Ireland’s best SIM-only deals

Find and compare cheap SIM-only deals in Ireland. Whether you’re looking for a budget mobile plan or unlimited 5G, you’ll get the best SIM-only deals here.

23 results.
Sorted by year 1 cost
PRICE FOR LIFE
€12.99 For Life Plan
Prepay
No contract
50GB
Data
500
Minutes
0
Texts
fair usage policy applies
EU roaming limited to 25GB data, 250 minutes and 250 texts. For full details visit the network's website.
4G Data
25GB EU Roaming
including UK
uses Vodafone's network
€12.99
top up every 4 weeks
€12.99 For Lifei
New An Post Mobile customers only. This plan is offered at €12.99 ‘For Life’, as long as you stay on this plan on An Post Mobile and adhere to the Terms and Conditions you will not be charged any extra due to a price increase to the plan. Limited time offer. T&C's apply.
300 An Post Mobile to An Post Mobile minutes
300 An Post Mobile to An Post Mobile texts
Popular offer
All-in-one Prepay Plan
Prepay
No contract
Unlimited
Data
5,000
Texts & Minutes
fair usage policy applies
For full details visit the network's website.
5G Data
14GB EU Roaming
including UK
uses Three's network
€12.99
top up per month
€12.99 Activation fee
€14.99 Plan
30 days
Contract
Unlimited
Data, Texts & Minutes
fair usage policy applies
Fair use policy of 45,000 minutes and 10,000 texts applies. For full details visit the network's website.
4G Data
16GB EU Roaming
including UK
uses Vodafone's network
€14.99
per month
€14.99 Activation fee
Download Speed limited to 5Mbps
First Month Freei
Available when joining Clear Mobile. Subject to eligibility. T&C's apply.
€12.99 if joining from GoMo, Tesco, 48, Eir, Sky or Three networki
€14.99 a month if joining from other networks or on a new connection
Sky Mobile Unlimited Plan
12 months
Contract
Unlimited
Data, Texts & Minutes
5G Data
Unlimited EU Roaming
including UK
uses Vodafone's network
€15
per month
Price for Life guaranteei
For Life pricing applies for as long as you stay a Sky Mobile customer on the applicable plan. The Price for Life offer is only available for a limited time as part of the Sky Mobile launch. T&C's Apply.
GoMo Go More
30 days
Contract
Unlimited
Data, Texts & Minutes
fair usage policy applies
Fair use policy of 45,000 minutes and 10,000 texts applies. For full details visit the network's website.
5G Data
16GB EU Roaming
including UK
uses eir's network
€14.99
per month
€14.99 Activation fee
Prepay Data Plus
Prepay
No contract
100GB
Data
500
Texts & Minutes
4G Data
15GB EU Roaming
including UK
uses Three's network
€15
top up every 4 weeks
Get an additional 500 any network minutes with Tesco Clubcardi
Tesco Mobile Prepay Data Plus customers get an additional 500 any network minutes by registering their Clubcard to their Tesco Mobile account. T&C's apply.
5,000 Tesco Mobile to Tesco Mobile calls and texts
€15 Plan
Prepay
No contract
25GB
Data
Unlimited
Texts & Minutes
fair usage policy applies
Fair use policy of 3,000 minutes and 3,000 texts applies. EU roaming limited to 250 minutes and texts. For full details visit the network's website.
4G Data
25GB EU Roaming
including UK
uses Vodafone's network
€15
top up every 4 weeks
Totally Unlimited Plan
Prepay
No contract
Unlimited
Data, Texts & Minutes
fair usage policy applies
Fair use policy of 120Gb data, 3,000 minutes and 3,000 texts applies. EU roaming limited to 250 minutes and texts. For full details visit the network's website.
4G Data
25GB EU Roaming
including UK
uses Vodafone's network
€18
top up every 4 weeks
connect - 30 Day
30 days
Contract
Unlimited
Data
Unlimited
Minutes
10,000
Texts
fair usage policy applies
Fair use policy of 120GB data and 45,000 minutes applies. For full details visit the network's website.
5G Data
32GB EU Roaming
including UK
€19.99
per month
for 12 months, then €29.99 p/m
Annual price increase applies
Discount available to existing eir Broadband customersi
€9.99 p/m for 12 months, €19.99 p/m thereafter.
€20 5G Clubcard SIM
30 days
Contract
200GB
Data
5,000
Texts & Minutes
5G Data
30GB EU Roaming
including UK
uses Three's network
€20
per month
€20 for Tesco Clubcard holders i
€20 Clubcard Price (€25 Regular Price) Subject to eligibility. T&C's apply.
Price freeze commitmenti
Price freeze commitment applies to all new customers that sign up to one of our mobile bill pay price plans before 31/12/2024. Price Freeze commitments means that your monthly recurring charge will not change for the duration of your minimum term.
300 international minutes
5,000 Tesco Mobile to Tesco Mobile calls and texts
Mobile Unlimited Plan
30 days
Contract
Unlimited
Data, Texts & Minutes
fair usage policy applies
