Wish to reduce your monthly phone bills without compromising on the data and other features? Well, in that case, your search ends here!! We have compiled the list of the best and cheap SIM only deals that let you enjoy excellent data allowance, talk, and minutes without breaking the bank.
There’s no denying that SIM-only deals are the quickest and the easiest route to get your phone bills down as low as possible. However, choosing the best telco provider that actually lives up to the claims of low bills and uninterrupted services isn’t as simple as it may seem.
With so many options to choose from, it’s hard to make an appropriate choice. The sheer variety of sim-only deals available has broadened with new networks entering the market; thus turning a simple choice into a strenuous task.
But don’t freak out as we are here to assist. Our experts have compared multiple plans and come up with the 5 best options to choose from. Along with value, these networks offer extreme flexibility to ease the customers.
Wait no more!! Scroll down the page and compare sim cards deals to find your perfect option.
Cheapest Sim only deals UK
Are you ready to get started? Here’s a quick rundown of the cheapest sim-only deals that are worth giving a try. Check them out here and make an informed choice.
1. Cheapest 1-5GB data plan: Lebara 3GB Plan – £5/month
Lebara remains the undefeated option to find the cheapest sim only plan and this fantastic monthly deal is something you cannot afford to miss. Sign up for a month and get 3GB of data and several other inclusions at just £5.
Pros
- No annual contracts
- Super-affordable plans
- No credit check
- 5G included
- Free roaming in the EU and India
- International calls are available
Cons
- Add-ons are expensive
- Limited extras
This telco is widely-widely applauded for offering excellent SIM-only plans, with a major focus on migrant communities. It operates around the world and offers plans with decent international call allowances, so you can stay in touch with your near and dear ones abroad.
Lebara Mobile is an MVNO, powered by Vodafone. It offers an excellent network connection so you don’t face issues like poor network coverage or call drops. 5G is included in all of its plans; however, you need a compatible smartphone to enjoy this service.
The best thing about Lebara sim-only deals is that it doesn’t involve any credit checks so you can opt for this telco provider without having to worry about your previous credit scores.
While Lebara offers plenty of sim-only deals, the cheapest one that will surely save you money, in the long run, is available at £5. If you promise a 12 months plan, the price can be reduced to £5/month.
| Data | UK minutes and texts | International minutes | Plan | Learn more |
| 3GB | 1000 | 100 | £5 | View Plan> |
| 15GB | Unlimited | 100 | £10 | View Plan> |
| 6GB | Unlimited | 500 | £10 | View Plan> |
| 30GB | Unlimited | 100 | £15 | View Plan> |
| 30GB | Unlimited | Unlimited | £20 | View Plan> |
| Unlimited | Unlimited | 100 | £25 | View Plan> |
| Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | £30 | View Plan> |
This plan includes 3GB 4G data, 1000 UK minutes, and UK texts so you can stay connected with your family and friends. In addition, what makes this deal eye-catching is the inclusion of 100 international minutes to 42 countries, which means that you can easily place an international call without hurting your pocket much.
Additionally, the plan comes with a No-Contract policy, which means that you can upgrade or terminate the plan without giving any explanation at any point in time. 5G is included but you must have a 5G-enabled device to access the services.
Since Lebara sim-only plans are primarily designed by keeping migrant workers, international communities, and travelers in mind, these are weighted accordingly, so you can expect international calls to be quite a lot cheaper compared to rates offered by other providers.
All Lebara plans come on a rolling 30-day contract and you can opt out of the same at any time. Alternatively, if you don’t want to commit to a rolling monthly contract, then top up your SIM with £5 to £30 and use the credit for calls and texts, whenever you need to. Also, Bolt-ones are also available for adding more international minutes, data allowance, and local talk time. Text add-ons are not available yet.
Speaking of the network coverage and speed, Lebara operates on the Vodafone infrastructure, which covers the maximum of the UK population. Hence, you can expect decent network coverage throughout the country. However, it is still recommended to check the coverage map to evaluate whether your area gets solid signals or not.
Other cheap 1-5GB sim only deals:
| PROVIDER(network) | COST | CONTRACT LENGTH | DATA | MINS | TEXTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lebara (Vodafone) | £3.90/month | One month | 1GB | 300 | Unltd |
| Smarty (Three) | £6/month | One month | 4GB | Unltd | Unltd |
| Giffgaff (O2) | £6/month | One month | 2GB | Unltd | Unltd |
| Lycamobile (O2) | £5/month | One month | 6GB | 1000 | 1000 |
| Plusnet(EE) | £8/month | One month | 5GB | Unltd | Unltd |
| iD Mobile (Three) | £6/month | One month | 4GB | Unltd | Unltd |
2. Cheapest 6-10GB plan: Smarty 8GB Plan – £7.00/month
The next cheapest sim only plan that will definitely help you save a few bucks on your monthly phone bills is available at £7. It is offered by Smarty Mobile and allows customers to stay in touch with their friends and family at an affordable price.
