Compare SIM Only Deals

What is a SIM-only deal?

A SIM-only deal gives you calls, texts and data without a handset attached. You keep your current phone, or buy one separately, and just pay for the airtime. Because you are not paying off a phone, SIM-only plans are usually cheaper and more flexible than a full phone contract.

Rolling plans versus longer contracts

SIM-only plans come in two main shapes. Rolling 30-day plans have no long commitment, so you can change or leave each month, which suits anyone whose needs change or who wants to stay flexible. Longer 12, 18 or 24-month plans tend to give more data for the price in return for staying put. Pick the trade-off that fits how settled you are.

Networks and the brands that run on them

The four networks that own UK infrastructure are EE, O2, Three and Vodafone. Many SIM-only brands run on top of those networks, so a smaller, cheaper brand can give you the same coverage as a major one. A plan's coverage matches the network it runs on, so check signal where you live first. Our UK mobile coverage map and the Ofcom checker both show how each network performs by postcode.

How to choose a SIM-only plan

Match the data allowance to your real usage rather than the biggest bundle, since most people overpay for data. Decide whether you value the freedom of a rolling plan or the lower price of a longer one. Then compare on the monthly cost and check each plan's terms, including any mid-contract price changes, before you switch.

Switching and keeping your number

To keep your number, text PAC to 65075, pass the code your provider sends to your new network, and your number transfers, usually within one working day. If you only want a fresh number, you can skip that step.