Best Prepaid SIM Cards of 2026

Harvey Wall Avatar
Harvey Wall
Last Updated: 5 Feb 2026

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Prepaid SIM cards are a convenient and cost-effective way to stay connected without committing to a long-term phone contract. These SIM cards come with a set amount of data, minutes, and texts that can be used until they run out or the validity period expires. They are available for various networks and can be purchased at convenience stores, supermarkets, and online retailers. Prepaid SIM cards are a popular choice for travellers, students, and those who want to keep their phone expenses under control.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

EE PAYG £10 Bundle with 8GB Data Cover #TOP 1
EE PAYG £10 Bundle with 8GB Data
ftb score rating icon 9.8
EE PAYG £15 Bundle with 25GB Data Cover #TOP 2
EE PAYG £15 Bundle with 25GB Data
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Wave Connect Quad Network Data Only SIM Card, Three, EE, O2, Vodafone, 4G LTE + 5G Prepaid Cover #TOP 3
Wave Connect Quad Network Data Only SIM Card, Three, EE, O2, Vodafone, 4G LTE + 5G Prepaid
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 4 Prepaid SIM Cards

EE PAYG £10 Bundle with 8GB Data

love 2 surf
EE PAYG £10 Credit-FBA
8GB - 30 days
8GB - 30 days
EE PAYG £10 Bundle with 8GB Data Cover
EE Pay As You Go SIM Card UK PREPAID PAYG £10 Bundle - 8GB + Unltd Texts & 500 Mins

The EE PAYG SIM Bundle offers a quick and easy activation process, giving you 8GB of data for 30 days. This bundle is perfect if you need a reliable connection, as it supports 4G speeds of up to 25Mbps, ensuring smooth browsing and streaming. You can also enjoy Wi-Fi calling and access to Wi-Fi coverage on the London Underground, making it convenient for urban commuters. Plus, you can use personal hotspot or tethering, allowing you to share your connection with other devices when needed.

What We Like
Easy SIM activation
Fast 4G speeds
Wi-Fi calling availability
Personal hotspot allowed
International calling options

EE PAYG £15 Bundle with 25GB Data

love 2 surf
EE PAYG £15 Bundle
25GB - 30 days
25GB - 30 days
EE PAYG £15 Bundle with 25GB Data Cover
EE Pay As You Go SIM Card UK PREPAID PAYG £15 Bundle - 25GB + Unltd Texts & Mins

The EE PAYG £15 Bundle offers a hassle-free way to stay connected. With quick and easy SIM activation, you receive a total of 25GB of data, perfect for browsing and streaming over 30 days. Enjoy 4G speeds of up to 25Mbps, allowing you to access the internet swiftly without waiting. You can also take advantage of WiFi calling and extensive coverage, including underground services in London, ensuring you remain reachable even in low signal areas.

What We Like
Generous 25GB data allowance
Easy SIM activation process
4G speeds up to 25Mbps
WiFi calling available
Good coverage in London
#TOP 3

Wave Connect Quad Network Data Only SIM Card, Three, EE, O2, Vodafone, 4G LTE + 5G Prepaid

Wave Connect
6GB | 12 Months
Wave Connect Quad Network Data Only SIM Card, Three, EE, O2, Vodafone, 4G LTE + 5G Prepaid Cover
Wave Connect Quad Network Data Only SIM Card, Three, EE, O2, Vodafone, 4G LTE + 5G Prepaid, Activates On First Use, Includes UK, Ireland, EU, For Unlocked Devices (6GB | 12 Months)

Features
WHAT'S INCLUDED: A 3-In-1 SIM Card With Data To Use Across All Major UK Networks. The Card Includes Standard/micro/nano Sizes. This Is Data-Only, No Voice Or Text.
THE PLAN: 6GB To Use Anytime Within 12 Months (not 6GB Per Month). Refill Any Time To Reset The Duration.
WHY THIS SIM? Enjoy Online Access To View Data Consumption, Add Alerts And Notifications When Nearing Your Data Allowance, And Top-Up Manually Or Choose Automatic Top-Ups With Different Data Allowances Available.
WHO'S THIS FOR? This Non-Steered SIM Card Connects To All Networks So Is Great For Trail Cameras, CCTV, Surveillance, Security, Movement Cameras, Solar Energy Monitoring Systems And Wind Turbines - Although It Will Work With Most Devices.
TOP-UP ANYTIME: A Choice Of Options To Add More Data Based On Your Use. Downgrade Or Upgrade At Any Time. Select Automatic Refill To Ensure You're Always Connected.
HOW IT WORKS: Insert To Use Straight Away, Register Online To View Data Use And Top-Up.
#TOP 4

Wave Connect UK Quad Network Data SIM 12GB

Wave Connect
12GB | 12 Months
Wave Connect UK Quad Network Data SIM 12GB Cover
Wave Connect Quad Network Data Only SIM Card, Three, EE, O2, Vodafone, 4G LTE + 5G Prepaid, Activates On First Use, Includes UK, Ireland, EU, For Unlocked IoT Devices, Cameras (12GB | 12 Months)

The Wave Connect Data SIM offers a convenient 3-in-1 SIM card that works across all major UK networks, allowing you to use your data immediately upon insertion. You can register online to monitor your data usage and easily top up whenever necessary. This data-only SIM is ideal for various devices, including CCTV and solar energy monitoring systems, providing you with hassle-free connectivity. Additionally, you can set alerts for your data allowance to stay informed and ensure you never run out of data unexpectedly.

What We Like
Compatible with all major networks
Easy online data management
Flexible top-up options
Ideal for IoT devices
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Which prepaid SIM is the best?

Best prepaid SIM Cards for U.S. travelers and tourists 2022. Best overall: Ultra Mobile Tourist.Best prepaid data plan: T-Mobile Simply Prepaid.Best runner up: AT&T Prepaid.Best extended stay: Mint Mobile.Best value: Lycamobile.Best data only: Cricket Wireless.

2. How do prepaid SIM cards work?

A prepaid SIM card is a SIM card which is not attached to a mobile plan. Instead, the user must purchase credits upfront in cash. These credits can be applied towards making phone calls, sending SMS messages or using mobile data. A major advantage of prepaid cards is the absence of credit.

3. How do I get a prepaid SIM card in South Africa?

You can buy South African SIM cards from convenience stores, supermarkets, mobile phone shops, or online directly from the mobile phone operator of your choice. Furthermore, to buy a SIM card in South Africa you must register the SIM with RICA.

Editor's Notes

During our prepaid sim card research, we found 222 prepaid sim card products and shortlisted 4 quality products. We collected and analyzed 22,495 customer reviews through our big data system to write the prepaid sim cards list. We found that most customers choose prepaid sim cards with an average price of £28.05.

The prepaid sim cards are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of prepaid sim cards, including love 2 surf, Wave Connect.

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.