Fair usage policy of 10,000 minutes and 10,000 texts applies. For full details visit the network's website.
4G Data
27GB EU Roaming
including UK
uses Three's network
€20
per month
for 12 months, then €25 p/m
Discounts available to existing Virgin Media Broadband customersi
€20 per month lasting price over the lifetime of your plan or €15 per SIM with Virgin Media’s Multi-SIM offer. T&C's apply.
Prepay Simplicity
Prepay
No contract
Unlimited
Data
3,000
Texts & Minutes
fair usage policy applies
Fair use policy of 120GB data applies. For full details visit the network's website.
5G Data
31GB EU Roaming
including UK
€20
top up every 4 weeks
Three Super Surfer
Prepay
No contract
Unlimited
Data
200
Texts & Minutes
fair usage policy applies
For full details visit the network's website.
5G Data
21GB EU Roaming
including UK
€20
top up every 4 weeks
Data Unlimited 5G
Prepay
No contract
Unlimited
Data
100
Texts & Minutes
5G Data
35GB EU Roaming
including UK
€20
top up every 4 weeks
Get up to €120 bonus credit when you join Vodafone Pay as you goi
Only available on selected plans. For 12 months, get €10 bonus credit after each monthly top up. Bonus credit expires after 28 days. T&C's apply. Offer ends 31/10/2024
Unlimited Vodafone to Vodafone calls
100 international minutes
3 SIM Essentials 5G
12 months
Contract
Unlimited
Data
200
Texts & Minutes
fair usage policy applies
Fair use policy of 10,000 Three to Three minutes applies. For full details visit the network's website.
5G Data
32GB EU Roaming
including UK
€15
per month
for 6 months, then €30 p/m
Annual price increase applies
Unlimited Three to Three calls
complete - 30 Day
30 days
Contract
Unlimited
Data
Unlimited
Minutes
10,000
Texts
fair usage policy applies
Fair use policy of 120GB data and 45,000 minutes applies. For full details visit the network's website.
5G Data
50GB EU Roaming
including UK
€24.99
per month
for 12 months, then €34.99 p/m
Annual price increase applies
Discount available to existing eir Broadband customersi
€14.99 p/m for 12 months, €24.99 p/m thereafter.
200 international minutes and texts
3 SIM Freedom 5G
12 months
Contract
Unlimited
Data, Texts & Minutes
fair usage policy applies
Fair use policy of 10,000 minutes/texts applies. Minutes/Texts is a single allowance can be used for calls or texts, where one unit from the allowance is decremented for one call minute or one text. For full details visit the network's website.
5G Data
37GB EU Roaming
including UK
€17.49
per month
for 6 months, then €34.99 p/m
Annual price increase applies
100 International Minutes/Texts
Three Connect Complete
Prepay
No contract
Unlimited
Data, Texts & Minutes
fair usage policy applies
Fair use policy of 10,000 minutes and 3,000 texts applies. For full details visit the network's website.
5G Data
27GB EU Roaming
including UK
€25
top up every 4 weeks
Redeem up to €90 bonus credit
100 International Minutes
RED Unlimited SIM Only
12 months
Contract
Unlimited
Data, Texts & Minutes
4G Data
Unlimited EU Roaming
including UK
€25
per month
for 6 months, then €35 p/m
Annual price increase applies
Download Speed limited to 10Mbps
Unlimited calls and texts to European mobiles and landlines i
Plus 100 minutes and texts to other international countries
Extra Unlimited 5G
Prepay
No contract
Unlimited
Data, Texts & Minutes
5G Data
35GB EU Roaming
including UK
€30
top up every 4 weeks
Get up to €120 bonus credit when you join Vodafone Pay as you goi
Only available on selected plans. For 12 months, get €10 bonus credit after each monthly top up. Bonus credit expires after 28 days. T&C's apply. Offer ends 31/10/2024
100 International minutes
3 SIM Flex 5G 30 Day
30 days
Contract
Unlimited
Data, Texts & Minutes
fair usage policy applies
Fair use policy of 10,000 minutes/texts applies. Minutes/Texts is a single allowance can be used for calls or texts, where one unit from the allowance is decremented for one call minute or one text. For full details visit the network's website.
5G Data
37GB EU Roaming
including UK
€34.99
per month
RED Unlimited 30 Day Sim Only
30 days
Contract
Unlimited
Data, Texts & Minutes
4G Data
Unlimited EU Roaming
including UK
€35
per month
Download Speed limited to 10Mbps
Unlimited calls and texts to European mobiles and landlines i
Plus 100 minutes and texts to other international countries
RED Unlimited Max SIM Only
12 months
Contract
Unlimited
Data, Texts & Minutes
5G Data
Unlimited EU Roaming
including UK
€35
per month
for 6 months, then €45 p/m
Annual price increase applies
Unlimited calls and texts to Europe and selected countriesi
Plus 500 minutes and texts to other international countries 

