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 are great if you’re on a budget, or prefer to be contract-free. If you’re considering the latest device and don’t mind spreading out the cost, a bill pay phone plan may be a better option.
Our advice is to weigh up the pros and cons of each plan. 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.
Buying a refurbished phone can be another good way to save money, and you could bag a like-new handset for much less. Trading in your old phone could also knock the price off a new device.
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
48 to sell refurbished smartphones
25 Nov 2022: Mobile network 48 have partnered with Refurbed to give new and existing 48 customers the option of buying a cheaper, refurbished smartphone through the My48 app and website.
Refurbed launched in Ireland in 2021 and offers customers refurbished, second-hand smartphones, laptops, tablets, cameras, games consoles and audio technology with warranties. Their smartphones are up to 40% cheaper than new devices.
More mobile users plan to move to 5G
29 October 2022: One in five smartphone users are planning to move to 5G in the next year, according to a new report by Ericsson. The findings also show that 5G subscriptions have more than doubled in Ireland since 2020.
Apple Launches iPhone 14
7 September 2022: Apple launched their much anticipated iPhone 14 device in September. Big changes include an enhanced 48MP camera, dynamic display and crash detection on pro models, as well as the removal of the iPhone mini.
Irish 5G fourth fastest in Europe
23 March 2022: A study by Ookla compared 5G speeds across all mobile networks in Ireland and EU countries. They found Ireland had the fourth fastest median 5G speed for the second half of 2021, after France, Switzerland and the UK.
What you need to know
Unlocking your phone
You can use a phone unlocking service, and the fee for this will vary. You can also ask your network to unlock you handset for free once you’re out of contract.
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.