A SIM-only deal is a mobile phone contract where you pay a standard monthly fee for your data, calls and texts. But you don't pay out for the cost of your phone each month on top.
With the single biggest factor affecting the cost of phone contracts being paying off for the handset itself, it's no surprise that SIM-only plans are considerably cheaper.
If you are looking to save on your phone bill there are lots of decent SIM-only deals available across all the major networks right now.
ID Mobile have a fantastic unlimited data plan for only £16 a month, which also includes unlimited calls and texts.
While newer mobile network SMARTY is offering 10GB of data for £8 a month, and VOXI is giving customers double data with a 12GB for £10 a month plan.
So, if you've already got a decent phone that you're happy with, we've rounded up the very best SIM-only deals below for this month.
Best SIM-only deals for January
Vodafone: 60GB data, unlimited calls and texts = £16 a month
giffgaff: 80GB data, unlimited calls and texts = £20 a month
Fonehouse: 30GB data, unlimited data and minutes = £15 a month
Best SIM-only deals with huge data
With most of the major networks offering unlimited plans, anyone needing lots of data from their monthly plan won't have to look far.
One of the best deals we have spotted is from EE, which is offering a '5G Essential' 200GB data sim only deal. The contract is for 24-months and also includes free calls and texts and six months subscription to Apple Music, MTV Play or BritBox.
O2 also has a great 100GB deal for £20, but for the first six months user only pay £10. The deal includes unlimited texts and calls - and it also comes with a free Disney+ or Amazon Prime subscription.
Best value SIM only deals on each network
From bonus data deals to cheapest monthly cost, there's plenty of other options in the SIM free market right now.
Carphone Warehouse
A place where mobile phone users can compare all the networks to find the cheapest deal and spot add-ons and extra freebies included in selected plans.
- Best deal: 120 GB data calls and texts = £20 a month. Total cost for 24-month plan = £480.
Tesco Mobile
While Tesco doesn't offer much in terms of add-on extras, opting instead to award families that add more than one contract on their account. In this case, you can get up to 200 bonus Clubcard points, up to £2 off your bill or up to 500 extra minutes.
- Best deal: 15GB, 5000 minutes and 5000 calls for £12.50 a month. Total cost for 18-month plan = £150
Vodafone
Like O2 and EE, Vodafone customers can use the VeryMe app to claim weekly perks and rewards such as free coffee and cheap theatre tickets.
- Best deal: 30GB data, calls and texts for £15 a month. Total cost for 24-month plan = £180.
EE
EE network claim to give customers triple-speed Internet with all their data plans. You'll also get three months free access to the BT sport app.
- Best deal: 200GB data, calls and texts for £23 a month. Total cost for 24-month plan = £552.
O2
Phone users with O2 SIM only contracts can download the Priority app to take advantage of all of its freebies and discounts, including early access to music and festival tickets, free coffee and discounted cinema tickets.
- Best deal: 100GB data, unlimited calls and texts = £20 a month. Total cost for 12-month plan = £240.
Three
Three are the only UK network to offer unlimited data plans, so the deal below is perfect for those who rely on phone data to stay connected. Customers also get access to perks and discounts with the phone provider's Wuntu platform too.
- Best deal: Unlimited data, calls and texts = £20 a month with six months at half price. Total cost for 24-month plan = £420.
Text to switch - changing to SIM-only
Switching your mobile phone provider just got even easier, as you can now ditch expensive phone plans with a simple text.
Ofcom regulators have brought in the new rules, which now means anyone wanting to switch - and keep their number - will be able to do so by sending a free message to their network.
Step by step guide if you want to text to switch:
- Consumers text “PAC” for free to 65075
- Consumers receive their PAC code within as little as a minute, plus account details to share with their new provider
Within a working day, consumers’ old service ends and new one begins
Who do I contact if I want to keep my number?
If you would like to keep your existing number you'll need a PAC code from your current phone provider so your number can get ported over to your new provider.
Each code is normally valid for a month. You can even text SWITCH to 65075 from your phone and you will instantly receive a reply message with the code.
If you'd rather speak to someone, here are the numbers to call for all the major network providers:
- EE - call 079 5396 6250
- Three - call 033 3338 1001
- O2 - call 034 4809 0222
- Virgin Mobile - call 034 5600 0789
- Vodafone - call 033 3304 0191
- Call 191 from a Vodafone phone
- BT Mobile - call 0800 800 150
- ID Mobile - call 033 3003 7777
- Tesco Mobile - call 034 5301 4455
- Sky Mobile - call 033 0041 2639
