Best 12 month SIM only deals in September

Just like a regular mobile contract, a SIM-only deal comes with an allowance of minutes, data and texts.

Difference is, you do not get - and therefore do not pay for - a phone as part of your plan.

Read on to discover more about 12-month SIM-only deals, the networks which offer them, the networks that provide big data allowances, and the benefits of opting for a 12-month SIM-only deal.

Cheapest 12 month SIM-only deals this week

Which networks offer 12-month SIM-only deals?

• Three
• O2
• EE
• Vodafone
• Tesco Mobile
• Plusnet Mobile

Before you decide on a mobile provider, it’s worthwhile comparing networks to see what you can get in the way of perks, as well as considering each provider’s network coverage and customer service.

Three 

Three’s SIM-only deals range from 1-month, 12-month and 24-month contracts. What’s more, it also offers a wide range of mobile tariffs, along with a host of other extras to boot.

O2

As one of the biggest networks in the UK, O2 offers a huge range of 12-month SIM-only deals at different price points.

Moreover, the network is also famous for its extras – notably its O2 priority plan, which lets you get gig tickets before anyone else.

EE

Easily one of the largest networks in the UK, not only does EE offer a wide range of 12-month SIM-only deals, it also has a wide selection of handsets, plus fast 4G and 5G plans to boot. 

Vodafone

One of Vodafone's biggest selling points is its Red Entertainment subscriptions and International roaming options.

It's no slouch when it comes to 12-month SIM only deals, either. And, its Flexi-upgrade gives you the option to upgrade your phone after six months.

Tesco Mobile

If you want a cheap 12-month SIM-only deal, Tesco Mobile is well worth a look. It offers a wide range of options, though its plans don’t come with Unlimited data, it offers different options for every kind of user. 

It also offers anytime upgrades, capped upgrades and even Clubcard points for every £1 you spend.

Plusnet Mobile

SIM-only plans are Plusnet’s bread and butter. To that end, it offers a wide variety of 12-month and SIM-only deals at competitive prices.

Other popular SIM only Plans

• Pay as you go SIMs
• Unlimited data SIMs
• Cheap SIM only deals

Can I get a 12-month SIM-only deal with unlimited data?

While you won’t find many networks offering SIM deals with unlimited data , there are plenty of big data deals available.

The way we see it, even if you’re a compulsive gamer, a social media addict and download a huge amount of music and video to your phone each month, you’ll still get by on a data allowance of 20GB or so. So, the question you need to consider: do you really need unlimited data?

You may find a high data plan will do you just fine.

What are the cheapest 12-month SIM-only plans?

There are some very cheap 12-month SIM plans on the market. But as these deals include a range of allowances, it’s important you pick the right plan for you.

Consider the following factors when trying to find the cheapest 12-month SIM plan:

• Allowance - lower allowances of course cost less than higher ones overall - but always make sure you have enough (in particular, data) for what you use so you don't have to pay extra for bolt-ons later.
• Network - the smaller networks, such as Tesco Mobile and Plusnet, with fewer overheads offer cheaper SIM deals. They don't come with as many bonuses or features as larger networks, but prices are noticeably lower.
• Existing customer deals - keep an eye out for these. You may be able to find a special upgrade deal from your current network, or even from your broadband or TV provider - such as BT, Sky, or Virgin.

Set a monthly spending cap - some networks let you set a cap on your plan, which ensures you'll never spend above a certain amount each month. It's a handy way to eliminate bill shock and keep your spending under budget, especially if you're prone to buying add-ons or making international calls.

What are the benefits of 12-month SIM plans?

There are some real plus points to opting for a 12-month SIM plan.

Consider the following advantages:

• Cost - SIM deals tend to be cheaper than regular mobile phone contracts. Whether you're paying a monthly fee or pay-as-you go, you're not paying for a brand new handset, so straight away (in most cases) your costs are lower.
• Flexibility - while 30-day SIM deals are the most flexible, 12-month SIM deals still give you more freedom than many mobile phone contracts, which can lock you in for 24 or 36 months.
• Credit check - It's easier to pass a credit check for a SIM-only deal. If you've ever struggled to pass a credit check for a mobile phone contract, then a SIM plan could be for you. As the network provider isn't including an expensive mobile handset in your contract (just a relatively inexpensive microchip) - you're deemed to be a lower-risk customer.
• Keep your old phone - as you're only getting a new SIM card, you get to keep your tried and tested old handset.