Mobile phone deals

Cheap mobile deals

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

Compare mobile phone deals

Consider what type of mobile phone deal you need

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.

Fourteen million are out of contract on their mobile plan...

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.

Best Sim-only deals

How to find the best phone contract deal

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.

Do I need mobile phone insurance?

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!

How to cut costs when using your phone on holiday...

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.

Roaming top tips

Don't want to switch? Haggle with your provider...

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.

Haggling tips to save £100s

Mobile phone switching tips

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 explains how to cut your mobile bill

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."

MoneySaving successes

Below we've featured some fantastic success from MSE users who've used these guides to save money on their mobile phone bills. 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."

- David, May 2024

"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!!"

- Katerina, April 2024

"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."

- Rory, May 2024