If you’re in the market for a new phone, opting for a contract can be a wise choice – you split the cost of your shiny new device into tiny monthly installments, all while snagging a bundle of calls, texts, and data thrown in for good measure. Convenient, right?
Indeed, but it can also take a hefty toll on your finances, particularly if you’re aiming for one of the top smartphones available. However, if you can bear the idea of paying for the phone upfront, a SIM-only contract (referred to as ‘bring your own phone’ in the US) can save you a considerable amount of cash over time.
You not only get to own the darn thing outright from the get-go, but you’ll also pocket some serious savings in the long haul. Even if you choose one of the best budget phones or decide to pamper yourself with one of the best mid-range phones, you’ll still come out ahead.
And here’s the kicker: you won’t have to part with your phone number. Every network allows you to transfer it, and thanks to the text-to-switch service, it’s as easy as finding a decent pint in town.
So, without any further chit-chat, here are the top SIM-only deals available in the UK and US as of now.
Top SIM-Only Deals in the UK
Here’s a peek at the finest SIM-only plans you can grab in the UK right now. Play around with the sliders to adjust how much data and how many minutes you genuinely need.
Best Bring Your Own Phone Deals in the US
If you’re in the US, check out the top 10 plans starting with at least 3GB of data below. If you’re outside the States, feel free to skip this section – it’s not aimed at you.
Choosing the Right SIM-Only Deal for Your Needs
You might think that selecting a phone is the trickiest part, right? Nope. Figuring out which SIM-only deal is the best fit for you can be just as puzzling.
You’ve got three primary factors to consider: calls, texts, and data. Let’s face it, though; data is the main event. Most contracts will include plenty of calls and texts or won’t even bother keeping track of them.
We believe 3GB of data is the bare minimum if you’re in the US – that’s what we’ve dialed in on the widget above. It’s a solid starting point. If you’re mostly lounging around on your Wi-Fi, 3GB should suffice for checking your emails in the loo or bingeing on cat videos during your commute.
However, if you’re someone who thrives on YouTube or Netflix, or are contemplating ditching your home Wi-Fi in favor of mobile data (not a great idea, mate), there are plenty of contract options with more data – right up to unlimited if that suits your fancy.
If you’re still uncertain about how much data you truly require, try out a data calculator like the one from Uswitch in the UK and AT&T in the US.
Keep an Eye on 4G and 5G
Nowadays, everyone and their grandma are on 4G, but 5G is gaining traction fast. If your phone can handle 5G, go ahead. But just ensure your device is capable – some budget phones are still stuck in 4G mode.
And if you somehow still possess a phone that only supports 3G… pal, it’s high time to ditch it. Most networks are already shutting down their 3G towers, so you’ll be in hot water if you don’t upgrade.
Do You Really Need a SIM Card?
Maybe yes, maybe no. eSIMs are becoming increasingly prevalent, making it super easy to switch networks or add an extra number. But again, ensure your device supports eSIM capabilities.
If you’re not quite sure what you’re getting into with an eSIM, take a gander at our piece on the advantages and downsides.
Our Top SIM-Only Deals This Month
Here are some of the standout SIM-only offers we’ve uncovered for the UK:
- Three – Unlimited SIM-only plan with all the data you could dream of for £20/month on a 24-month contract. Get it here
- Smarty – £15/month for 180GB (includes free EU roaming up to 12GB). One-month rolling contract. Snag it here
- O2 – Free Disney+, Amazon Prime, or other streaming treats for 3-6 months on a 24-month plan. Free EU roaming up to 25GB. Check it out here
- Giffgaff – Offers up until 4 Dec. 60GB for £10, 120GB for £15 or £20 on an 18-month contract. Free EU roaming up to 5GB. Get the details here
- Lebara – 25GB monthly rolling plan for £10. Free EU and India roaming. 100 minutes of international calls to those locations included. Check it out here
- Spusu – Unlimited data for £29.90 on the EE network, with 10GB EU roaming. More info here
- Honest Mobile – Unlimited plan starts at £25/month, but gets cheaper over time (up to 30% off!). Free EU roaming up to 20GB. Sign up here
- Superdrug Mobile – Unlimited data for £20/month or 20GB for £10/month. Accumulate Superdrug points upon signing up. Join now
- Talk Mobile – 150GB for £11.95/month (30-day rolling), or 40GB for £7.95/month on a 12-month contract with Vodafone. Grab the deal here
If you’re looking for specific deals for kids or students, check out the top SIM deals for kids and the best SIM deals for students.
In the US? Here are some fantastic deals:
- Mint Mobile – Unlimited data for $15/month on a three-month plan (T-Mobile). Just remember, you need to pay the full $45 upfront. Get it here
- Visible – $25/month for unlimited 5G data for 24 months (Verizon-owned). Annual payment options are available for additional savings. Check it out here
- Twigby – 5GB for $10/month for the first three months (Verizon). After that, it increases to $20/month. See it here
- Good2Go – Unlimited data for $25/month on a 12-month contract (AT&T and T-Mobile). Speeds do slow down after a certain data limit. View the plan here
- Boost Mobile – Unlimited plans starting from $25/month (Dish, AT&T, T-Mobile networks). Take a look here
- Go Talk – $10 for 3GB or $25 for 10GB with complimentary VPN and anti-phishing features (T-Mobile). Check it out here
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Deals for the Daring: SIM-Savvy or Short on Cash?
Alright, that’s a wrap. Whether you’re in the UK or the US, there’s a SIM-only deal waiting for you to suit your needs (or lack thereof, let’s keep it real). Ditch the contracts if possible and grab one of these instead – your bank account will appreciate it later, perhaps even enough for a pint…
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