Unlimited data SIM deals

5G unlimited data plans are the ultimate way to get the most out of your phone, as you get a combination of the fastest possible speeds through 5G, and no limits on how much data you can use.

It’s the perfect pairing, as 5G offers not just unparalleled speed for streaming, downloading and more, but also low latency, and it even unlocks the potential for whole new use cases.

But it’s only as good as your data limit – 5G paired with a 1GB allowance for example would severely limit your ability to make use of its superfast speeds.

The good news there is that many networks now offer unlimited data. Some have been doing this for years, while others launched unlimited data plans at around the same time as 5G, recognising how important this would be.

But the terms and restrictions vary from network to network, and there are still some 5G networks that don’t offer unlimited data at all. So with all that in mind we’ve created this guide, highlighting your unlimited data 5G options.

Which networks offer 5G unlimited data?

At the time of writing, EE, O2, Three, Vodafone, VOXI, Smarty, iD Mobile, Lebara, Giffgaff, Lyca Mobile, Tesco Mobile, Virgin Mobile and Asda Mobile all offer some form of unlimited 5G data. Note that some other networks also offer unlimited data, but they don’t yet offer 5G.

EE

EE offers unlimited 5G data to both new and upgrading customers on both Pay Monthly and SIM Only plans. 5G comes as standard.

Some of EE’s 5G plans are capped at 100Mbps, while others don’t have a cap, with the network claiming that you can expect 5G speeds that average around 100-150Mbps more than its average 4G speeds on those plans, which should put them at around 130-240Mbps. However, peak speeds can theoretically exceed 1Gbps.

EE additionally has a fair use policy, which states that if you regularly tether 12 or more devices or use over 600GB of data in a month then it may consider this non-personal use and could move you to a more suitable plan or apply traffic management controls. These sorts of restrictions shouldn’t affect many users though.

EE’s 5G unlimited data plans last either 1 month, 12 months or 24 months on SIM Only, and they’re 24 months if you opt for a Pay Monthly plan with a 5G phone. Note that at the time of writing EE 5G is not available on Pay As You Go, and nor is it available while roaming.

However, some 5G plans do come with extras known as Inclusive Extras. These in most cases give you a choice of a subscription to Apple Music, BT Sport Ultimate, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, Microsoft 365, or Netflix, or access to Roam Abroad (which allows you to roam in much of Europe and some places beyond at no extra cost).

You can pick either one or three of these extras (depending on the plan) for the duration of your plan, but if buying an iPhone there are slightly different options, including a plan that gives you Roam Abroad and Apple One (including subscriptions to Apple Music, Apple TV Plus, Apple Arcade, and 50GB of iCloud storage), and a plan that comes with a choice of one of the following options: Apple Music, Apple TV Plus, Apple Arcade, BT Sport, Microsoft 365, and Roam Abroad.

EE SIM deals

O2

O2 offers 5G with unlimited data on both Pay Monthly and SIM Only. One area where O2 provides more options than most networks though is how long its unlimited data Pay Monthly contracts last. You can choose anything from 3 to 36 months, with prices adjusting accordingly, and these plans are available to both new and upgrading customers.

There’s no speed cap on O2’s 5G plans. O2 hasn’t said exactly how fast its 5G service is, but we’d expect average speeds in the range of 150-250Mbps, as that’s what rivals typically promise.

O2 does however have a fair usage policy, which states that if you use 650GB of data twice in a six-month period, or if you regularly tether to 12 or more devices, then it may investigate your usage.

There’s not currently 5G roaming on O2, but you can roam in the EU (and on some plans beyond) at no extra cost, and you can access O2’s network of Wi-Fi hotspots and its Priority app, which gives you various discounts, competitions, freebies and the chance to buy certain event tickets before they go on general sale.

O2 SIM deals

Three

All of Three’s mobile plans are 5G-ready. That means you just need a 5G device and coverage, and then you’ll instantly be able to access 5G at no extra cost, whether on Pay Monthly, SIM Only or Pay As You Go.

Three was also one of the first UK networks to offer unlimited data, and you can get it on both Pay Monthly and SIM Only plans, and there’s even an unlimited data add-on for Pay As You Go and the option to get 5G home broadband with unlimited data.

Three doesn’t offer 5G roaming, but tests suggest its average 5G speeds in the UK are even higher than rivals, so this could be the network for speed.

Other things to note are that SIM Only plans last 1, 12 or 24 months, while Pay Monthly plans are all 24 months long (though the phone part of the plan can be paid off over 12, 24 or 36 months). The main extra you get on Three is cheap or free roaming in numerous locations beyond Europe – but as noted above this isn’t currently offered at 5G speeds.

To get free roaming you need a Plus plan or a Premium plan, which come with inclusive roaming for a variable number of days, but these aren’t available for purchase online at the time of writing. These also include a subscription to Paramount Plus, and all Three’s SIM Only and Pay Monthly plans give you access to the Three+ app, packed with discounts and freebies.

