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Unlimited Data Plans – Best UK Network Offers In 2021

Nowadays, most mobile networks in the UK offer Unlimited data plans. Check out all the unlimited plan options available in this guide.

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Latest Offer: Unlimited Data for £11 p/m for first 6 months!

Unlimited Data for only £11 a month for the first 6 months, the cheapest unlimited data deal in the market! This 24 month contract gives you access to 5G speeds & access to Three’s reward app Three+, which includes discounts on Uber Eats and at selected restaurants.

The mobile networks in the UK are catching up with broadband in regards to both data speeds and data restrictions. Not so long ago, only a handful of networks would offer limitless data plans, but now in 2021 there are many networks in the UK with unlimited data deals. In fact, with so many offers on the market, it can get a bit confusing, but Half Cooked is here to simplify things.

In this article, you’ll find all the unlimited data plans on the market from each UK based mobile network, pros and cons and our overall breakdown.

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Half Cooked’s Overall Winner

We believe Three Mobile is still the best network when it comes to unlimited data plans. The carrier offers competitive prices, many perks including 4G Calling & Wi-Fi Calling and most importantly 5G speeds at no extra cost.

Three also offers great flexibility, while rewarding commitment with better prices. You can also get an unlimited pay as you go deal on the Three network.

Networks with Unlimited Data Plans

VOXI

Pro's

  • Endless social media and endless video usage on selected apps
  • Flexible 30-day rolling plans.
  • No credit checks, no contracts
  • WiFi Calling & 4G Calling
  • 5G at no extra cost

Con's

  • Limited plan selection
  • Not the best 5G option
  • No data rollover

VOXI is a low-cost sub-brand of Vodafone. The virtual mobile network operator used to have an age restriction to join, but customers no longer have to be under 30 to sign up.
The carrier’s unlimited plan is branded as their ‘Endless Data’ plan and it stays true to the name. No speed restrictions on VOXI and you can tether to any number of devices as long as you’re not using the network for commercial purposes.
VOXI’s unlimited data plan comes with 5G, which is a rare sight among the MVNOs. The ‘Endless Data’ plan is capped at 25GB in VOXI’s Europe Zone destinations till you renew your plan.

VOXI Unlimited Data Plan

1 Month Plan
Unlimited data
Unlimited mins
Unlimited texts
£35/month

Three

Pro's

  • Has the most 5G coverage in the UK
  • Competitively priced SIM deals
  • WiFi Calling & 4G Calling
  • Free-roaming in 71 destinations
  • Truly unlimited data plans

Con's

  • No 2G coverage
  • 3G and 4G are weaker than their competitors

The Three Network is famed for its SIM Only deals with unlimited data at great prices. The mobile network operator offers four different unlimited data plans, including a pay as you go alternative.

Three offers truly unlimited data on its SIM Only, PAYG and contract handset deals and they all come with 5G at no extra cost. We call it truly unlimited for a reason, as there are no speed restrictions or fair usage data limits on Three, plus you can tether to any number of devices you wish to. However, these price plans aren’t allowed for commercial usage.

With Three’s ‘Go Roam’ scheme, in European destinations, customers can use up to 20GB/month of their data allowance at no extra cost. If you pass the fair usage limit, you’ll be subject to surcharges. If you’re in a ‘Go Roam Around the World’ destination, the fair usage limit is 12GB/month.

Three Unlimited Data Plans

24 Months plan
Unlimited data
Unlimited mins
Unlimited texts
£10.00 6 Months - £20 from month 7
12 Months plan
Unlimited data
Unlimited mins
Unlimited texts
£16.00 (Half Cooked Deal)
1 Month plan
Unlimited data
Unlimited mins
Unlimited texts
£26.00
PAYG
Unlimited data
Unlimited mins
Unlimited texts
£30

EE

Pro's

  • Best 4G coverage & competitive 5G coverage in the UK
  • Fastest 4G and 5G data speeds
  • Wide range of SIM only deals
  • Wide range of phone deals
  • Decent rewards and long trials for valuable add-ons

Con's

  • Significantly costlier than competitors
  • Not the best for international roaming or calling
  • No 5G coverage on contract-free plans

The largest mobile network operator in the UK currently offers two SIM Only unlimited data plans and they come with 5G data speeds. These plans can also be purchased with a pay monthly phone deal.

