SIM-only plans keep things straightforward: you get your data, minutes and texts without paying for a handset. And each month, our deal-spotters comb the market to uncover standout SIM-only offers designed to save you some hard-earned cash.
Because there’s no extended handset contract attached, SIM-only contracts give you way more freedom. You can switch plans as your needs change, often on 30-day terms, and easily adjust how much you spend month-to-month compared to smartphone-based alternatives.
They’re ideal if you already love your current phone, or prefer to buy a device outright during big sale events like Black Friday or Prime Day. Without the phone cost out of the equation, monthly prices are typically much lower too.
Explore the top SIM bargains below to save on your next plan. Our expert team curates and refines these picks regularly, so you’re always seeing the latest and greatest SIM-only deals.
If you want to pair a smartphone with your newly purchased SIM, then you can also check out our breakdowns of the best smartphones, best mid-range phones and the best cheap phones.
Unlimited Data Deals
100GB+ Data Deals
50-100GB Data Deals
10-50GB Data Deals
Below 10GB Data Deals
How to choose the best SIM
There are various factors to think about when considering a SIM-only plan:
Data: Using the phone for streaming, gaming, apps and surfing the web away from Wi-Fi can put a strain on your data allowance. It might be worth looking at your current usage, and seeing what you use or might need in the future when considering an upgrade. It’s always worth giving yourself a data cap that provides some wiggle room in relation to your average usage, just to ensure that you don’t have to incur additional costs if you happen to have a particularly data-heavy month.
Contracts: SIM deals usually have shorter lengths of service than all-in-one phone plans, typically 12-month or 30-day rolling plans, with the latter offering great flexibility. While there are 18-month and even 24-month options available, we recommend opting for a shorter length so that you’re not tied in for long if you’re ever dissatisfied with your service.
Networks: Most mobile phone networks nowadays offer a good coverage area, and it’s worth checking what works best in the usual places you’d be with your mobile. With that said, there are networks that run off the back of the usual EE, O2, Vodafone and Three that offer good service and at a lower price, such as Smarty and Voxi. Some networks also come with additional freebies and reward services, including O2 Priority and Three Plus, so it’s worth doing a bit of comparison to see what you can get for your money.