£5 Sim Only Deals – Best Networks, Data & Switching Guide 2025

Which Networks Offer £5 SIM Only Deals?

• The average data allowance for a £5 SIM only deal is 4–10GB; some providers offer introductory deals with more data but increase the price after a few months.
• Many £5 plans are 4G only – 5G typically starts at £8–£10 per month.
• Automatic price increases (e.g., CPI + 3.9%) can push a £5 plan above budget after one year.
• International calls and EU roaming are not standard on all £5 deals; Lebara and Lyca often include them.
• Switching to a £5 plan can save up to £240 per year compared to the average £25 contract.

Are £5 SIM Only Deals Good Value?

What Data and Features You Actually Get for £5

At the £5 price point, the most common data allowance is between 3GB and 5GB. A few introductory deals, such as 1pMobile’s first three months at £4, offer 10GB, but that drops to 5GB after the promotional period. None of the cited plans include unlimited data – that typically starts at £20 or more. Features like 5G, EU roaming, and international calling vary significantly by provider.

Contract Length and Price Guarantees

Rolling monthly contracts are the norm, with Lebara, Lyca Mobile, and Spusu offering one-month terms that let you walk away at any time. Three also has 12-month and 24-month options, which can lower the monthly cost but reduce flexibility. A major point to check is whether the price is guaranteed or subject to annual increases. Lebara stands out by advertising no annual price rise on its £4.95 plan.

Comparing £5 Plans vs Slightly Higher Prices

Moving up to £8–£10 a month usually unlocks more data (10–20GB), guaranteed 5G, and broader EU roaming. For light users who rely on Wi-Fi, a £5 plan with 4–5GB is often sufficient. But if you regularly stream video or need full-speed roaming, paying an extra few pounds can deliver significantly better value per gigabyte.

Do £5 SIM Only Deals Include 5G and EU Roaming?

5G Availability on Budget Plans

According to 4g.co.uk and Uswitch, 5G is no longer a premium add-on and is included on many budget SIM-only deals. Lebara, Lyca Mobile, Spusu, Three, Vodafone, and O2 all show 5G access on their cheapest plans. However, the exact plan must be checked: some £5 deals from Three and Lebara include 5G, while others may only offer 4G speeds at the same price.

EU Roaming Policies by Network

EU roaming is one of the biggest differentiators among £5 plans. Lebara includes roaming up to 5GB in 37 destinations. Lyca Mobile also includes EU roaming on its £5 deal. Three offers inclusive roaming in 49 European destinations on some plans, but its best £5 options do not always feature this. O2 allows roaming up to 25GB in the EU, but its SIM-only plans are generally above the £5 mark. EE, on the other hand, requires optional add-ons for EU use, otherwise standard roaming charges apply. Asda Mobile and Spusu do not prominently advertise roaming on their £5 deals.

Pay As You Go vs Monthly SIM Only at the £5 Price Point

At around £5, the line between PAYG and SIM-only can blur. Monthly SIM-only plans give you a fixed allowance and predictable billing. PAYG deals, such as those from Lyca Mobile and EE, require manual top-ups and may not include 5G or roaming without extra charges. Monthly SIM-only is generally the clearer option if you want a set data limit and automated payments.

How to Switch to a £5 SIM Only Deal (Keep Your Number)

Step-by-Step Switching Guide

1. Check your current contract – if you are out of the minimum term or on a rolling plan, you are free to leave without penalty.
2. Choose a new £5 plan and order the SIM. Most providers send it free within 1–2 working days.
3. Request a PAC code from your current network by texting PAC to 65075 (free service). You can also call them.
4. Give the PAC code to your new provider when you activate the SIM. They will schedule the transfer.
5. Keep your old SIM active until the transfer completes. Do not cancel your old account manually.

Porting Your Number with a PAC Code

A PAC (Porting Authorisation Code) is a unique nine-character code that allows you to keep your existing phone number. It is valid for 30 days. If you do not use it, you will need to request a new one. Alternatively, the newer Text-to-Switch service lets you switch in one day by sending a text, but it does not work with all providers. For most £5 SIM-only deals, using a PAC is the most reliable method. For detailed guidance, see Citizens Advice guide.

