Here’s everything you need to know about unlimited data SIM deals, including how much they cost and how to get the best deal.
Here’s everything you need to know about unlimited data SIM deals, including how much they cost and how to get the best deal.
If you stream Netflix shows on the go, download music on your phone, use social media apps or play games online, an unlimited data SIM is well worth a look.
Indeed, unlimited data SIMs mean you can use the internet on your mobile phone as much as you want, whenever you want, without incurring any surprise charges.
Read on to find out more…
Our best unlimited data SIM deals this week
You’ll find our best unlimited data SIM deals below, all of which have been handpicked by our experts.
-
ID sim only
5G- 50GB of 5G data
- Unlimited minutes
- Unlimited texts
- download speed limit
- No annual price rise
- £8.00 per month
12 month contract From Carphone Warehouse -
ID sim only
5G- 50GB of 5G data
- Unlimited minutes
- Unlimited texts
- download speed limit
- No annual price rise
- £8.00 per month
12 month contract From Carphone Warehouse -
ID sim only
5G- 100GB of 5G data
- Unlimited minutes
- Unlimited texts
- download speed limit
- Bill capping and data rollover
- £10.00 per month
24 month contract From Mobiles.co.uk
What is an unlimited data SIM?
In a nutshell, unlimited data SIMs give you unfettered access to the internet. You’ll never run out of data, and you won’t be subject to any nasty charges or extra costs at the end of the month, either.
They’re more expensive than standard SIMs – in fact, they’re usually the priciest SIM plan you can get. But that extra outlay means you’ll always have access to data when you need it. As a result, you can watch as many episodes of your favourite show as you want, and stream music to your heart’s content via your Apple or Samsung device on long commutes.
How do unlimited data SIMs work?
Unlimited SIMs work in the same way as normal SIM plans. Once you’ve signed up, simply pop the SIM card into your phone to get started.
In terms of usage restrictions, this is where things can get a bit tricky. You see, some networks apply fair usage policies on their unlimited plans. This means that if you’re using excessive data for an extended period of time – say, anywhere between 650GB to 1,000GB per month – they might restrict your data speed temporarily.
Don’t worry, though – the chances of exceeding those limits are extremely low, even for heavy users. According to Ofcom, the average person only gets through about 4.5GB of data a month. Still, it’s worth being aware of your network’s fair usage policy before signing up to an unlimited data SIM deal with them.
Which networks offer unlimited data SIMs?
You’ll find unlimited data SIM plans from most of the UK’s major networks, including:
Vodafone
-
Vodafone sim only
4G- 50GB of 4G data
- Unlimited minutes
- Unlimited texts
- download speed limit
- VeryMe Rewards
- £10.00 per month
12 month contract From Vodafone -
Vodafone sim only
4G- 50GB of 4G data
- Unlimited minutes
- Unlimited texts
- download speed limit
- VeryMe Rewards
- £10.00 per month
12 month contract From Vodafone
Vodafone offers three unlimited data plans, with three different download speeds to choose from. All are truly unlimited, with no fair usage limits in place.
Plus, you can upgrade to an Xtra Plan, which allows you to roam in 83 destinations across the world for no extra charge. A 25GB data cap applies, though.
EE
EE has quite a few unlimited data SIM plans, available on one-month, 12-month and 24-month contracts. They all offer excellent speeds – after all, EE has a long-standing reputation of being the UK’s fastest mobile network.
EE also provides some nice perks with its plans. For example, some plans come with Inclusive Extras, which lets you take your pick between a Netflix or BT Sport subscription, an Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, or Microsoft 365 access, among others.
Tesco Mobile
Tesco Mobile offers competitively priced unlimited data plans. And because it uses O2’s network, you’ll also benefit from 99% 4G network coverage, plus widespread 5G coverage as it’s rolled out across the country.
O2
O2 has plenty of unlimited data tariffs. Its unlimited data SIM deals are available on 30-day, 12-month and 24-month contracts.
