SMARTY SIM-only deals

Instead, there are eight 30-day plans to choose from, all with unlimited calls and texts and keenly priced data allowances. It’s great for those who want flexibility with their plans and offers some unique benefits too.

Our best SMARTY SIMs this week

Why choose a SMARTY SIM?

• Good coverage: SMARTY uses Three’s network, which provides 4G coverage to over 99% of the UK population, as well as an ever-expanding 5G network 
• Speed: Three’s network, which is the basis of SMARTY's service, is one of the fastest in the UK
• Roaming: You can use your UK allowances throughout the EU on all SMARTY plans
• No credit checks: SMARTY is one of the very few providers to offer no credit checks for SIM-only deals
• Flexibility with one-month contracts: SMARTY's plans all operate on a month-to-month rolling contract basis. You’re not locked in for a long time and can cancel whenever you like with 30 days’ notice
• Referral scheme: SMARTY customers who get a friend to join them on the network will receive a free £10 gift card from Amazon, John Lewis or Uber
• Save 10% on Group plan: Whether you choose a family plan or want an extra SIM for your tablet, you can save money
• Money back for unused data: If you’ve got any unused data at the end of the month, SMARTY will take money off your next bill. You’ll get £1 for each unused 1GB
• Customer service: SMARTY doesn’t offer telephone-based customer support. However, customers can contact support by visiting the Smarty site and starting a web chat, available from 8am to 8pm every day, except Bank Holidays

Is SMARTY a good network?

There are actually only four separate networks in the UK – Three, O2, EE and Vodafone. All other providers like SMARTY use one of these networks. SMARTY uses Three’s network which offers good coverage and high speeds.

They offer some excellent value plans, on top of flexibility and unique rewards.

Read our full Smarty network review here.

What to look for in a SMARTY SIM contract

If you’d like to compare SMARTY SIM-only plans, take a look at the table on the top of this page.

When looking for a SIM-only deal, think about how much data you might need, as well as texts and calls, and your budget.

When you’ve found a deal you like the look of, click on it and we'll take you to SMARTY's website so you can sign up and get started.

Not sure Smarty is the right provider for you? Compare all SIM only deals here.

Does SMARTY offer SIM plans for bad credit?

Yes, SMARTY is one of the very few networks who allow anyone to get a SIM-only deal for their phone without a credit check. Others include VOXI, Lebara, giffgaff, Talkmobile, Lycamobile and Asda Mobile.

You pay for everything upfront, so there’s no need for them to know your credit history.

Understanding SMARTY contracts

SMARTY doesn’t offer long contracts like 12, 18 or 24 months. All of its plans are 30-day rolling contracts that automatically renew every month.

That means you can switch provider with only 30 days’ notice, or swap to another plan for a month or longer if you like. You can always try different SMARTY plans for a month at a time and see which best suits your usage.

SMARTY SIMs with unlimited data

SMARTY’s unlimited plan doesn’t have a data cap. However, SMARTY’s terms and conditions say it shouldn’t be used a permanent long-term alternative to home broadband. It also shouldn’t be used for commercial (i.e. business) use – if you “regularly tether more than 8 devices”, it will deem that a breach of its terms and conditions.

At any rate, though, this shouldn't be a problem if you're just using your data plan as normal.

Can I use a SMARTY SIM card in card in any phone?

You can, as long as the handset isn’t locked to another network. If it is, you’ll have to contact that network to have it unlocked, which might cost money.

Should I get unlimited calls and texts?

All SMARTY SIM-only deals come with unlimited calls and texts.

Which networks offer good SIM plan alternatives?

• Three
• EE
• Vodafone
• O2
• Giffgaff
• Virgin Mobile
• Talkmobile
• Sky Mobile
• Asda Mobile
• iD Mobile
• Lebara
• Lycamobile
• VOXI

Can I use my SMARTY SIM abroad?

Yes, if you're travelling in the EU you can use your phone in exactly the same way as you would at home. It works like normal up to 12GB of data – after that, you have to purchase add-ons.

If you're travelling outside the EU or you need to call internationally, you will have to add an “Out of plan” add-on.

Can I get 5G enabled SMARTY SIMs?

You can. All SMARTY SIMs can access its 5G network at no extra cost.

Can I keep my mobile number if I switch to an SMARTY SIM-only deal?

Yes, you can keep your old mobile phone number. If you’re moving from another network, you’ll need to call them and request your PAC (porting authorisation code). You'll need to provide this to SMARTY, which will move your number over.

Do I need an unlocked phone to use an SMARTY SIM?

Yes, your phone needs to be unlocked - or locked to Three - in order to use a SMARTY SIM card.

If you're using an old phone that you got on a contract, it may be locked to your former network. In that case, you'll need to get it unlocked.

To do this, you just need to contact the network it's locked to, and they'll organise this for you, often for a fee. They may give you a code to enter, or might be able to do it remotely.

Are SMARTY SIM-only deals cheaper than contract?

SMARTY don’t offer any contract options. However, you will likely find its SIM-only deals are cheaper than contracts with other networks.

This is because you won't be paying back the cost of a new phone. 

Buying a phone outright and getting a SIM-only deal to put in it almost always works out cheaper in the long run.