Best eSIM Deals UK October 2026
Deals from the networks on our panel that sell eSIM. Deals come from our comparison partner and MoneyHQ may earn a commission if you take one.
Quick answer · figures checked 20 October 2026
- What is the lowest price for an eSIM SIM only deal?
- On 20 October 2026 the lowest we saw was £2.90 a month for 1GB on Spusu, a rolling one-month plan. That deal states no mid-contract rise.
- How many eSIM SIM only plans do you compare?
- 317 plans, from £2.90 to £51 a month, sold by 16 retailers including Spusu, Talkmobile and Asda Mobile. Data, price, network and contract length are on every deal.
An eSIM is a digital SIM built into your phone which can be simpler as it doesn’t require a physical plastic card and there’s no waiting for delivery. You scan a QR code and your new plan is active in minutes. If your phone supports it and you want a SIM deal today rather than in three days’ time, eSIM is the easiest way to switch.
This page covers every UK network that offers eSIM plans, what to look for in a deal, and which phones are compatible.
Which UK networks offer eSIM?
Most major UK networks now support eSIM, though the setup process varies provider to provider. Some activate instantly via QR code; others require a physical SIM first, which you then swap in-app.
Instant eSIM with no physical SIM needed
| Network | How you get it | Timing |
|---|---|---|
| Vodafone | Choose eSIM at checkout, QR code emailed | Instant |
| O2 | Choose eSIM, QR code via My O2 | Minutes, up to 24 hours |
| Three | QR code emailed, or seamless activation on compatible devices | Usually immediate, up to 7 hours |
| EE | Via EE app on SIM-only plan, pre-installed on device order, or a QR code pack by post | Instant via app |
| giffgaff | Choose eSIM when selecting a plan, activate via giffgaff app | Usually under an hour, up to 24 hours |
| SMARTY | Choose eSIM at checkout, QR code emailed | Described as instant “join SMARTY instantly with an eSIM” |
| iD Mobile | Choose eSIM at checkout, QR code emailed | Usually within 15 minutes |
| VOXI | Choose eSIM at checkout | Instant, up to 24 hours |
| Sky Mobile | Choose eSIM at checkout, QR code in your Sky account (Quick Install on iPhone) | Once installed |
| Spusu | QR code emailed | Instant |
| Lyca Mobile | QR code emailed | Usually within minutes however some users report occasional delays |
| Asda Mobile | Choose eSIM at checkout | Once installed |
| Talkmobile | Choose eSIM at checkout, install via the Talkmobile app | Once installed |
Physical SIM required first
| Network | What you need to do |
|---|---|
| Tesco Mobile | eSIM comes with Pay Monthly phone deals. On SIM only, Tesco posts a physical SIM; for an eSIM after that, contact Tesco, then text SWAP to 23424 |
| Lebara | eSIM only for new customers joining with an iPhone Air; everyone else gets a physical SIM |
What is an eSIM and how does it work?
A physical SIM is a removable chip you slot into your phone. An eSIM (embedded SIM) does the same job but is permanently built into the device but you activate it digitally instead of inserting a card.
How to activate an eSIM in the UK:
- Choose a plan from an eSIM-compatible network
- Complete the order online
- Receive a QR code by email (usually instantly, sometimes within minutes)
- On your phone: Settings → Mobile/Cellular → Add Plan → scan the QR code
- Your new plan is active, typically within seconds
Some favour this as there’s no waiting for delivery and no risk of losing a tiny piece of plastic.
Can you have two numbers on one phone?
Yes, most modern phones support dual SIM, combining a physical SIM and an eSIM. You can have your personal number on one and a work number on the other or keep a UK SIM active while adding a local eSIM abroad.
Does my phone support eSIM?
eSIM is standard on most flagship phones released since 2020. Here’s a quick reference:
Apple iPhone
- iPhone XR, XS and XS Max (2018) and all models since
- iPhone Air and iPhone Duo are eSIM-only as there is no physical SIM slot
Samsung Galaxy
- Galaxy S23, S24, S25, S26 series
- Galaxy Z Fold6, Fold7, Fold8 and Flip equivalents
- Galaxy A37 5G, A54 5G, A57 5G
Google Pixel
- Pixel 3 and all models since (Pixel 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 series)
Other eSIM-compatible phones include: Motorola Razr 60 Ultra, HONOR Magic8 Pro, and most flagship Android devices released since 2021.
Not sure about your specific model? Check Settings → About → search for “eSIM” or “Digital SIM.” On iPhone: Settings → General → About - if you see an EID number, your phone supports eSIM.
Source: Vodafone eSIM compatible devices
eSIM vs physical SIM: which should you choose?
Choose eSIM if:
- You want to switch networks today without waiting for a SIM card
- You travel and want to add a local data plan without swapping SIMs
- Your phone has a single SIM slot and you want to run two numbers
- You’ve lost or damaged your SIM and need a replacement fast
Stick with a physical SIM if:
- You use an older phone that doesn’t support eSIM
- You’re on a network that only offers eSIM via physical swap (it’s easier to just keep the physical SIM)
- You regularly switch between devices (a physical SIM is simpler to move)
Best eSIM deals right now
The comparison table at the top of this page shows current SIM-only deals from every network on our panel that sells eSIM. A few things worth knowing when comparing:
Check the network, not just the price. eSIM plans from MVNOs like VOXI, giffgaff and Sky Mobile run on one of the UK’s three network operators (EE, Virgin Media O2 and VodafoneThree). The coverage you get depends on which network they use, not the brand you’re buying from. Check Ofcom’s coverage checker before choosing.
