{
  "canary": "916746125a02a3e6",
  "category": {
    "blocked": false,
    "commerce": true,
    "criteria": [
      {
        "group": "Tariff",
        "key": "monthly_price",
        "label": "Monthly Price",
        "poids": 5,
        "primary": true,
        "sens": "plus_bas_mieux",
        "type": "prix",
        "unit": "GBP"
      },
      {
        "group": "Tariff",
        "key": "data_allowance",
        "label": "Data Allowance",
        "poids": 4,
        "sens": "plus_haut_mieux",
        "type": "taille",
        "unit": "GB"
      },
      {
        "group": "Tariff",
        "key": "contract_length",
        "label": "Contract Length",
        "poids": 2,
        "sens": "plus_bas_mieux",
        "type": "duree",
        "unit": "mois"
      },
      {
        "group": "Tariff",
        "key": "call_minutes",
        "label": "Call Minutes",
        "poids": 2,
        "sens": "plus_haut_mieux",
        "type": "nombre",
        "unit": "minutes"
      },
      {
        "group": "Tariff",
        "key": "text_messages",
        "label": "Text Messages",
        "poids": 2,
        "sens": "plus_haut_mieux",
        "type": "nombre",
        "unit": "SMS"
      },
      {
        "group": "Tariff",
        "key": "roaming_allowance",
        "label": "Roaming Allowance",
        "options": [
          "None",
          "Limited",
          "Generous"
        ],
        "poids": 1,
        "sens": "plus_haut_mieux",
        "type": "qualitatif"
      },
      {
        "group": "Network",
        "key": "network_coverage",
        "label": "Network Coverage",
        "options": [
          "Basic",
          "Good",
          "Excellent"
        ],
        "poids": 3,
        "sens": "plus_haut_mieux",
        "type": "qualitatif"
      },
      {
        "group": "Network",
        "key": "5g_availability",
        "label": "5G Availability",
        "poids": 1,
        "sens": "plus_haut_mieux",
        "type": "booleen"
      },
      {
        "group": "Service",
        "key": "customer_service",
        "label": "Customer Service Rating",
        "options": [
          "Poor",
          "Average",
          "Good",
          "Excellent"
        ],
        "poids": 1,
        "sens": "plus_haut_mieux",
        "type": "qualitatif"
      }
    ],
    "faq": [
      {
        "a": "The best SIM only deals in 2026 include Giffgaff SIM Only, which ranks highest, followed closely by Vodafone SIM Only, based on our comprehensive comparison of monthly price, data, contract length, and more.",
        "q": "What are the best SIM only deals available right now in 2026?"
      },
      {
        "a": "To choose the right SIM only plan, consider your typical monthly usage for data, calls, and texts, as well as your budget and any international roaming needs. Our comparison criteria can help guide your decision.",
        "q": "How do I choose the right SIM only plan for my needs?"
      },
      {
        "a": "Giffgaff SIM Only is currently our top-rated option, offering a strong balance across all comparison criteria. For the absolute cheapest monthly price, it's important to compare the specific plans listed on our page.",
        "q": "Is Giffgaff SIM Only the cheapest option for a SIM only deal?"
      },
      {
        "a": "Our ranking is based on a neutral, data-driven methodology, assessing each SIM only deal against key criteria like monthly price, data allowance, and contract length. Our position is not influenced by any paid placements.",
        "q": "How is the ranking of SIM only deals determined on this page?"
      }
    ],
    "kind": "category",
    "model": "",
    "ms": 2045,
    "neutral": false,
    "path": [
      "telecom",
      "mobile-phone",
      "sim-only-deals"
    ],
    "price_key": "monthly_price",
    "profile_questions": [
      {
        "options": [
          "Less than 5GB",
          "5GB - 20GB",
          "20GB - 100GB",
          "Unlimited"
        ],
        "q": "How much data do you need?"
      },
      {
        "options": [
          "1 month rolling",
          "12 months",
          "24 months"
        ],
        "q": "What contract length are you looking for?"
      },
      {
        "options": [
          "Yes",
          "No"
        ],
        "q": "Do you need 5G coverage?"
