Compare current SIM only deals
Reviewed by: Phil Brown, founder of SIM Only Finder. Phil previously worked in UK mobile retail at Three UK, advising customers on SIM plans, contracts, and network choices. He has spent over a decade running consumer comparison platforms and reviews networks and SIM-only deals based on that hands-on industry background. About the author
Last reviewed: June 2026. Updated regularly to reflect current plan pricing, network changes, and roaming policies.
How we compile this list
To compile this list, we track every network shown below and check which network powers it, eSIM availability, credit check policy and lowest advertised prices directly against each provider's published terms. Deal prices update automatically from our live comparison data, so the figures in the table reflect the cheapest deals we currently list rather than a fixed snapshot. Coverage reliability comparisons reference the most recent RootMetrics UK RootScore Report and Ofcom Connected Nations data.
How the UK networks fit together
Most of the providers on this page do not own a mobile network. They are virtual operators, often called MVNOs, that buy access to one of the four main networks and sell their own plans on top of it. The network that powers a provider determines the coverage and the underlying signal you receive, while the provider sets the price, the data allowances and the customer service.
The UK has four networks that own their own infrastructure: EE, O2, Vodafone and Three. A provider that runs on EE gives you EE coverage, a provider on O2 gives you O2 coverage, and so on. If coverage is your priority, check which of the four powers a provider first, then compare the providers that sit on it. RootMetrics and Ofcom Connected Nations both publish independent reliability data you can use to compare the four directly.
One change is worth knowing about. Vodafone and Three completed a merger in May 2025 to form VodafoneThree. The two continue to operate as separate networks and brands for now, and the smaller brands they own, such as Smarty, Voxi and Talkmobile, carry on in their own right, so the grouping below still holds. We explain what the deal means for customers in our Vodafone and Three merger explainer.
Compare every network at a glance
Deal prices update from our live data. Where a network does not currently list a deal for a given contract length, the cell shows n/a.
| Network | Powered by | eSIM | Credit check | Live deals | Cheapest 1 month | Cheapest 12 month | Cheapest unlimited |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1pMobile | EE | Yes | No | 9 | £5.00 | n/a | £25.00 |
| Asda Mobile | Vodafone | Yes | No | 24 | £4.00 | £5.00 | £19.00 |
| Chattr | O2 | Yes | No | 4 | £10.00 | n/a | £15.00 |
| EcoTalk | EE | No | No | 6 | £4.00 | n/a | £22.00 |
| Giffgaff | O2 | Yes | No | 38 | £6.00 | n/a | £14.00 |
| Grade Mobile | EE | No | No | 11 | £11.00 | £10.00 | £24.00 |
| Honest Mobile | Three | Yes | No | 16 | £8.40 | £7.56 | £22.50 |
| iD Mobile | Three | Yes | Yes | 92 | £6.00 | £6.00 | £15.00 |
| Lebara | Vodafone | No | No | 15 | £4.50 | £9.00 | £22.50 |
| Lycamobile | EE | Yes | No | 35 | £5.00 | £4.50 | £18.00 |
| Mozillion | EE | Yes | No | 18 | £5.00 | £4.50 | £24.00 |
| O2 | O2 | Yes | Yes | 45 | £10.00 | £7.00 | £22.00 |
| ParentShield | EE | Yes | No | 5 | £5.99 | n/a | £39.99 |
| Sky Mobile | O2 | Yes | Yes | 8 | n/a | £1.00 | £20.00 |
| Smarty | Three | Yes | No | 11 | £5.00 | n/a | £17.00 |
| Spusu | EE | Yes | No | 9 | £2.90 | n/a | n/a |
| Talkmobile | Vodafone | Yes | No | 11 | £4.95 | £9.95 | £16.00 |
| Tesco Mobile | O2 | Yes | Yes | 23 | £10.00 | £6.00 | £17.00 |
| Three | Three | Yes | Yes | 20 | £5.00 | £7.00 | £18.00 |
| Vodafone | Vodafone | Yes | Yes | 136 | £27.00 | £7.00 | £26.00 |
| Voxi | Vodafone | Yes | No | 16 | £10.00 | n/a | £35.00 |
Networks grouped by the network that powers them
If coverage matters most to you, start with the network that powers a provider and then compare the providers that run on it.
Networks running on EE: 1pMobile, EcoTalk, Grade Mobile, Lycamobile, Mozillion, ParentShield and Spusu. See which networks use EE for a fuller comparison.
Networks running on O2: O2 itself, Chattr, Giffgaff, Sky Mobile and Tesco Mobile. See which networks use O2 for a fuller comparison.
