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top and best cheap pay-as-you-go PAYG sim deals from Money Saving Expert, MSE

Best Pay-as-you-go Sim Deals

Including the top data bundles, from £5/mth for 3GB

Chris Knight
Chris Knight | Edited by Gary Caffell
Updated Weekly

When you hear 'pay-as-you-go' (PAYG), you might think of the early days of mobiles, when it was common to pay upfront for each pricey call and text. But now it's possible to get great value PAYG 'bundles', giving a better value allowance and tighter control over your bill.

Best Pay-as-you-go deals

Occasional/backup use
Best PAYG bundles
Roaming abroad
  • Concerned about a credit check or want a tighter control over your bill? A pay-as-you-go bundle is a good bet. Read on...
  • Happy to commit to a contract? Sim only generally offers better value.
  • Want a new phone? See our Cheap Mobile Finder tool.
illustration

What is a pay-as-you-go deal?

A pay-as-you-go (PAYG) deal, as the name suggests, means you pay upfront and are not tied into any contract or commitment. You'll also have to have your own handset to put the Sim (the little chip that slots into your phone and gives you your allowance of minutes, texts and data) into already, or buy one separately.

There's no credit check, which most of the top pick contract Sim only deals require, though these often offer better value.

PAYG need-to-knows

Before you take out a pay-as-you-go deal, here are the key things to consider:

  • 1. Check to see which PAYG option is best for you – traditional or bundled

    While pay upfront mobile deals, which don't require a credit check or signing up for a contract, are all generally referred to as pay-as-you-go (PAYG), there are actually two types to choose from:

    traditional PAYG

    Traditional PAYG – where you really do pay as you go. 

    This is the traditional model where you top up with credit and are then charged for each minute, text and MB of data as you use it. Though a couple of providers do this cheaply, it's generally only better as an emergency-use or backup Sim as it will get more expensive the more you use it. These are the top providers' rates:

    Traditional PAYG rates compared
    TABLE_CELL_STYLE CALLS TEXTS DATA
    1pMobile* (EE) 1p/min 1p 1p/MB
    Asda Mobile (Vodafone) 4p/min 4p 4p/MB
    Three* 10p/min 10p 5p/MB
    Giffgaff* (O2) 25p/min 10p 10p/MB
    Prices correct as of 8 April 2021. 

    PAYG 'bundles' – where you pay before you go, for a bundle of minutes, texts and data

    These bundles are best for those who use their phone a bit more regularly and nearly always last for a month, after which you'll need to buy another, or you can choose to automatically renew them each month. There are many bundles to choose from (see our top picks below or use our Cheap Mobile Finder tool).

    As a rough guide, here's what a tenner will get you:

    £10/mth PAYG bundles compared
    TABLE_CELL_STYLE CALLS TEXTS DATA
    Asda Mobile* Unltd Unltd 10GB
    EE* 100 mins Unltd 4GB
    Giffgaff* Unltd Unltd 6GB (1)
    O2* Unltd Unltd 6GB
    Three (incl roaming) Unltd
    		 Unltd
    		 6GB
    Vodafone* Unltd Unltd 5GB
    Prices correct as of 8 April 2021. (1) You can get 9GB if you set it to auto-renew each month.

    Not sure how much data you use?

    It's important to understand how much you use on average each month so you don't overpay. In our last MSE data usage poll, 78% of the 4,000 respondents said they use less than 3GB of data a month, while only 7% of people use more than 10GB a month. Our handy Data Calculator in our Cheap Mobile Finder tool can help you calculate your use.

  • 2. Our Cheap Mobile Finder can help you find the right deal for you

    Our Cheap Mobile Finder allows you to compare traditional PAYG Sims against PAYG bundles, as well as contract Sim-only deals if you want, to help you find the best tariff for you.

    To do that, you need to know your average monthly usage and enter this into the filters that can be found on the results page.

    For example, if you entered into the filters that you use 50 minutes and 25 texts each month with no data, our tool calculates that 1pMobile would be the cheapest option, working out at 75p/mth on a traditional PAYG deal for that use.

