£5 SIM Only Deals – Best UK Plans Under a Fiver in 2025

Finding a mobile plan that costs £5 a month or less sounds almost too good to be true. In the UK, such deals do exist, but they come with small data allowances and are usually offered by mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) rather than the big four networks directly. For light users who primarily rely on Wi-Fi, a £5 SIM only deal can be a sensible way to keep costs down while maintaining connectivity.

Most plans at this price point bundle between 500MB and 5GB of data, with unlimited calls and texts often included. A handful of providers throw in 5G access at no extra cost, though speeds may be capped. The key is knowing which networks to look at and what to watch out for before signing up.

This article compares the cheapest SIM only options currently available around the £5 mark, examines what each major network offers, and answers common questions about data limits, contract length, and pay‑as‑you‑go alternatives.

What Are the Best £5 SIM Only Deals in the UK?

Here are the most important findings from comparing current offers:

• The cheapest £5 deal with 5G is Spusu at £3.90/month for 3GB, using EE’s network.
• For unlimited calls and texts plus 3–5GB, Vodafone‑based piggyback plans (e.g., Lebara, Talkmobile) are the best value.
• Unlimited data is not available at £5 from any major UK network or MVNO, except in short‑term promotions.
• Pay‑as‑you‑go bundles at £5 (e.g., Lycamobile, Asda Mobile) offer limited data and are best for backup phones.
• Network coverage matters more than price – check the underlying infrastructure (EE, Vodafone, Three, O2) in your area before buying.
• Many £5 deals include 5G, but some may cap speeds or require a 5G‑compatible device.
• Introductory prices often rise after the first 6–12 months, so read the small print on contract terms.

Deals change frequently. The table above was compiled from network sites and comparison services in early 2025. Prices are subject to annual increases.

Which Networks Offer £5 SIM Only Deals?

The major UK networks – O2, Vodafone, EE, and Tesco Mobile – do not directly sell SIM‑only plans at £5. Their cheapest own‑brand tariffs start at around £8–£23 per month. However, each network has MVNO partners that offer £5 deals using the same infrastructure. Below is a breakdown for each.

What £5 SIM Only Deals Does O2 Offer?

O2’s own SIM‑only plans begin at £8/month for a 4G deal (as of 2025). The network’s unlimited plans cost £23 and up. No O2‑branded £5 plan is currently advertised. O2‑based MVNOs such as Sky Mobile and Giffgaff sometimes have entry‑level bundles near £5, but data allowances are usually limited to 500MB‑1GB.

What £5 SIM Only Deals Does Vodafone Offer?

Vodafone’s direct SIM‑only tariffs start at £19/month for 5GB. The network’s own “Basics” range is cheaper but 4G‑only. The best way to get a Vodafone‑backed £5 deal is through its MVNOs: Lebara, Talkmobile, and Asda Mobile all sell 30‑day plans with 3–5GB for around £5. These include unlimited calls and texts, and often 5G.

What £5 SIM Only Deals Does EE Offer?

EE itself does not offer a £5 plan. Its cheapest SIM‑only tariff is £10/month for 1GB. However, Spusu and 1pMobile – both EE‑based MVNOs – provide reliable £5‑or‑less deals. Spusu’s £3.90 plan includes 3GB with 5G, while 1pMobile’s £5 plan gives 3GB with unlimited calls and texts.

What £5 SIM Only Deals Does Tesco Mobile Offer?

Tesco Mobile has a 500MB 30‑day plan priced at around £5. It runs on O2’s network, includes 5G, and comes with unlimited calls and texts. For a little more data, Tesco Mobile’s 12GB plan costs £10. The £5 option is suitable for very light users who stay mostly on Wi‑Fi.

Can You Get Unlimited Data on a £5 SIM Only Deal?

Unlimited data for £5 per month is virtually non‑existent in the UK. The cheapest unlimited plans from major networks start at around £15–£25, and even MVNOs rarely dip below £10 for truly unlimited usage. Some short‑term introductory offers may appear, but they typically last only a few months before the price jumps significantly.

At the £5 price point, the most generous data allowance currently available is around 3–5GB. For comparison, 4g.co.uk notes that “the networks that offer SIM Only deals for £5 or less are Three, 1pMobile, Asda Mobile…” – and none of them include unlimited data. If you need more than 5GB each month, a £10 plan such as iD Mobile’s 15GB rolling deal offers far better value.

Pay‑as‑you‑go is another option at £5. Lycamobile, Asda Mobile, and Spusu offer PAYG bundles that include a set amount of data and minutes. These are ideal for backup phones or very low usage, but they do not provide unlimited data. The MoneySavingExpert guide states that “pay‑as‑you‑go is usually better for very light users and backup phones”.

How Have Prices for £5 SIM Only Deals Changed?

£5 SIM‑only deals became more widely available from 2023 onwards, driven by competition among MVNOs. Before that, most budget plans started at £8–£10. The trend is slowly pushing prices down, though inflation and network upgrades (e.g., 5G rollout) have led to some increases. Below is a brief timeline:

1. 2020–2022: Few sub‑£5 deals existed; cheapest offers were typically £6–£8 for 1GB.
2. 2023: Spusu launched at £3.90, and other MVNOs began aggressive pricing.
3. 2024: Lebara and 1pMobile introduced £5 plans with 5G; Three offered a 4GB £5 deal.
4. 2025: The £5 price point is now firmly established for light‑data users, but price rises are expected each April.

Important: What You Need to Know Before Buying

Some aspects of these £5 deals are well established, while others remain unclear or change quickly. The table below separates the facts from the uncertainties.

How Do £5 Deals Compare to Slightly More Expensive Options?

Spending £6–£10 per month can dramatically increase data allowances. For example, iD Mobile offers 15GB on a rolling contract for around £10, while Sky Mobile lets you roll over unused data. The table below shows the value trade‑off per pound spent.

Doubling the budget to £10 typically delivers triple or quadruple the data. For moderate users, it can be more cost‑effective to pay a little extra. However, if your monthly data usage stays below 3GB, a £5 plan remains the cheapest option.

What Are the Experts Saying About £5 SIM Only Deals?

Comparison sites and consumer advocates regularly review the best cheap SIM‑only deals. Their quotes help separate genuine bargains from marketing gimmicks.

“At this level, our top pick is this 15GB/month Lebara Sim…”

– MoneySavingExpert

“Currently, the networks that offer SIM Only deals for £5 or less are Three, 1pMobile, Asda Mobile…”

– 4g.co.uk

For independent network quality data, the Ofcom mobile coverage checker is a reliable source. It lets you compare signal strength across all four major networks at a specific postcode.

What Should You Do Next?

If your data needs are light and you want the lowest possible monthly bill, a £5 SIM‑only deal from an MVNO such as Spusu, 1pMobile, or Lebara is the most sensible choice. Check coverage on the Ofcom checker, decide whether you prefer a 30‑day rolling contract or a fixed term, and set a calendar reminder to review the deal after its introductory period ends. For those willing to spend a little more, options like iD Mobile or Tesco Mobile offer better value per gigabyte. For broader savings tips on everyday spending, see the B and M Bargains Guide.

Frequently Asked Questions