Best Three SIM and mobile phone deals

Ray Ali
September 27, 2023

Three’s SIM only deals offer ample data allowances at affordable rates, making them an appealing choice for individuals who indulge in Netflix, Spotify and gaming. Although smaller networks may offer cheaper SIM only options, Three can be considered the most cost-effective among the four major providers, including Vodafone, EE and O2.

So whether you’re looking for a bargain SIM deal, an unlimited data package or something in the middle, Three Mobile is an excellent choice, especially as you get 5G speeds included for free.

Why should I choose a Three SIM deal?

Three offers extensive 3G and 4G coverage and a growing 5G network.

On all Three SIM only plans, you can tether your phone, which means you can use your phone’s internet connection to connect other devices, such as a laptop or tablet, to the internet.

Three also offers Wi-Fi calling to all its customers. This feature allows you to make phone calls and send messages even if there’s no mobile signal where you are, as long as you can connect to a Wi-Fi network.

How to find the best Three deal for me

The first step, as with any SIM only contract, is to confirm that the network provides adequate coverage in your region. Entering your postcode into Three’s network coverage checker is the thing to do to ensure you’ll have strong coverage in the areas where you live and go to work.

The next step is to determine how much data you’ll require and how much you’re prepared to pay per month

Fortunately, Three has a wide selection of competitively priced plans. Compare Three SIM deals using the table below. You’ll see our three cheapest deals with at least 5GB of data. But you can see more details by using our filters. Or, if you want to know more about Three, scroll down to find out more information.

Coverage area

The Three Mobile network is first-rate, which is why it’s one of the UK’s four major networks. As a result, it has a network of its own that provides 99% 3G and 4G signal throughout the country.

And what’s more, Three’s multi-award winning 5G network is now available in 400 UK towns and cities and is only getting bigger as Three continues to develop its infrastructure.

Customer service

Three Mobile’s customer support team is happy to help out with any queries you might have. Get in touch at any point between 8am-10pm Monday-Friday or 9am-6pm on weekends. Just dial 333 from your Three number.

Benefits

Three offers a range of benefits to its customers, including:

Three+: This loyalty app provides discounts on popular brands like Cineworld, Uber Eats and Caffè Nero. It also offers access to early pre-sale tickets for concerts, shows and events.
Unlimited data: Three has no data or speed restrictions. Customers in the UK can take advantage of limitless video streaming, surfing, playing games and social sharing.
5G Ready at no extra cost: All Three SIM cards are equipped to connect to their super-fast 5G network, providing customers with high-speed connectivity without any additional charges.

These benefits make Three a great choice for customers looking for loyalty rewards, unlimited data and access to the latest 5G network technology.

Roaming

For many years, Three’s roaming service was what set it apart from the competition. With its “Go Roam” service, users could access the internet, send messages, and make free calls in 71 countries, including the US.

Sadly, Three has since brought back roaming charges. Access to Go Roam in Europe now costs £2 per day and access to Go Roam Around The World costs £5 per day.

Mobile app

The Three app is available to download on both Android and Apple devices. You can use the app to purchase additional add-ons, top-ups and data packs. Additionally, customers can modify their plans, set spending limits and view their monthly usage.

You can also use the app to join Three’s loyalty plan and unlock freebies, giveaways, discounts and more loyalty bonuses.

Contract lengths

Most SIM only plans from Three Mobile have 12-month contracts. Therefore, it will take a year before you can switch to a new plan. Conveniently, the network also provides a range of rolling contracts that last one month and let you change as quickly as you want.

And if you want to get a phone with your package too, you can get a pay monthly plan that can last either 12, 24 or 36 months.

Upfront costs or set-up fees

Three SIM cards are completely free. Just choose the price and data plan that suits your requirements, complete the purchase and Three will whizz the SIM over to you. You can then just pop it into your mobile and get started with your new SIM only deal.

Data rollover

Three currently doesn’t offer data rollover with any of its mobile phone or SIM only deals. So if you have any GB of data left over at the end of the month, you’ll lose them.

This is why you should carefully consider how much data you need every month. Then, you can expertly choose a package that you know you won’t end up wasting any money over.

Tariffs

The best deals from Three have always been its SIM only plans, which provide excellent value and extra incentives to tempt customers to switch over to the network.

You can benefit from Three’s extensive 5G coverage and lightning speeds, the quickest in the UK, as proved by numerous tests, as all deals include 5G as standard.

You will be able to stream, download, surf and share on the fastest UK network UK provided you use a 5G-ready phone.

SIM only plans from Three are offered on 30-day rolling, 12-month and 24-month contracts. You’ll spend less per month if you commit to a longer deal.

Also, the 24-month SIM deals frequently include a variety of brilliant extras, including ‘Go Roam’ passes and free Paramount+ streaming content. Occasionally, you may even get a discounted price for the first year of the plan.

Wi-Fi calling

Three users can call and text in the UK even when there is no mobile connection thanks to the company’s inTouch Wi-Fi calling service, which is available to all customers.

Calls placed using inTouch are deducted from your monthly call allowance.

Tethering policy

Three’s customers can choose to tether other devices to the internet through their mobile by using their monthly data allocation, turning their handset into a useful mobile Wi-Fi hotspot as a result.

This is a quick way to connect a device like a laptop online, but don’t forget that your data will be used up. So ensure you’re not short on gigabytes before you set your phone up to tether.

Three mobile phone deals

Need a new mobile phone too? Take a look at Three’s pay monthly packages which include all the data and minutes you need along with one of the latest smartphones from brands like Apple and Samsung.

Other networks

Three isn’t your only option though, as there are plenty of top mobile networks vying for your custom with competitive SIM only deals. Here are all the networks that you can join today:

FAQs

Will I need to sign a contract?

This depends on what kind of plan you choose. If you get a rolling 30-day deal, you won’t have to sign a contract. But if you get a long term SIM only deal (12 months or more) or get a pay monthly plan that includes a mobile phone, you will have to commit to paying off the full cost of the price plan.

Can I get a Three SIM only deal with poor credit?

If you’re worried about your credit rating, then our suggestion is to find a rolling 30-day deal that can be cancelled at any point. That way you won’t be committing to making long term payments and in turn wont need to go through a credit check.

Does Three only do 36 month contracts?

Not at all, in fact Three offers a range of contract length options, you can even get a SIM only deal for as little as 30-days at a time! If you want a longer option then take your pick from 12/24/36 month plans.

Is Three’s 5G fast?

The 5G speeds offered by Three Mobile are some of the best in the UK. And more people than ever are now able to use fast 5G with Three as it has been expanded to over 400 locations around the UK.

Can I keep my current phone number if I change to a Three SIM?

Yes. Keeping your number is simple, just text ‘PAC’ to 65075 to receive your PAC code. Then, just give this code to Three when you sign up for a SIM only deal and they’ll do the work behind the scenes to ensure you keep the same number. It’s that simple!

Ray Ali

Ray has been helping consumers with his mobile knowledge for over six years. His expertise focuses on all things tech, from the latest smartphone releases to gadget tips and money-saving advice. He has worked for major consumer brands, including Uswitch, Carphone Warehouse and Curry’s. Ray is often featured in the press both in print and on national broadcasts, including BBC radio, The Guardian, Wired, io9, Daily Mail, inews, The Scotsman and The Sun.

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