Listicle · 7 picks
Updated May 2026. Seven UK SIM-only plans cost GBP 5 or less per month in 2026. Lebara 3 GB at GBP 4.49 is the cheapest entry point on a brand-name network (Vodafone). spusu 5 GB at GBP 4.90 follows on EE coverage with EU roaming and free EU calls. Talkmobile, Asda, and 1pMobile round out the GBP 5 tier. SMARTY 15 GB at GBP 6 is the cheapest with mid-tier data. Tesco Mobile 6 GB at GBP 6 adds Clubcard perks.
Best for: light users on the tightest budget. 3 GB on the Vodafone network with international minutes, 5 GB EU roaming, no annual price rise, no credit check.
Best for: Vodafone-network value users. 5 GB on rolling 1-month plans with EU roaming included. Which? Recommended Provider 2026.
Best for: Asda shoppers. 3 GB on Vodafone, no annual price rise, no credit check. Sold at every Asda store.
Best for: EU travellers on a budget. 5 GB on EE network with free roaming in 46 EU countries. Also runs a classic PAYG at 1p/min, 1p/text, 1p/MB.
Best for: Tesco shoppers and families. 6 GB on O2 with Clubcard points, Family Perks, and no mid-contract price rises.
| Plan | Price | Data | Network | Standout extra |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lebara 3 GB | GBP 4.49 | 3 GB | Vodafone | International minutes |
| spusu 5 GB | GBP 4.90 | 5 GB | EE | Inclusive EU calls |
| Talkmobile 5 GB | GBP 4.95 | 5 GB | Vodafone | Which? Recommended |
| Asda Mobile 3 GB | GBP 5 | 3 GB | Vodafone | Sold at Asda stores |
| 1pMobile 5 GB | GBP 5 | 5 GB | EE | Free EU roaming, 46 countries |
| SMARTY 15 GB | GBP 6 | 15 GB | Three | 12 GB EU roaming |
| Tesco Mobile 6 GB | GBP 6 | 6 GB | O2 | Clubcard perks |
We scored every UK SIM under GBP 10 on five dimensions: price per gigabyte, EU roaming bucket, international minutes, annual price-rise policy, and credit-check requirement. Prices verified May 7, 2026. Network coverage scores draw from Opensignal London Mobile Network Experience January 2026.
Lebara 3 GB at GBP 4.49 is the cheapest UK SIM-only plan with a brand-name MNO host (Vodafone). spusu 5 GB at GBP 4.90 follows. Talkmobile 5 GB at GBP 4.95 runs on Vodafone. Asda and 1pMobile both start at GBP 5 for 5 GB.
Yes. Cheap UK SIMs are MVNOs that resell space on EE, O2, Vodafone, or Three networks. The radio signal is identical to the parent network. Trade-offs are usually lighter customer support and sometimes slower speed caps on unlimited plans, not coverage gaps.
1pMobile includes free EU roaming in 46 countries on its 50 GB plan. Lebara includes 20 GB EU roaming on most plans. Talkmobile and Asda Mobile both include 15 to 20 GB EU roaming. EE-network MVNOs like spusu also include EU roaming.