Best Time to Switch – Avoiding Bill Overlap

Initiate the switch near the end of your billing cycle to avoid paying for two plans simultaneously. Most PAC transfers happen within one working day, but it is wise to allow a week. Providers like Lebara and Spusu charge pro-rata for the first month, so you will not lose the full monthly fee.

Which Network Has the Best Coverage for £5 SIM Only?

Coverage Comparison of Budget Networks

Coverage depends on the underlying network. Lebara uses Vodafone, Lyca Mobile uses EE, Spusu uses EE, and Asda Mobile uses Vodafone. Three operates its own network. As a rule, EE and Vodafone have the widest 4G/5G coverage across the UK. Three’s coverage is good in urban areas but can be weaker in rural locations. Since several £5 plans run on the same infrastructure, geographic coverage is often similar among them at this price level.

Using Ofcom Coverage Checkers

Before picking a plan, use the free Ofcom mobile coverage checker to see predicted signal strength at your home, workplace, and regular travel routes. Enter the network name – if you choose a plan from an MVNO, check the underlying network’s coverage.

Customer Satisfaction Scores for Cheap SIM Only

Industry surveys from Ofcom and Which? consistently show that customer satisfaction for budget SIM-only plans lags slightly behind the main networks. However, Lebara and Lyca Mobile have improved their satisfaction ratings in recent years. For the best experience, prioritize networks with responsive customer service and a simple complaints process, especially if you plan to use roaming or need technical support.

Evolution of Budget SIM Only Deals in the UK

1. 2015 – First £5 SIM only deals appear from mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) like Giffgaff and Talkmobile.
2. 2019 – Three launches a £5 4GB SIM plan, sparking price competition among major networks.
3. 2021 – Many networks introduce short-term introductory offers (e.g., £5 for 3 months) to attract switchers.
4. 2023 – Lebara’s £5 plan gains popularity due to included international minutes and 5G access on select tariffs.
5. 2025 – £5 SIM only market matures with a focus on data rollover, eSIM support, and no-credit-check options.

What Do We Know and What Is Still Uncertain About £5 Plans?

Why Do £5 SIM Only Deals Exist and What Do They Mean for Consumers?

The £5 SIM-only segment exists primarily as a customer acquisition tool. Providers use low introductory prices to attract users from other networks, hoping they will stay after the price rises. For consumers, these deals represent the cheapest way to have a mobile data connection, but they come with trade-offs: smaller data caps, fewer extras, and the need to actively manage the contract. The market remains competitive, but Ofcom data suggests that most consumers who switch to a £5 plan are light data users who primarily use Wi-Fi at home or work.

The lack of 5G on many cheap plans means that users who want faster speeds may need to pay £8–£10, even though 5G is widely advertised on mid-range plans. Budget-conscious consumers should prioritise coverage, contract flexibility, and data rollover over the headline price, as these factors have a greater impact on long-term satisfaction.

What Do Experts and Regulators Say About £5 SIM Only Deals?

“The cheapest SIM only deals can be great value, but always check the renewal price and whether it includes 5G or EU roaming.”

– MoneySavingExpert.com

“Switching provider is easier than ever – you can keep your number using a PAC code or switch to a new network in one day using the Text-to-Switch service.”

– Ofcom

“Networks that currently offer SIM only deals for £5 or less include Three, 1pMobile, Asda Mobile, Lebara, Lyca Mobile, Sky Mobile, Spusu, and Talkmobile.”

– 4g.co.uk (aggregator)

What Is the Best £5 SIM Only Deal in 2025?

Based on current offers, the strongest combination of data, features, and flexibility comes from Lebara, which offers 5GB, 5G, EU roaming in 37 destinations, and a rolling contract at £4.95 after an initial promotional period. For a completely no-frills rolling plan with no commitment, Spusu at £4.50 for 5GB is the cheapest consistent option. If international calling is important, Lyca Mobile’s £5 package includes EU roaming and 100 international minutes. For a broader overview of available plans, see our guide £5 SIM Only Deals: Best Plans and What You Get in 2025.

Frequently Asked Questions