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No 2023 price rise
in your results

SIM Only deals

Keep your mobile phone, switch to SIM Only, and you could save £335* a year. Compare our best SIM Only deals today

Sponsored
Lebara Mobile
Lebara Mobile SIM deal
5GBdata
£4.95per month
£1.98 for first 3 months
Uswitch exclusive
No 2023 price rise
Sponsored byLebara Mobile
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List of SIM Only deals

  1. Lebara Mobile logo

    Lebara Mobile SIM deal

    Promoted

    Uses Vodafone's network

    Uses Vodafone's network

    Contract length
    No contract
    Contract length
    No contract
    • EU roaming included
    • No 2023 price rise
    • Uswitch exclusive
    15GB5G data
    £2.78for 3 months £6.95 after
  2. iD Mobile logo

    iD Mobile SIM deal

    Promoted

    Uses Three's network

    Uses Three's network

    Contract length
    1 month
    Contract length
    1 month
    • 3 months' Free Apple TV+
    • Free roaming up to 30GB
    • Uswitch exclusive
    70GB5G data
    £10.00per month
  3. O2 logo

    O2 SIM deal

    Promoted

    Contract length
    12 months
    Contract length
    12 months
    • 3 months Free Disney+
    • EU roaming included
    20GB5G data
    £8.00per month
  4. VodafoneVodafone SIM deal
    Vodafone SIM deal
    25GBdata
    £8per month
    Sponsored byVodafone Direct
    See Deal
    Sponsored byVodafone Direct
  5. Three Mobile logo

    Three Mobile SIM deal

    Promoted

    Contract length
    12 months
    Contract length
    12 months
      120GB5G data
      £12.00per month
    • Lyca Mobile logo

      Lyca Mobile SIM deal

      Promoted

      Uses EE's network

      Uses EE's network

      Contract length
      No contract
      Contract length
      No contract
      • No 2023 price rise
      • Uswitch exclusive
      6GB5G data
      £1.95for 3 months £4.90 after
    • SMARTY logo

      SMARTY SIM deal

      Promoted

      Uses Three's network

      Uses Three's network

      Contract length
      No contract
      Contract length
      No contract
      • EU roaming included
      • No 2023 price rise
      • Uswitch exclusive
      40GB5G data
      £8.00per month
    • Talkmobile logo

      Talkmobile SIM deal

      Promoted

      Uses Vodafone's network

      Uses Vodafone's network

      Contract length
      1 month
      Contract length
      1 month
      • EU roaming included
      • No 2023 price rise
      70GB5G data
      £9.95per month
    • Vodafone logo

      Vodafone SIM deal

      Promoted

      Contract length
      12 months
      Contract length
      12 months
        40GBdata
        £10.00per month
      • giffgaff logo

        giffgaff SIM deal

        Promoted

        Uses O2's network

        Uses O2's network

        Contract length
        18 months
        Contract length
        18 months
        • EU roaming included
        • Fixed prices for 2023
        • No 2023 price rise
        • Get 15GB extra free for 6 months
        25GB5G data
        £10.00per month
      • Lebara Mobile logo

        Lebara Mobile SIM deal

        Uses Vodafone's network

        Uses Vodafone's network

        Contract length
        No contract
        Contract length
        No contract
        • EU roaming included
        • No 2023 price rise
        • Uswitch exclusive
        5GB5G data
        £1.98for 3 months £4.95 after
      • Lyca Mobile logo

        Lyca Mobile SIM deal

        Uses EE's network

        Uses EE's network

        Contract length
        No contract
        Contract length
        No contract
        • No 2023 price rise
        • Uswitch exclusive
        3GB5G data
        £1.50for 3 months £3.90 after
      • Lebara Mobile logo

        Lebara Mobile SIM deal

        Uses Vodafone's network

        Uses Vodafone's network

        Contract length
        No contract
        Contract length
        No contract
        • EU roaming included
        • No 2023 price rise
        • Uswitch exclusive
        30GB5G data
        £3.57for 3 months £8.95 after
      • O2 logo

        O2 SIM deal

        Contract length
        12 months
        Contract length
        12 months
        • 3 months Free Disney+
        • EU roaming included
        30GB5G data
        £10.00per month
      • Lyca Mobile logo

        Lyca Mobile SIM deal

        Uses EE's network

        Uses EE's network

        Contract length
        No contract
        Contract length
        No contract
        • No 2023 price rise
        • Uswitch exclusive
        15GB5G data
        £2.75for 3 months £6.90 after
      • O2 logo

        O2 SIM deal

        Contract length
        12 months
        Contract length
        12 months
        • 3 months Free Disney+
        • EU roaming included
        50GB5G data
        £12.00per month
      • Vodafone logo

        Vodafone SIM deal

        Contract length
        12 months
        Contract length
        12 months
          25GBdata
          £8.00per month
        • Lyca Mobile logo