Pros
- Affordable and flexible plans
- No credit checks
- No annual price rises
- 1-month plan, cancel anytime
- No speed caps
Cons
- Only sim-only plans are available
- Slow network latency
This commitment-free sim plan comes with no speed caps, which means that you can enjoy an uninterrupted data network. Moreover, it offers blazing fast speed, which further makes this plan ideal for video streaming, browsing, and more.
| Price | Data | Learn More |
|---|---|---|
| £6 | 4GB | View More |
| £7 | 8GB | View More |
| £8 | 12GB | View More |
| £10 | 50GB | View More |
| £15 | 50GB | View More |
| £20 | Unlimited | View More |
Speaking of this sim-only plan, it offers 8GB of 5G/ 4G/ 3G data, based on the network coverage, and unlimited UK calls and texts to ease the customers. It includes a Wi-Fi calling facility so you can stay connected with your near and dear ones when traveling abroad with no international roaming plan.
What makes this plan special among all other cheapest sim only deals is its no speed cap feature. Unlike other telco providers who always prefer keeping a speed cap, Smarty Mobile thinks differently and lets users enjoy their data allowance freely. With no spending caps, you are sure not to get hit with surprise bills at the end of the month.
Customers can also enjoy free hotspot tethering and share their data value with others without any interruption. The only limit is your overall monthly data allowance. So, if you are looking for a sim-only plan with unlimited talk time and minutes and decent data allowance at a budget-friendly price, then that’s a brilliant price making Smarty the outright best option.
Since there’s no contract or commitment, you can cancel or upgrade the plan at any point in time without any penalty or additional charges. Smarty Mobile is one of the leading MVNOs, powered by Three Network. It offers a strong 4G network that covers 99.8% of the UK population. Moreover, all SIMs are 5G ready, so you can enjoy the fast speed with 5G-enabled devices.
One thing you should keep into account is that Smarty Mobile doesn’t offer data rollover services, which means that you have to consume all of your data value each month or lose it. Since Smarty uses Three’s network, you can expect slow latency and average network performance.
But all and all, this plan is ideal for customers who are looking to save a few bucks on their monthly phone bills, without facing many restrictions and limitations. Sign up with them now, pay in advance, and enjoy the maximum flexibility.
Other cheap 6-10GB sim only deals:
| PROVIDER(network) | COST | CONTRACT LENGTH | DATA | MINS | TEXTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lebara (Vodafone) | £10/month | One month | 6GB | Unltd | Unltd |
| Vodafone (Vodafone) | £10/month | One month | 7GB | Unltd | Unltd |
| Smarty(Three) | £7/month | One month | 8GB | Unltd | Unltd |
3. Cheapest 10GB-50GB Plan: Smarty 30 GB Plan – £10/month
So, are you looking for cheap sim only phone plans offering data value somewhere in between 10GB – 50GB? Turn to Smarty Mobile’s plan, which is available at £10 per month, and get what you pay for.
Pros
- Unrestricted hotspot tethering in the UK
- You can cancel or upgrade the plan at any time
- No credit checks
- Unlimited calls and texts are available
- Affordable and flexible sim-only deals
- Good customer service
- All SIMs are 5G ready
- No annual price rise
Cons
- Network coverage could have been improved
Smarty has always been in the limelight for offering super-affordable sim-only deals to ease the customers. It is powered by the Three Mobile Network, which covers the maximum of the UK population. Although Three Mobile doesn’t have a strong reputation in terms of coverage, they triumph over all other telco services on price for every type of tariff.
All Smarty Mobile plans value for money and this deal is no exception. Like all other plans, it also offers unlimited UK minutes and texts, so you can stay connected with your family and friends. The maximum data allowance you can enjoy with this plan is 30GB (5G, 4G, and 3G). This plan includes 5G coverage, but you need to have a compatible device to carry out the process.
| Plan Price | Data | UK Calls and Texts | |
| £10/per month | 30GB | Unlimited | View Plans » |
Smarty Mobile plans don’t have any spending caps; however, it keeps restricted perks out of your reach unless you purchase an out-of-plan add-on. It is done to protect the customers from hitting with surprise bills at the end of the month.
In addition, this plan offers fast 5G, 4G, and 3G data, which means that you will stay connected to the network, even in the low coverage regions. Yet another best thing that makes this plan worth giving a try is its EU roaming facility.
Customers can use their Smarty Mobile plan throughout Europe with a 12GB fair usage limit. However, if you are planning to travel outside Europe, then you will be suggested to opt for international roaming plans to stay connected. This cheapest sim only plan is available at no credit checks, making it ideal for those with bad or no credit history.
