What is a 5G SIM only plan?

With a 5G SIM only plan, you gain access to the provider’s 5G network and all the benefits that 5G technology brings (such as higher speeds and lower latency), which you do not get with a SIM only without 5G. However, to connect to the 5G network, your mobile must also support 5G, and the provider must have 5G network coverage where you are located.

Info! Today, most providers offer 5G SIMs, and it is particularly common among the largest providers in the market. But just like for plans without 5G, both prices and terms for 5G SIM only plans vary between different providers. To find the best value and lowest cost option, you should take the time to compare offers before making your final decision. You can do this quickly and easily with the help of the table above.

Something to keep in mind is that 5G is backwards compatible, which means, for example, you can continue to use a 5G SIM in a 4G mobile. However, you will not be able to connect to 5G, only up to 4G. As mentioned, connecting to a 5G network requires both a subscription and a device that supports the technology.

Consider this before getting a 5G SIM

  1. Ensure your mobile phone supports 5G.
  2. Ensure that the provider has good 5G network coverage in your area.
  3. Compare offers to get the most affordable 5G SIM only deal.

Pros and cons of 5G SIM only

Pros of 5G SIM only

  • Supports higher speeds
  • Offers better data capacity
  • Provides lower latency (response times)

Cons of 5G SIM only

  • May be slightly more expensive than 4G plans
  • Not quite as accessible as 4G

What is the cheapest 5G SIM only plan?

Mozillion 1 GB is the cheapest 5G SIM only plan right now (checked on 07/10/2025). The cost is £3.5/month when you sign a 24-month contract.

Get the deal at Mozillion

What speeds can you get with a 5G SIM?

According to recent tests (for example from Opensignal and Ookla), 5G speeds average between 80 and just over 200 Mbps downstream and between 10 and 20 Mbps upstream, but the figures vary quite significantly among the four main UK networks. The 5G speeds you can achieve also depend on the network coverage in your location. According to Ofcom, the theoretical download speed (downstream) for 5G is between 10 and 50 Gbit/s, but currently, this is not something an average consumer can expect.

To experience the truly high 5G speeds, access to 5G Standalone Access (5G SA) is required. In fact, the UK has made significant progress in the commercial deployment of 5G SA, with several of the largest providers having launched or planning to launch 5G SA services to enhance network performance and user experience.

What does 5G SA mean?

5G SA (also described as “true 5G”) is a network with 5G-dedicated infrastructure that can deliver those truly high speeds and fast response times often discussed in the context of 5G. 5G SA connects the 5G radio network directly to the 5G core network (5G Core), and is therefore completely independent from the 4G core network – unlike 5G NSA (Non-Standalone Access).

Tip! On our page about 5G you can read more about how the fifth generation networks work, how they differ from previous networks, and 5G SA vs 5G NSA.

What do you need to use 5G SA?

To use 5G SA, you need a SIM only plan (check with your provider which plans are 5G SA-compatible), a SIM card (or eSIM), and a mobile that supports the technology. You also need to have a provider that offers 5G SA network coverage where you are located.

The availability of 5G SA may vary between different providers, but the best access is currently found in the larger cities. EE’s 5G SA, for example, will be available in Birmingham, Liverpool, London, and Manchester, while Vodafone primarily mentions London and Manchester.

Examples of mobiles that support 5G Standalone

  • iPhone 15 and 16
  • Samsung Galaxy S24 series
  • Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
  • Google Pixel 9 series
  • Motorola Razr 50 Ultra
  • Motorola G35, G75 and G85
  • HMD Fusion
  • Nokia G42 5G
  • Nokia X30 5G
  • Honor Magic 7 Pro
  • Honor 200 Lite

Frequently asked questions about 5G SIM only

Does a 5G SIM work in a 4G mobile?

Yes, because 5G technology is backwards compatible, you can use a 5G SIM in a 4G mobile. But you will still not be able to connect to a 5G network, only up to 4G. To access the 5G network, both the subscription and the mobile must support 5G.
Are 5G SIM only plans more expensive than plans with 4G?

A 5G SIM only plan isn’t necessarily more expensive than a 4G plan, but it depends somewhat on which provider you have. Some providers include 5G in their plans as standard, while others only include it with their largest plans with the most data – which will make it more expensive.
Do I need a new SIM card for 5G?

If you have an older SIM card that supports up to 4G, you may need to switch to a new SIM card. This is something your provider should inform you about, but if you are unsure of the details, you can always contact the provider and ask.
Do all UK providers offer 5G SIM only plans?

All major UK providers currently offer 5G SIM only plans, as do several of the smaller ones. Do you want to become a customer with one of the smaller providers and are unsure if you can get a 5G SIM only or not? Check the table at the top of this page for answers!
Are there 5G SIM only plans with unlimited data?

Yes, several providers offer 5G SIM only with unlimited data. You can see who they are in the table at the top of the page.