SIM-only vs phone contract: which is cheaper?

A phone contract bundles the handset and your airtime into one monthly bill. SIM-only is just the airtime. If you already have a phone you're happy with — or buy one outright — SIM-only is usually much cheaper over two years.

Work out the total cost over the same period, usually 24 months:

• Contract: upfront cost + (monthly price × 24)
• SIM-only: price of the phone + (SIM price × 24)

Include any yearly price rises written into the contract — they add up over two years.

• Your current phone still works well
• You're happy buying a phone outright or refurbished
• You want short, flexible terms — many SIM deals are 1 month or 12 months

• You want the latest phone and can't pay for it upfront
• There's a bundle deal with genuinely good extras you'd use

Text PAC to 65075 for free to get your code, then give it to your new network. Your number moves within one working day. Phones sold in the UK since December 2021 can't be locked, so most phones work on any network.