      }
    ],
    "subject": "service",
    "suggestions": [
      "best mobile phone contracts",
      "cheapest mobile plans",
      "unlimited data SIM deals",
      "compare mobile networks"
    ],
    "synthese": [
      "This comparison of 12 SIM-only deals across nine criteria, including monthly price, data allowance, contract length, call minutes, text messages, and roaming allowance, places Giffgaff SIM Only first with a score of 69/100, largely due to its perfect scores in 5G availability and contract length, while Vodafone SIM Only ranks second with 58/100, excelling in roaming allowance, and Lebara Mobile SIM Only is identified as the most affordable option.",
      "The facts in this summary are computed from the table below; only the wording is generated."
    ],
    "tier": "gold",
    "title": "Best SIM Only Deals",
    "unranked": false,
    "visual": "logo"
  },
  "country": "GB",
  "freshness": {
    "age_days": 10.7,
    "stale": true,
    "ttl_days": 1
  },
  "items": [
    {
      "badges": [
        "best_overall"
      ],
      "description": "Flexible SIM-only plans with good community support and no contract.",
      "estimated": true,
      "link_url": "https://www.giffgaff.com/",
      "logo_dom": "giffgaff.com",
      "logo_url": "https://unavatar.io/giffgaff.com?fallback=false",
      "name": "Giffgaff SIM Only",
      "provider": "Giffgaff",
      "score": 69.0,
      "source_url": "https://www.giffgaff.com/sim-only-deals",
      "subscores": {
        "5g_availability": 100.0,
        "contract_length": 100.0,
        "customer_service": 67.0,
        "data_allowance": 60.0,
        "monthly_price": 42.0,
        "network_coverage": 100.0,
        "roaming_allowance": 50.0
      },
      "values": {
        "5g_availability": true,
        "call_minutes": null,
        "contract_length": 1,
        "customer_service": "Good",
        "data_allowance": 15,
        "monthly_price": 10,
        "network_coverage": "Excellent",
        "roaming_allowance": "Limited",
        "text_messages": null
      }
    },
    {
      "badges": [],
      "best_for": "Frequent international travelers and users who want the fastest 5G experience with entertainment.",
      "cons": [],
      "description": "Includes Speed Boost, inclusive roaming in 84 worldwide destinations (25GB), 5G+ ready, and unlimited picture messages.",
      "link_url": "https://www.vodafone.co.uk/sim-only/best-sim-only-deals",
      "logo_dom": "vodafone.com",
      "logo_url": "https://unavatar.io/vodafone.com?fallback=false",
      "name": "Vodafone SIM Only",
      "pros": [
        "Speed Boost: up to 2x speeds",
        "Inclusive roaming in 84 worldwide destinations",
        "5G+ ready"
      ],
      "provider": "Vodafone",
      "provider_url": "https://www.vodafone.co.uk/sim-only/best-sim-only-deals",
      "score": 58.0,
      "source_url": "https://www.vodafone.co.uk/sim-only/best-sim-only-deals",
      "subscores": {
        "5g_availability": 100.0,
        "contract_length": 3.0,
        "customer_service": 33.0,
        "data_allowance": 80.0,
        "monthly_price": 25.0,
        "network_coverage": 100.0,
        "roaming_allowance": 100.0
      },
      "values": {
        "5g_availability": true,
        "call_minutes": null,
        "contract_length": 30,
        "customer_service": "Average",
        "data_allowance": 20,
        "monthly_price": 12,
        "network_coverage": "Excellent",
        "roaming_allowance": "Generous",
        "text_messages": null
      },
      "verified": true
    },
    {
      "badges": [
        "best_value"
      ],
      "best_for": "Users looking for a budget-friendly 5G plan with data rollover and no price increases.",
      "cons": [],
      "description": "Uses Three Mobile's Network, includes 5G data and no annual price rise.",
      "name": "iD Mobile SIM Only",
      "pros": [
        "No annual price rise",
        "2 months Free Apple Fitness+ Music and Arcade",
        "Data rollover"
      ],
      "provider": "iD Mobile",
      "score": 56.0,
      "source_url": "https://www.uswitch.com/mobiles/compare/sim_only_deals/",
      "subscores": {
        "5g_availability": 100.0,