  • 3. You'll need to have an unlocked phone – it's usually free to get it done

    unlocked phone

    If you have an existing phone which you originally bought on a contract, it may be locked to the network that sold it to you (to check, just pop in another network's Sim). If so, you'll need to get it unlocked in order to make sure your new provider's Sim will work in it.

    All the networks will now do this for free if your contract's minimum term has expired – however, if it hasn't, or you bought the phone on PAYG, they may charge up to £15. Unlocking usually takes up to 10 days – see the Mobile Unlocking guide for a full list of providers' unlocking policies and how to do it.

    Thankfully, by the end of this year mobile companies will be banned from selling locked phones which only work with their network. See our MSE news story for more details.

  • 4. Check signal strength where you live/work first

    signal strength

    You can get an idea of signal strength in a particular area with Ofcom's Telecoms Coverage Checker. This'll show you results for the four main networks – EE, O2, Three and Vodafone. Don't just put your home address in either – check where you work and anywhere else you want to be sure of getting good reception.

    Many other smaller mobile providers 'piggyback' off these networks, using their signal, and they can offer better value – the signal's the same so you can still check in advance using Ofcom's tool. See a full list of which provider is on which network in our Mobile Piggybacking guide.

    For a more accurate indication than Ofcom's checker can give you, it may be worth picking up a free pay-as-you-go Sim from the network you're considering, topping it up with a bit of credit and putting it to the test before committing.

  • 5. Mobile 'text-to-switch' rules make switching & keeping your number simple

    Switching to a cheaper deal with another network is really easy. Under rules from regulator Ofcom, which came into effect on 1 July 2019, you no longer have to call your current provider to ditch it, so you avoid the hard sell of it trying to make you stay. Here's how to switch providers and keep your number:

    • Request a switching code by text. Simply text 'PAC' for free to 65075 on any network and you'll be sent your 'porting authorisation code' (PAC) immediately via text so you can keep your number. To get a new number, text 'STAC' to 75075.

      Its text must include important info such as any exit penalties, outstanding handset costs or credit balances.

    • 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.

    What's more, if you're out of your minimum contract period, mobile providers are now banned from charging you for the remainder of your notice period after you've switched (which is typically 30 days), putting an end to paying for your old and new contract at the same time. 

    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.

    • I've got my PAC, what do I do now?

      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. If you're switching from another provider, the links below tell you each network's process for porting.

      The number switch takes place the next working day after you give your PAC to the new provider.

      It's a different process if you're swapping within the same provider.

      If you're switching to a new tariff on the same network, for example if you're on pay-as-you-go and upgrading to a contract, you shouldn't need to carry out this process – just call your mobile provider's customer service helpline and they should be able to sort it.

Best Sims for occasional/backup use

It can be useful to keep a spare Sim for emergency use in case you lose your phone, or perhaps for entering competitions or listing adverts where you're not comfortable giving your main number. This is where traditional PAYG deals rather than bundles can win.

MSE analysis logo

For occasional/backup use – what we'd go for

If you want the cheapest PAYG Sim, then it's 1pMobile. It piggybacks off EE's network and it's 1p for each minute, every text and for each MB of data you use. However, you have to top up at least £10 every four months in order to keep it active, so if you only use your phone very rarely, it's probably not for you.

For those who just need a phone for temporary/emergency use or if EE isn't great in your area, then Three's PAYG Sim might be better for you. It's slightly more expensive than 1pMobile for each text and minute, but there's no minimum top-up requirement – though you do need to use it at least once every six months – so it could work out cheaper in the long run.

PROVIDER (network it uses) DATA
 MINS
 TEXTS
 ANYTHING ELSE?
1pMobile* (EE)
Top pick		 1p/MB 1p/min 1p Top up £10 every four months or you'll be disconnected.
Asda Mobile* (Vodafone) 4p/MB 4p/min 4p Accessing voicemail also costs 4p/min.
Three* 5p/MB 10p/min 10p It'll only work in 3G-compatible or later handsets.
Lebara Mobile* (Vodafone) 9p/MB 25p/min 19p  

Best PAYG bundles

These deals still have no contract but come loaded with a bundle of minutes, texts and data with your credit each month. 

