Best O2 SIM-only deals in the UK (December 2024)

If you want to enjoy excellent network coverage and gain access to an incredible roaming policy, you should definitely consider signing up for O2 SIM card-only deals.

Sticking true to its great reputation, O2 has been establishing lightning-fast 4G coverage, as well as 5G in many UK towns and cities. To learn more about the O2 SIM-only deals the provider offers, hurry up and dive into our thorough article below.

List of O2 SIM-only deals

Is O2 a good network?

O2 is more than good. It is a fantastic network provider that has been satisfying the needs of different UK users since it was established. O2 delivers 97% 4G coverage across the UK. On top of that, it also supports 5G in around 3,000 locations in the United Kingdom and this number is rapidly growing.

Another perk is that O2 offers good speeds. Although it may not be the fastest network provider on the market, you’ll still be able to enjoy favourable speeds and performance on your SIM card, allowing you to enjoy different online activities.

Ultimately, O2 is the only major provider that will grant you EU roaming at no additional cost. Last but not least, it also has a native app that provides you with different freebies, discounts, and even priority tickets for their O2 events.

Why choose an O2 SIM?

The answer is simple. It is one of the best UK carriers and offers a lot of benefits to its users. This is why we believe you should choose O2:

• One of the most popular UK networks. Thanks to O2’s extensive network coverage, incredible roaming perks, and the additional benefits it offers, it is recognised as one of the most popular providers in the UK.
• Excellent coverage. As we have explained so far, O2 comes with 4G and 5G coverage in almost the whole UK region. What’s even better is that the speedy 5G network coverage is still expanding.
• Inclusive EU roaming. Another perk that O2 offers is its SIM-only deals with no roaming charges across the EU. They are the only provider that has chosen not to reimpose them after the UK exited the EU. That said, you can enjoy free calls, texts, and data in all of the EU countries.
• O2 Priority. O2 comes with its unique Priority app. This means that if you’re a customer, you can purchase tickets for O2 events before they are officially launched for the public. O2 even offers regular freebies and discounts for its users.

What to look for in an O2 SIM-only contract

Now that you are more or less familiar with O2, it is time to learn what to look for in an O2 SIM-only contract. Let’s have a look at the list we’ve prepared:

• Data allowance. One of the most crucial aspects of an O2 SIM-only deal is the amount of data you are offered. In other words, you should consider your needs and find a plan that provides sufficient data for you to use.
• Contract length. If you don’t want to be tied to the same SIM card plan for a while, you definitely need to look for short-term deals. Due to this, it’s best to purchase their pay-as-you-go SIM-only contracts.
• Speed. In order to browse freely, enjoy lag-free gaming, uninterrupted streaming and phone calls, you must have fast speeds. So, ensure to look at the different speeds that O2 offers in its deals and whether you can have access to 5G as well.
• Price. The price of a plan can be the most significant factor that impacts your decision. Having this in mind, always go for more affordable SIM-only deals and check if there are any early termination fees (if you want to break the contract).
• Roaming. Travelling can cost you a lot if you’re exposed to roaming costs. That’s why you should consider utilising a provider that has no roaming costs, at least across EU countries.

How does Cybernews deal comparison work?

We collect a live database of deals and special offers from the most popular mobile network providers, including Three, Vodafone, O2, and Tesco. Since the data is taken straight from the provider, you can be sure that the prices and all the other offer details, such as contract length and monthly cost, are up to date.

If you’re looking for a contract deal with a handset, you can choose from the newest models from the most popular phone brands - Apple, Google, Samsung, Xiaomi, Sony, Motorola, OnePlus, and many more. Instead of going through several network providers’ websites, use the filtering system to select the best SIM-only or contract with a handset deal!

What SIM-only deals does O2 offer?

O2 is widely known for its variety of SIM-only deals. This means that you can choose from a wide array of options and find the one that best fulfils your needs. These are the O2 SIM-only deals the provider offers:

• Pay-as-you-go. O2 comes with a pre-determined amount of data, phone call minutes, and number of SMS messages. However, its pay-as-you-go plans allow you to upgrade all of these according to your needs. As a result, you’re not tied to how long you can use this SIM-only deal.
• 5G SIM-only deals. If you’re travelling and you need a SIM card only to have seamless access to the Internet, you should consider O2’s 5G SIM-only deals. They come with a specific data allowance and no texts or phone calls.
• Cheap plans. One of the most significant advantages of the O2 SIM-only deals is that they are pretty affordable. Currently, you can get an O2 deal for £17.99 and enjoy 12GB of data, along with unlimited calls and SMS texts.
• Unlimited data. You can also get an O2 deal that offers you an unlimited data allowance. More precisely, there is no chance of using all your data and having to pay additional fees. Although these deals are a bit more expensive, they are worth it.

What’s the best type of O2 SIM for me?

The best type of O2 SIM for you depends on various factors. For example, if you are looking for a SIM card that you can use for a few days, it is best to go for the pay-as-you-go O2 plans. They allow you to upgrade the plan for as long as you need it.

If you want to save some money, search for cheaper O2 plans. They come with limited data, but they cost less than £20. This SIM-only deal comes in handy if you are looking for regular Internet usage, mobile phone calls, and SMS messages.

Furthermore, you should use a plan with unlimited data if you spend more time outside your home or when travelling. This protects you from the high charges that can be imposed when exceeding the allocated data allowance.

Lastly, the 5G SIM-only deals are perfect for users who need only the Internet.

What different types of contract lengths can you get with an O2 SIM-only deal?

If you’re still not sure how long the O2 SIM-only deals last, let us help you. Generally, their SIM-only deals last for 12 months. However, they also have SIM-only plans for 24 months. Despite the contract length, you can still pay monthly and split your costs.

However, you always have the option to go for the O2 SIM-only pay-as-you-go deal, which doesn’t tie you to a contract or a specific time period.

As with other network providers, signing up for a SIM-only plan with O2 requires a credit check. In other words, if you have bad credit, you may have issues with getting approved. However, O2 offers a solution for this!

They provide alternative options that may help you get a deal. These solutions may include security deposits, but it all depends on your situation.

Can I keep my number with an O2 SIM-only deal?

Keeping your number with an O2 SIM-only deal is possible. In fact, the whole procedure is very straightforward.

All you have to do is text “PAC” to 65075. Then, wait for your PAC code and contact O2. Give them your code so that you can quickly transfer your phone number to your purchased SIM-only plan. If you have any issues or can’t figure out how this works, call them on their official phone number.

Can I use my O2 SIM abroad?

You don’t have to worry about whether you can use your O2 SIM abroad. O2 allows you to use your regular phone calls, texts, and data within the EU with no extra roaming costs. But there is a minor difference if you plan to travel further away.

For example, if you want to travel to the US, Canada, or Australia, you’ll need to purchase a special add-on for an extra £6 per day to access data.

Can I get 5G-enabled O2 SIMs?

Yes, of course, you can get 5 G-enabled O2 SIMs. Currently, all of their deals support 5G usage. Therefore, you can use your O2 SIM card on 4G and 5G, which will allow you to have robust connectivity even in busier locations.

Other networks providing SIM-only plans

• Three
• Vodafone
• BT Mobile
• iD Mobile
• GiffGaff
• Sky Mobile
• TalkMobile
• VOXI

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