Best Contract SIM Cards of 2025

Harvey Wall Avatar
Harvey Wall
Last Updated: 1 Feb 2025

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Contract SIM cards are a popular choice for those looking for a reliable and cost-effective mobile phone plan. They offer a range of benefits, including lower monthly costs, more data, and the ability to upgrade your phone at a reduced rate. With a contract SIM card, you can choose from a variety of plans to suit your needs, whether you're a heavy data user or just need a few minutes and texts each month. Many providers also offer additional perks such as free Wi-Fi, international roaming, and discounts on other services. Contract SIM cards are a great way to stay connected without breaking the bank.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

SMARTY Unlimited Data SIM - 1 Month Plan Cover #TOP 1
SMARTY Unlimited Data SIM - 1 Month Plan
ftb score rating icon 9.9
Lebara Unlimited Data SIM Card Plan Cover #TOP 2
Lebara Unlimited Data SIM Card Plan
ftb score rating icon 9.8
O2 Pay As You Go SIM Card, blue Cover #TOP 3
O2 Pay As You Go SIM Card, blue
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 6 Contract SIM Cards

#TOP 1

SMARTY Unlimited Data SIM - 1 Month Plan

SMARTY Unlimited Data SIM - 1 Month Plan Cover
SMARTY Unlimited Data only SIM. 1 month plan, No contract, EU Roaming

The SMARTY Unlimited Data SIM offers a flexible one-month plan for £20, allowing you to cancel anytime. With 12GB of EU roaming included, you can stay connected while travelling without worrying about extra charges. You will also benefit from unrestricted tethering in the UK, enabling you to share your connection with other devices easily. Plus, there are no speed caps, ensuring you enjoy fast data access whenever you need it.

What We Like
Flexible one-month plan
Includes EU roaming data
No speed caps
Unrestricted tethering
No credit check required

Lebara Unlimited Data SIM Card Plan

Unlimited
Lebara Unlimited Data SIM Card Plan Cover
Lebara SIM Card, Unlimted Data SIM, Half Price for First 3 Months, No Contract, Pay when you Activate SIM, Multi-size, Fits All Devices

The Lebara SIM Card offers a hassle-free way to activate your mobile plan. You can easily keep your existing number by texting ‘PAC' to 65075 for a code. With unlimited calls, texts, and UK tethering, you can stay connected without worrying about limits. Powered by the reliable Vodafone network, you can enjoy fast 4G and 5G speeds with impressive coverage across the UK. Plus, roam freely in the EU and India with up to 30GB of data, making it perfect for travellers.

What We Like
No contracts or credit checks
Unlimited calls and texts
Fast 4G and 5G access
Easy number transfer
Roaming in EU and India

O2 Pay As You Go SIM Card, blue

O2
828959
blue
O2 Pay As You Go SIM Card, blue Cover
O2 Pay As You Go Sim Card, blue

The O2 Pay As You Go SIM offers excellent flexibility with no contract to sign, allowing you to use your phone without the commitment of monthly bills. You pay only for what you use, making it a budget-friendly choice. As an official dealer pack, it ensures authenticity and reliability. Enjoy great call and text charges, which can help you stay connected without overspending. This SIM card is ideal for anyone looking for convenience and control over their mobile expenses.

What We Like
No contract required
No monthly fees
Cost-effective usage
Authentic dealer pack
Affordable call and text rates
#TOP 4

Giff Gaff SIM Card with 3GB Data

24GTRDGN
Giff Gaff SIM Card with 3GB Data Cover
Giff Gaff Sim Card with 3GB Data and Unlimited Minutes and Texts, No Contract (£10.00 Top-Up Upon Activation Required)

The Giff Gaff SIM Card offers great flexibility with its roaming feature, allowing you to use data, minutes, and texts in the EU and selected destinations without any extra charges. You can cancel or change your plan at any time, ensuring you only pay for what you need. Enjoy excellent value with a combination of 4G data, minutes, and texts. If you run out of your allowance, you can easily start your next plan early or utilise pay-as-you-go rates for additional usage.

What We Like
No contract required
Flexible monthly plans
EU roaming included
Affordable pay-as-you-go rates

O2 Pay As You Go SIM Card with Data

O2
Black
O2 Pay As You Go SIM Card with Data Cover
OFFICIAL O2 SIMPLE PAY AS YOU GO 02 SIM CARD STANDARD/MICRO/NANO CALLS &TEXTS

The O2 Pay As You Go SIM offers great flexibility with no contract to sign, allowing you to stay connected without long-term commitments. You will enjoy unlimited SMS and calls, making it easier to keep in touch with friends and family. With 7GB of data, you can browse the internet, stream music, and use apps without worrying about running out. At just £10 every 30 days, this plan provides excellent value for your money.

What We Like
No contract required
Unlimited calls and texts
7GB of data
Affordable £10 plan
Compatible with all unlocked devices
#TOP 6

O2 Big Bundle 10 SIM Card with LTE

O2
BB10
Black
O2 Big Bundle 10 SIM Card with LTE Cover
O2 Big Bundle 10 tariff SIM Card, BB10 Model, LTE Technology

The O2 BB10 SIM Card offers great flexibility with its Pay As You Go plan. By exchanging your £10 monthly top-up, you receive a bundle of data, minutes, and texts, ensuring you stay connected without overspending. Additionally, you gain access to O2 WiFi hotspots, which can be incredibly useful for saving data when out and about. With O2 Priority Access after topping up, you can enjoy exclusive offers. Importantly, there is no contract, allowing you to top up only when needed, making it a convenient choice for any user.

What We Like
Flexible Pay As You Go plan
Access to O2 WiFi hotspots
No contract required
Exclusive O2 Priority Access
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is a contract SIM card?

With a SIM-only contract, you pay a monthly amount and get the benefits of an ongoing contract – such as cheaper or better-value call time and data. As with a typical pay-monthly deal, you'll usually get a fixed amount of inclusive calls and texts, so you know how much you can use the phone.

2. How do I get a contract SIM only phone?

Moving to SIM only after your contract ends is simple. All you'll need to do is choose a package, wait for your new SIM to arrive and then pop it into your handset to start using it. You can even keep your old number when you move simply by asking for your PAC code when you switch providers.

3. Can anyone get a SIM only contract?

Yes. Aside from Pay As You Go, which is always an option, you can also opt for a SIM Only plan with no credit check, which is offered by certain networks. You can see exactly which networks offer no credit check plans below.

4. What is a contract free SIM?

SIM-free means that the phone you are buying does not come with a SIM-card. Typically this means that you are buying the phone outright - it does not come with a pay monthly contract.

Editor's Notes

During our contract sim card research, we found 76 contract sim card products and shortlisted 6 quality products. We collected and analyzed 44,623 customer reviews through our big data system to write the contract sim cards list. We found that most customers choose contract sim cards with an average price of £0.62.

The contract sim cards are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of contract sim cards, including SMARTY, Lebara, O2, Giffgaff. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 298 consumers with an average rating of 4.9.

Written by
Harvey Wall Avatar

Harvey Wall was born and raised in Norwich. He mastered the art of tool production and finished at the prestigious Norwich University. His area of interest include cutting tools, abrasive finishing and power tools. Harvey is always looking for ways to improve the finesse of industrial tools via his myriads of researches. He also shares some of his experiences on many platforms while writing on tool products.