The popularity of SIM-only deals is on the rise and it's easy to see why. They're generally cheaper and offer more flexibility than a pay-monthly SIM contract - there's no need to be tied into a 24-month contract, you can also choose from 1-month rolling and 12-month SIM only deals.

So, what is a SIM-only deal and how does it work? With a SIM-only plan, you pay monthly for an allowance of calls, texts, and data. There's no phone included in the plan, so you don't have to pay it off over the course of your contract. All you have to do is choose a network and select the best monthly SIM-only deal for you based on the amount of minutes, texts, and data you need. You'll get a new SIM card to put in your phone. And you can even keep your current phone number.

Of course, you need to have a phone to take advantage of a SIM-only deal and it needs to be unlocked. If you originally purchased it on a contract deal it may be locked to a network. They should unlock your phone for free if the contract's up, but keep in mind that it can take up to 10 days.

Even if you don't currently own a mobile, it's worth considering buying a SIM-free phone. While it might seem like a lot of money to pay up front, it usually works out cheaper than a pay-monthly plan as you're not paying interest on the cost of the phone.

At Carphone Warehouse we offer SIM only Vodafone deals, VOXI, and iD Mobile SIM-only plans. We also offer SIM-only upgrades with iD Mobile and Vodafone. If you've come to the end of your pay-monthly contract and you're happy with your phone and network, upgrading to a SIM-only plan may be the best option for you.

Cheap SIM-only deals

SIM-only deals are great value for money and usually work out cheaper than a pay-monthly contract. VOXI SIM-only plans are a great choice for those who prioritize social media usage, as many of their deals include unlimited social media data alongside generous allowances for calls and texts.

So if money is a bit tight at the moment - like it is for many of us - it's worth considering a cheap SIM-only packages to help reduce your outgoings. Because you won't be paying off an expensive handset, your monthly phone bills should be considerably less.

When choosing which only SIM deal to go for, there are a couple of things to bear in mind: the amount of data included (most have unlimited calls and texts) and the length of the contract. You tend to get more data for your money if you sign up for longer, so the cheapest SIM-only deals are for 12- or 24-month contracts. 1-month rolling contracts usually cost a little more but they give you the freedom to leave if you spot a better deal or decide to move to a pay-monthly phone.

Compare our cheap SIM-only plans at Carphone Warehouse to make sure you're getting the best SIM card-only deals for you.

Unlimited data SIM-only deals

Whether or not you'll need unlimited data with your SIM-only contract will depend on how you use your phone. The average person uses 2-3GB of data per month. But how do you compare to the average person? If you're someone who mostly uses their phone for social media, browsing online, and checking emails, and has decent WiFi at home, then a 2-3GB SIM-only plan should be plenty.

If you're more of a heavy data user, it might be worth thinking about an unlimited data SIM-only deal. Maybe you love to stream podcasts, music, and videos while out and about, or maybe you spend a lot of time with no access to WiFi. An unlimited data SIM-only plan gives you peace of mind that you're not going to run out of data part way through the month.

SIM-only contracts

SIM-only plans are usually offered on a 1-month rolling, 12-month, or 24-month basis. If you opt in for 12 or 24 months, you'll be locked in for the length of the contract, but you'll usually get a better deal on data.

1-month rolling SIM-only contracts - also known as 30-day contracts - are just the same as 12- and 24-month contracts except that you can leave at any time. All you have to do is give 30-days' notice. What that means for you is that you have the freedom to shop around for the best deal, and if you spot something better, you don't have to wait until your contract is up to leave.

One of the other benefits of a SIM-only contract - particularly 1-month rolling contracts - is that they require a less comprehensive credit check. It's a lower risk for the network as they're not trusting you with an expensive phone, and the overall price of the contract will be much lower. So you can still be accepted for a SIM-only contract even if you don't have the best credit rating.

Pay As You Go SIM-only deals

If you'd prefer not to commit to a contract, it's worth considering a Pay As You Go SIM card only deal. Unlike most SIM-only contracts, you can pick up a Pay As You Go SIM card without a credit check, then simply top up with credit as and when you need it. It's a simple, cost-effective way to pay, and is especially handy if you have a bad credit rating.

iD Mobile SIM-only contracts

iD Mobile is a value-focused mobile network offering some of the best SIM Only plans on the market. They provide 99% coverage*, Roaming**, the UK’s fastest 5G*** and Data Rollover on all plans. And, like Carphone Warehouse, they’re part of the Currys family.

With iD Mobile you can choose from a wide selection of flexible 30-day, 12-month or 24-month SIM Only plan options for your mobile phone. All iD Mobile SIM Only contracts feature a monthly set amount of data, unlimited minutes and texts. If you require more minutes or need more data, you can change your plan on the iD Mobile App. Looking to upgrade your iD Mobile SIM-only plan? Find all the information you need here!

Pros & Cons of SIM-Only Deals

Pros:

• Lower monthly fees
• Flexible 30-day, 12-month, or 24-month contracts
• Keep your existing handset and number
• No credit check for Pay As You Go SIMs

Cons:

• No handset included
• Upfront cost if you need a new phone
• May require network unlocking if your phone is locked (see Switching & Unlocking section)

How to Switch Networks

To switch your mobile network, first check when your current contract ends, this is usually visible in your provider’s app or online account. When you’re ready, text the word “PAC” to 65075 and you’ll receive a Porting Authorisation Code within minutes. Copy that code into the new network’s checkout page when you sign up for your SIM-only plan. Once your order is confirmed, your new SIM will arrive; pop it into your phone and, after a brief service interruption (usually only a few minutes), your number and service will be live on the new network no need to change your phone or number.

Network Coverage

Our SIM-only plans, including popular 12 month sim only deals, use the UK's four major networks, Three (99.2% outdoor coverage), EE (98.5%), O2 (97.4%) and Vodafone (95.4%), so you can stay connected virtually anywhere. If you prefer a smaller brand, many MVNOs piggyback on these same networks: SMARTY and iD Mobile ride on Three, Spusu and Lebara on EE, giffgaff and Sky Mobile on O2, and VOXI and Tesco Mobile on Vodafone. To see exactly which network will serve you best, enter your postcode into Ofcom's coverage checker for a detailed local report.