We recommend signing up for either a 12-month or 24-month plan. Depending on what you pick, you could get roaming at no extra cost in 75 destinations worldwide (including USA and Australia), on top of EU roaming. Plus, unlimited data plans come with up to three months of Apple Music, as well as another entertainment service of your choice (such as Disney+, Amazon Prime, and Audible).
There is a fair usage policy in place, though – for example, O2 may investigate further if you’ve used 650GB of data twice within six months, or if you regularly use your phone’s data to tether 12 or more devices. Also, if you’re roaming, you’ll be subject to a Roaming Limit of 25GB.
Smarty
-
SMARTY sim only
5G- Exclusive
- 20GB of 5G data
- Unlimited minutes
- Unlimited texts
- download speed limit
- EU roaming included
- £6.00 per month
1 month contract From SMARTY -
SMARTY sim only
5G- 60GB of 5G data
- Unlimited minutes
- Unlimited texts
- download speed limit
- EU roaming included
- £8.00 per month
1 month contract From SMARTY -
SMARTY sim only
5G- 100GB of 5G data
- Unlimited minutes
- Unlimited texts
- download speed limit
- EU roaming included
- £12.00 per month
1 month contract From SMARTY
Smarty’s Unlimited data plan comes on a one-month rolling contract. It’s truly unlimited, without any restrictions or speed caps. In fact, it offers unrestricted tethering in the UK.
Plus, it’s very competitively priced, making it a great option for those on a budget – and you don’t need to pass a credit check to get it.
You can also roam in the EU for free, though a 12GB fair usage limit applies.
iD Mobile
iD Mobile is another affordable option, with an array of unlimited data SIMs on one-month, 12-month and 24-month contracts.
It uses Three’s mobile network to provide coverage. You can use your plan abroad, with free roaming in 50 destinations worldwide.
Bear in mind, though, that you’ll need to pass a credit check before signing up to an iD Mobile SIM plan.
Three
-
Three sim only
5G- 30GB of 5G data
- Unlimited minutes
- Unlimited texts
- download speed limit
- Three+ rewards
- £8.00 per month
12 month contract From Three Mobile -
Three sim only
5G- 60GB of 5G data
- Unlimited minutes
- Unlimited texts
- download speed limit
- Three+ rewards
- £10.00 per month
12 month contract From Three Mobile -
Three sim only
5G- 120GB of 5G data
- Unlimited minutes
- Unlimited texts
- download speed limit
- Three+ rewards
- £12.00 per month
12 month contract From Three Mobile
Three’s unlimited data SIM plans are quite well-priced, and come in the form of 12-month, 24-month, or 30-day rolling contracts. Moreover, all plans are truly unlimited and 5G-ready.
Customers can also enjoy Three+ rewards, its customer loyalty app that gives you exclusive offers at a range of high-street shops and restaurants.
giffgaff
giffgaff offers one unlimited data SIM deal with its ‘Golden goodybag’ monthly rolling plan. It’s flexible, 5G-ready, and you get free EU roaming (capped at 5GB a month).
It does have a fair usage policy – you should avoid tethering your phone to more than 12 devices, or using over 650GB of data twice within six months.
VOXI
VOXI is one of the best networks for heavy phone users. Every plan, from the cheapest to the most expensive unlimited one, comes with unlimited social media as standard. That’s unlimited use of social apps, without using up any of your data allowance.
What to look for in unlimited data SIMs?
When thinking about unlimited data SIM plans, you’re going to want to consider price, contract length, and what customer incentives the network has to offer (for example, things like handset deals, streaming subscriptions, and broadband discounts).
Of course, unlimited data plans are typically the most expensive option a network has to offer. But they often come with the best incentives, such as a free trial subscription to streaming services. Plus, if you opt for a longer-term contract, you can drive the monthly cost down even further.
Price
Some unlimited data SIM plans can cost as little as under £20 per month. With these rates, though, don’t expect eye-popping incentives – as we say, those tariffs will cost more.But if you’re not too bothered about six months free Apple Music or Prime Video, then absolutely go for one of these plans. You’ll find budget-friendly unlimited data SIMs from the likes of iD Mobile and Smarty.
Some bigger networks may offer a discount on their unlimited SIM plans. However, these will go back to full price after a few months into your contract.
