Giffgaff unlimited data

If you want to get the absolute most out of your smartphone plan then opting for both 5G and unlimited data are musts, as that way you’ll get the maximum possible speeds and the maximum possible data allowance.

Plans that combine both of these things are widely available across many of the UK’s mobile networks, but they’re also often expensive. Not so on Giffgaff though, which stands out in part by offering cheaper plans than much of the competition.

That’s not the only way in which Giffgaff’s 5G unlimited data plans stand out though, so below we’ve detailed everything you need to know about them, including the types of plans that you can get unlimited 5G data with, whether you can use this data abroad, and what perks and restrictions the network has.

What plans are available with unlimited data?

Giffgaff offers unlimited 5G data on SIM-only plans and these only tie you in for 30 days, so they’re among the more flexible ways to get unlimited 5G data.

The network also sort of offers unlimited 5G data on Pay Monthly plans with a phone. We say sort of because it doesn’t offer phone contracts as such, rather you can get a 24-month loan for a phone with monthly repayments (or pay for it outright) and then add the same unlimited 5G data bundle as is available on SIM-only to it.

However, with Giffgaff you can’t get unlimited 5G data for mobile broadband, home broadband, data-only, or Pay As You Go – in fact most of those services aren’t offered with any amount of data, so you’ll have to check out a different network for those.

Why choose Giffgaff unlimited data

Giffgaff prides itself on its flexible plans, as all of its SIM-only plans last just 30 days, so you’re not tied into a contract. That means if you find you don’t need unlimited data or even want to switch to another network, you can easily change plan or network at any time.

Giffgaff’s 5G unlimited data plans are also more affordable than on some rival networks, which is all the more impressive given that they’re short-term plans (since usually plans are cheaper when they’re attached to a longer contract).

Plus, Giffgaff rewards users for getting their friends to sign up or for helping out on the community forums. Do either and you can be rewarded with points, which can then be exchanged for cash or credit, or donated to charity.

And because Giffgaff shares its coverage with O2, you’ll get widespread 5G, in all the same places as O2 offers it.

Are there any fair usage restrictions?

Giffgaff has some fair usage restrictions, but they’re minimal in the UK, with the network simply stating that you shouldn’t use 650GB or more twice within a six-month period, and that you shouldn’t regularly tether 12 or more devices.

When abroad, you’re limited to 20GB without being charged extra, however this is in line with a number of other networks.

Are there any speed restrictions?

No, Giffgaff won’t slow down your data – the only restrictions are the fair usage restrictions detailed above.

Is unlimited tethering included?

Essentially yes – within Giffgaff’s fair usage restrictions, which mean you shouldn’t use 650GB of data or more in a month, and you shouldn’t regularly tether 12 or more devices. But those limitations are very unlikely to be a factor for most people, even if you’re tethering extensively.

Can unlimited data be used abroad?

No, Giffgaff includes a 20GB monthly limit when roaming abroad with unlimited data, so that’s something to bear in mind. However, most networks have limits when roaming, so Giffgaff isn’t alone in that.

Is 5G data included?

Yes, 5G comes as standard on all of Giffgaff’s plans, including its unlimited data plans.

Are unlimited plans available with a multi-plan discount?

No, Giffgaff doesn’t offer multi-plan discounts, however it’s already one of the cheaper UK networks, so it’s still an excellent choice for saving money, even if you want multiple plans.

Can I gift data on an unlimited plan?

You can’t gift data on any Giffgaff plan, but nor can you on most networks other than EE. What you can do though is tether your device to someone else’s and share your data that way.

Alternatives

Giffgaff uses O2’s infrastructure and shares that network’s coverage, so assuming you want the coverage that Giffgaff offers the main alternatives include O2 itself, along with Tesco Mobile and Lyca Mobile – both of which also use O2’s coverage and offer plans with unlimited 5G data.

If you’re more interested in just getting an affordable plan like those Giffgaff offers then consider Asda Mobile, iD Mobile, Tesco Mobile, Smarty or VOXI, all of which tend to be competitively priced.