How we compare
- Your real usage, from your bill
- Total contract cost, including any price rises written into the contract
- Contract length: 1-month rolling deals versus longer terms
- Our partners: deals come from the networks we work with, not the whole market
- Commission shown: each deal says whether we earn from it
Why SIM-only can cost less
A SIM-only deal pays for your minutes, texts and data and nothing else. Ofcom says it is usually best value if you already have a phone or are happy to buy a new or refurbished one separately (Ofcom). Ofcom also says buying a phone separately is often cheaper overall than buying it with a SIM contract (Ofcom).
What to compare
| Check | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Monthly price and any rise | A rise must be shown in pounds and pence in new contracts. Add it up over the full term. |
| Data allowance | Your provider's app or account shows what you use. Pay for that, not a guess. |
| Contract length | A rolling 1-month deal is easier to leave. For a longer one, check the exit terms before you sign. |
| End of the term | Your provider must write to you 10 to 40 days before a contract ends. Put the end date in your diary anyway. |
| Roaming terms | Check this if you travel. Providers must publish roaming charges on their website. |
| Bill limit | You should be offered one when you sign up. It caps what you can be charged. |
Before you switch
- Coverage: check the network's signal where you live and work, before you commit.
- Your phone: since 17 December 2021, providers cannot sell locked phones (Ofcom). A phone bought before then may be locked, so ask your provider to unlock it.
- Your number: text PAC to 65075 to keep it. The new provider must complete the switch within one working day.
- Your old contract: if you are still in contract, you might have to pay an early termination charge. Text INFO to 85075 to check.
How we are paid
You never pay us. If you take a deal through us, the provider pays us commission. That does not change what you pay. Read how we make money for the full picture.
Frequently asked questions
What is a SIM-only deal?
A plan with minutes, texts and data but no phone. You keep your own handset and just swap the SIM.
Will my phone work with a new network?
Providers have been banned from selling locked phones since 17 December 2021, so a phone bought since then should work. If your phone is older, ask your provider whether it is locked and how to unlock it.
Can I keep my number?
Yes. Text PAC to 65075 and give the code to your new provider. They must complete the switch within one working day.
Do you show every deal on the market?
No. We show deals from our partner providers. Each deal says whether we earn commission from it.
How much data do I need?
Check your provider's app or account for what you used in recent months. Pick a plan that covers that, and use a bill limit to guard against going over.