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?

You can see the selection of networks with data only SIM deals above, and this fluctuates but at the time of writing it includes Three, O2, Vodafone, Lebara, and Smarty. Their plans all come with 4G included at no extra cost, and in almost every case also come with 5G – look for the 5G symbol in our deals to find the 5G options, 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 on Smarty, which charges just £5 per month for 2GB of data. This is a 1-month rolling contract. There’s also a Lebara plan that gives you 20GB on a 1-month rolling contract and this is initially £5 per month too, but from month four it switches to £10 per month.

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 which SIM card size you need, 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.

The exception to all this is eSIMs, which are embedded into the device, so you don’t need to put a physical SIM card in if you’re using one of these. Where offered though these are usually optional and need to be requested, so you can stick with a physical SIM card unless you specifically want an eSIM.

• SIM card sizes explained

Network coverage

Every UK network has comprehensive 4G coverage. They used to have comprehensive 3G coverage too, but they’re all either turning this off or will be doing soon (in order to free up spectrum and infrastructure for use with 4G and 5G).

Speaking of 5G, this is also available on all of these networks in most UK towns and cities, and even some rural areas. But 5G coverage is still far from comprehensive, so you won’t find it everywhere.

• Check coverage for each network

Roaming

At the time of writing, O2, Smarty, and Lebara all let you roam across most of Europe at no extra cost, up to a fair usage limit of 25GB per month on O2, 30GB on Lebara, and 12GB on Smarty. Lebara also lets you roam at no extra cost in India, with the same fair usage limit.

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 on unlimited data plans in mains-powered devices.

Generally you can find any such limitations in a network’s acceptable use policy.

Can I get unlimited data with a data only SIM?

Yes, at the time of writing Three, Vodafone, O2, and Smarty all sell data only SIM deals with an unlimited allowance of data. While this amount of data is typically excessive in a phone, it can actually be very useful with a data only SIM, particularly if you plan to frequently use it in a mobile broadband device or for data-hungry activities.

Do I get any extras with a data only SIM?

Beyond the likes of roaming, some networks provide additional extras with data only SIMs. The main example of this is the O2 Priority service, which includes deals, discounts, and early gig tickets.

What contract lengths are data only SIMs offered on?

Data only SIM deals are available on 1-month, 12-month, and 24-month contracts, so there are a variety of durations to choose from. Generally, the longer the contract the less you’ll have to pay each month (relative to shorter plans on the same network). So you lose flexibility but if you’re happy to stick with a network for the long haul then you can save some money.

Can I get a data only plan with no credit check?

Yes, there’s no credit check on either Lebara or Smarty for their data only plans, so these are great choices if you have a poor credit score or just don’t want a credit check on your file.