What is a SIM-only plan?

It’s a mobile phone contract that includes only minutes, texts and data. You don’t get a new phone with a SIM-only deal; you only pay for airtime.

There are two ways to pay for a SIM-only deal.

  • Bill pay: A monthly, no-strings-attached, rolling contract.
  • Prepay: Simply pay for your airtime upfront. Also known as Pay As You Go.

SIM-only plans are cheaper than plans which include a mobile phone because you’re not paying to spread the cost of the new phone.

Remember that discount prices can increase after the introductory period, but you can move on to a cheaper deal and keep your number.

What are the advantages of a SIM-only deal?

Switching to a SIM-only, bill pay deal is ideal if you don’t want a new phone and are not locked into a mobile contract. The downside of a bill pay SIM is you don’t get a new phone, and you may need to unlock your phone.

A prepay SIM is a flexible option if your usage varies or you don’t want to commit to a monthly bill. With a pay as you go plan you can just top up with data, calls and texts whenever you need.

Here’s how bill pay and prepay SIM only compares:

SIM-only bill pay

  • Cheaper deals
  • Short contracts
  • No tie-ins or penalties
  • No topping up
  • Keep your number

SIM-only prepay

  • Useful for under 18s
  • For those with a poor credit history
  • If you use lots of data for music & streaming
  • If you don’t have a bank account

How to compare SIM-only packages

To get the best SIM-only deal for your needs, think about how you use your phone and consider what’s important to you.

Here are some questions to guide your choice:

  • Do you really need an unlimited data plan?
  • How many calls and texts do you make?
  • Do you make international calls or need EU roaming?
  • If you’re a light user, could a prepay SIM work out cheaper?
  • Do you want the security of a 12-month plan or the freedom of a 30-day rolling contract?
  • Do you want superfast 5G data, and what’s 5G coverage like in your area?

Once you’ve determined your data usage and the type of plan that suits you best, Switcher.ie’s SIM-only comparison can help you compare deals.

We’ll show you all the best mobile bill pay or SIM-only offers on the market, with key features highlighted, so you can simply choose the best plan for your needs.

What are the cheapest SIM-only plans?

The cheapest plan may not always be the best deal, so it’s important to compare all plan features - like data, contract type and coverage - before choosing.

Compare low-cost, flexible deals from MVNOs like 48, An Post Mobile, Clear Mobile, GoMo and Tesco Mobile, using our comparison tool above.

Should you get a 5G data plan?

It depends on the age of your smartphone and how you use your mobile.

If you use your mobile for watching movies, online gaming and video calling and live in an area with good 5G coverage, then it’s worth considering because all the latest Samsung and iPhones are 5G enabled.

However, if your smartphone is mainly used for calls, messaging and surfing, it’s probably not worth paying extra for a 5G data plan.

Learn more about 5G in our guide How 5G mobile works in Ireland.

Can you get a SIM-only deal for international calls?

There are some SIM-only deals that offer EU, UK or international calls as part of your monthly plan. This type of plan is ideal if you regularly make overseas calls.

Most of Ireland’s top network providers offer international calls or roaming data plans, although expect to pay more if you need lots of international minutes.

Are refurbished phones any good?

As inflation bites and consumers become more cost-conscious and sustainably aware, sales of refurbished phones jumped 5% last year.

If you’re on a tight budget, consider buying a pre-owned phone. A refurbished phone is ideal if you want to buy a phone outright and keep monthly costs down with a SIM-only deal.

Our guide Should you buy a refurbished phone? can help you decide if it’s right for you.

How to switch your mobile phone provider

Switching your mobile phone network is simple; just pick a plan, and your new provider will handle the rest. You can even take your number with you.

Just remember to check you’re out of any contract before signing up for a new plan. This will ensure you avoid early exit fees, which can be high.

If you have a bill-pay deal, you’ll need to contact your current provider to cancel your plan, and once you’ve paid your final bill - cancel any direct debits.

The only difference you’ll notice when you change providers is the cost. You may also get a variation in signal, but check network coverage before you make the switch.

SIM-only FAQs

Can I keep my mobile number?

Yes, this is called ‘porting’ your number and makes changing network a much smoother process.

Keeping your number means you won’t have to tell all your friends and family your new number or risk losing contact with anyone.

Your new network will guide you through the steps you need to take to port your mobile number

How much data do I need?

The amount of data you need will depend on what you use the internet for on your mobile phone.

If you mainly use the data on your phone to browse the internet and send messages via Whatsapp or other messaging services, you’d be considered a light user. Streaming a lot of video content or online gaming would make you a heavy user.

Data packages are normally measured in GBs, which is 1,024MBs. Here are some examples of data usage:

  • visiting a website uses up around 1MB
  • watching TV shows or movies on Netflix uses about 1GB for every hour of SD video
  • streaming TV and movies in HD uses about 3GB per hour

Is a 30-day or 12-month SIM-only contract best?

The kind of contract you go for will totally depend on your circumstances.

If you’d like to try a new provider and want to test out the service and coverage, you could opt for a shorter-term contract to try it out.

Longer contracts tend to be cheaper, however, so if you’re happy to lock in for longer, you could save money in the long run.

Which mobile networks provide SIM-only plans?

In Ireland, SIM-only deals are provided by these networks:

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