EE SIM only deals are going to be an option that appeal to a lot of people. With its market-leading speeds and coverage, host of added benefits and position as the UK's fastest network, EE is a clear choice.
However, all of that doesn't necessarily come cheap. EE SIM only deals are often the most expensive of the four main networks - EE, Vodafone, Three and O2. That means it is unlikely to be the top choice for those on a budget.
SIM only deals from EE will be perfect whether you've just bought a new SIM-free phone, or your current contract has finished and you want to hold on to your existing phone.
Of course, as we said above, if you want something cheaper then Three SIM only deals could be a better fit for you. Simply want SIM plans from the UK's fastest and most popular network with a host of added features, you're in the right place.
Use the price comparison chart above to find the best EE SIM only deals. Or if you want to know more about the network and what's on offer, scroll down to learn more about EE.
What is the best EE SIM only deal?
In our eyes, the best EE SIM right now is one of its more expensive ones. It gets you 160GB of data and unlimited calls and texts at a price of just £20 a month.
While there are cheaper options available, this is the best balance of cost and data EE has. It wasn't long ago that this price at EE would have restricted you to just 60GB of data.
Why go for EE SIM only deals?
Is EE a good mobile network?
Yes. As the UK's most popular network for a good few years in a row and also, the UK's fastest network, EE has been on top for quite some time now!
It has great coverage across the UK, one of the most developed rollouts of 5G and a wide range of added benefits across all of its SIM plans and mobile phone deals.
However, as we've mentioned above, EE does tend to charge a premium. To get your hands on the number 1 network, you do have to spend a bit more than usual.
What benefits does EE offer?
There are a number of benefits with EE, some come with all EE SIM only deals and others are limited to certain ones.
On top of the speeds and coverage that we mentioned above, EE offers a huge collection of free subscriptions with all of its SIM plans. These include 3 months free BT Sport, six months of BritBox, six months of Apple Music and even more subscriptions for iPhone customers.
EE then also offers the ability to share data with any other EE customers and on select plans, you can get EE's Smart Benefits. These can be free subscriptions to streaming platforms for the full two years, free video streaming, added roaming benefits and more.
Are EE SIM only deals cheaper than contracts?
You will find that getting a SIM plan is always going to be a more affordable option than mobile phone deals. By buying a phone SIM-free and getting a SIM to go with it, you will usually save a couple of hundred pounds over the two year length a contract would be.
You will also have a lot more freedom this way, allowing you to sign up for one year instead of two. EE contracts, like the SIM plans, are some of the priciest options around so if you're after EE on a budget, this will be the way to go.
Can I get a discount as a student?
Yes, EE offers a student discount. On any EE plan, you can get 20% off the price as a student. Plus, EE will give you an additional 500Mb of additional data each month.
You can get a student discount code from the EE website and then you simply have to enter this code at the checkout when you buy your chosen EE deal.
Choosing the right EE SIM for you:
There is a few factors you need to consider when picking EE SIM only deals. How much data do you need? Do you need 5G access and do you want any add-ons with your plan.
Contract length:
SIM only deals can come in four different contracts - 1 month rolling, 12, 18 and 24 months. You can only get EE on 12 or 24 month plans. This will be the case whether you get your plan directly from the EE website or through a 3rd party retailer.
You will find that you will be able to get more data and lower monthly costs with a 24 month contract. But if you don't want to be tied in for as long as that, EE's 12 month plans are also a great way to go.
Data cap:
Like most other networks, EE covers the whole spectrum of data caps. However, EE tends to see its best overall value in the higher data cap regions. 50GB+ will likely be where you get your best value.
However if you're on a tight budget, going for one of EE's lower data plans will be the best option. If you stick below 5GB you will be able to keep your bills relatively low. The important thing to do is to consider how much data you were using on your old plan and base your decision on that.
Smart benefits:
A unique feature found with EE is its smart benefits. These can be anything from data-free use of video streaming, an Apple Music subscription, extended roaming abilities and more.
Some plans will come with just one smart benefit and others can come with multiple. However as you would expect, these tend to be slightly more expensive options.
4G or 5G:
Some networks automatically offer 5G on all of their plans, EE does not. While the large majority of EE SIM only deals are 5G-enabled some of the cheaper options will restrict you to 4G.
While this won't be a big issue for a lot of people, anyone with a 5G handset will want to make sure they are getting one of EE's 5G plans.
How to switch to an EE SIM:
How do I switch to EE and can I keep my number?
Firstly, you need to know you're eligible to switch plans. If your contract still has a few months until it ends, you are likely to be charged for the remaining time meaning it is usually best to fully finish your contract first.
Switching and keeping your number:
Once you know when your contract is finishing and you've got your new deal, you need to decide if you want to keep your number. If so, you can request a PAC code (Porting Authorisation Code) from your old network. This can be done via the phone or through a text.
Then you simply get in touch with Three and give it your new code.
Switching with a new number:
Don't want to keep your number - it's even easier! Simply get in contact with your new provider and tell them you want a new number and tell your old network your ending your contract.
This can also be done via a text to switch service. Simply text STAC to 75075.
Is my phone unlocked - can I use a new SIM in it?
Pop a friend's SIM card into your phone. If you immediately get on their network, then you're in luck - your phone is unlocked and you can go ahead and buy your new SIM card.
Three ships all its handsets unlocked from the outset, but the other networks require at least some effort, and usually some cash, from you (see below). And Apple iPhones are generally locked completely to the network they were originally sold with. So again be prepared to pay to unlock it to EE.
- O2 You can unlock any O2 phone for free if you're on a pay monthly contract. PAYG customers have to pay £15. The only exceptions are the Samsung Galaxy S8 and S8 Plus, for which you'll have to wait until the end of your contract before they can be unlocked.
- Three Three phones are all unlocked as soon as they come out of the box. So you can put an EE SIM card in any Three mobile you like without charge and hassle.
- Vodafone Like Three, Vodafone doesn't expect you to pay to unlock your handset. But there is a little effort required from you. You'll need to give them a call and then wait up to 10 days before you can use another network's SIM.
What SIM card size do I need?
There are three sizes of SIM card that you can get for your phone, and different phones use different sizes. No modern smartphones take the classic standard SIM (15x25mm) anymore. Your phone will almost definitely take either a micro (12x15mm) or nano (8.8x12.3mm) SIM, the latter of which has been used by Apple since the iPhone 5 and Samsung since the Galaxy S6.
But there's no need to get your knickers in a twist about this one. The networks and third party sellers will let you choose which SIM you need or will simply send out a triple SIM, so you'll get one of each size. Alternatively, they'll send you an adapter so you can use the incorrect SIM size in your phone.
EE's MVNOs:
EE can be pretty expensive but if you want its speeds and coverage without the high price, there is a bit of an easy solution - MVNOs. These are smaller networks which use EE's platform, allowing you to still get those market-leading connections.
There are a load of networks that use EE but the main ones are BT Mobile, Plusnet and Virgin. They can't offer the same added benefits as EE like the free subscriptions but they have other bonuses to compensate.
Plus, all of these providers can offer you 5G now.
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