Lebara review: is Lebara any good in 2025?

"If you’re worried that your provider might hike the price of your contract in the middle of its commitment (which lots do to keep up with inflation), Lebara may be the network provider for you. It promises that there will be no mid-term price rises if you fix a price on a 12 month contract - so you can use your phone without stressing that your contract might become unaffordable for you." - Charlotte Burns

Our Lebara Mobile review in summary

Lebara’s affordable SIM only plans provide great value for those who want 5G, unlimited calls, ample data and, crucially, the opportunity to call internationally without having to pay extra. 

It serves 40 countries, with rolling 30 day or 12 month contracts. 

There’s a referral scheme too, with the chance to earn £50 cash for every person you send Lebara’s way. Your friend will also get 50% off for three months on selected plans. 

You can’t buy a phone from Lebara, but it does have a new ‘rewards’ section, where it has partnered with brands such as Reboxed, where you can buy refurbished phones at a discount (currently there's £25 off for Lebara customers).  

It can’t stack up to the big players in terms of bells and whistles, but if you need cheap international minutes, it’s hard to look beyond Lebara.

Lebara Mobile SIM-only plans

Lebara’s SIM only plans are its bread and butter. All come with international minutes, with the allowance you get depending on how much you’re willing to pay each month.

Calls can be made to 40 countries around the world, including most of Europe, Australia and the United States. Every plan offers one free Lebara money transfer to over 40 countries too.

You can get 30 day rolling contracts or 12 month plans, the latter with 10% off for choosing to lock yourself in for a year.

Lebara has previously been criticised for its low data allowance, but it now has plans that range from 3GB all the way up to unlimited, and at competitive prices too.

What’s more, all SIMs come 5G-ready, so if you have the right phone you can get super fast mobile internet when you're out and about.

Lebara Mobile coverage

Lebara enjoys excellent coverage, due to the fact that it piggybacks on Vodafone's network of masts

That means you get around 99% of coverage across the UK, although as ever it’s worth using its coverage checker to ensure your area has decent 3G and 4G.

As Lebara is now 5G ready, you can also access the fastest network in major towns and cities across the country, with more being added all of the time.

Lebara Mobile roaming

Lebara has done a standout job in retaining EU roaming at a time when major networks are starting to charge users for connecting when in the EU.

You can use your allowance as you would at home, making Lebara enticing for those who love to travel or who have friends and family abroad. If you have an Unlimited package, you can use up to 30GB when in the EU.

If you’re going further afield, you’ll be subject to high charges, which is now fairly standard across the industry.

There are no packages to cater for long haul trips, so it’s best to use Wi-Fi when overseas in this case.

Lebara Mobile customer service

Lebara’s customer service is not covered by Ofcom’s recent report into satisfaction across the mobile sector. However, it does score highly on online review forums, with Trustpilot rating it an impressive 4.8 out of 5, with nearly 22,000 reviews.

You can use a live chat service to discuss your SIM, as well as call Lebara directly using 5588 from a Lebara SIM or 02070310791.

Customers report fast response times and good service.

Lebara Mobile stores and offline experience

Lebara does not have its own stores. However, you can find its SIMs in major supermarkets throughout the UK.

Pick one up and you can activate it yourself easily.

Lebara Mobile’s deals and incentives

Lebara doesn’t go in for attention-grabbing, shiny benefits in the same way as EE, O2 and Vodafone.

Instead, you get international minutes as standard on all deals, occasional half price offers and money back if you refer a friend.

You can also get 50% off your bill for up to three months if a friend refers you. Its 30 day plans are also fully flexible, so you can quit or change your plan whenever you like.

It doesn’t perform credit checks, so you can grab a SIM without worrying about having your financial records being looked over first.

Lebara Mobile pricing

Lebara’s deals are in line with the likes of giffgaff and VOXI, although you get slightly less for your money on its cheapest plans.

That’s likely because of the international minutes that come as standard. The 10% off you get for locking in for 12 months is enticing, though. Either way, you won’t break the bank by choosing to sign up.

Pros and cons of choosing Lebara Mobile

Pros

• International minutes as standard
• Roaming to EU included
• 5G ready SIMs.

Cons

• No phone contract plans

How does Lebara mobile compare with other networks?

Lebara’s main rivals are the smaller networks, such as VOXI, iD Mobile and giffgaff.

While it’s broadly in line when it comes to SIM only deals, it stands apart thanks to offering international minutes to 40 countries.

The lack of phone contract plans, even through a partner, is a big miss though.

However, with 5G and tethering Lebara can at least compete with the biggest names in the market.

If you want an all round package with great enticements, then head to EE or Vodafone. But if you want to be able to call overseas and do so without hidden charges, then Lebara is for you.

What are the alternatives to Lebara? 

• VOXI
• EE's
• SMARTY
• iD Mobile
• Three

How does Lebara compare against other networks?

See our reviews of other mobile networks: 

• Asda Mobile review
• VOXI review
• EE review
• giffgaff review
• iD Mobile review
• O2 review
• SMARTY review
• Tesco Mobile review
• Three review
• Virgin Mobile review
• Vodafone review