Most of the UK’s mobile networks are actually MVNOs (Mobile Virtual Network Operators), which means they don’t have their own masts, spectrum, and other infrastructure you’d expect from a mobile network. Rather, they have access to spectrum owned by one of the four main networks, namely EE, O2, Three, and Vodafone.
Those four networks are the only ones with their own distinct UK coverage, while every other UK network – such as Giffgaff and Tesco Mobile – will simply be paired with one of them, and share its coverage.
That somewhat simplifies things when considering which network has the coverage you need, since there are only actually four you need to compare, but you might prefer to be on an MVNO than one of the big networks, because they’re often cheaper, and sometimes come with their own perks.
Below, we’ve listed the UK MVNOs that offer SIM Only plans, including a brief overview of their key features.
| MVNO | Parent network | SIM Only plan durations |
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EE | 1-month |
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Vodafone | 12 and 24-month |
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O2 | 1 and 18-month |
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Three | 1, 12, and 24-month |
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Vodafone | 1 and 12-month |
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EE | 1, 12 and 24-month |
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O2 | 12-month |
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Three | 1-month |
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EE | 1-month |
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Vodafone | 1 and 12-month |
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O2 | 12 and 24-month |
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Vodafone | 1-month |
As you can see in the chart above, there are quite a few UK virtual network operators offering SIM Only plans. Below you’ll find more details of each of them.
1pMobile uses EE’s coverage, but it stands out from EE through much lower prices. You can still get up to unlimited data on SIM Only plans though, and its plans are all one-month rolling ones, so there’s no long term commitment. There’s also inclusive EU roaming.
Asda Mobile has the same coverage as Vodafone, and it offers both 12 and 24-month SIM Only plans. It also has 1-month rolling Pay As You Go plans.
You can get unlimited data (though watch out for speed limits on some of its plans), and you can roam across Europe at no extra cost. Plus, at the time of writing you can get 20% of your monthly bill back in your ‘Asda Rewards Cashpot’, allowing you to convert that money into Asda vouchers. However, this offer only runs for plans taken out until January 7th, 2025.
Giffgaff is partnered with O2, and it offers both one-month and 18-month plans. Its prices are competitive, you can get up to unlimited data, and you can roam in Europe at no extra cost.
iD Mobile shares Three’s coverage and spectrum, so you’ll be able to get 5G and 4G in the same places and at around the same speeds.
This network has a wide selection of SIM Only plans, including 1-month, 12-month, and 24-month durations, and as well as there being plans with up to unlimited data, you’ll also get data rollover if you pick a plan with a limited allowance. Roaming in 50 destinations (mostly in Europe) is also included.
Lebara uses Vodafone’s infrastructure and offers 30-day and 12-month SIM Only plans, with up to unlimited data. It stands out from Vodafone – and most other networks – by including international minutes with its plans, and letting you roam in the EU, China, and India.
Lyca Mobile shares EE’s coverage, with plans on one-month, 12-month, and 24-month durations, and data limits of up to unlimited.
Lyca Mobile is otherwise a similar prospect to Lebara, in that its plans include international minutes and EU roaming. Some plans also let you roam in India.
Sky Mobile uses O2’s coverage and its SIM Only plans are all 12 months long, so unlike most networks you can’t get flexible 30-day ones. That said, you can change your specific plan every month if you decide you want more or less data, you just can’t cancel until after 12 months.
Data tops out at unlimited, and if you have a plan with limited data then you can roll over any unused data for up to a year. However, roaming costs extra on Sky.
Smarty is owned and operated by Three, so it has the same coverage. Its plans are all just 30 days long, and it tops out at unlimited data.
Smarty also has lower prices than Three, inclusive EU roaming, and there’s a small selection of ‘Data Discount’ plans, which refund you for unused data.
Spusu is partnered with EE, and it offers 30-day SIM Only deals with up to unlimited data. Its plans also include EU roaming, and international minutes for calling EU countries from the UK. Spusu has also promised to freeze prices until 2026.
Talkmobile is run by Vodafone and shares its coverage. This network is designed as a low cost alternative to Vodafone, and it offers both 30-day and 12-month SIM Only plans, topping out at unlimited data. Its plans also include EU roaming.
Tesco Mobile has the same coverage as O2, and its SIM Only plans come in both 12 and 24-month durations – so you can’t get shorter term 30-day SIM Only plans here, but you can get 30-day Pay As You Go bundles.
In any case, Tesco Mobile’s plans top out at unlimited data, and they include EU roaming at no extra cost until at least 2026.
VOXI is another MVNO that’s run by Vodafone, so it of course shares Vodafone’s coverage. Its SIM Only plans are all 30 days long, and they top out at unlimited data. Aside from typically being slightly cheaper than Vodafone, VOXI’s plans come with unlimited use of Snapchat, Instagram, WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Facebook Messenger, without it affecting your data allowance.
Most of its plans also let you use YouTube, Netflix, Prime Video, My5, TikTok, Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, Tidal, Deezer, Napster, and Primordial, without using any of your data allowance. Note that subscriptions to these services aren’t included though.
Note also that roaming costs extra on VOXI.
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1pMobile .png)
Asda Mobile 
GiffGaff 
iD 
Lebara Mobile 
Lyca Mobile 
O2 
Sky Mobile 
Smarty 
Spusu Mobile 
Talkmobile 
Tesco Mobile 
Three 
Vodafone 
Voxi 
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