Data Only SIM Deals

What is a Data Only SIM?

A Data Only SIM card is one which comes with a data allowance but no minutes or texts. They’re designed for use in tablets, laptops, and mobile broadband devices so you can get online when there’s no Wi-Fi available. All there needs to be is 3G, 4G or 5G coverage on the network you’re using.

Note that most networks also allow you to put a normal mobile SIM card into a tablet or other non-phone device, but you won’t typically be able to make use of the minutes or texts, so a Data Only SIM is usually preferable.

Do I need a Data Only SIM?

If you have a device that accepts one and often wish you could get that device online when there’s no Wi-Fi (for example when travelling) then it sounds like you could use a Data Only SIM.

Bear in mind also that while free Wi-Fi networks are increasingly widespread, they’re often slow, unsecure and unreliable, or have usage restrictions attached, so a Data Only SIM could prove a preferable option even when trying to get online on trains, or in hotels, pubs, cafes and the like, which may already offer Wi-Fi.

What devices do Data Only SIMs work in?

Data Only SIMs are designed primarily for tablets and mobile broadband devices, but some laptops also support them – they basically work with anything that has a SIM card slot but isn’t a phone.

However, far from all laptops and tablets have a SIM card slot. Indeed, unless you bought one with mobile data in mind, chances are yours doesn’t, but it’s easy to check. If you’re unsure, simply check for a SIM card slot on your device – this will likely be hidden behind a cover, as it is on a phone.

Which networks offer Data Only SIM deals?

The following networks all offer Data Only SIM deals: EE, Three, O2, Vodafone, BT Mobile, and Lycamobile.

Which network should I choose?

When picking a network for a Data Only SIM there are a number of things to consider. First think about how much data you need and the price each network offers that amount for, as well as whether you’re happy to be tied in to a 12-month or even 24-month contract (which can save you money) or would prefer a 30-day one (which is more flexible). We have the best Data Only SIM contracts available, so check this page for your options.

Beyond that, the main considerations are 4G and 5G coverage, where you can use your data abroad at no extra cost, and any extras offered by the network. Details of these are below.

Coverage

Every UK network now has at least 99% 4G population coverage, so while coverage continues to improve, it’s fairly comprehensive. 2G and 3G are both similarly widely available, while 5G is rapidly rolling out on many networks.

So for everything but 5G your coverage is likely to be good, however we’d always recommend checking what coverage is like where you live and work before opting for a network.

Roaming

All UK networks (other than FreedomPop) let you use your data in the EU at no extra cost on most plans (even post-Brexit), but that doesn’t always apply with Data Only SIMs. O2 for example doesn’t allow roaming at the time of writing if you opt for Data Only.

If you want to roam for free beyond Europe then there are a few networks that are generally better than others.

Three is one of the best options, as it lets Data Only customers roam in 71 destinations, many of which are outside Europe.

Vodafone customers on ‘Unlimited Max’ plans meanwhile can roam for no extra cost in 81 destinations, including many outside Europe.

Extras

Many networks come with extra perks which you may want to consider before opting for one. You’ll find highlights of those available on Data Only plans below:

O2 lets you automatically connect to 7,000 of its UK-wide Wi-Fi hotspots, with no registration needed, while BT Mobile gives you access to around 5 million Wi-Fi hotspots.

What SIM card size do I need?

That depends on the device you have, but the vast majority of tablets will use a Nano SIM. Generally speaking, if you have a device made in the last six years or so it will probably use a Nano SIM, while anything older is likely to use a larger Micro SIM. However, if you have a particularly old device you may need an even larger standard SIM.  Find out more.