So, why wait? Order the Smarty SIM, get it activated in minutes, transfer your number, and enjoy cheap and budget-friendly sim-only deals.
Other cheap 10-50GB sim only deals:
| PROVIDER(network) | COST | CONTRACT LENGTH | DATA | MINS | TEXTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lebara (Vodafone) | £10/month | One month | 15GB | Unltd | Unltd |
| Lebara (Vodafone) | £10/month | One month | 30GB | Unltd | Unltd |
| iD Mobile(Three) | £10/month | 12 months | 30GB | Unltd | Unltd |
| iD Mobile(Three) | £12/month | 24 months | 50GB | Unltd | Unltd |
| Voxi (Vodafone) | £10/month | One month | 30GB | Unltd | Unltd |
| Giffgaff (O2) | £10/month | One month | 15GB | Unltd | Unltd |
| Giffgaff (O2) | £15/month | One month | 30GB | Unltd | Unltd |
| Smarty(Three) | £10/month | One month | 30GB | Unltd | Unltd |
| Lycamobile(O2) | £15/month | One month | 30GB | Unltd | Unltd |
| Plusnet(EE) | £8/month | One month | 12GB | Unltd | Unltd |
| Plusnet(EE) | £10/month | One month | 25GB | Unltd | Unltd |
| Vodafone(Vodafone) | £20/month | One month | 40GB | Unltd | Unltd |
4. Cheapest 50GB-100GB Plan: Smarty 100 GB Plan – £12/month
There’s no denying that Smarty Mobile is one of the few MVNOs that offer super-affordable deals for almost all data limits. So, if you are searching for the cheapest sim only plan, offering 100GB of data at an affordable price, then this might be the best option for you.
Pros
- No contract or tie-ups
- Simple and affordable sim-only plans
- Good network coverage
- No credit checks
- Utmost flexibility
- Transparent Pricing
- 5G ready deals
- EU Roaming is available
- Hotspot tethering in the UK is allowed with no speed caps
Cons
- Limited selection of plans
Smarty’s £12 per month plan is an ideal pick for budget-savvy consumers who want to lower their bills without compromising the data allowance. Check quick information about this plan in the table mentioned below to get a better idea.
| Plan Price | Data | Calls and Texts | |
| £12/ capped per month | 100GB | Unlimited | View Plans » |
This plan offers 100GB of 5G, 4G, and 3G data to facilitate data-savvy consumers. Like all other Smarty Mobile plans, it also includes Unlimited UK calls and texts so you can easily connect with your family and friends throughout the country.
Since this sim-only deal is crafted for data-driven customers, it offers no speed restrictions, which means that you can enjoy the maximum speed while using your data allowance. Its blazing-fast download and upload speed helps you enjoy video streaming, uninterrupted browsing, and more.
It is a one-month plan with no contract or frills attached; hence, you can cancel, upgrade, or downgrade the plan at any point in time without giving any reason. Since this plan allows unrestricted hotspot tethering in the UK, you can share the data allowance with your near and dear ones without any hassle. Users can also connect their phones to their laptops or tablets to make it personal Wi-Fi.
This plan offers 5G access to the users; however, the service is available with enabled devices only. So, make sure that you are using the 5G handset before accessing the service. Also, what makes this cheapest sim-only plan stand out from the crowd is its EU roaming feature. Smarty Mobile allows its users to use their plan in Europe with a 12GB fair use limit.
Smarty Mobile believes in keeping mobile deals simple, fast, and effective. It makes sure that you’ll be charged as per the contract and you will not get any surprise or hidden cost at the end of the month.
Moreover, this plan follows the No Annual Price Rise policy, which means that Smarty Moblie won’t force the annual price increase on the customers. With no contract holding back, their sim-only deals give you the maximum flexibility to upgrade or downgrade as your data need changes. Additionally, their 3G and 4G coverage network covers 99% of the UK outdoor population, so you don’t have to worry about the signal drop.
What keeps you waiting for now? Opt for this cheapest and most affordable sim-only deal and use 100GB of data allowance without breaking the bank.
Other cheap 50-100GB sim only deals:
| PROVIDER(network) | COST | CONTRACT LENGTH | DATA | MINS | TEXTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Giffgaff (O2) | £20/month | One month | 100GB | Unltd | Unltd |
| Smarty(Three) | £12/month | One month | 100GB | Unltd | Unltd |
| iD Mobile (Three) | £14/month | 24 months | 100GB | Unltd | Unltd |
| Voxi (Vodafone) | £15/month | One month | 75GB | Unltd | Unltd |
| Lycamobile(O2) | £20/month | One month | 100GB | Unltd | Unltd |
| Vodafone(Vodafone) | £30/month | One month | 100GB | Unltd | Unltd |
5. Cheapest Unlimited Data Plan – ID Mobile Unlimited 24 Months Plan – £16.00/month
So, let’s wrap up the list of cheap sim only deals with yet another super-affordable option offered by ID Mobile. This telco provider is widely-appreciated for offering the best sim-only plans and contracts. Their deals are notable cheaper than standard smartphone contracts as they come without a handset.