Rolling vs fixed contract. eSIM makes it especially easy to switch because you can have a new plan active in minutes. That makes rolling 30-day contracts more attractive than they used to be with physical SIMs however you typically pay a small premium for the flexibility, but you’re never locked in longer than a month.
Watch out for price rises. Most UK networks now apply annual mid-contract price increases. Under Ofcom rules introduced in January 2025, rises must be stated in pounds and pence at sign-up which we make sure to tell you about in our comparison tool.
eSIM for travel: UK networks abroad
If you travel regularly, eSIM changes how roaming works. Rather than paying your UK network’s roaming rates, you can add a local eSIM for your destination and keep your UK number active on the physical SIM while using cheaper local data on the eSIM.
For UK residents travelling abroad, the networks with the best built-in roaming on standard plans are:
- O2 where roaming is included in Europe on most Pay Monthly plans
- Three’s Go Roam includes data in over 160 destinations at no extra cost on eligible plans
For heavy international travellers, a dedicated travel eSIM provider (separate from your UK plan) can be cheaper than roaming rates. These sit outside the standard UK network comparison.
Sources
- Deals: MoneyHQ SIM only comparison, read live
- Vodafone eSIM compatible devices
- ISPreview, September 2025: SMARTY eSIM
- Each network’s own eSIM page, read 20 October 2026
- Apple: using eSIM on iPhone
- Ofcom: switching mobile provider
- Ofcom mobile coverage checker
- Three Go Roam
- O2 Europe Zone roaming
Last reviewed .
eSIM SIM only plans right now
317 plans on 12 networks, £2.90 to £51 a month. 48 with unlimited data. 105 rolling one-month. 131 state a mid-contract rise.
| Network | Data | A month | Contract | Sold by | Rise | Go to deal |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spusu | 1GB · 5G | £2.90 | Rolling | Spusu | No mid-contract rise stated | Get deal: Deal on Spusu, £2.90 a month |
| Spusu | 3GB · 5G | £3.90 | Rolling | Spusu | No mid-contract rise stated | Get deal: Deal on Spusu, £3.90 a month |
| Spusu | 5GB · 5G | £4.50 | Rolling | Spusu | No mid-contract rise stated | Get deal: Deal on Spusu, £4.50 a month |
| TalkMobile | 5GB · 5G | £4.95 | Rolling | Talkmobile | No mid-contract rise stated | Get deal: Deal on TalkMobile, £4.95 a month |
| Asda Mobile | 3GB · 5G | £5 | Rolling | Asda Mobile | No mid-contract rise stated | Get deal: Deal on Asda Mobile, £5 a month |
| Asda Mobile | 3GB · 5G | £5 | 12 months | Asda Mobile | No mid-contract rise stated | Get deal: Deal on Asda Mobile, £5 a month |
| Asda Mobile | 3GB · 5G | £5 | 24 months | Asda Mobile | No mid-contract rise stated | Get deal: Deal on Asda Mobile, £5 a month |
| Spusu | 10GB · 5G | £5.90 | Rolling | Spusu | No mid-contract rise stated | Get deal: Deal on Spusu, £5.90 a month |
Figures read from our comparison partner’s feed on 20 October 2026. Prices, allowances and rises are stated by each provider and can change.
eSIM questions
What is an eSIM?
An eSIM is a digital SIM built permanently into your phone. Instead of inserting a physical SIM card, you activate a mobile plan by scanning a QR code. They have the same features like calls, texts and mobile data as a physical SIM but setup takes minutes rather than days.
Which UK networks support eSIM?
All four main UK network brands (EE, O2, Vodafone, Three) support eSIM, as do most major MVNOs including giffgaff, Sky Mobile, VOXI, SMARTY, Tesco Mobile, iD Mobile and Lyca Mobile. Some offer instant activation; others require a physical SIM first. See the table above for details.
Can I use an eSIM and a physical SIM at the same time?
Yes, on most modern phones. This is called dual SIM, where you can run two numbers simultaneously, for example, a personal SIM and a work SIM, or a UK SIM and a travel eSIM from a single device.
Is an eSIM the same price as a physical SIM?
Usually yes. Most networks price eSIM and physical SIM plans identically. You’re paying for the plan, not the format of the SIM.
Can I transfer my number to an eSIM?
Yes. To keep your existing number when switching to a new network, request a PAC code from your current provider (text PAC to 65075 - it’s free and they must provide it within one minute). Give the PAC code to your new network when you sign up. Your number moves across within one working day. You can see our full guide here.
What happens to my eSIM if I lose my phone?
Your eSIM is locked to that device’s hardware. If you lose your phone, contact your network to suspend the plan. When you get a new phone, you’ll need to re-provision the eSIM, most networks do this via their app or website. It’s worth noting that eSIM plans can’t be physically removed and used in another device the way a plastic SIM can.
Can I switch from a physical SIM to an eSIM on my current network?
Yes, with most networks. The process varies depending on the provider, some do it in-app (giffgaff) or in your phone’s settings (EE), others need you to contact them first (Tesco Mobile). Contact your network or check their website. You keep your number and plan; only the SIM format changes.
Does eSIM work on all iPhones?
eSIM works on iPhone XR, XS and newer that covers everything from 2018 onwards. Note that the iPhone Air and iPhone Duo are eSIM-only and have no physical SIM slot at all.