Are there pay as you go SIMs with unlimited data?
Yes, some providers (especially the larger ones) offer pay as you go SIMs with unlimited data, but it is relatively rare. This means there is less choice on offer, which can make it harder to find a pay as you go SIM that fully meets your requirements.
You may prefer the comfort of a flexible a solution for your mobile, and in this case a pay as you go SIM might be a better choice than a contract. But if you use a lot of data, a subscription is often a more cost-effective plan in the long run. This is not always the case, but we recommend comparing both pay as you go SIM and contracts with unlimited data to see which option gives you the best value for money.
How does a pay as you go SIM with unlimited data work?
A pay as you go SIM with unlimited data is a flexible alternative to a SIM only plan that you top up in advance and can use for 30 days. After 30 days, you can choose whether to top up the pay as you go SIM with the same price plan or switch to another. Pay as you go SIMs with unlimited data usually also include unlimited minutes and texts, and in many cases, it also supports 5G.
With some providers, free roaming within the EU is also included (sometimes even in certain countries outside the EU), but the terms vary between providers, so check what applies with your current or future provider. Even if free roaming is included, there is almost always a set limitation on how much data you can use abroad.
How much does a pay as you go SIM with unlimited data cost?
A pay as you go SIM with unlimited data costs around £20 to £40, but for first-time customers there may be special offers that will let you save some money. Pay as you go SIMs with unlimited data are generally quite expensive though, so it’s worth taking some time to compare offers from several different providers before making your decision. Feel free to use the table at the top of the page!
Which is the cheapest pay as you go SIM with unlimited data?
iD Mobile Unlimited data is the cheapest pay as you go SIM with unlimited data right now (checked on 07/10/2025). Top up from £20.
Is a pay as you go SIM with unlimited data better than a SIM only plan with unlimited data?
The answer to this question depends entirely on which option meets your needs and price point. If you want the most flexible solution for your mobile, access to a lot of data, and to avoid a credit check, a pay as you go SIM might be a better choice than a contract. But if you prioritise affordability over flexibility and want to avoid topping up a plan every month, a SIM only plan with unlimited data is the superior option. With SIM only, you also have significantly more options to choose from.
Frequently asked questions about pay as you go SIMs with unlimited data
The top up for a pay as you go SIM with unlimited data usually lasts 30 days.
There are pay as you go SIMs with unlimited data that include free roaming within the EU (in some cases even in selected countries outside the EU). But even if free roaming is included, there is almost always a set limitation on how much data you can use abroad.
Yes, pay as you go SIMs with unlimited data are generally quite expensive, although prices vary between different providers. If you use a lot of data every month, it might be more cost-effective to get a SIM only deal with unlimited data. Compare both of these options to determine which offers the best value for money.
Yes, pay as you go SIMs with unlimited data usually include free minutes, texts and MMS.
Yes, some pay as you go SIMs with unlimited data support 5G.
