Compare UK Mobile Networks for SIM-Only

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Compare UK mobile networks for SIM-only, in alphabetical order
Provider	EE	giffgaff	O2	Sky Mobile	Three	Vodafone
Network	Own network	O2's network	Own network	Not stated	Combined Vodafone and Three network	Combined Vodafone and Three network
5G	4G and 5G SIM-only plans	On monthly rolling and pay as you go plans	Included on all Pay Monthly and Pay As You Go plans	Not stated	All SIMs, at no extra cost	Not stated
SIM-only contracts	30-day rolling 24 months	Monthly rolling Pay as you go 18 months	Not stated	30 days 12 months 24 months	30 days 12 months 24 months	30 days 12 months 24 months
EU roaming	Not stated	Included in its plans, with up to 5GB of data in the EU zone	Included on Pay Monthly SIMs, up to 25GB	Daily Roaming Passport charge; no extra cost in the Republic of Ireland	Depends on plan: inclusive on some, daily Go Roam passes on others	Zone A roaming included on all Pay Monthly plans
eSIM	Not stated	Yes, activated through the giffgaff app	Yes, on compatible devices	Yes, on SIM-only plans	Yes, on SIM-only plans	Yes, on all SIM-only plans
Social tariff	EE Basics	None on Ofcom's list	O2 Essential Plan	None on Ofcom's list	None on Ofcom's list	None on Ofcom's list
Features	Stay Connected Data when your monthly data runs out	Tethering on all plans	Data rollover on Plus and Ultimate plans	Roll over spare data for up to a year Change your data plan whenever you like	Three+ rewards	Secure Net Mobile on SuperMobile plans
Check prices	Visit EE	Visit giffgaff	Visit O2	Visit Sky Mobile	Visit Three	Visit Vodafone

EE

Network: Own network
5G: 4G and 5G SIM-only plans
SIM-only contracts: 30-day rolling
24 months
EU roaming: Not stated
eSIM: Not stated
Social tariff: EE Basics
Features: Stay Connected Data when your monthly data runs out

Visit EE

giffgaff

Network: O2's network
5G: On monthly rolling and pay as you go plans
SIM-only contracts: Monthly rolling
Pay as you go
18 months
EU roaming: Included in its plans, with up to 5GB of data in the EU zone
eSIM: Yes, activated through the giffgaff app
Social tariff: None on Ofcom's list
Features: Tethering on all plans

Visit giffgaff

O2

Network: Own network
5G: Included on all Pay Monthly and Pay As You Go plans
SIM-only contracts: Not stated
EU roaming: Included on Pay Monthly SIMs, up to 25GB
eSIM: Yes, on compatible devices
Social tariff: O2 Essential Plan
Features: Data rollover on Plus and Ultimate plans

Visit O2

Sky Mobile

Network: Not stated
5G: Not stated
SIM-only contracts: 30 days
12 months
24 months
EU roaming: Daily Roaming Passport charge; no extra cost in the Republic of Ireland
eSIM: Yes, on SIM-only plans
Social tariff: None on Ofcom's list
Features: Roll over spare data for up to a year
Change your data plan whenever you like

Visit Sky Mobile

Three

Network: Combined Vodafone and Three network
5G: All SIMs, at no extra cost
SIM-only contracts: 30 days
12 months
24 months
EU roaming: Depends on plan: inclusive on some, daily Go Roam passes on others
eSIM: Yes, on SIM-only plans
Social tariff: None on Ofcom's list
Features: Three+ rewards

Visit Three

Vodafone

Network: Combined Vodafone and Three network
5G: Not stated
SIM-only contracts: 30 days
12 months
24 months
EU roaming: Zone A roaming included on all Pay Monthly plans
eSIM: Yes, on all SIM-only plans
Social tariff: None on Ofcom's list
Features: Secure Net Mobile on SuperMobile plans

Visit Vodafone

“Not stated” means we couldn't confirm it on the provider's own website when we checked. It doesn't mean the provider doesn't offer it — ask them.

How to use this table

Start with coverage: check how the network performs where you live and work, using the network's own coverage checker. Then think about how long you want to commit — a rolling plan gives flexibility, a longer contract can cost less — and whether you need EU roaming or eSIM. Compare current prices and data allowances on the provider's site.

Deciding between a new phone contract and SIM-only? Read is a SIM-only deal cheaper than a phone contract?

Common questions

Why doesn't this table show prices or data allowances?

SIM-only prices and allowances change often, sometimes weekly. Use the table to narrow down providers, then compare current plans on the provider's site.

Why does the network matter?

Some providers run on another operator's network — for example, giffgaff runs on O2's. Coverage where you live, work and travel depends on the network, so check the network's coverage checker for your postcode.

Can I keep my number if I switch?

Yes. Text PAC to 65075 to get a code that keeps your number, and give it to your new provider. Text STAC to 75075 if you don't need to keep it.

Will my phone work with a different network?

Phones sold in the UK since December 2021 can't be locked to a network. An older phone might still be locked, so check with your current provider before you switch.

How are the providers ordered?

Alphabetically. This table is a reference, not a ranking, and the order doesn't reflect commission or any judgement about which provider is best.

Sources

Details come from each provider's website, checked on the date shown. Social tariffs are from Ofcom's social tariffs list (updated 2 October 2026). Providers are listed alphabetically, not ranked. Packages change, so always confirm details with the provider before you buy. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.