Also, it's worth noting that contract length can affect the monthly price of your plan – more on that below...
Contract length
Most networks offer several different contract lengths, with most unlimited SIMs available on one-month, 12-month and 24-month plans.
12-month and 24-month contracts usually work out cheaper per month than a one-month plan. Plus, some networks (usually the major ones) like to offer incentives and perks with longer-term contracts, to tempt you to stay for as long as possible.
On the other hand, you might not want to commit to a contract for a long period of time. In which case, 30-day SIM deals may suit you better, as you can cancel or change your plan any time you want at no extra charge. They’re not necessarily more expensive than long-term plans, too.
In fact, smaller networks tend to focus on flexibility and affordability, offering rolling monthly plans that are cheaper than those from the big names.
To ensure you’re getting the best contract deal for you, think about how long you want to be tied to a particular contract.
Unlimited social data
Spend a lot of time on your phone using social media and chat apps? All of VOXI’s SIM-only deals come with unlimited social media, which means you can use WhatsApp, Instagram and Twitter (among other apps) as much as you like, without using up your monthly data allowance. That way, you won’t have to shell out for an unlimited data SIM – you can get unlimited social media even with its cheapest plan.
Similarly, Virgin Mobile customers can use WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger and Twitter without eating into their data allowances.
Freebies
Some of the major networks, such as EE and O2, will offer incentives like streaming services, vouchers, and discounts for signing up to a contract. These perks can be very tempting, especially if you intended to buy those services anyway. But do weigh up whether these extras are worth it to you, as the contract itself will likely be more expensive.
Pros and cons of unlimited data SIMs
Pros
- Don’t have to worry about running out of data
- Stream music and watch TV services as much as you want
- No nasty charges at the end of the month
Cons
- More expensive than plans with fixed monthly data allowance
- Some networks apply tethering, usage and speed limits
- Only worth it if you’re a heavy mobile internet user
Alternative SIM only plans
Unlimited data plans not for you? There are plenty of other SIM plans to choose from, including:
Our other useful guides
- Tips on avoiding roaming charges
- How to check if your smartphone is unlocked
- How to recycle your old mobile phone
Are you looking for mobile phone insurance? Compare here with trusted providers and super save today.
Is there truly an unlimited data SIM plan?
Yes. While some networks have fair usage policies, others offer truly unlimited data plans, meaning absolutely no restrictions on how much data you can use.
That said, usage limits still offer more than enough data, even for heavy mobile internet users.
Still, it’s worth checking your network’s terms and conditions to be absolutely sure.
Can I use my unlimited data SIM abroad?
It depends on the network. Most major networks no longer offer free EU roaming, though many smaller ones still include roaming as part of their SIM plans.
However, there will usually be a usage cap on how much data you can use abroad – this could be anywhere between 5GB to 25GB a month. So, even if you have an unlimited data SIM that has EU roaming, you won’t be able to use as much data as you’d like.
And if you’re travelling beyond the EU, only a handful of networks offer options for worldwide roaming (whether that’s included in your plan, or available as a paid add-on).
Visit our page on roaming charges for more information.
Am I limited to how much data I can hotspot if I have unlimited data?
This really depends on your network. Some will restrict the number of devices you can hotspot, while others will not. Check with your network to find out specific terms and conditions.
Can I get unlimited 5G data?
Absolutely. Following the 5G rollout across the UK, all networks offer unlimited SIM plans that are 5G-ready, at no extra cost.
Can I get a mobile contract with unlimited data?
Sure – many networks offer unlimited data contracts, ranging from 12 months to 24 months. And if you’d prefer more flexibility over a lengthy contract, 30-day rolling deals are also available, though you may end up paying a little more overall.
If I have unlimited data, do I need Wi-Fi?
Technically, no. If you have an unlimited data SIM, you’ll never really need to connect your device to Wi-Fi in order to access the internet.
However, there may be some situations where a Wi-Fi connection is faster and more reliable than mobile data. And in some instances, you might not have a mobile connection – for example, if you’re on the London Underground. If that’s the case, you should try connecting to Wi-Fi instead.