          Lyca Mobile SIM deal

          Uses EE's network

          Uses EE's network

          Contract length
          No contract
          Contract length
          No contract
          • No 2023 price rise
          • Uswitch exclusive
          30GB5G data
          £3.50for 3 months £8.90 after
        • iD Mobile logo

          iD Mobile SIM deal

          Uses Three's network

          Uses Three's network

          Contract length
          1 month
          Contract length
          1 month
          • 3 months' Free Apple TV+
          • Free roaming up to 30GB
          • Uswitch exclusive
          Unlimited5G data
          £15.00per month
        • SMARTY logo

          SMARTY SIM deal

          Uses Three's network

          Uses Three's network

          Contract length
          No contract
          Contract length
          No contract
          • EU roaming included
          • No 2023 price rise
          Unlimited5G data
          £16.00per month
        • O2 logo

          O2 SIM deal

          Contract length
          12 months
          Contract length
          12 months
          • 3 months Free Disney+
          • EU roaming included
          100GB5G data
          £15.00per month
        Can't find what you're looking for?

        Uswitch services are provided at no cost to you, but we may receive a commission from the companies we refer you to. If a deal is "promoted" on Uswitch's tables, then it has been lent additional visibility as a result of us securing exclusivity on a great deal, or a commercial agreement to showcase what we believe to be market-leading value to consumers. Learn more about how our site works.

        Please note: Mobile networks may increase monthly prices in line with the retail or consumer price index each year during the length of your contract. Please refer to individual network's terms and conditions before signing up.

        *£335 is our calculated savings figure from April 2023, which details the potential amount a customer could save per year by keeping their handset and switching to a SIM only deal on Uswitch. See more here: Uswitch savings

        Everything you need to know about SIM only deals

        A SIM only deal is 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.

        SIM only deals are usually much less expensive per month than a handset + SIM plan, so you’ll be paying much lower monthly fees over the length of your contract.

        Compare our best SIM only deals today to find the perfect plan for your personal mobile phone needs.

        What happens when I choose a SIM only deal?

        When you decide on a SIM only deal, you can click through to the network or retailer’s website to purchase it. Here’s how it goes:

        Sign up to your SIM only plan - Confirm all the deal terms and submit your details if you need to complete a credit check.

        Get your PAC code - This is the code you need to keep your current phone number. Check the steps below to find out what to do.

        Get your SIM - Hooray! Once everything’s confirmed, you’ll get your new SIM.

        Start using your SIM – All you need to do is pop your new SIM in your phone and you’ll be ready to go.

        Can I move to a SIM only deal with my current network?

        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 you over.

        Which network has the best coverage?

        Latest coverage figures from Opensignal* for the big four networks are:

        Three: 98.5%, EE: 97.7%, O2: 96.2%, Vodafone: 96.6%

        To find out what coverage you can get where you are, put your postcode into Ofcom’s coverage checker.

        That means Three’s network covers more UK locations than any other provider. SMARTY and iD Mobile also operate on Three network, so they’ll offer the same coverage.

        Here's a look at every network operates:

        MVNOWhich network is it based on?
        Asda MobileVodafone
        BT MobileEE
        giffgaffO2
        iD MobileThree
        Lebara MobileVodafone
        Lyca MobileEE
        Sky MobileO2
        SMARTYThree
        TalkmobileVodafone
        Tesco MobileO2
        VOXIVodafone

        Why should I choose a SIM only deal?

        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.

        Monthly mobile phone payments have risen by £9.50 since April price rise

        You could save up to £335 a year by moving to a SIM only deal

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

        There aren't many downsides, 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.

        What are the benefits of a SIM only deal?

        • Flexible data bundles
        • You can keep your current phone
        • Choose a deal from 14 networks
        • Short-term contracts so less financial commitment
        • Cheaper than a pay monthly deal

        What are the cons of a SIM only deal?

        You don’t get a mobile phone with the deal.

        How do I find the best deal for me?

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

        You should consider the length of your deal, how much you want to spend, your monthly data allowance and whether you’re interested in additional perks or prefer a no-frills bundle.

        SIM detailsLebara Mobile SIM card
        Monthly price£2.78 p/m
        Data allowance15GB
        Contract lengthNo contract
        ExtrasEU roaming included

        How much should I pay?

        You can currently get a SIM only deal for as little as £1.58, which comes with 1GB of data. It’s not a huge amount but it’s certainly enough for many UK consumers. You don’t have to pay a lot more to increase your data, either. This iD Mobile deal offers 70GB for just £10 a month. And there are plenty of similar deals, too.

        While SIM only deals can change, it’s an indication of how much you can save, compared to a pay monthly mobile phone contract.

