If you're looking for a SIM-only deal, EE is a great choice. By grabbing one of its SIM plans, you can keep your phone (or buy a snazzy new one outright), and still get all the benefits of an EE deal. Plus, you're able to change your plan more often, so you always have the best possible SIM.
EE has something for everyone, whatever kind of SIM-only deal you need. Compare its plans right here with our mobile comparison tool - or keep reading to find out more about how to find the deal for you.
Is EE a good network?
There’s a lot to enjoy on EE.
For starters, you’ll get the best 4G coverage in the UK, at the fastest average speeds. EE also boasts the most extensive 5G rollout so far, and good reliability too.
There’s a decent amount of choice over what you get in your plan, including some chunky data options and those Smart Benefits. And once you’re on board, you can enjoy a wealth of added benefits, and reportedly good customer service too.
The downside is that EE is one of the more expensive mobile networks out there. Depending on what kind of SIM-only plan you’re looking for, the cost may not be worth it. Especially if you don’t use its benefits or make use of its wide coverage.
What SIM-only deals can I get from EE?
With EE, you can choose between two types of plan for your SIM-only deal:
- An essential plan, which just gives you the basics
- A plan with Smart Benefits, which cost more but give you some fantastic extras
Read more on Smart Benefits below.
On both types of plan, you can choose your monthly data allowance – from 1GB up to unlimited data. Most plans have 100GB or more. And all come with unlimited minutes and texts.
What benefits does EE offer?
Some EE SIM-only plans come with Smart Benefits. You can choose which suit you – from options including free BT Sport, a video data pass, an Apple Music Subscription, or Apple TV+.
Whether you spring for Smart Benefits or not, as an EE customer you can enjoy a number of regular benefits. For starters, you’ll get its Service Benefits – which includes an annual device MOT, cash off protective kit (such as a case), rapid repairs, and more.
Some plans also include 5G readiness, 24/7 support, and the ability to share data with your family.
Plus, if you have EE broadband, you may also quality for money off and a data boost.
Best EE sim-only deals this week
Cheapest EE SIM-only deals this week
The cheapest SIM deals have lower allowances, are often on longer contract terms, and may be missing some of the features and extras of a more premium SIM plan. Existing customers can sometimes snag even better deals too.
To find the cheapest EE SIM option that suits you, just use our comparison table. Narrow the deals down with the filters, then use the 'sort by' toggle to order them by monthly cost. This will push the cheapest deals up to the top so you can see them first.
EE SIM-only deals with unlimited data
What could be better than unlimited data on the UK's best 4G and 5G? See our guide to unlimited data deals for more info on how to find a deal.
How does EE compare to other SIM-only networks?
EE specialises in data. SIM-only plans have a lot of it (at the time of writing, only one plan gives you less than 100GB per month). And its 4G service is the fastest on the market, as well as the most widely available – and EE’s 5G network is the biggest in the UK so far.
In terms of cost, you’ll find EE on the expensive side. It’s usually on par with other networks that focus on quality, such as Vodafone and O2.
The benefits are excellent, especially if you choose Smart Benefits. It offers far more benefits (and far better ones) than budget networks that only give you the basics.
Some particularly handy or money-saving benefits offered by other networks are missing, however. There’s no option to roll your data over, no unrestricted tethering, and no flexible allowances that you can change month to month.
Alternative SIM-only networks to EE
Take a look at the different SIM-only packages and extras offered by mobile networks:
- O2 - Customers get exclusive offers and vouchers for high street stores, restaurants and events through O2 Priority.
- Vodafone - Enjoy entertainment subscriptions to Spotify, Prime Video and Sky Sports through Vodafone's Red Entertainment packages.
- Giffgaff - Great value-for-money 30-day rolling SIM deals
- Three - Reasonably-priced SIM deals with excellent roaming perks
- Smarty - Excellent value SIM-only plans with rewards each month for unused data
How do I choose an EE SIM-only plan?