Three SIM deals

Vodafone

Vodafone offers a number of unlimited data plans. These are available on both Pay Monthly (with plans lasting 24 months – though the phone part of the plan can be paid off in between 3 and 36 months) and SIM Only (on plans lasting 1, 12 or 24 months) and to both new and upgrading customers.

The only unlimited data plans that truly give 5G speeds are the ‘Unlimited Max’ plans, which offer the ‘fastest available’ speeds, so this is what you’ll want. Be aware that even if you buy a 5G handset, some of the plans you’ll be offered with it will have restricted speeds, so again, make sure it’s Unlimited Max that you opt for.

As for what speeds you can expect on unrestricted plans, Vodafone claims that its 5G speeds will average 150-200Mbps, with peak speeds reaching around 1Gbps.

Vodafone also offers unlimited 5G data on Pay As You Go. Its fair use policy meanwhile states that use should not exceed that reasonably expected of a reasonable person.

Unlike most networks, Vodafone does offer a 5G roaming service, with 5G offered in a growing number of locations. At the time of writing it’s limited to various towns and cities in Spain, Germany, Italy, and Ireland.

Beyond 5G roaming, the main benefit on Vodafone 5G is the ability to get a subscription to an entertainment service thrown in with your plan. You can choose from Amazon Prime, YouTube Premium, or Spotify Premium.

Note that these subscriptions aren’t free, as they push up the price of the plan compared to Unlimited Max plans without entertainment, but they are typically cheaper than paying for the subscription separately would be.

Vodafone SIM deals

VOXI

VOXI offers 5G on all of its plans, and one of these comes with unlimited data. The unlimited data plan is available on both SIM Only and Pay Monthly and in both cases, you’re only tied in for 30 days (though in the case of Pay Monthly you’ll still have to pay off your phone of course, even if you change your plan early).

Both new and existing VOXI customers are eligible for this plan and there are no speed restrictions, though VOXI’s fair usage policy notes that it may take action if use is ‘excessive’, damaging to the network, or appears to be commercial in nature.

VOXI hasn’t said exactly how fast its 5G is, but it uses Vodafone’s infrastructure, which means you can probably expect average speeds of around 150-200Mbps, with peak speeds of up to 1Gbps.

VOXI mostly stands out though through its offering of 5G roaming, a service it offers in the same selection of locations as Vodafone (which owns VOXI). That means you can roam at 5G speeds across numerous towns and cities in Spain, Italy, Germany, and Ireland, at no extra cost.

VOXI SIM deals

Tesco Mobile

Tesco Mobile offers 5G unlimited data on both SIM Only and with a handset.

Tesco uses O2’s infrastructure, so its coverage will be the same and its speeds will likely be similar. You can tether with 5G unlimited data, but roaming is limited to 4G speeds.

Being an MVNO (mobile virtual network operator) Tesco Mobile doesn’t have all the extras of the big networks, but the flip side is its prices are often lower, so if you want a 5G unlimited data SIM plan on a budget then it’s worth keeping an eye on.

Smarty Mobile

Smarty Mobile offers a 5G unlimited data SIM Only plan, and it uses Three’s infrastructure, so it has 5G coverage in the same places.

In fact, Smarty is run by Three, yet it offers cheaper prices for its plans. These plans are only 30 days long too, so you’re not locked in for a long period. Plus, there are no credit checks. However, there’s nothing much in the way of extras either, so this is a basic network that puts affordability first.

Smarty SIM deals

iD Mobile

iD Mobile offers 5G unlimited data plans with or without a phone, and if you go SIM Only then you can choose from a range of durations.

It uses Three’s network and coverage, and its plans are competitively priced. There’s also data rollover – though this doesn’t apply on unlimited data plans. Roaming is currently limited to 4G speeds.

iD Mobile SIM deals

Lebara

With Lebara you can get an unlimited 5G data SIM Only plan, and you’ll be using Vodafone’s infrastructure, so 5G coverage is available in the same places.

There aren’t any speed restrictions or any real fair use limits in the UK, and you also get international minutes to call abroad. Plus, unlike most networks you can roam at no extra cost in India (as well as much of Europe).

Lebara SIM deals

Giffgaff

Giffgaff offers 5G via O2’s network, and you can get an unlimited data SIM Only plan with no speed restrictions.

However, the network does have a fair use policy, which states that you shouldn’t use 650GB of data or more twice within a six-month period, and that you should avoid regularly tethering to 12 or more devices.

Plans are only 30 days long, so you don’t have to commit to a contract, and you also get unlimited minutes and texts.

Giffgaff SIM deals

Lyca Mobile

Lyca Mobile uses O2’s network to offer 5G, and it has an unlimited data SIM Only plan available on a 30-day rolling contract.

