Compare 5G SIM deals in August 2021

What are 5G SIMs?

In most cases, a 5G SIM is a physical SIM card that you insert in your phone and which gets you a 5G mobile internet connection.

All you have to do is put it in a 5G-compatible smartphone and you’re good to go, with 5G speeds that are up to 20 times faster than 4G.

5G SIMs are also available as e-SIMs. With 5G e-SIMs, there’s no physical SIM card that you have to insert. Instead an eSIM is a small chip that comes embedded in your handset when you buy it.

Which networks offer 5G SIMs?

5G SIMs are available from:

• BT
• EE
• O2
• Sky Mobile
• Tesco Mobile
• Three
• Vodafone
• VOXI

Other networks expected to launch a 5G service soon are:

• 1p Mobile
• iD Mobile
• Smarty
• Virgin Mobile

Best 5G EE SIM only deals

At the time of writing (October 2020), EE is the UK’s widest-ranging 5G network and offers 5G in 112 locations. Plans aren’t cheap, but get you impressive speeds and some genuinely noteworthy extras.

Not least among them are Swappable Benefits, that allow you to switch between different customer incentives, such as a Now TV subscription or a data boost, from month to month.

Best 5G BT SIM only deals

BT Mobile uses the same infrastructure as EE and is available in the same 112 locations (as of October 2020).

Other benefits include a BT Sport and reduced rates for BT broadband customers.

Best Sky Mobile 5G SIM only deals

Based on O2’s network, Sky Mobile's 5G speeds and coverage are impressive, with a service that’s available in 108 locations across the UK.

There’s also the Roll scheme that allows customers to stash unused data for up to three years, as well as data-free viewing of Sky TV.

Sky VIP customers get 5G for no extra charge.

Best Vodafone 5G SIM only deals

A Vodafone 5G service is available in 57 locations (information correct as of October 2020), as well as in select destinations overseas.

Vodafone 5G SIM only deals also include membership of its Very Me customer rewards scheme.

Best Three 5G SIM only deals

At the time of writing, Three’s 5G service takes in 68 UK locations and is the fastest of major, household-name networks.

Select Three 5G SIM only contracts also include membership of its Go Binge scheme, which gets you zero-data streaming on select video and music streaming services.

Best Tesco Mobile 5G SIM only deals

5G SIMs from Tesco Mobile allow you to access a 5G service in 108 towns and cities across the UK.

Customers also benefit from free Clubcard points for paying their monthly bills.

Best VOXI 5G SIM only deals

VOXI 5G SIM only contracts offer unlimited use of social media without eating into your data allowance and inclusive roaming in 48 locations.

5G coverage on VOXI extends to 57 UK towns and cities.

Best O2 5G SIM only deals

O2 offers 5G overage in 108 towns and cites (as of October 2020) and stands out for its highly rated customer loyalty schemes and customisable plans.

At the time of writing (October 2020), O2’s 5G service is live in 108 towns and cities.

Will my current SIM support 5G?

Your current SIM is compatible with 5G, since all SIMs are compatible with 3G, 4G and 5G.

To get 5G, you’ll need to sign up for a 5G SIM only plan from your provider and use it with a 5G-compatible phone.

How do I know if I have 5G in my area?

The best way to find out if you can get 5G is to use networks’ 5G availability checkers.

• O2 5G postcode checker.
• Three 5G postcode checker.
• Vodafone 5G postcode checker.
• EE 5G postcode checker.
• BT 5G postcode checker.
• Sky Mobile 5G postcode checker.
• Tesco Mobile 5G postcode checker.
• VOXI 5G postcode checker.

Which network's best for 5G? Take a look at our guide where we've put them to the test.