Finding the right EE SIM deal for you couldn't be easier. Have a look at the deals in our comparison table, and pick the one you like best.
You can adjust the filters at the side to only show the SIMs that fit what you need, and can even compare EE plans with those from other networks too. When you spot one you like, simply select it, and we'll take you straight to EE's website so you can order it.
When you're comparing, think about what's most important from your deal:
Data allowance - How much do you use 4G mobile internet? If you only use your phone to scroll through Facebook, browse the web a bit, and use WhatsApp, you'll be fine with a small allowance. On the other hand, hungrier users who stream on the go, use their phone for work, or download large files may want 10GB or so per month. Most of us, however, will find a data allowance between 2-5GB suits us perfectly.
Calls and texts allowance - Think about how much you make calls on your mobile, and how many SMS texts (not WhatsApp or Facebook messages) you send in a month. Very high allowances are available from EE for quite low prices, so getting enough for your use should be easy.
Contract length - With SIM plans, you usually have a choice between 30-day or 12-month contracts. Longer contracts generally have lower monthly costs, while a 30-day one can be changed at any time. It's worth going for a 12-month deal if you're happy to commit for a full year - though if you want a bit of flexibility, so you can change your monthly allowance or switch networks entirely whenever you like, go for a one-month SIM instead.
Price - On a budget? Set a maximum monthly price using the filter at the side, or sort all the deals by cost to see the lowest-priced ones first. See the section below if you need a bit of help finding the cheapest possible deal.
SIM card type - Make sure you get the right size SIM card for your phone. Most networks these days offer 'combi-SIMs' that can fit any device, so go for one of those if you're not sure.
Are EE SIM-only deals cheaper than contracts?
Yes, in most cases it's cheaper to go SIM-only than to take out a handset contract - partly because it means you won't be paying any interest or extra costs on the phone itself. Buying a SIM free phone and getting a SIM-only deal to put in it almost always works out cheaper in the long run.
As an extra price-saving bonus, SIM-only contracts usually last a much shorter length of time than ones with a phone… meaning you can switch to a new, even cheaper SIM as soon as you find one.
Can I keep my mobile number if I switch to an EE SIM-only deal?
Yep, you can keep your phone number when you switch mobile networks, regardless of which network you're switching to or from. It's surprisingly hassle-free to sort out, too.
All you need to do is sign up to a new deal, then contact your current network and ask for a PAC - a porting authorisation code. Give it to EE once you have your SIM, and the number should port across within a matter of days.
Do I need an unlocked phone to use an EE SIM?
Yes, your phone needs to be unlocked - or locked to EE - in order to use an EE SIM card.
If you bought your phone outright from a retailer, it should already be unlocked and you have nothing to worry about.
However, if you're using an old phone that you got on a contract, it may be locked to your former network. In that case, you'll need to get it unlocked - but don't worry, as this is easy enough to do.
All you have to do is contact the network it's locked to, and they'll sort it out - sometimes free of charge. They may give you a code to enter, or might be able to it remotely. Your phone will be unlocked and ready for a new SIM in a few days' time.
What size SIM card do I need?
There are four kinds of SIM card, sized to fit different devices:
- Standard SIM - A classic full-size SIM, and the biggest of all. Generally only used in older phones, including old feature phones.
- Micro SIM - A mid-size SIM, smaller than a standard one. Various phones from last few years take this size, including the Samsung Galaxy S5 and iPhone 4.
- Nano SIM - The smallest SIM of all, and usually the SIM of choice for modern smartphones. This is the one you need for an iPhone 5 or newer, Samsung Galaxy S6 or newer, or a Google Pixel, for instance.
- Combi-SIM - A clever three-in-one SIM. You can change the size of this SIM to make it fit in any phone. The majority of networks offer these as standard.
To find out what size SIM you need to get, take a look at your device's manual, or check the manufacturer's website.
If you're still not sure, don't worry - most networks send out combi-SIMs to make life easier.