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. Discover the best SIM-only deals offering generous monthly allowances for calls, texts, and data without a long contract for excellent value and benefits.
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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.
When looking for the best mobile plan, a SIM-only deal can be a cost-effective and flexible option.
These plans offer benefits such as lower monthly costs and the ability to switch providers without changing your phone. Additionally, SIM-only options include various data plans with different speed limits for activities like browsing, streaming, and video calls. Some plans also include international calls, which can be a great benefit if you frequently call abroad.
SIM-only deals or pay-as-you-go plans are ideal for those on a budget or who want to be contract-free and a refurbished phone could save you hundreds of euros compared to a new device.
If you want the latest smartphone, like the iPhone 16 or Samsung Galaxy S24 and need to spread the cost, opt for a bill pay plan. These plans often come with a minimum term of 24 months and a fair usage policy for calls and texts. Check your existing data and call usage to help you choose the right deal so you only pay for the airtime you need.
Before switching to a new provider, check coverage in your area first. A strong, reliable data connection is crucial as it impacts activities like browsing the internet, checking social media, music streaming, making video calls, and streaming HD-quality content. 5G has now 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 Vodafone’s RED Family plan, or you can bundle your mobile plan with broadband and enjoy reduced monthly bills.
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
Sky Mobile launches in Ireland
10/09/2024: Sky is launching its Sky Mobile service in Ireland from 10 September 2024.
The telecoms giant will offer a €15 Unlimited 5G SIM on a 12-month contract with a Price for Life guarantee and a €10 5G SIM for 10GB on a 12-month contract.
Devices and SIMs will be offered on separate contracts with new phones available on 24 and 36 month 0% credit agreements.
Sky Mobile will use the Vodafone network, which has 99% 4G population coverage and 5G across 26 counties in Ireland.
New iPhone 16 series unveiled
09/09/2024: Apple has unveiled the latest iPhone 16 range, with pre-orders available from 13 September and shipping to start on 20 September. Prices will start at €979.
Launch day included the iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max. Alongside the iPhone 16 line-up, Apple showcased the brand new Apple Watch Series 10 and AirPods.
The changes include a bigger display for Pro models, a new Camera Control button, three new vibrant colours and an extended battery life. The Apple Intelligence software update, iOS 18.1 will start in October, although residents in Ireland and the EU may not see the full raft of AI tools initially, due to regulatory concerns.
48 Mobile removes fair usage policy limit on €12.99 plan
20/08/2024: 48 Mobile are removing the 200GB monthly Fair Usage Policy (FUP) limit on their €12.99 plan from 30 August 2024. From this date, 48 Mobile will offer customers unlimited data in the Republic of Ireland.
This allows customers the freedom to game, stream and browse without worrying about crossing the 200GB data threshold.
Providers like Three and Vodafone Ireland removed their fair usage policies in 2022, with Vodafone still implementing an “excess use” limit on unlimited plans.
Mobile phone calls and texts continue to plummet
01/07/2024: According to the latest figures from Irish telecoms operator ComReg, traditional calls and texts from smartphones continue to fall in Ireland. Texts between phones dropped by 34% and calls by 12%.
The latest figures suggest that Meta-owned WhatsApp and Apple-owned iMessage now host the majority of text messages and a growing proportion of voice calls in Ireland.
Revolut launches eSIM for EEA customers
01/05/2024: Revolut is one of the first digital banks in the Economic European Area (EEA) to launch an eSIM - allowing customers to access data plans in over 100 countries and avoid roaming charges while travelling abroad.
Irish customers will be able to install their eSIM digitally, which they can then top up via the Revolut app.
The Revolut eSIM can also be used simultaneously as a physical SIM, allowing customers to switch easily between networks.
Plans to ban annual CPI-linked mobile price hikes
01/04/2024: The Irish government is considering banning broadband and mobile providers from imposing automatic annual price rises linked to the inflation rate.
Telecoms providers Eir, Vodafone, and Three Ireland use this pricing model, which could increase mobile phone bills by up to 11% in April 2024.
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.
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