A SIM only deal from EE means you get to keep your existing phone and only pay for the texts, minutes and data you use.
Compare EE SIM only deals
If you want a SIM only deal, EE is well worth a look. It boasts a broad range of plans to suit everyone. And a SIM only deal means you get to keep your current phone, or buy a new one outright, and still get all the perks of an EE SIM plan.
Compare the best deals at the top of this page, or read on to see what EE has to offer and how to get the best deals.
Why choose EE SIM only deals?
- Fastest overall UK mobile speeds: OpenSignal’s January 2026 UK Mobile Network Experience report found EE had the fastest overall Download Speed Experience at 53.2Mbps and the fastest overall Upload Speed Experience at 10.4Mbps
- Strong reliability: OpenSignal also ranked EE first for Reliability Experience, with a score of 915 points out of 1,000. It also won the Consistent Quality award, scoring 78.6%
- Good for gaming and streaming: EE won OpenSignal’s overall Video Experience and Games Experience awards, as well as the equivalent awards on 5G networks
- Strong customer reputation: EE's mobile plans have had the fewest customer complaints of any provider in Ofcom's 2025 report, while the provider has a Great rating of 4.2 on Trustpilot
- 4G and 5G SIM only plans: EE’s SIM only page says its plans are available on 4G and 5G, although you need a 5G-compatible phone to use 5G speeds
- 30-day and 24-month options: EE offers both flexible 30-day rolling SIMs and 24-month SIM only plans
- Stay Connected Data: EE’s Stay Connected Data feature lets customers stay online after using their monthly allowance, although speeds are capped at 0.5Mbps until the allowance renews or more data is added
- Data gifting: EE lets account holders gift data between eligible pay monthly plans in 500MB increments. Unlimited data plans can gift up to 100GB
- Roaming depends on plan: Some EE SIMs include no-charge EU roaming or EU and World roaming, but standard SIM only terms say a daily charge applies for EU/EEA use unless roaming is included in the plan
What to look for in an EE SIM only contract?
When comparing EE SIM only deals, start with the data allowance and contract length. EE offers 30-day rolling SIMs and longer 24-month plans, so it’s worth deciding whether you want flexibility or a lower monthly price over a longer term. It's worth noting that you can get year-long contracts for additional SIMs you add to your plan.
Most plans include unlimited minutes and texts, so the main comparison points are data, speed, roaming and extras. If you don’t use your phone often, EE also offers Pay As You Go options.
Is EE a good network?
EE is one of the strongest UK mobile networks, particularly for speed, reliability, gaming and streaming. OpenSignal’s January 2026 UK report found that EE won both overall speed awards, with 53.2Mbps for Download Speed Experience and 10.4Mbps for Upload Speed Experience. It also won the Reliability Experience and Consistent Quality awards.
EE also provides excellent coverage across the country. As well as more than 99% 4G coverage, it offers widespread 5G coverage – in fact, it’s one of the most widely available in the UK, covering more than 1,000 locations and 87% of the UK population.
EE’s coverage is also known for being more comprehensive than other networks, meaning that you’ll be able to connect to 5G more often in the places where it has been rolled out.
There’s a range of useful features and extras that come with every EE SIM plan. For example, if your family members are also EE customers, you can gift your spare data to them. Some plans come with Inclusive Extras, which let you enjoy a free subscription to the likes of Apple TV or Music, Apple One, Google One, TNT Sports, Netflix, and XBOX Game Pass Ultimate.
EE no longer offers inclusive EU roaming, however. Depending on when you signed up to your plan, you’ll need to pay extra to access your minutes, texts and data allowances when you’re travelling abroad. If that’s a deal breaker, check out the best networks that still offer roaming.
Read our full EE network review for more detail.
How does EE compare to others?
Network | Price | Speed | Coverage | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
£££ | Fastest | Excellent | Premium performance | |
££ | Fast | Strong | Balanced performance | |
££ | Medium | Excellent | Coverage and perks | |
£ | Fast | Good | 5G speed and value | |
£ | Medium | Excellent | Flexibility and value |
Data sourced from Opensignal Mobile Network Experience Report January 2026.
Can I keep my number with an EE SIM only deal?
Yes. In order to do so, you need to ask your existing network for a PAC, also known as a porting authorisation code.
The process of getting one is easy: either call your network and ask for one, or text PAC to 65075. They are obliged to send you this number immediately, which you can then give to EE when you sign up for a new deal. Your PAC is valid for 30 days, so you can shop around for a deal if you wish.
It will arrange the number transfer. You may choose a date for it to switch or ask for it to change immediately. The process takes around 24 hours.
Does EE offer SIM plans for bad credit?
If you have bad credit, your best option is one of EE’s 30-day SIM deals.
These are essentially monthly rolling pay-as-you-go contracts, and therefore don’t come with any kind of credit check. You can chop and change these packages whenever you like, too.
Can I use my EE SIM abroad?
Yes, with the Essentials Plus plan and higher tiers you'll get no-charge EU roaming, while the Full Works plan also has roaming in Zone 1, which includes the USA, China, Australia, India and more. EE says a 50GB fair use policy applies when using your allowance outside the UK.
Can I get 5G-enabled EE SIMs?
Yes, EE offers 5G SIM only plans. You’ll need a 5G-ready phone and to be in an area with EE 5G coverage to access 5G speeds.
Can I keep my mobile number if I switch to an EE SIM only deal?
Yes, you can keep your number when switching to EE. You’ll need to request a PAC from your current provider and give it to EE when you join. EE says customers can transfer their number online or text PORT to 150 from their EE phone once ready.
Do I need an unlocked phone to use an EE SIM?
Yes, your phone needs to be unlocked or already locked to EE to use an EE SIM. Most phones sold in the UK in recent years are unlocked, but it’s worth checking with your current provider if you’re using an older handset.
Are EE SIM only deals cheaper than phone contracts?
SIM only deals are usually cheaper overall because you’re not paying for a new handset. A phone contract may be better if you want to spread the cost of a device, but an EE SIM only deal can be more cost-effective if you already have a phone you’re happy with.
Is EE a good choice for rural areas?
EE can be a good choice for rural areas, especially if you want strong overall network performance. However, rural coverage can vary by postcode, terrain and indoor signal strength, so it’s worth checking EE’s coverage at your address before choosing a plan. Ofcom’s Map Your Mobile tool is useful because it shows whether 4G/5G signal is likely to be good or variable indoors and outdoors.
Is EE a good network for gaming and streaming?
Yes, EE is a strong option for gaming and streaming. OpenSignal’s January 2026 UK report found that EE won the overall Video Experience and Games Experience awards, as well as the 5G versions of both awards. EE also had the fastest overall download speed at 53.2Mbps, which should help with streaming, downloads and general data-heavy use where coverage is strong.