Networks running on Vodafone: Vodafone itself, Asda Mobile, Lebara, Talkmobile and Voxi. See which networks use Vodafone for a fuller comparison.
Networks running on Three: Three itself, Honest Mobile, iD Mobile and Smarty. See which networks use Three for a fuller comparison.
Networks with no credit check
Most virtual operators do not run a credit check, because you pay in advance or on a rolling monthly basis. The following networks currently run a credit check: iD Mobile, O2, Sky Mobile, Tesco Mobile, Three and Vodafone. Every other network listed on this page does not. If avoiding a credit check is important to you, see our no credit check SIM only deals.
Networks that offer an eSIM
An eSIM lets you activate a plan digitally without waiting for a physical SIM to arrive in the post. Most networks on this page support it. You can also browse eSIM only deals across all networks.
EcoTalk and Grade Mobile supply a physical SIM only. Lebara launched eSIM in October 2025 and is rolling it out in stages: new customers can currently only order a Lebara eSIM with an iPhone Air, while existing customers can request a switch through customer support.
The cheapest networks right now
Prices change frequently, so treat these as a guide and confirm the current figure in the table above before you switch.
At the time of writing, the cheapest one month deal we list is Spusu at £2.90. The cheapest twelve month deal is Mozillion at £3.50. For unlimited data, Giffgaff is currently the lowest at £14.00, with Chattr and iD Mobile close behind at £15.00. The widest choice of deals comes from Vodafone, with 136 plans, followed by iD Mobile with 78.
How to choose a network
Start with coverage. The network that powers a provider sets the signal you receive, so check how EE, O2, Vodafone and Three perform where you live and work before you look at price. RootMetrics and Ofcom Connected Nations both publish reliability data, and most networks let you check coverage by postcode.
Next, weigh up contract length against price stability. A rolling 30 day SIM only deal gives you the freedom to leave at any time, while a twelve month deal usually costs less per month but locks you in. Many networks apply an annual in contract price rise, so it is worth reading the terms before you commit. Our guide to mid contract price rises explains how each network handles this.
Finally, match the network to how you use your phone. Heavy data users should compare unlimited plans, light users can save with a small allowance, and anyone who wants to avoid a credit check or activate instantly should filter for those features. When you are ready to switch, you can keep your existing number using a PAC code.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a mobile network and an MVNO?
A mobile network operator owns the physical infrastructure, the masts and the spectrum. The UK has four networks that own their infrastructure: EE, O2, Vodafone and Three. Vodafone and Three are now part of VodafoneThree following their 2025 merger, but continue to operate as separate networks for now. An MVNO, or mobile virtual network operator, does not own infrastructure. It buys access to one of these networks and sells its own plans, which is how providers such as Giffgaff, Smarty and Lebara operate.
Which network does each provider use?
The network that powers every provider is shown in the comparison table above. As a quick guide, providers running on EE include 1pMobile, Lycamobile and Spusu. Providers on O2 include Giffgaff, Sky Mobile and Tesco Mobile. Providers on Vodafone include Asda Mobile, Talkmobile and Voxi, and providers on Three include Honest Mobile, iD Mobile and Smarty.
Which networks do not require a credit check?
Most virtual operators do not. The networks that currently run a credit check are iD Mobile, O2, Sky Mobile, Tesco Mobile, Three and Vodafone. You can compare the rest on our no credit check SIM only deals page.
Can I keep my phone number when I switch network?
Yes. Ask your current provider for a PAC code, then give it to your new network when you order. Your number transfers across, usually within one working day. Our PAC code guide explains the full process.
Do all these networks offer an eSIM?
Most do. EcoTalk and Grade Mobile supply a physical SIM only. Lebara launched eSIM in October 2025 and is rolling it out in stages: new customers can currently only order a Lebara eSIM with an iPhone Air, while existing customers can request a switch through customer support.
Which is the cheapest network?
It depends on what you need. For a one month plan, Spusu is currently the lowest at £2.90. For unlimited data, Giffgaff is currently the lowest at £14.00. Prices change often, so check the comparison table for the current figure.
Are MVNO speeds slower than the network they run on?
They can be. Some virtual operators apply a speed cap or are deprioritised at busy times compared with the network operator's own customers. The coverage footprint is the same as the network it runs on, but peak speeds may differ. Check the individual network's terms if maximum speed matters to you.
Editorial policy
This page is produced by the SIM Only Finder editorial team to help readers compare SIM only networks across the UK. Network terms, pricing, credit check policies and eSIM availability are checked regularly and updated to reflect current offers. Always confirm current terms directly with the network before signing up.
