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Our Cheap Mobile Finder compares 60+ retailers & resellers to find the perfect deal for you...
It compares 1000s of different combos across mobile contracts and Sim-only deals.
Finds your top phone for your requirement.
Filters out dud deals.
Contract. Many pay for a new phone by getting a contract. Here you pay monthly for the cost of both the handset and the airtime.
Sim-only deals. If you're happy with the handset you have, you could slash costs with a cheap Sim-only deal.
Pay-As-You-Go (PAYG). Good if you only use the phone in an emergency or for light use. With PAYG Sims, you pay in advance for what you use.
To find out if you are, text INFO for free to 85075. If you're happy with your phone, you could save by switching Sim (the chip in your phone that dictates your data, calls and texts allowance).
You'll usually have to sign up to a contract – typically 12 months, but some are on a 30-day basis. The best deals are usually for new customers.
Never go direct to the network as the best deals are found via comparison sites, including our Cheap Mobile Finder.
Most deals include unlimited calls and texts, but think about how much data you need. Use our Data Calculator to help.
Our Phone Finder tool helps you find the best phone based on your budget and needs.
If you're happy with your handset and want more flexibility, you can opt for a cheap Sim-only deal or pay-as-you-go Sim.
Getting mobile insurance isn't compulsory, so you'll need to weigh up whether the cost is worth it – so ask yourself:
Are you a loser? Are you likely to lose or damage your phone? If so then insurance is likely a good bet.
Phone covered through home insurance? Some policies protect your phone outside the home too, but check your excess as you might end up paying more.
Cover provided by a packaged bank account? Some packaged bank accounts include mobile phone insurance, but check you're not overpaying.
If you do decide to get mobile phone insurance, assess your options and pick what's best for you!
Roaming charges are back for many, so if you're with a provider that charges for roaming in the country you're planning on taking a trip to, don't worry, we've got a whole host of tips, whether you're heading to Europe or travelling outside of Europe, where an eSim could be a winner.
If your deal's ending, or you're out of contract, switching isn't the only way to cut costs. Slash £100s off your bills by using a method that dates back to the dawn of civilisation... haggling.
Benchmark 'new customer' deals using our Cheap Mobile Finder tool.
Get through to retentions (disconnections) – it's their job to keep you.
Turn on the charm – be polite and use the phrases that pay.
If they really won't play ball, vote with your feet and leave.
Unlock your phone for free. See how in Mobile unlocking.
Don't overpay for data. Most use 6GB/month or less – check using our handy Data Calculator.
Check coverage in your area before switching. Our Coverage Checker helps.
Martin Lewis: "To check if you're one of the 14m who are out-of-contract, text 'INFO' for free to 85075. This Ofcom scheme forces firms to reply telling you if you're out of contract (a few firms ask for your date of birth to validate it's you).
Occasionally it'll say it can't answer, usually because all the home's phones are on one contract. If so, then as a guide if you've not changed deal in the last two years, you're likely free to switch.
If you are out of contract, you can use our Cheap Mobile Finder to find the top deals, or see more info whether you want a new handset, Sim-only deal or if you want to stick with your network, how to haggle a better deal."
Below we've featured some fantastic success from MSE users who've used these guides to save money on their mobile phone deals. If you've found success using our tools or guides, let us know via email.
"We have just saved a massive £24/month. My wife had way more data than needed, so that has been cut down. Thank you for saving us nearly £300 a year."
"Thanks to your latest email advising me how to switch to a Sim-only deal. I have just saved £234/year. The guidance in your email gave me the confidence to go ahead. Thank you!!!"
"I was paying £60/month and called EE to haggle. They agreed to offer £12/month contract for the same amount of data as I'm on now. A saving of around £900 over the 18-month contract."
A Sim-only deal includes texts, calls and data without a handset included in the monthly price. Sim-only plans are likely your best bet if you're happy with with your phone, you're of contract or you plan to buy a handset outright.
A mobile contract includes both the Sim and the handset so is a good option if you're looking to upgrade to the latest phone (although that's never money saving). You're usually locked in to the contract for 12 or 24 months. These are harder to leave if you want to change phones or plans mid-contract as you'll most likely have to pay hefty exit penalties.
Yes. When you take out a mobile contract you're essentially paying for your phone in monthly instalments, like repaying a loan, along with the cost of your Sim inside your phone. So, at the end of your contract your phone belongs to you, and you can either stick with your current provider (often at a discounted price) or switch to a Sim-only deal.
Yes, use our Cheap Mobile Finder to browse for phone contracts with unlimited data.
Do note, some networks limit the download speeds of unlimited Sims. This is known as throttling. We don't included Sims that do that in our Cheap Mobile Finder, but it's worth watching out for.
Most people overestimate how much data they use and therefore go for more expensive high data deals. To help avoid this and give you an idea of how much data you might need, you can use our Mobile Data Usage Calculator.
You can easily keep your phone number when switching. Simply text 'PAC' for free to 65075 on any network and you'll be sent your 'porting authorisation code' (PAC) immediately. You give this to your new provider so you can keep your number.
You need to give the switching code to your new provider within 30 days. You'll then be switched within one working day. You won't need to contact your old provider again. If you're still in contract, you could be charged early termination fees for leaving — check how much you'd be charged by sending a text with the word 'INFO' to 85075.
Though the process varies by provider and you may be able to do it on the phone, once you've got your new (temporary) number from your new network, you'll usually then need to fill in an online form which can be found on the provider's site. The number switch takes place the next working day after you give your PAC to the new provider.
If you don't want to keep your number, you still easily switch providers if you don't want to keep you number. It's the same process as the above, but you need to instead text 'STAC' to 75075. You’ll be sent your service termination authorisation code (STAC), which you give to your new provider.
If you have a less-than-perfect credit score, not to worry, you should still be able to find a phone contract - you're most likely to be accepted for a one-month Sim- only contract or a Pay-As-You-Go deal. If you do want a new handset you're more likely to get your hands on one if you pay more upfront as the company's not lending so much, meaning the risk is lessened.
You can read our Phone contracts for those with poor credit guide to read about your options if you have a poor credit score.
