

The next thing to do is make sure you're not still under contract and are free to switch. The best way to do this?

Moving networks is meant to be a near-seamless process so you're hardly ever out of service.

You'll still be able to take calls and receive texts after you've given your new network your PAC code (see above for more about PAC codes).

When the actual switch to your new network happens, you may lose service for a very small period of time.

When the transfer is said to be done, just put your new SIM in to your phone and switch it on. If the phone works and you can make calls - you've got service and you're all set.

A locked phone means you can only use it on the network you bought it on, but this can differ depending on which network, handset and plan you have.

Don't worry if you're a bit confused, it's all a bit complicated. However, there's a simple way to see if your phone is unlocked.

For more info on switching networks, check out our handy guide.

Great, that's good news. You're now free to get a new SIM. The next thing to do is find a SIM only deal that suits your needs.

The best way to do is that by using the Uswitch comparison tables above. For some guidance as to which network to choose, take a look at all networks that picked up prizes at the 2022 Uswitch awards in the section below.

If you're out of contract, you're free to sign up to another deal. However, if you want to stay with your existing provider, you'll need to speak to them to make sure you can move to a new deal and keep your current phone number.

If you're upgrading your contract with your current provider, it should be really straightforward to switch to a new deal and keep your number. But, if you've found the deal via a third-party, like Uswitch or another price comparison website, you'll need to check with your network that it can switch your number for you.

So you've found a new SIM only deal, but if you want to keep your number when you change networks, you'll need to ask for a PAC code from your current provider.

A PAC code is made up of three letters and six numbers and is provided free by your network.

Previously, getting your network to part with your PAC code would involve phoning or emailing your network or even filling out a PAC code request form.

But now, thanks the recent introduction of 'text to switch', getting your PAC code is as easy as sending a text message.

Find out more about keeping your number when you switch network.

If you’re still on a mobile phone contract you’ll have to wait for the plan to end before you switch over to SIM only, unless you’re willing to pay a cancellation fee. But when your contract is up, signing up to a SIM only plan is as easy as letting your network know you’re keen to switch with a simple text, and then finding a SIM only plan that suits your needs.

Your new SIM only contract will start as soon as you receive the SIM card. Once you’ve signed up to a plan on your chosen network and deal, you’ll quickly receive a SIM card in the post. All you need to do is pop the SIM into your mobile phone and you’ll be ready to go.

Find out more about keeping your number when you switch network.