MSE analysis logo

PAYG bundles – what we'd go for

For us, for general use, our blagged deal for a Lebara Sim (which uses the Vodafone network) with 3GB/mth of data, unlimited minutes and texts stands out. It's £2.45/mth for the first four months, then £4.90/mth thereafter. It's still a one-month rolling contract, so you can cancel at any time.

PROVIDER (network it uses) DATA MINS TEXTS COST
Lebara* (Vodafone)
Top pick
MSE Blagged		 3GB Unltd Unltd Equiv £4.09/mth over 12 months – £2.45/mth for the first four months, then £4.90/mth thereafter (1)
Talkmobile* (Vodafone) 3GB Unltd Unltd £4.95/mth
Lycamobile (O2) 2GB 1,000 1,000 £5/mth
iD Mobile* (Three) 5GB Unltd Unltd £6/mth
Plusnet* (EE) 3GB Unltd Unltd £6/mth
Smarty* (Three) 12GB Unltd Unltd Equiv £7/mth over 12 months – £4/mth for the first three months, then £8/mth thereafter (1)
iD Mobile* (Three)  Unltd Unltd Unltd £18/mth
(1) It's a one-month Sim, but to help you compare, we calculate the equivalent cost over a 12-month period.

Best for roaming abroad – incl the USA & Australia

From 1 January 2021, networks no longer have to guarantee free roaming in the European Union, as the Brexit transition period comes to a close. However, the major firms have confirmed they plan to continue to let you use your UK allowance of minutes, texts and data in all European Union countries (plus Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway), although they could always change their approach in the future. Outside of the EU, some providers charge an eye-watering amount to use your phone and if you're not careful, your mobile bill could set you back more than your trip. So it's important you plan ahead of your trip.

MSE analysis logo

For roaming abroad – what we'd go for

Three is the standout when it comes to roaming. Get any PAYG Sim from Three* and you'll be able to use your standard allowance in 71 destinations – 42 additional countries outside of the EU – including Australia and the USA.

You can either top-up and pay its standard rates of 10p/min, 10p/text and 5p/Mb, or if you plan to use your phone a lot while abroad, it might be worth getting a bundle. Its cheapest is £10 and gives 6GB data and unlimited minutes and texts for 30 days.

The beauty of this PAYG Three Sim is as you're not tied into a contract, you can keep your existing UK contract if you want and just use this Sim for use abroad – which is what we think it's best for. Just make sure you use the Sim in the UK at least once before you travel to fully activate it.

It's also worth checking if you can get an overseas bundle from your current network, as these can often work out cheaper than its standard rates and could be a good option if you don't want the hassle of another Sim just for your holiday – see our Cheap Roaming guide for more.

How to complain about your network

The mobile industry doesn't have the best customer service reputation and while a provider may be good for some, it can be hell for others. Common problems include limited network coverage, slow data speeds, unexpected charges and more. It's always worth trying to call your provider first, but if not then…

Free tool to help you complain

This tool helps you draft and manage your complaint. It's totally free to use, and it's offered by Resolver, a firm we work with to help people get complaints justice.

RESOLVER – FREE COMPLAINTS TOOL*

If the company won't help, Resolver can escalate it to the free Ombudsman Services (or CISAS if you're complaining about Virgin Mobile).

Important: if your issue is about a voucher or incentive that was part of an MSE Blagged deal, then instead just let us know by emailing voucherhelp@moneysavingexpert.com as that's usually quicker.

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What the * means above
If a link has an * by it, that means it is an affiliated link and therefore it helps MoneySavingExpert stay free to use, as it is tracked to us. If you go through it, it can sometimes result in a payment or benefit to the site. It's worth noting this means the third party used may be named on any credit agreements.

You shouldn’t notice any difference and the link will never negatively impact the product. Plus the editorial line (the things we write) is NEVER impacted by these links. We aim to look at all available products. If it isn't possible to get an affiliate link for the top deal, it is still included in exactly the same way, just with a non-paying link. For more details, read How this site is financed.

Duplicate links of the * links above for the sake of transparency, but this version doesn't help MoneySavingExpert.com: 

1pMobile, Asda Mobile, BT, EE, GiffGaff, Lebara, iD Mobile, O2, Smarty, Three, Vodafone, Voxi

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