How to compare mobile phone tariffs

Finding the right mobile phone tariff

If you're buying a new mobile phone, there are two major things you need to consider: what handset you want and which phone tariff is right for you.

If you don't know what mobile phone you're after, we're in a great position to help you. Take a look at our mobile phone reviews section - once you're confident about which handset you'd like, head over to the handset page.

Here, you can filter deals by length of contract and cost. You can also sort them by data, calls, or text allowance, so picking a deal is easy, no matter your priority.

Working out what mobile phone tariff will fulfil your needs doesn't have to be difficult either.

With that in mind, we've put together this tariff guide to help you understand exactly what to look for. You can also read our guide to picking the best phone contract.

Pay Monthly or Pay As You Go?

Pay monthly mobile phone tariffs allow you to make one monthly payment and usually include unlimited minutes and texts and a set amount of mobile data. You will be invoiced for any talk time you use over the included amount.

Pay as you go tariffs allow you to top-up your phone with credit or mobile data in advance and then use your phone until that pre-paid credit runs out. People who like to have complete control over their spending may prefer to use pay as you go.

What's included in a phone tariff?

There are many elements to a mobile phone tariff, from inclusive calls and texts to emailing and data applications.

Inclusive minutes

Every mobile phone tariff should offer a deal on inclusive minutes, which usually depends on the amount you pay each month.

Many business mobile phone tariffs offer free calls to your colleagues if you are all on the same network, while consumer-targeted mobile tariffs tend to offer a set amount of free calls each month.

Inclusive texts

Much like inclusive minutes, most mobile phone tariffs offer a set number of inclusive texts. These often include free texts that can be bumped up with an add-on bundle.

Data

Data refers to content or information you can access over the internet from your mobile device, such as web pages, music, or video calls.

If you like to make the most of the advanced technology available on your phone, you should make sure your mobile phone tariff includes a data bundle.

International calls

Calls from mobiles when you're abroad can be very expensive. However, if you plan to use your mobile abroad a lot, you can sign up for a mobile phone tariff that gives you a good rate on international roaming.

Keep contract lengths in mind

Phone contract lengths vary considerably. If you upgrade your phone regularly, a 12-month contract might be a good idea.

These deals, which many networks have recently reintroduced, are excellent for early mobile phone technology adopters. They allow them to get their hands on the latest and best models on the market.

However, typically, most contracts are for 18 months, 24 months, or even 36 months.

The main advantage of longer terms - especially of 24 or 36-month deals - is that the length of the contract usually means you'll pay a lower monthly premium.

You are also likely to pay a reduced sum for the handset itself or even pay nothing.