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Part of:
Best Broadband and Mobile UK 2026
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| Provider | Data | Monthly cost | Network | Contract |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SMARTY | Unlimited | £20 a month | Three | Rolling monthly |
| SMARTY | 100GB | £12 a month | Three | Rolling monthly |
| Talkmobile | 100GB | £9.95 a month | Vodafone | 30 days |
| Talkmobile | 30GB | £6.95 a month | Vodafone | 30 days |
| Asda Mobile | Unlimited | £22 a month | Vodafone | 12 months |
| Asda Mobile | Unlimited | £19 a month | Vodafone | 24 months |
| Asda Mobile | 10GB | £8 a month | Vodafone | 12 months |
Prices read from each network's own website on 24 September 2026. Only networks whose prices could be checked that day are shown; VOXI, giffgaff, Sky, Three, Lebara, Tesco, iD and EE publish their current plans on their own sites. All plans shown include unlimited UK minutes and texts. Offers change often.
When Pay Monthly Makes Sense
SIM-only almost always wins on total cost, but there are genuine reasons to choose pay monthly:| Reason | Is it a good reason? | Alternative to consider |
|---|---|---|
| You cannot afford the upfront handset cost | Legitimate - but check the maths carefully | Consider buy now pay later (0% interest) for the phone separately |
| You want a new phone every 2 years | Weak reason - you can sell your current phone to fund the next | Trade-in + SIM-only; often still cheaper overall |
| You want the latest phone immediately without savings | Legitimate but expensive | Budget for a phone fund - £30/month saves £720 in 2 years |
| Your credit score is thin and SIM-only requires a credit check | Sometimes - PAYG SIMs need no credit check; some SIM-only plans do | PAYG SIM; giffgaff; Smarty (minimal credit checks) |
| Your employer pays for the contract | Not your money - convenience matters more | N/A - take the contract |
When to Switch from Pay Monthly to SIM-Only
- Check your contract end date: Most pay monthly contracts are 24 months. Your network must notify you 10-40 days before the end. Look for the notification or call to check.
- Text to switch (PAC code): Text PAC to 65075 (free). Your PAC code arrives by text within 60 seconds. Use it to port your number to a new SIM-only provider within 30 days.
- Compare SIM-only deals: Use comparison sites for your postcode - coverage varies by network.
- Switch: New SIM arrives in 1-3 days. Insert it, use PAC code when prompted. Your number transfers within 1 working day.
Key facts
SIM-only plans checked on 24 September 2026 cost from £5 to £22 a month (Asda Mobile, SMARTY and Talkmobile) vs £25 to £80 a month for pay monthly contracts including a handset. The typical saving over 2 years is £200 to £600 when you buy the phone separately. Switch to SIM-only when your current contract ends by texting PAC to 65075. On 24 September 2026 the lowest unlimited price among the networks checked was £19 a month (Asda Mobile, 24-month contract); SMARTY's rolling monthly unlimited plan was £20.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is SIM only cheaper than pay monthly UK?
Almost always yes. Pay monthly contracts bundle the handset cost into inflated monthly payments. Buying a phone separately and taking a SIM-only plan typically saves £200-600 over 2 years. The saving is largest on premium flagships like iPhone.
How do I switch to SIM only in the UK?
Text PAC to 65075 (free). You receive your PAC code within 60 seconds by text. Choose a SIM-only plan from a comparison site, give them your PAC code, and your number transfers within 1 working day.
What is the best SIM-only deal UK 2026?
Prices change often. On 24 September 2026 SMARTY's unlimited plan cost £20 a month on a rolling monthly contract, using the Three network. See the dated price tables in our SMARTY, Talkmobile and Asda Mobile reviews, and check the network's own site before you buy.
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From Kael Tripton Slashtel sells data-only UK eSIMs, delivered as a QR code by email in minutes, plus travel eSIMs for 190+ countries. More: see uk esim plans. Slashtel is a Kael Tripton Ltd brand, the company that publishes this site. Editorial coverage on Kael Tripton is independent of it. |
