Got a phone minus the contract? Don’t miss these sizzling SIM-only plans from Vodafone, EE, Three and more.
If you’re keen to keep your phone expenditure to a minimum, then one route to explore is picking up a SIM-only plan. Of course, you’ll need a handset, and it will need to be ‘unlocked’ for whichever network you choose. If you’ve got these, you will save money compared to a typical contract, which incorporates the handset’s cost.
And what makes SIM-only plans so appealing is that you’ll often find them on sale throughout the year. Many providers either slash the prices of their SIM-only contracts or boost the allotted data allowance. Either way, these discounted packages are often sublime value for money.
Read on for our run-down of the best offers on SIM-only plans you’ll find this July, followed by a few more pointers on the benefits of foregoing a new phone. And if you happen to be on the hunt for a new handset? Make sure you read our best iPhone, new phones 2021 and Samsung Galaxy phone list articles.
Best SIM-only deals in August 2021
Here’s are the best SIM-only offers you’ll find online right now.
- Vodafone, unlimited calls and texts,
1GB12GB data | £8 a month (12 months) - Three, 5G, unlimited calls and texts, 8GB data |
£10£5 first six months (24 months) - VOXI, unlimited calls and texts, endless social media, 8GB | £10 a month (1 month, cancel anytime)
- Three, 5G, unlimited calls and texts, 100GB data | £12.50 a month (12 months)
- iD Mobile, unlimited calls and texts, 50GB data | £12.00 (12 months)
- Virgin Media, unlimited calls and texts, 4GB data | £6 a month (12 months)
What is a SIM-only plan?
A SIM-only plan sets you up with minutes, texts and data on a monthly basis – all that’s missing is the phone. Instead, you’ll get the SIM (subscriber identification module) card, the conduit between you and your provider.
More and more SIM-only contracts are 5G these days, so if you’ve got a phone that supports the latest generation of connectivity, you can be sure to find a plan.
Why choose SIM-only?
If your phone-obsessed mate has donated their no-longer-flagship handset to you, then you should definitely consider picking up a SIM-only plan. If you’re happy with your friend’s cast-off, then why spend unnecessary money on a new handset?
People who chew through lots of data should also consider the SIM-only route, especially if they’re nearing the end of their current contract. If you like to stream film and TV shows while you’re out and about, you’ll doubtless plough through loads of your allotted data. So if you’re about to finish your current contract, consider keeping your handset and switching over to SIM-only.
Lastly, SIM-only plans are perfect for commitment-phobes who don’t want to get locked into the usual two-year contract with a phone provider. Many SIM-only contracts are 12, 16 or 24 months long – but some providers, like GiffGaff and Smarty, offer rolling plans you can exit at any time.
If you’re mid-contract and not quite ready for the SIM-only switcheroo, then bookmark this page – we’re keeping it up-to-date with all the latest price drops and data boosts. And for all the latest news and deals, make sure you sign up for the RadioTimes.com tech newsletter.
For the latest news reviews and deals, check out the RadioTimes.com Technology section. Want a new handset and not sure what to buy? Read our guide to the best smartphone of the year so far. Don’t miss our pick of the best broadband deals.