If you’re just moving from another country to the UK, one of the first things to get sorted is your SIM card, at least, to keep in touch with your loved ones at home and even help with your internet access. Even if you’ve been in the country for a while, you need a SIM card with reliable network coverage, fast data speeds, and especially flexible and affordable data plans. Plus you want to make sure that the card is compatible with your device. There are a lot of options in the market and it can be overwhelming trying to make a pick. Which SIM card is best in UK? Don’t worry, we’ve taken our time to review the best SIM card in UK, including the types of SIM cards, providers, factors to consider before buying any SIM card, and how to get a United Kingdom SIM card. That said, let’s get started!
Why You Need A United Kingdom SIM Card
Whether you’re a visitor, student, or resident in the UK, having a SIM card is essential for easy navigation in the country. Below are reasons why a United Kingdom SIM card is a must-have:
- If you’re a visitor or student, it makes it easy for you to stay connected with family and friends at home or in your student accommodation in UK.
- You’ll have access to mobile data to take care of your online activities.
- The more you use your home country’s SIM card, the more crazy charges you incur. A UK SIM card will trim those charges
- It helps you gain access to some local services like banking, online shopping, and transportation. Most times, a local phone number is required to access these services for either verification or communication purposes.
- You can quickly contact emergency services or local authorities in case of any unforeseen situation, especially if you’re a foreigner.
Kinds Of SIM Cards in The UK
There are different kinds of United Kingdom SIM cards and your choice depends on your phone’s requirement. There are Standard SIM cards, Micro SIMs, Nano SIMs, eSIMs, and Combi SIMs. Below is a more detailed explanation:
1. Physical SIM Cards
l Standard SIM
This was the first kind of SIM card introduced to the market as far back as 1996, hence the name. It’s the biggest with a dimension of 15mm x 25mm. You’ll need this SIM if your phone is an old model like iPhone 3GS or Blackberry Curve.
l Micro SIM
Micro SIM was introduced as an upgrade to Standard SIM in 2003. It’s mid-sized with a dimension of 12mm x 15mm. They are no longer in vogue but some phones like the iPhone 4s are still using the SIM.
l Nano SIM
Released in 2012, this is the most used SIM card today. It’s so small with dimensions measuring 8.80mm x 12.30mm. If you’re using an iPhone 5 or later models, then is SIM card is for you. It’s also used in most Android smartphones.
2. e-SIM Card
Unlike other SIM cards, an e-SIM card isn’t physical (the “e” stands for embedded) Rather, it appears as a chip inside your phone and can’t be removed. Then, when you change your network, the eSIM will change instantly. So, there’s no need to get a new SIM card for your phone.
Best SIM Cards in UK
The best SIM card deals in UK include Prepaid SIM or Pay-As-You-Go, Mobile Contract, and SIM-Only plan. Their mode of subscription differ and in this section, we will compare these SIM card deals.
Prepaid or Pay-As-You-Go SIM
This is one of the cheapest SIM cards in UK because it gives you enough control over costs. Just as the name implies, there’s no fixed subscription plan, instead, you’ll only pay according to your usage – whether it’s for calls, sending messages, or data usage.
This plan is mostly suitable if you’re an international student or simply visiting the country for a short while. It takes away the burden of a long-term contract and you can use the SIM for as long as you need and stop when you leave the country.
Additionally, the prepaid or pay-as-you-go SIM is the best SIM card in UK for international students because unlike the contract plans credit checks are not required to procure the SIM card. If you’re a resident with bad credit or you prefer not to undergo a credit check for a phone plan, this SIM deal is an ideal option.
Also if you find a better deal or if your current provider’s coverage isn’t so great, you can switch to another provider without worrying about paying any cancellation fee.
Mobile Contracts
Unlike the prepaid SIM, mobile contracts plan requires a long-term commitment. Here’s how it works – you pay a fixed amount at the end of the month for all the calls, text messages, and mobile data you use every month. It’s easy to consider this the cheapest SIM card in UK because budgeting is easier as you know exactly what you’ll pay at the end of every month.
Another benefit of this SIM card deal in UK is that it usually comes with a smartphone. That explains why it’s called mobile contracts. Some SIM providers offer phones in addition to your phone plans. What they do is to spread the cost across the duration of the contract, usually 12, or 24 months. If you’re new in the country, this is a more affordable way to own the latest smartphones without the need for a large upfront payment.
You’ll get different packages for mobile data, messages, and calls. The package is payable monthly and if you exceed your usage limit, charges will then be deducted from your bank account. The good thing about this plan is that you have no limits. So, if you make calls frequently and browse the internet a lot, this SIM deal is much more convenient. However, when you want to switch plans, you’ll be required to pay a cancellation fee.
Aside from that, this SIM deal requires a credit check. Do you know why? It’s because they’re essentially lending you a phone and providing services on a postpaid basis. So, if you have a poor credit score, you may be denied a contract or asked to pay a deposit. They need to be sure you’re capable of handling the expenses; and that you have the means to.
