Data Only SIM Deals

What is a data only SIM?

A data only SIM card is designed for use in tablets and mobile Wi-Fi devices which don't make or receive calls. They come with a bundled data allowance, but don't include minutes or texts.

Why choose a data only SIM contract?

A data only SIM is the ideal choice if you have a tablet (with a SIM card slot), mobile broadband device or other device that you want to get online when away from Wi-Fi, but which you don’t need to call or text from, because, as the name suggests, a data only SIM comes with a data allowance but no minutes or texts.

All plans come with 4G and most additionally include 5G, so you can enjoy fast downloads and rapid internet browsing. You can also share internet with any other device that supports Wi-Fi over a personal hotspot (also known as tethering).

Which networks offer data only SIM deals?

All the major UK mobile networks offer data only SIM deals, including EE, Three, O2 and Vodafone and Smarty. They all come with 4G included at no extra cost, and many also come with 5G – look for the 5G symbol in our deals to find these, or tick the ‘only show 5G deals’ box.

What is the cheapest data only SIM deal?

At the time of writing, the cheapest deal available in the UK is just £3 per month on Three. That gets you 1GB of data on a 24-month plan. There’s also a £5 a month deal on Smarty. That gets you 2GB of data per month and is on a 1-month rolling contract.

Which size data SIM card do I need?

You’ll probably need a Nano SIM, which is the smallest type of SIM card and is used in the majority of devices from recent years. However, it’s possible that you’ll need a Micro SIM or possibly even a full-size standard SIM card.

Check the documentation for your device to find out for sure, or search for the make and model online.

However, most networks send a trio or multi SIM which includes all of the possible sizes, so you don’t need to check which you need before placing an order.

• SIM card sizes explained

Network coverage

Every UK network has comprehensive 3G coverage, while 4G coverage is now widely available in most places as well.

5G is also available on all of these networks. 5G coverage on all networks is patchy, but it’s rapidly improving.

• Check coverage for each network

Roaming

At the time of writing, O2, Smarty and Tesco Mobile all let you roam across most of Europe at no extra cost – though Tesco Mobile will be adding fees from later spring 2023.

If you’re on Vodafone or Three then you’ll typically have to pay an affordable daily charge to roam, though some plans come with roaming included – and in some cases let you roam even further afield than Europe at no extra cost.

• Best network for roaming

Can I put a data only SIM in a phone?

Yes, you can put a data only SIM in a phone, but be aware you won't have any allowances to make calls or texts. Any calls or texts you do make may be charged at full standard out of allowance rates.

Can I put a voice SIM in a mobile broadband device?

Yes, as a general rule a SIM designed for smartphones should also work with tablets and mobile broadband devices. However, be aware that you’ll be paying for texts and minutes too, so the pricing might be less desirable. There are also sometimes restrictions on this. For example, O2 doesn’t allow you to use voice SIMs in mains-powered devices.

Can I put a voice SIM in a mobile broadband device?

Yes, as a general rule a SIM designed for smartphones should also work with tablets and mobile broadband devices. However, be aware that you’ll be paying for texts and minutes too, so the pricing might be less desirable. There are also sometimes restrictions on this. For example, O2 doesn’t allow you to use voice SIMs on unlimited data plans in mains-powered devices.