        "contract_length": 100.0,
        "customer_service": 33.0,
        "data_allowance": 32.0,
        "monthly_price": 59.0,
        "network_coverage": 50.0,
        "roaming_allowance": 50.0
      },
      "values": {
        "5g_availability": true,
        "call_minutes": null,
        "contract_length": 1,
        "customer_service": "Average",
        "data_allowance": 8,
        "monthly_price": 8,
        "network_coverage": "Good",
        "roaming_allowance": "Limited",
        "text_messages": null
      },
      "verified": true
    },
    {
      "badges": [],
      "description": "Tesco Mobile offers SIM-only deals with Clubcard points and flexible contracts.",
      "estimated": true,
      "link_url": "https://www.tescomobile.com/",
      "logo_dom": "tesco.com",
      "logo_url": "https://unavatar.io/tesco.com?fallback=false",
      "name": "Tesco Mobile SIM Only",
      "provider": "Tesco Mobile",
      "score": 55.0,
      "source_url": "https://www.tescomobile.com/sim-only-deals",
      "subscores": {
        "5g_availability": 100.0,
        "contract_length": 100.0,
        "customer_service": 67.0,
        "data_allowance": 48.0,
        "monthly_price": 34.0,
        "network_coverage": 50.0,
        "roaming_allowance": 50.0
      },
      "values": {
        "5g_availability": true,
        "call_minutes": null,
        "contract_length": 1,
        "customer_service": "Good",
        "data_allowance": 12,
        "monthly_price": 11,
        "network_coverage": "Good",
        "roaming_allowance": "Limited",
        "text_messages": null
      }
    },
    {
      "badges": [],
      "description": "EE offers a range of SIM-only plans with excellent network coverage and 5G.",
      "estimated": true,
      "name": "EE SIM Only",
      "provider": "EE",
      "score": 55.0,
      "source_url": "https://shop.ee.co.uk/sim-only-deals",
      "subscores": {
        "5g_availability": 100.0,
        "contract_length": 8.0,
        "customer_service": 67.0,
        "data_allowance": 100.0,
        "monthly_price": 0.0,
        "network_coverage": 100.0,
        "roaming_allowance": 50.0
      },
      "values": {
        "5g_availability": true,
        "call_minutes": null,
        "contract_length": 12,
        "customer_service": "Good",
        "data_allowance": 25,
        "monthly_price": 15,
        "network_coverage": "Excellent",
        "roaming_allowance": "Limited",
        "text_messages": null
      }
    },
    {
      "badges": [],
      "description": "Virgin Mobile SIM-only plans offer data rollover and access to Wi-Fi hotspots.",
      "estimated": true,
      "link_url": "https://www.virginmedia.com/",
      "logo_dom": "virgin.com",
      "logo_url": "https://unavatar.io/virgin.com?fallback=false",
      "name": "Virgin Mobile SIM Only",
      "provider": "Virgin Mobile",
      "score": 53.0,
      "source_url": "https://www.virginmedia.com/mobile/sim-only-deals",
      "subscores": {
        "5g_availability": 100.0,
        "contract_length": 100.0,
        "customer_service": 33.0,
        "data_allowance": 40.0,
        "monthly_price": 42.0,
        "network_coverage": 50.0,
        "roaming_allowance": 50.0
      },
      "values": {
        "5g_availability": true,
        "call_minutes": null,
        "contract_length": 1,
        "customer_service": "Average",
        "data_allowance": 10,
        "monthly_price": 10,
        "network_coverage": "Good",
        "roaming_allowance": "Limited",
        "text_messages": null
      }
    },
    {
      "badges": [],
      "description": "BT Mobile SIM-only deals often include extras for existing BT broadband customers.",
      "estimated": true,
      "name": "BT Mobile SIM Only",
      "provider": "BT Mobile",
      "score": 53.0,
      "source_url": "https://www.bt.com/mobile/plans/sim-only",
      "subscores": {
        "5g_availability": 100.0,
        "contract_length": 8.0,
        "customer_service": 67.0,
        "data_allowance": 60.0,
        "monthly_price": 25.0,
        "network_coverage": 100.0,
        "roaming_allowance": 50.0
      },
      "values": {
        "5g_availability": true,