Another good thing that makes this deal the best SIM card in UK is that you’re free to customize and choose what matters most to you. Whether you need more data, unlimited text, or an international calling option, the SIM providers allow you to pick what works best for you. How incredible!
SIM-Only Plan
The SIM-Only plan is another best SIM for Europe and UK residents or visitors who already have a phone but desire a more flexible and affordable mobile data plan. The only thing you need to do here is to bring your phone and have the SIM provider supply you with the SIM card and from there, you can choose the phone plan that works for you – either a 30-day, 12-month, or 24-month plan. It’s essentially the same as a mobile contract but the difference here is that you can either opt for the prepaid/pay-as-you-go plan or the postpaid plan where you pay a fixed amount based on your data, call, and text messages for the month.
This flexibility offered by this SIM-Only deal only means that you can cancel or switch plans at any time without any penalties. So, if you don’t want to be tied down to a long-term commitment, this SIM deal is a great choice!
The best part is that no credit check is required to procure the SIM, especially if you’re on a month-to-month or pay-as-you-go basis. Some plans come with unlimited texts and minutes to UK locals.
Difference Between Best SIM Card Plans in the UK
Although the major difference between the above SIM card plans is their payment flexibility, there are other important differences to keep in mind, and for a better understanding, we’ve summarized them in this section.
| SIM Card Deals | Prepaid/Pay-As-You-Go SIM | Mobile Contracts | SIM-Only Plan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Payment Plan | Pay only for what you use (calls, texts, data) | Fixed monthly payment for usage | Flexible, can choose prepaid or fixed monthly plan |
| Smartphone | Does not include a smartphone | Often includes a smartphone, cost spread over the contract term | Only provides a SIM card. |
| Credit Check | No credit check required | Requires a credit check, and may need a deposit if you have poor credit. | No credit check is required for month-to-month or prepaid plans |
| Contract Length | No contract. It can stop anytime | Long-term contract (usually 12-24 months) | Flexible (30 days, 12, or 24 months) |
| Cancellation Fees | None. You can switch providers anytime | Cancellation fees apply if you leave before the contract ends | No cancellation fees for month-to-month plans |
| Best Suited For | Short-term visitors, international students, or people with bad credit | Those who want a new smartphone and use data, texts, and calls frequently | People who already have a phone and want flexibility without commitment |
Best SIM Deals in the UK
Social media is already part of our lives and the best way to enjoy your experience is to have not just a strong internet network but a good data deal. In this section, we’ll show you the best SIM card data deals in the UK and what makes them stand out.
Vodafone
Vodafone comes with the best SIM deals that are quite hard to resist whether you’re using a PAYG SIM or under a contract. For just £27 a month, you can access a generous 160GB of data along with access to different streaming platforms like Spotify, Amazon Prime, or YouTube Premium. You can either sign up for their 24-month contract and enjoy these subscriptions or go for a PAYG SIM card. Whichever one you choose, rest assured that you’ll get maximum network coverage no matter where you are in the country.
Voxi
Voxi’s SIM deals are tailor-made for users who use social media a lot. With just £15 per month, you’ll get unlimited social media access including access to music and video platforms like Spotify, YouTube, Apple Music, Amazon Music, and many more. You’ll also enjoy unlimited calls and texts. Although their plan work well for SIM-Only plans. So, since there’s no contract, you can cancel anytime without incurring any cost.
Best SIM Provider in the UK
So, which SIM card is best in UK? Generally, there are 4 main SIM providers in the United Kingdom. You can either go for O2, Vodafone, EE, or Three network providers. They are all known for providing high-quality network coverage. Let’s look at some of their features.
O2 SIM Provider
Offering a network as high as 5G sets O2 apart as a major SIM provider in the UK. No matter the city you are in, there’s enough network coverage to go around and with this, your internet speed will be fast as well. If you’re not sure of the network coverage in your area, you simply log in to their website to check.
Furthermore, there’s no need to change your phone though. Just make sure that you’ve unlocked it in your home country to accommodate the new SIM card. You can either go with their Pay-As-You-Go SIM, Monthly SIM, SIM-Only plan, or the International SIM plans. Most international students or visitors opt for the International SIM plan as it allows them to reach their family and friends back home at a cheaper cost. Their data plan is quite affordable and ranges between £10 – £40 per month.
EE SIM provider
Another best SIM network in UK is the EE. As a user, you’ll be getting both 4G and 5G network coverage no matter where you are in the country. They offer different SIM card plans but the icing on the cake is that if you’re under a monthly contract, you can never get stranded even though your data allowance is exhausted. Aside from that, if you’re in an area with a low network signal but Wi-Fi access, a Wi-Fi calling feature allows you to place calls effortlessly.
One of the reasons why EE is considered the cheap UK SIM card provider is that you’ll get multiple discounts if you’re subscribed to the family plan. In fact, their new and improved Multi-Line Discount offers you as much as £12 off phones, SIMs, tablets, and laptops. Essentially, the more members or SIMs you add to the plan, the better. There’s also an extra 20GB of mobile data waiting for you every month. How incredible!