        Select the right amount of data

        According to Ofcom, the average mobile phone user in 2022 used about 5.6GB per month while connected to mobile data on their smartphone. That covers browsing the web, checking emails and scrolling through social media.

        So you may think you need unlimited data, but in reality, a much smaller package would be more than enough. The less data you need, the more money you can save, as smaller bundles are usually cheaper than big data plans.

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

        Pick your preferred contract length

        The length of contract you choose comes down to your personal preference. You can usually choose from:

        30-day deals: These short-term plans are perfect for people who want a no-commitment SIM deal. You can keep the plan rolling for as long as you like, but you can also cancel and switch to a new plan at any point after the initial 30 days. You’re more likely to get a cheap 30-day deal on a smaller network like Lebara, giffgaff or SMARTY.

        12-month deals: Opt for this type of deal and you’ll be committed to using it for a year. After that, you can keep using it or switch over to a new plan at any time.

        18/24-month deals: This is ideal if you just want to sign up for a SIM only deal you’re happy with and not worry about finding a new one anytime soon. Longer deals are common with larger networks like Vodafone and O2.

        How easy is it to switch networks?

        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. However, if you’re unsure how long you’re locked in for, contact your network or text INFO to 85075.

        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.

        When 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.

        Will I lose service if I switch to another network?

        Moving networks is usually 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.

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

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

        When will my new SIM only contract start?

        Your new SIM only contract will usually start when your SIM card has been dispatched. If it’s a physical SIM card, just pop it in your smartphone and you’ll be good to go.

        If it’s an eSIM, you’ll need to follow your network’s set-up instructions, but it will usually be a straightforward procedure of activating the eSIM in your phone’s settings.

        Will I need to unlock my phone to use it with a new SIM only deal?

        As of December 2021, networks aren’t allowed to sell locked phones, so if you got your phone after this date, it should already be unlocked.

        A locked phone can only be used on the network you bought it on, but this can differ depending on which network, handset and plan you have. However, there's a simple way to see if your phone is unlocked.

        If you’re on an iPhone, go to: Settings > General > About and scroll down until you see Network Provider Lock. Your phone will be unlocked if it says, ‘No SIM restrictions’. But if there’s a network’s name there, it is locked.

        If you use an Android device, the method is very similar. Go to: Settings > Connections > Network and internet > Mobile network > Choose network. If you can now see several networks, your phone is unlocked. But if only one is showing, your phone is locked to that provider.

        Check out our guide to unlocking your mobile phone for more details.

        Once you’ve confirmed that your phone is unlocked, you're now free to get a new SIM. The next thing to do is find a SIM only deal that suits your needs.

        Which network should I join?

        We offer deals from most major UK mobile networks. You can compare SIM only contracts from Vodafone, O2, Smarty, VOXI, Three, giffgaff and more.

        Although the likes of giffgaff and VOXI aren't as instantly recognisable as high-street names, such as Three and O2, they're certainly brands you can trust. That's because their service is based on larger providers' network infrastructure, which these smaller networks pay a fee to use.

        For instance, VOXI operates through Vodafone. So despite having a different name, different plans and different prices, VOXI’s coverage, speed and quality will be the same as Vodafone.

        In fact, many smaller networks offer market-leading call rates and data deals, so they can often work out cheaper than more well-known networks.

        However, the larger networks tend to offer more in the way of benefits and customer support.

        To keep prices low, some smaller networks don't operate a call centre and offer online support only. With a big-name network, you’ll usually always be able to speak to a person if you need help with your account.

        And don’t think benefits like O2 Priority Tickets and Vodafone’s VeryMe app are reserved for the major providers. Smaller networks offer incentives too, like VOXI’s data-free social media, iD's data rollover and Tesco Mobile’s Clubcard points.

        For more information on each network’s perks and features, check out our dedicated network pages for Lebara Mobile, Tesco Mobile, Virgin Mobile, Sky Mobile, iD Mobile, Asda Mobile and Lyca Mobile.

        Uswitch Awards 2023 winners

        Want to know which network is doing the most for its customers?

        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.

        Best SIM only networksWinnerHighly commended
        Network of the YeargiffgaffTesco Mobile
        Fastest Mobile Network - Powered by OpenSignalEEVodafone
        Best SIM only NetworkBTTesco Mobile
        Best Network for Customer ServiceTesco MobileEE
        Best Network for DataEEVodafone
        Best Network for RoamingO2giffgaff
        Most Popular Mobile NetworkO2Three
        Best Pay Monthly NetworkTesco MobileEE
        Best PAYG NetworkgiffgaffTesco Mobile

        Guides to help you switch

        Here at Uswitch, we’ve been helping consumers lower their household bills since 2000. As we became one of the UK’s top home services comparison sites, we’ve helped people switch to cheaper SIM only, mobiles, broadband and insurance deals, saving consumers over £2.5 billion off their bills in the process.