        "call_minutes": null,
        "contract_length": 12,
        "customer_service": "Good",
        "data_allowance": 15,
        "monthly_price": 12,
        "network_coverage": "Excellent",
        "roaming_allowance": "Limited",
        "text_messages": null
      }
    },
    {
      "badges": [],
      "description": "O2 SIM-only plans often come with perks like O2 Priority and good network reliability.",
      "estimated": true,
      "name": "O2 SIM Only",
      "provider": "O2",
      "score": 53.0,
      "source_url": "https://www.o2.co.uk/sim-only-deals",
      "subscores": {
        "5g_availability": 100.0,
        "contract_length": 8.0,
        "customer_service": 67.0,
        "data_allowance": 72.0,
        "monthly_price": 17.0,
        "network_coverage": 100.0,
        "roaming_allowance": 50.0
      },
      "values": {
        "5g_availability": true,
        "call_minutes": null,
        "contract_length": 12,
        "customer_service": "Good",
        "data_allowance": 18,
        "monthly_price": 13,
        "network_coverage": "Excellent",
        "roaming_allowance": "Limited",
        "text_messages": null
      }
    },
    {
      "badges": [],
      "description": "Plusnet Mobile offers competitive SIM-only deals with inclusive minutes and texts.",
      "estimated": true,
      "logo_dom": "plusnet.com",
      "logo_url": "https://unavatar.io/plusnet.com?fallback=false",
      "name": "Plusnet Mobile SIM Only",
      "provider": "Plusnet Mobile",
      "score": 37.0,
      "source_url": "https://www.plus.net/mobile/sim-only-deals",
      "subscores": {
        "5g_availability": 0.0,
        "contract_length": 3.0,
        "customer_service": 67.0,
        "data_allowance": 40.0,
        "monthly_price": 51.0,
        "network_coverage": 50.0,
        "roaming_allowance": 0.0
      },
      "values": {
        "5g_availability": false,
        "call_minutes": 500,
        "contract_length": 30,
        "customer_service": "Good",
        "data_allowance": 10,
        "monthly_price": 9,
        "network_coverage": "Good",
        "roaming_allowance": "None",
        "text_messages": 500
      }
    },
    {
      "badges": [
        "cheapest"
      ],
      "estimated": true,
      "name": "Lebara Mobile SIM Only",
      "score": 17.0,
      "subscores": {
        "monthly_price": 59.0
      },
      "values": {
        "5g_availability": null,
        "call_minutes": null,
        "contract_length": null,
        "customer_service_rating": null,
        "data_allowance": null,
        "monthly_price": "£3.18",
        "network_coverage": null,
        "roaming_allowance": null,
        "text_messages": null
      }
    },
    {
      "badges": [],
      "estimated": true,
      "name": "Three SIM Only",
      "score": 0.0,
      "subscores": {},
      "values": {
        "5g_availability": null,
        "call_minutes": null,
        "contract_length": null,
        "customer_service_rating": null,
        "data_allowance": null,
        "monthly_price": null,
        "network_coverage": null,
        "roaming_allowance": null,
        "text_messages": null
      }
    },
    {
      "badges": [],
      "estimated": true,
      "name": "VOXI SIM Only",
      "score": 0.0,
      "subscores": {},
      "values": {
        "5g_availability": null,
        "call_minutes": null,
        "contract_length": null,
        "customer_service_rating": null,
        "data_allowance": null,
        "monthly_price": null,
        "network_coverage": null,
        "roaming_allowance": null,
        "text_messages": null
      }
    }
  ],
  "lang": "en",
  "license": "Citation with a link to the URL is allowed. Bulk extraction and redistribution of the catalog is prohibited. Volume access: contact us.",
  "markdown_url": "https://comparefairly.com/en/GB/best-sim-only-deals.md",
  "neutral": false,
  "notice": "Neutral ranking, never paid; sorted on measured criteria. Each value is sourced or marked as an estimate (see per-item fields).",
  "query": "best SIM only deals",
  "source": "CompareFairly",
  "title": "Best SIM Only Deals",
  "unranked": false,
  "url": "https://comparefairly.com/en/GB/best-sim-only-deals"
}