5G SIM only deals

In the not too distant future, 5G will be the universal mobile network that connects our smartphones, computers and other devices to the internet.

It’s a whole lot faster and a lot more reliable than 4G due to its lower latency, and is much better for activities like online gaming and streaming movies in high-definition on your mobile device.

In fact, a 5G-ready smartphone means you’ll be able to download movies and TV shows in rich, 4K quality in a matter of seconds.

Our best 5G SIM deals this week

Head to the top of this page to see our best 5G SIM deals this week:

What is a 5G SIM?

Generally, 5G SIMs are physical SIM cards that offer up to 20x faster speeds than standard, 4G SIMs.

To get started, simply insert the card into the back of your 5G-ready smartphone – just as you would with a standard pay-as-you-go SIM.

Bear in mind, though, because 5G technology is new, plans may cost a little more than 4G tariffs, depending on the network you go for.

How do 5G SIMs work?

5G SIMs work just like normal SIM-cards. Just pop the card into the SIM tray located inside the back of your phone, and you’re good to go.

5G e-SIMs are also available in the form of a small chip fixed into the back of your smartphone. These only feature in phone’s that are 5G-ready.

Which networks offer 5G SIMs?

5G SIMs are available from the following networks:

EE

Having already rolled out 5G to 125 towns and cites in the UK as of January 2021, EE’s 5G network is the farthest reaching, with plans to connect even more places in the coming months, and further on into 2022.

O2

Get a 5G SIM deal from O2 and you can expect an array of excellent freebies and incentives. These include priority gig tickets and free access to popular streaming services like Disney+, free of charge, for six months.

BT Mobile

BT Mobile uses the same network infrastructure as EE, which means you’ll get access to the widest ranging 5G connectivity in the country. There’s also reduced rates available for BT broadband customers, and access to BT Sport to boot.

Three

Most SIM plans from Three come 5G-ready at no extra cost. Plus, at the time of writing, Three boasts the fastest 5G in the UK due to its heavy investment int the UK’s first 5G mobile network core.

VOXI

VOXI offers unlimited social media data – so with its 5G SIM plans you’ll get to use apps like WhatsApp, Twitter and Facebook as much as you like, and won’t be charged a penny extra.

What to look for in 5G SIMs

Before picking a 5G SIM deal, it’s important to factor in things such as price, data allowance and customer incentives.

In keeping with 4G SIM contracts, these are the elements you’ll need to think about to get the correct deal for you and your family.

Cheapest 5G SIMs

Depending on your data requirements, you can pick up a 5G SIM for around £10 per month.

You’ll need to shop around for this type of offers, but in particular, Three and O2 have a few different options available for around this price point.

Freebies

Plenty of mobile networks offer an assortment of freebies and customer incentives to entice you in and get you to stay with them as long as possible.

However, if incentives and customer rewards are important to you, be prepared to pay more for the 5G SIM plan in the long-haul. This is typically the way with most plans which include access to popular streaming services, for example.

Unlimited data 5G SIMs

Unlimited data 5G SIM deals are available from most major networks, including EE, O2, Tesco Mobile, giffgaff, Three, Vodafone and VOXI. And you should expect to pay around £20 per month or more for an unlimited data allowance.

Pros and cons of 5G SIM plans

Pros

• Faster speeds – download 4K video in seconds.
• Lower latency, meaning 5G is more reliable.

Cons

• Generally more expensive than 4G plans.
• Not widely available across the UK.

Will my current SIM support 5G?

Yes, all SIM cards are 5G ready. To get access 5G, you’ll need to sign up to a 5G plan with your network, and your phone must be 5G-compatible.

How do I know if I have 5G in my area?

This all depends on your network’s 5G coverage.

To find out if you can get access to 5G, enter your postcode into your chosen network’s 5G availability checker:

• O2 5G postcode checker
• Three 5G postcode checker
• Vodafone 5G postcode checker
• EE 5G postcode checker
• BT 5G postcode checker
• Sky Mobile 5G postcode checker
• Tesco Mobile 5G postcode checker
• VOXI 5G postcode checker

Alternative SIM only plans

Looking for a different type of SIM plan? There are plenty to choose from:

• Pay-As-You-Go SIM Cards.
• Cheap SIM Cards.
• Unlimited data SIMs.
• Data only SIMs.

Can I use 5G abroad?

This depends. To use 5G anywhere in the world, your device has to be 5G-ready, and your 5G plan must include 5G-roaming to your chosen location.

At the time of writing, the availability of 5G-roaming is limited to just a few networks and countries. But in-line with the UK’s 5G rollout, we expect to see 5G connectivity grow in many countries over the coming months.

How do I find a 5G plan?

Simple – once you have a 5G-ready device, start shopping round and comparing deals.

If you want keenly priced plans without the frills of freebies, networks such as Tesco Mobile and Three are worth a look.

But if you’re prepared to pay more for customer incentives, check out networks such as O2 and Three.

Check out the table at the top of this page and filter the options to find the best 5G-SIM deals for you.

Am I limited to how much data I can hotspot if I have 5G?

Depending on your SIM plan, there may be limitations on how much data you can use.

Most networks specify the limit of how much data you can use via a hotspot in their fair usage policy, so be sure to check with your chosen network if you’re unsure.

Is 5G available in the UK?

Yes, 5G is now available in the UK. However, at the time of writing, availability is limited to mostly towns and cities.

This means that if you buy a 5G-ready phone, and you live in an area which doesn’t currently have 5G connectivity, you’ll only be able to use 4G for the time being.

Will a 5G SIM card work in a 4G phone?

Although 5G SIM card will work in 4G phones, you’ll only get 4G service. To experience full 5G connectivity, you’ll need a 5G-ready smartphone.

Are 5G SIMs more expensive than 4G?

Not always. In fact, if you sign up to a 5G SIM plan with networks such as Sky, Vodafone, Sky and O2, you’ll pay not more than you would for a 4TG SIM plan.

On the other hand, at the time of writing, EE charges more for its 5G plans – likely because of its wider reaching 5G coverage.

Is there a 5G iPhone?

Absolutely. At the time of writing, a total of four Apple iPhones come 5G ready:

• iPhone 12
• iPhone 12 Mini
• iPhone Pro
• iPhone 12 Pro Max

What happens when I’m not in a 5G area?

Unfortunately, if you’re not currently in an a 5G area you’ll have to make do with 4G to stay connected.

And although networks are working flat-out to deploy 5G right across the UK, you could be waiting a while to see it in your area.