Our picks
All of these are rolling monthly plans, so you can switch whenever a better deal comes along. Every one works with any unlocked iPhone.
| Best for | Price | eSIM | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light use (5GB+) 1pMobile 5GB | £5/mo | Yes | Get SIM |
| Everyday (50GB+) 1pMobile 50GB | £10/mo | Yes | Get SIM |
| Heavy use (100GB+) 1pMobile 100GB | £15/mo | Yes | Get SIM |
| Unlimited data Chattr Unlimited | £15/mo | Yes | Get SIM |
Prices are each provider's current rolling monthly price. Compare every SIM deal.
iPhone Air only works with eSIM
The iPhone Air has no SIM card slot, so you need a network that offers eSIM. Chattr, 1pMobile and Rewild Mobile all do. The iPhone 17 and iPhone 16 sold in the UK take both a physical nano-SIM and eSIM, so any of the plans above will work.
How much data does an iPhone use?
It depends what you do away from Wi-Fi. Browsing, messaging and maps use around 2–5GB a month. Streaming music and video on your commute can push that past 30GB, and video calls and hotspotting use even more. iPhones also back up photos to iCloud, which can use mobile data if you allow it. Our data guide helps you work out your number.
Does 5G matter?
Every iPhone from the iPhone 12 onwards supports 5G. All the providers above include 5G at no extra cost, so you'll get it wherever your area has coverage.
Buying the iPhone too?
Buying SIM-free and adding a SIM-only plan usually works out cheaper than a contract over two years. New iPhones start at £599 (iPhone 16e), and refurbished from £199 (iPhone 11 (refurbished)). Each phone page shows the full two-year cost with each SIM.
Keep your number
Text PAC to 65075 to get your switching code, then give it to your new network. Your number moves over within one working day. Full guide to switching.