Vodafone SIM only deals

Our best Vodafone SIMs this week

Why choose a Vodafone SIM?

• Vodafone offers extensive 4G coverage across the UK and continues expanding its 5G network nationwide. If coverage is important to you, it's worth checking Vodafone's coverage map for your area before choosing a SIM only plan.
• Vodafone's SIM only deals are available with different data allowances, including unlimited data plans. On some unlimited plans, you can choose a maximum speed tier to make your contract cheaper, or give you a speed boost if you need it.
• Vodafone offer both rolling and long-term SIM contracts.
• Some Vodafone plans include roaming in selected European and worldwide destinations.
• Vodafone's VeryMe Rewards scheme offers discounts, giveaways, and perks from brands like Odeon, Sainsbury's, and Caffé Nero.
• Vodafone's Entertainment plans including subscriptions to Disney+ (Standard) or Amazon Prime.

What to look for in a Vodafone contract

Vodafone SIMs aren’t the cheapest on the market. But they make up for that with really good coverage, as well as very welcome sweeteners and attractive customer rewards.

With the latter in mind, it’s well worth paying close attention to the freebies included with Vodafone SIM only contract you’re looking at.

On select Entertainment contracts, for instance, you’re entitled to a choice of free subscriptions to YouTube Premium, Amazon Prime Video, or Spotify Premium. That could mean real savings if you’re already a subscriber to one of those services.

All Vodafone SIM only plans also include membership of its VeryMe scheme, which features money-off promotions and giveaways from the likes of Costa Coffee, Thorntons, Vue and Greggs. You can access VeryMe via the Vodafone app, which is available on the App Store and Google Play.

As ever, though, when you're shopping for any SIM, your principal concern is almost always data allowance. And the good news is that Vodafone offers SIMs as little as 1GB for light users, right up to unlimited data plans for heavy users. Vodafone also has some great 20GB data, 40GB data and 100GB data plans for those who want something in between.

To ensure you choose a plan that matches your usage habits, open your network’s app on your smartphone. Here, you’ll be able to see exactly how much data you’ve been using every month. As a general guideline, light users (email and occasional browsing) might need 1-5GB, moderate users (regular social media) 10-20GB, and heavy users (video streaming, gaming) 40GB or more.

Compare Vodafone deals on our top sim only deals page.

Cheap Vodafone SIMs

Does Vodafone offer SIM plans for bad credit?

Vodafone runs credit checks for anyone applying for a new pay monthly device or plan.

Although they’re not specifically marketed as plans for people with bad credit, Vodafone’s 30-day rolling-contract SIM only deals may be easier to get approved for if you have an impaired credit rating.

Vodafone's pay-as-you-go plans do not require a credit check.

12-month Vodafone SIMs

Vodafone offers 12-month SIM only contracts, alongside 24-month plans and short-term, one-month SIM plans.

Which networks offer good SIMs as an alternative?

• Three
• EE
• Giffgaff
• Tesco Mobile
• iD Mobile
• VOXI
• Smarty
• Lebara

Can I use my Vodafone SIM abroad?

You can, but you will have to pay for the privilege if you took out your Vodafone contract after 11 August 2021 or you haven’t included roaming as part of your contract. Some SIM-only deals, however, are available with inclusive European roaming.

While Ireland and the Isle of Man offer free roaming, 47 destinations in Europe, known as Zone B, will incur a £2.25 charge per day to access your allowance. That rises to £6.25 a day in Zone C, which includes Australia and the USA, and £6.85 in Zone D, which includes the likes of Argentina and Vietnam.

Can I get 5G-enabled Vodafone SIMs?

Yes, all Vodafone SIMs will now get you a 5G service in locations where it’s available and for no extra cost. If you’re outside a Vodafone 5G area, you'll be connected by 4G. 

However, it’s important to note that to get 5G you’ll require a 5G-compatible smartphone.

Can I keep my mobile number if I switch to a Vodafone SIM-only deal?

Absolutely. You’ll just need to contact your existing network and ask for a porting authorisation code (PAC), which you can subsequently hand to Vodafone so they can bring across your phone number.

You can get a PAC by ringing your network, or you can request one by sending a text message.

Do I need an unlocked phone to use a Vodafone SIM?

You will require an unlocked phone to use a Vodafone SIM. But the good news is that most phones sold on big networks during the last few years will have been sold already unlocked.

To check if your phone is unlocked, you’ll just need to ask a friend or family member who’s on a different network to you if you can borrow their SIM. Then just try their SIM in your phone. If it works, yours is unlocked.

Are Vodafone SIM-only deals cheaper than a contract?

It’s pretty much always cheaper to get a SIM only deal than a standard SIM-and-phone contract. And that goes for Vodafone SIMs too.