SIM only deals are an increasingly-popular option nowadays, offering an alternative option to long inflexible phone contracts. And whether you've bought a SIM-free phone or your contract has ended and you're looking to hold onto your device, finding a SIM plan is the next step.
While a few names are likely to come to mind first including EE, Vodafone, Three and O2, there are plenty of networks available to get SIM only deals from, all offering unique selling points and features.
Or if you're still unsure whether a SIM plan is the right option for you, we've answered some key questions further down this page.
The best SIM plan right now:
What is a SIM only deal?
A SIM only deal is a contract that supplies you with a SIM card with a select balance of minutes, texts and calls each month for your phone. They vary in cost, data caps and contract lengths.
The three best SIM only deals on the market:
Why get a SIM plan?
While a regular phone contract is often the better known option for those needing a new phone, a SIM plan can actually be the better choice for a lot of people. Whether you pair it with a new SIM-free phone or one that's come from a finished contract, a SIM is far cheaper.
As we said above, there are usually two situations where a SIM only deal comes into play. The first is if you've had a phone contract and it has come to an end, if you're happy with the device you had you can extend its life by buying a new SIM.
The other option is perfect for those with a bit more cash to spend upfront. Whether it's a flagship phone or something budget, buying a phone SIM-free and pairing it with a new SIM only deal is the overall cheapest way to get a new device.
What factors should be considered for a new SIM?
There is just a few factors that are worth considering when purchasing a new SIM plan, these are:
- Contract length:
SIM only deals tend to come in one of three lengths: 1-month rolling, 12-month or 24 months. Due to their flexibility, rolling contracts are the best option but these are limited to a few lesser-known brands.
12 and 24-month contracts are more common and tend to offer an overall better price point. These are where you'll find networks like EE, Three, Vodafone and O2.
- Data, minutes and calls cap:
This is likely the main factor you'll be looking at. While most SIMs will secure you an unlimited amount of calls and texts, data caps can fluctuate hugely between SIMs and networks.
These can range from the very affordable but limited 500MB-2GB and all the way up to 100GB+ plans and unlimited data offers. Obviously, prices tend to increase based on how much data you add.
- Price:
Over time, SIM plans have become cheaper and these days most of them are pretty affordable. However, if you know you won't need a huge amount of data you can keep your prices below £10 a month quite easily.
Big data plans, ranging from 50GB upwards through to unlimited, can see you spending anywhere from around £15 through to £30+. Whatever your price point is, it is worth considering a few networks to see which can secure you the most data.
- Network:
There are plenty of networks to choose from for your SIM plan and many of them have certain benefits that make them stand out. Three offers big data plans at low costs, iD Mobile, Giffgaff and Smarty Mobile run on 1-month contracts and Voxi offers unlimited usage of social media apps or streaming services.
For a number of years, EE has been the most popular network due to its position as the UK's fastest network on both 4G and 5G. It also offers a host of free subscriptions and data sharing to make it an advantageous network. Most network websites will let you check the strength of its signal in your area which is something we'd recommend checking before you buy.
- 4G or 5G?
It's becoming more and more common for phones to come with 5G features these days and while that is great, if you've got a 5G phone you'll need a 5G SIM to go with it.
Some providers like Three and Vodafone automatically offer both 4G and 5G across all of their plans. However, others will require you to spend more to get 5G like EE or Voxi.
A number of networks also don't have 5G yet and are unlikely to until a decent way through 2021. With this in mind, if you've bought a 5G phone, consider this factor with your new SIM.
SIM only deals: unlocking phones and PAC codes
Changing your number to a new SIM:
If you're changing to a new SIM plan from an old one, you'll need to transfer your details across. While this used to be a pretty complicated process, it has become a lot simpler recently.
All you need to do is track down a PAC code. That sounds more complicated than it is as a new 'text to switch' concept was brought in recently. All you have to do is text the provider you were with and they'll reply with a code (that lasts for 30 days).
This code can then be given to your new network and voila! You're transferred. You can find out more about each network's PAC text to switch system on their websites as each network uses a different number and system.
Unlocking phones and using SIMs with them:
If you're buying a brand new SIM-free phone then you can skip right on from this section, same for anyone who's staying on the same network but changing plans.
However, if you're transferring to a new network, you could be in the position where you have a phone locked to a network. Don't fret though, this can be easily solved.
Three automatically unlocks a phone that was once on its network and O2 will unlock it for free. Vodafone also does it for free but it can take some time to process the request.
EE is a little bit different and can charge you £8.99 for the privilege of getting your phone unlocked. Other networks like Virgin, Voxi and GiffGaff all operate differently so consult their websites to find out exact details.
SIM only deals: each network's benefits
Thinking of picking up a new phone? Check out our list of the best gaming phones. And we'd thoroughly recommend checking out our favourite phone of 2020 with our Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra review. If you're after a much cheaper alternative though, our iPhone SE 2020 review might sway you.