        If you still have some questions, help is at hand, Take a look at our mobile phone guides, where we cover the big topics in-depth:

        How to transfer your mobile number to a new phone: In this guide, we help you switch to your new provider.

        How much mobile data do you need? Read our guide on internet data allowances.

        How to switch mobile networks: Switching mobile phone providers can seem daunting, but this guide makes it easier: find out more about how to switch your mobile network.

        Can I use my mobile phone abroad? Take a deep dive into every UK network’s current roaming policy.

        Which mobile network offers the best perks? From freebies to early-access tickets, there are all sorts of perks on offer when you sign up for a new mobile phone deal.

        Methodology

        Mobiles experts

        Ru Bhikha, mobiles expert at Uswitch.com, comments:

        “If you’re nearing the end of your contract, you could reduce your bill dramatically by switching to a SIM Only plan as you’ll no longer pay extra for a handset.”“If you’re happy with your current phone or bought a device outright, SIM Only offerings give you more opportunity to tailor your package - whether you’re a data guzzler or prefer to keep things minimal. ““Plenty of SIM Only offers have no contract, allowing consumers to hang on to their handset for as long as they like and choose the right time to upgrade.”Picture of Ru Bhikha
        Ru Bhikha

        Mobiles expert at Uswitch.com

        FAQs

        What is an end of contract notification?

        Mobile phone networks must now notify their customers when their mobile phone contracts are coming to an end.

        This lets consumers avoid overpaying, as well as giving them a heads up that they are free to find a better deal with a new network should they wish to shop around.

        Are you in or out? Find out more about end of contract notifications.

        What contract lengths are available?

        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 offers.

        Will a SIM only deal improve my credit rating?

        Yes, passing a credit check for a for 12-month SIM only deal is good for your credit rating. That's because you're committing to paying a set fee for your plan every month on time.

        By paying every month on time, you show lenders you are good credit and trustworthy.

        Be careful though, if you miss monthly payments, you can risk affecting your credit score. If you're worried about making monthly payments a rolling one-month plan might be best so you can cancel or downgrade should you need to with no issues.

        Is there a credit check for SIM only deals? What happens if I fail?

        When signing up for one-month rolling or 12-month SIM only contracts with a brand new network, you will need to pass a credit check.

        For pay monthly plans the credit check isn't as stringent as for 12 month contracts. So even if you haven't been accepted for a 12-month contract in the past, you can still pass the check.

        Compare SIM only deals that don't require a credit check.

        How do I get my PAC code from my current network?

        Getting your PAC code is easy, you can either just call up your network and request it to be sent to you, or simply send PAC as a text to 65075 and your PAC code will be sent back you as an SMS message.

        Can I buy a 5G SIM only deal?

        Yes, most of the networks who offer 5G services also offer 5G SIM only deals. You can get one from the like of Vodafone, O2, Three and more.

        Is 5G available throughout the UK?

        Yes, you can get 5G in a a range of locations around the United Kingdom, if you get a 5G SIM card and have a 5G-compatible phone.

        UK locations where 5G has been switched on include: Aberdeen, Barnsley, Basildon, Bath, Bedford, Belfast City, Birmingham, Blackburn, Blackpool, Bournemouth, Bradford, Brighton, Birmington, Bristol, Cardiff, Carlisle, Colchester, Coventry, Derby, Doncaster, Dundee, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Ipswich, Leeds, Leicester, Lincoln, Liverpool, London, Luton, Manchester, Middlesbrough, Milton Keynes, Newcastle, Northampton, Nottingham, Oxford, Peterborough, Plymouth, Portsmouth, Preston, Reading, Sheffield, Slough, Southampton, Southend-on-Sea, Sunderland, Swindon, Wigan, York.

        Do SIM only deals come with any bonuses or incentives?

        As with other mobile contracts, SIM-only deals can include incentives and bonuses to give customers even more for their money often come with many features and incentives.

        For instance, Vodafone and O2 both offer various freebies to their customers via their apps.

        How much should I pay for a SIM only deal?

        SIM only deals can vary in price. You can pay as little as £6 a month depending on how much data you need. The more data that's included in the deal, the more you'll have to pay. You may also have to pay more for a 5G deal, although most major networks now include 5G as standard at no extra cost.

        Are SIM only contracts cheaper?

        Yes, SIM only contracts are usually cheaper than payt monthly deals that include a mobile phone as part of the package. That’s because you don’t have to pay off the price of the phone, which makes SIM only deals very attractive if you already have a smartphone you're happy to use.

        Do SIM only deals include roaming?

        Different networks have different policies on roaming. Many major networks, like Three, Vodafone and O2, offer roaming with their SIM only deals. If you’d like a SIM only deal that allows you to use your data overseas, take a look at our deals tables and compare our best SIM only roaming deals.