This plan also comes with unlimited minutes and texts, as well as international minutes to call abroad, making Lyca Mobile one of the better networks if you’re often calling people in other countries.

Lyca Mobile SIM deals

Virgin Mobile

Virgin Mobile offers a 30-day rolling SIM Only plan with unlimited data, plus unlimited minutes and texts. It’s a 5G plan of course and the network uses O2’s 5G coverage. You can also get unlimited 5G data on a plan with a smartphone.

There are no speed restrictions and there’s no significant fair usage policy in the UK, though like most networks your inclusive data will be capped when roaming.

Virgin SIM deals

Asda Mobile

Asda Mobile uses Vodafone’s infrastructure to offer 5G, and like Vodafone it also offers 5G roaming in select locations, which isn’t something many networks currently offer.

You can get a 5G unlimited data SIM Only plan on Asda Mobile, and this also comes with unlimited minutes and texts. There are actually several unlimited data plans on Asda, but only the one that says ‘up to 150Mbps’ offers 5G speeds, so make sure you pick the right option.

You can get a 5G unlimited data SIM Only plan on Asda Mobile, and this also comes with unlimited minutes and texts. There are actually several unlimited data plans on Asda, but only the one that says ‘up to 150Mbps’ offers 5G speeds, so make sure you pick the right option.

Pay As You Go

If you want unlimited 5G data on Pay As You Go then your options are currently more limited. In fact, your only options are Three and Vodafone at the time of writing, both of which offer an unlimited data Pay As You Go pack with 5G speeds, plus unlimited minutes and texts.

Though at the time of writing Three’s is a bit cheaper, coming in at £35 per month while Vodafone’s is £40.

Which networks offer 5G but not unlimited data?

If you’ve decided you don’t need unlimited data but do want 5G, then you may also want to consider the networks below, which at the time of writing are the only UK networks to offer 5G with no unlimited data option.

Sky Mobile

Sky Mobile currently offers 5G plans with up to 75GB of data on both Pay Monthly and SIM Only – so some way short of unlimited. Plans for the latter last 12 months while the former last a choice of 12 or 24 months.

Sky Mobile’s speeds aren’t capped and should be similar to O2’s, since it uses that network’s infrastructure. 5G roaming isn’t currently offered by Sky Mobile, but you do get to roll over unused data from one month to the next, and if you’re a Sky TV customer then you can watch Sky apps on your device without it coming out of your data allowance.

CMLink

CMLink offers 5G plans with up to 100GB of data at the time of writing. These are 30-day SIM Only plans, and the network uses EE’s infrastructure and coverage.

CMLink stands out through offering inclusive international minutes to select destinations, along with roaming in the EU, mainland China and Hong Kong.

Talkmobile

Talkmobile offers both 30-day and 12-month 5G SIM Only plans, and these come with up to 100GB of data.

Talkmobile uses Vodafone’s coverage, and it’s focused on low prices rather than extra features – though you can roam using 5G in parts of Spain, Germany, Italy, and Ireland.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Do I really need unlimited data?

That entirely depends on your usage. If you’re using a lot of data now, or envisage 5G dramatically changing the way you use your phone, then it could be worth having.

If on the other hand you’re a relatively light user then 5G is unlikely to change that – though you’ll still probably want a reasonable data allowance so you can make the most of 5G, but you might be fine on as little as 5-10GB per month.

Unlimited data is mostly useful if you’re streaming or downloading a lot of films and TV shows, downloading lots of large apps or games, or playing games online regularly.

Can I put a 5G SIM in my phone?

You can put a 5G SIM in your current phone and – as long as your phone is unlocked or on the same network – the SIM should work, though if you put it in a 4G handset then you won’t be able to take advantage of 5G speeds.

As with previous generations though it won’t work if your phone is locked to another network. In that case you’ll first need to unlock your handset. The good news is that most networks will unlock your phone on request, either for free or for a small charge.

What happens if I’m not in a 5G coverage area?

If you’re not in a 5G coverage area then your phone will revert to a 4G, 3G or 2G signal, depending on what coverage is available, just as 4G phones will revert to 3G or 2G when needed.

Will a 5G SIM card work in a 4G phone?

Yes, but of course it will only be able to provide a 4G signal at most. For 5G speeds you’ll need a 5G handset.

Can I keep my number?

Yes, and the process is simple.

If you’re upgrading on your current network then your number will stay the same anyway, but if moving network you just need to request your PAC code from your old network (while the number is still active), then activate your new SIM if you haven’t already, and tell your new network your PAC code and old number.

Requesting your PAC code can be done by texting ‘PAC’ to 65075 from the number that you want to keep. Giving the code to your new network is usually done via on online form, but the exact process will vary from network to network. If in doubt, give your new network a call, or check out our full PAC codes guide.

Can I get a SIM card for my tablet or mobile broadband dongle?

Yes, but you will ideally want a data only SIM which only comes with a bundle of data and doesn't have included minutes and texts.