All in all, EE is a great choice if you need lots of mobile data for streaming or studying. It’s one of the best SIM cards with unlimited data and if you’re a light internet user, there are smaller data packages for you at an affordable rate. Before buying this SIM, don’t forget to check how strong their network is in your area through their coverage checker on the website.
Vodafone SIM Provider
Vodafone is tagged the “Nation’s Network” and the best SIM in UK for a reason. Not only does it offer a 5G fast network but also lower latency and a more reliable connection across the United Kingdom. If you’re getting a new phone from Vodafone, then the SIM cards come at no extra cost.
For the SIM deals, you can either go for their Pay As You Go or Pay Monthly options. While the Pay-As-You-Go SIMs offer unlimited minutes and texts, the Pay Monthly option offers unlimited data and the cost is between £11 – £35 per month.
The most amazing part is that the SIMs are all available as eSIMs. They are quick to set up and easy to use, although your phone must be eSIM-compatible. Finally, Vodafone’s SIM-only deals come with international roaming across Europe and beyond, making it the best international SIM card in the UK.
Three SIM Provider
A lot of people in the UK are enjoying Three Network services because of their fast internet speed and cheap SIM deals which cost £10 – £30 per month, depending on the plan you subscribe to. You can choose from their Unlimited Data plan, Pay Monthly contract, or Pay As You Go options. It just depends on how heavily you use the internet and you can cancel your monthly subscription anything you like. Finally, Three offers eSIMs to users who want to retain their old physical SIM cards and have two phone numbers. As long as your phone is compatible with the SIM, you’re good to go.
How to Get a UK SIM Card?
Having known the best SIM card in the UK, you might be stuck wondering about the necessary steps to take to obtain one. Don’t worry. The process isn’t such a hard one to crack.
You can either get the SIM online or simply walk into any nearby mobile store and pick it up. There are also supermarkets and convenience stores ready to offer prepaid SIM cards. You can also make your purchase via the website of the SIM providers.
If you’re an international student or a visitor, it’s usually best to get this SIM card when you’ve already settled in the city as you’ll need the country’s address proof to back up your purchase. Additionally, proof of identity is required. You can present documents like your university ID, international passport, or even visa.
What to Consider Before Buying A United Kingdom SIM Card
Buying the best SIM card in UK also depends on how carefully you’ve considered several factors like the cost and size of the SIM card, network coverage, data plans, SIM compatibility, and easy replacement. What worked for A might not work for you, so it’s best to weigh your cards properly before making a decision. Here are the things you should consider:
- Cost of the SIM card:Generally, most SIM providers offer free SIM cards if you’re also buying a new phone from them. The cost of the SIM card also depends on the type you’re going for – whether Pay As You Go or Pay Monthly. The cheapest SIM cards in UK are usually prepaid or pay-as-you-go, so you can reduce your cost of living in UK.
- Size of the SIM card and Phone Compatibility: Cheap UKSIM cards come in different sizes including standard, Micro, Nano, and eSIM. Before purchasing one, ensure that it’s compatible with your phone, especially if you’re an international student or a visitor and your phone is from your home country. Also, check for the SIM’s network compatibility with your phone.
- Network Coverage:One of the most frustrating situations is having to ensure a slow network, especially when you have an online class to catch up on. Thankfully, most SIM providers in the UK like Vodafone, O2, EE, and Three offer 5G fast internet speed, so, you have nothing to worry about.
- Data Plans:To buy the best SIM card in UK, look at your budget and be sure that it can sustain whatever data plan you opt for. Check out all the providers and compare SIM card deals. You may want to go for an unlimited data plan if you’re a heavy internet user. Finally, check to see if international call and roaming packages are included. You’ll need this if you’re a visitor and plan to call home frequently.
- Replaceable SIM card:Midway through your stay in the UK, you may want to change SIM cards. In situations like this, having an eSIM is preferable because you can easily switch between networks without physically swapping cards. So, if your phone is compatible with eSIMs, consider going for it.
Conclusion on Best SIM Card In UK
To choose the best SIM card in UK, you can try Vodafone, EE, O2, or Three. These providers offer a 5G network which is super fast and reliable. Their SIM cards even come for free if you’re also buying a phone from them. Otherwise, their SIM card-only deals are open and you can purchase one from them. If you’re not ready for long-term commitment, the Pay As You Go or Prepaid SIM is the best option but if you’ve got lots of online classes and assignments to sort out, the monthly Contracts SIM is a better choice. If your budget allows it, go for the unlimited data plan.
FAQs
The best mobile network provider in the UK is Three because it offers 5G network coverage and cheap SIM deals which cost £7 – £30 per month. Additionally, it offers a 4G network that covers 87% of the UK.
Three offers the lowest phone plan rate for international students in the UK, with rates starting at £7 for 4GB of data. Three SIM cards offer affordable SIM card plans for students to explore, plus you can cancel the plan anytime.
The cost of a SIM card in the UK varies depending on the network provider. It also depends on if you’re buying a phone from the provider as well, in which case the SIM card comes at no extra cost. But budget between £7 and £30 to get a SIM card in the UK.
You can purchase a SIM card in the UK either online, in mobile shops, or a nearby supermarket.
