Ireland’s best mobile phone deals
Compare cheap SIM-only plans or buy the latest iPhone or Samsung Galaxy from Ireland’s best mobile networks.
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Guide
Your complete guide to mobiles in Ireland
Whether you’re choosing a new mobile network, curious about 5G or want a refurbished phone, our complete guide to mobiles covers everything you need to know, including how to compare SIM-only deals and bill pay phones.
- Part 1 Ireland’s mobile market
- Part 2 Types of mobile plans
- Part 3 Choosing a mobile network
- Part 4 Choosing a new mobile phone
- Part 5 Switching your mobile network
Our expert says
The good news is there are lots of flexible and affordable mobile deals out there.
SIM-only deals or pay as you go plans can suit those on a budget, or who prefer to be contract-free.
You could opt for a bill pay plan if you want the latest smartphone and don’t mind spreading out the cost, but a refurbished phone could save you over €370 vs a shiny new device.
As consumers become more cost-conscious and sustainability aware, sales of refurbished devices surged by around 5% last year.
Before switching to a new provider it’s a good idea to research their level of coverage in your area first. Check your existing data and call usage to help you choose the right deal, so you only pay for the airtime you need.
With average speeds 10 times faster than 4G, 5G has been rolled out to most towns in Ireland - but don’t fork out for a super-fast plan or device if you don’t need it.
Other ways to save include multi-deal discounts like the RED Family plan from Vodafone, which offers customers €20 or more off their monthly bill if they bundle mobile plans or broadband together.
Eoin Clarke
Choosing the best mobile deal
Whether your bill pay contract has ended and you’re looking for a cheaper deal, or you’re thinking of a buying the latest bill pay phone, here’s some tips for choosing the right plan.
SIM-only deals
A SIM-only deal is cheaper and more flexible than bill pay, as you’re not covering the cost of a phone, and it is only a 30-day, rolling contract.
It might be a good choice for those who don’t want to buy a new phone. You can also read our SIM-only guide.
Bill pay phone plans
A bill pay phone plan means paying for your phone and airtime monthly instead of buying a new phone upfront.
It’s best for those who want a new device, and prefer to spread the cost. Read our bill pay and SIM-only guide to weigh up which is right for you.
Prepay or pay as you go
A prepay or pay as you go mobile plan is paid for upfront, as opposed to a monthly bill and contract.
It can be useful if you’re under 18 and don’t have a bank account, if you have a poor credit history or if you don’t want to be tied into a contract.
Mobile add ons and bundles
An add-on is a bundle of minutes, texts, data, or combination, that can be bought and activated straight away, keeping you topped up for 30 days, or on an ongoing basis.
Check out whether you can tie in your mobile plan with other services like broadband, phone and TV for extra perks or discounts.
Latest Update
Mobiles roundup
Tesco Mobile launches month-long Black Friday offers
10/11/2023: Tesco Mobile Ireland have announced Black Friday offers for the month of November, across various pay as you go and bill pay devices and plans.
Both new and existing Tesco customers can enjoy bill pay savings of over €400 on Apple and Samsung devices, as well as exclusive pay as you go offers.
The provider has also launched its ‘refer a friend programme’, where existing customers can earn up to €100 in Tesco gift vouchers for referring friends onto Tesco Mobile prepay.
iPhone 15 launches in Ireland
13/09/2023: Apple has launched its new flagship iPhone 15 series. The new iPhone offers a range of innovations, including a 48MP Main camera, a powerful A17 Pro chip and USB‑C connectivity. The Phone 15 Pro and Pro Max showcase a minimal titanium chassis for a super lightweight but tough build.
The launch took place on 12 September, with pre-orders available on 15 September from mobile networks and the Apple website. Shipping will start on 22 September.
Vodafone offers new multi-plan discount to households
31/08/2023: Vodafone customers could save €240-€960 a year off their monthly bill with Vodafone’s new RED Family offer.
The new offer allows families with three or more Vodafone plans, across bill-pay mobiles and broadband, save €20 per person.
The deal was previously available to customers with multiple mobile plans, but the provider has expanded it to include broadband plans too.
Samsung launches Fold 5 and Flip 5 devices
26/07/2023: Samsung has launched their latest Fold 5 and Flip 5 phones.
Both have redesigned hinges while the Fold 5, their pocketable folding phone with a 7.6 inch full screen, is ‘slimmer, lighter, and more powerful’ than its predecessor.
The Flip 5 has a new, larger flex window for quick front- access to emails, messages and more.
Vodafone launches OneNumber service in Ireland
14/07/2023: Vodafone have extended their ‘OneNumber’ service to Ireland, allowing runners and walkers stream music, podcasts, and receive calls and messages to their smartwatch, without the need of a smartphone.
The services allows users to be completely apart from their phone, and use the Vodafone network via their smartwatch. For now, it only applies to Samsung watches - the Watch4 LTE and Watch5 LTE models.
To sign up you’ll need to be a Vodafone bill pay customer, and it’ll cost an extra €5 per month.
Mobile data use surges across Ireland
05/05/2023: The use of mobile data has risen dramatically during 2023 with a 50% rise in Leitrim where eir recently invested €2.5 million to expand Leitrim’s mobile network.
The top places in Ireland for data usage were Cork City, Tuam in Galway, Athy in Kildare and Edenderry in Offaly. Eir also reported an increase of 5G usage across Ireland, with Dublin Airport being the top site for 5G usage, followed by Mullingar Town and O’Connell Street in Dublin.
What you need to know
Buying a refurbished phone
A refurbished phone - a preowned device restored to like-new conditions - could save your over €370 vs a shiny new smartphone.
5G vs 4G
5G, or fifth generation, is the latest leap in mobile internet with faster connection and download speeds than its predecessor, 4G.
Mobile coverage
ComReg (The Commission for Communications Regulation) has an outdoor mobile coverage map that makes it easy to check coverage and signal levels of all the networks at your Eircode.
The Switcher.ie Awards is an annual event to reward telecom industry excellence.
Our awards aim to help consumers make better buying choices by providing independent feedback on things like value for money and customer service. The Awards are selected by an in-depth consumer survey and verdicts from Switcher judges.