Pros
- A variety of cheap sim only phone plans to choose from
- Improved 5G availability and performance
- Choice for annual or flexible contracts
- Super affordable sim-only deals
- Data Rollover
- Bill Capping
- Roaming is available to 50 destinations
Cons
- It lags on performance
- Below-average customer service
In addition, ID Mobile also offers the flexibility to upgrade or downgrade the plan whenever you want. Find out a quick overview of the cheapest ID Mobile’s sim-only plan here.
| Plan Value | Data | Expiry time | |
| £16 per month | Unlimited | 24 months | View Plans » |
This plan comes with unlimited data allowance, minutes, and texts so that customers can enjoy the best of sim-only experience without putting a hole in their pocket. It includes data rollover, which means that the left-out data of this month will be added to the next.
Also, this cheapest sim only plan offers inclusive roaming to around 50 destinations across the globe, so you can easily roam without any trouble. It allows users to browse, chat, text, and stream just like they would at home. However, they have a fair usage policy to prevent the misuse of their Inclusive Roaming feature.
The sim is 5G ready, which means that you don’t have to pay an extra cost to enjoy 5G services; however, you will require a 5G compatible device and 5G coverage to use the same.
ID Mobile is an MVNO, powered by Three Mobile that covers 99% UK coverage to ease the users. It is a low-cost provider with value-for-money plans. In addition to the rolling contracts, this telco provider also offers you flexible one-month plans so you can just try them out first and then make a decision accordingly.
However, users must keep in mind that ID Mobile doesn’t offer the same breadth of freebies and perks that you might get with other bigger-name rivals; but they offer some amazing incentives that are appealing.
Other cheap unlimited sim only deals:
| PROVIDER(network) | COST | CONTRACT LENGTH | DATA | MINS | TEXTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lycamobile(O2) | £25/month | One month | 15GB | Unltd | Unltd |
| Lebara (Vodafone) | £25/month | One month | Unltd | Unltd | Unltd |
| Voxi (Vodafone) | £30/month | One month | Unltd | Unltd | Unltd |
| Giffgaff (O2) | £35/month | One month | Unltd | Unltd | Unltd |
| Vodafone(Vodafone) | £40/month | One month | Unltd | Unltd | Unltd |
Things to consider when choosing the sim-only phone plans
Are you searching for the cheapest sim only plan but unsure about where to begin? Don’t freak out as we are here to assist. Getting a sim-only deal can be a great way to save money each month.
However, choosing the most appropriate option that matches your requirements and fits your wallet isn’t as simple as it may seem. The internet is packed with plenty of options, which in turn makes the process challenging and time-consuming.
Therefore, to save your time and effort, we have outlined some essential things that you should be mindful of before making a choice. Carry out in-depth research and find the best deal to save money in the long run.
1. Evaluate your needs
There are plenty of different sim-only plans available on the market, so you’ll likely be able to find the perfect fit that caters to your phone requirements while being easy on your pocket.
Hence, it is important to determine your needs, like how much mobile data you want, how often you send texts, do you need roaming options and more. Once you are done analyzing all this, you can then initiate the search to search to find the best fit.
2. Company’s reputation is a matter of concern
You cannot just sign up with any telco provider who’s offering the cheapest sim-only plan as there’re a few other things to consider when making a choice. One such element is the company’s reputation. It is vital to make sure that your money is going in good hands.
There’s no point in investing in a company that offers super cheap plans but poor customer service, below-the-average network coverage, and no additional perks. So, it’s better to choose a reputable and trustworthy company to enjoy the best of everything without breaking the bank.
3. Always read the terms and conditions
Whether you are opting for the cheap sim only deals for the first time or the nth time, you must have seen those “t&c apply” kind of prints at the bottom or star (*) marks beside the plan.
Telco providers are smart enough and they know how to present themselves as tempting and cheap. Most of them only provide the basic cost of the plan to attract the customers and hide the big part.
Therefore, it is crucial to read the fine print or terms and conditions to fully understand the final cost of any financial agreement. It is a vital step to ensure that the plan you are selecting is worth spending for.
Summary
So, that’s it!! There’s no denying that choosing the sim-only plan gives you utmost flexibility while saving a few bucks on your monthly phone bills but picking the rightmost option takes a bit more effort.
Therefore, it cut through the clutter, our experts compare sim card deals UK offered by some leading MVNOs and come up with the 5 best options that are worth giving a try. We hope our in-depth guide will help you understand these plans so you can make a better choice.
So, what are you waiting for? Check out the pros and cons of all the plans listed above, go through the description, determine your needs, and pick the option that suits you the best.