If you are in the market for a new phone, opting for a contract can make sense. This allows you to spread out the cost of the handset over manageable monthly payments and typically includes a bundle of calls, texts, and data.
However, the cost can add up, especially with high-end smartphones. If possible, it is more financially beneficial to purchase the device outright and pair it with a SIM-only plan, also known as ‘bring your own phone’ in the US.
By owning the phone outright, you can save a significant amount of money in the long run. While premium phones come with hefty price tags, there are great budget and mid-range options available at a fraction of the cost.
Transferring your current phone number to a new network is a seamless process and can be easily done using the text-to-switch service offered by all networks.
Here are the current best offers in the UK and US:
Best SIM-only deals in the UK
Below are the top SIM-only plans available in the UK. Use the sliders to customize your desired data and minutes.
Best bring your own phone deals in the US
If you are based in the US, here are the top 10 plans with at least 3GB of data. For those outside the US, refer to the next section.
How to choose the right SIM-only deal for you
Deciding on a SIM-only plan can be as challenging as selecting a phone. Data is the most crucial element, with most plans offering sufficient calls and texts. We recommend a minimum of 3GB of data, as seen in the US widget above.
Networks provide a range of contracts with varying data limits, from 4GB to unlimited data. Consider your data usage habits – if you rely heavily on mobile data for video streaming, unlimited data may be suitable, but it can be costly.
It’s essential to check if your phone supports 5G if considering this option, as some devices are limited to 4G. Additionally, many networks are phasing out 3G, so ensure your phone is compatible.
ESIMs are gaining popularity for their convenience in switching networks or adding a second number. Confirm your phone’s compatibility and weigh the pros and cons before opting for an eSIM.
Bundling mobile, phone, and broadband contracts can lead to cost savings. Explore if your current providers offer these services.
If you need a SIM for your tablet, ensure it is a data-only plan. Some tablets may not have SIM card slots, limiting connectivity to Wi-Fi.
Our favourite SIM-only deals this month
Here are some recommended plans in the UK:
- Three’s unlimited SIM-only deal at £26 per month for 24 months, with the first six months at half price
- Smarty’s £12 per month plan offering 120GB of data and free EU roaming on a one-month rolling contract
- O2’s selected 24-month SIM plans include six months of a streaming service of your choice for free
- Giffgaff offers an unlimited data plan at £25 per month with 18 months contract
- Lebara provides a 20GB monthly rolling plan for £10 with free EU and India roaming
- Spusu offers a 40GB plan at £10.90 per month with EU and Switzerland roaming
- Honest Mobile’s loyalty-based unlimited plan starts at £25 per month
For the best SIM deals for kids and students in the UK, refer to specific articles.
In the US, consider the following:
- Mint Mobile offers unlimited data for $15 per month on a three-month plan
- Visible provides unlimited 5G data for $25 per month for 24 months
- Twigby offers 5GB of data plus unlimited calls and texts for $10 per month for the first three months
- Good2Go has unlimited data plans starting at $25 per month
- Boost Mobile offers unlimited plans from $25 per month on a 12-month contract
- Go Talk provides plans starting at $10 per month for 3GB of data