EE’s ‘Data Gifting Feature’ can be used with the unlimited data plan, however, you can only share a maximum of 100GB of data with other users.

EE’s unlimited data plans come with certain restrictions such as 1000GB/month fair usage limit and you can tether to a maximum of 12 devices. As for travelling abroad you’re allowed to use 50GB data per month.

EE Unlimited Data Plan

24 Months Plan
Unlimited data
Unlimited mins
Unlimited texts
1 Smart Benefit
£37/month
24 Months Plan
Unlimited data
Unlimited mins
Unlimited texts
3 Smart Benefits
£41/month

Vodafone

Pro's

  • Great rewards with VeryMe
  • Entertainment subscriptions bundled with premium plans
  • Great roaming perks
  • A wide variety of SIM deals to choose from
  • 5G coverage in the UK and the EU

Con's

  • Ranked as the worst 5G network by Opensignal and OOKLA in the UK
  • Generally, more expensive plans
  • Some almost-essential perks are only available on premium plans

When it comes to network coverage and data speeds Vodafone is second only to EE. The network offers a wide range of unlimited plans, including a PAYG bundle with 5G. Vodafone’s unlimited deals for SIM Only and phone plans come in three different types and they’re called Unlimited Lite, Unlimited and Unlimited Max. First two have data speed restrictions, respectively at 2Mbps and 10Mbps. However, Unlimited Max offers the fastest available download speeds.

Unlimited Lite is a good choice if you’re mainly planning to browse the web and stream music. Unlimited can handle full HD video streaming and gaming. You can also add an ‘Entertainment Package’ to 12 month or 24 month Unlimited and Unlimited Max deals for an extra £7/month.

There are no limitations in regards to fair usage or tethering on Vodafone, however you can’t use the unlimited data services for commercial purposes.

As for international roaming, there’s a 25GB/month data usage limit. You can freely roam in 51 locations on Unlimited Lite and Unlimited. Unlimited Max plans increase the number of countries you can roam to 81, which is the highest any network in the UK offers.

Vodafone Unlimited Data Plans

Unlimited Lite - Maximum download speed 2Mbps
24 Months Plan
12 Months Plan
1 Month Plan
-
Unlimited data
Unlimited mins
Unlimited texts
£22/month
£12/month (3 months half price)
£32/month
Unlimited - Maximum download speed 10Mbps
24 Months Plan
12 Months Plan
1 Month Plan
-
Unlimited data
Unlimited mins
Unlimited texts
£26/month
£14/month (3 months half price)
£36/month
Unlimited Max - Fastest available download speeds
24 Months Plan
12 Months Plan
1 Month Plan
-
Unlimited data
Unlimited mins
Unlimited texts
£30/month
£16.50/month (3 months half price)
£41/month
Unlimited PAYG Bundle
5G Download Speeds
Unlimited 5G data
Unlimited mins
Unlimited texts
£50 PAYG

O2

Pro's

  • Decent 5G coverage and data speeds
  • Build your own phone contract
  • Thousands of free WiFi hotspots
  • O2 Priority deals and discounts
  • A decent range of handset options
  • 6 months free Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, or more

Con's

  • Most tariffs are pricier than competitors
  • The slowest 4G internet speeds in the UK
  • Not the best 4G coverage

The O2 Network proposes two different unlimited data schemes for SIM only plans and pay monthly phones.

There are key restrictions though, as there’s a 650GB fair usage limit and you can tether to a maximum of 12 devices. When roaming you’re allowed to use 20GB data per month. O2’s unlimited plans come with 5G coverage.

O2 Unlimited Data Plans

18 Months plan
Unlimited data
Unlimited mins
Unlimited texts
£15 first 6 Months £30 after (Black Friday)
12 Months plan
Unlimited data
Unlimited mins
Unlimited texts
£35/month

SMARTY

Pro's

  • Money off your bill for any unused data on ‘data discount plans’.
  • No credit checks, 1 month plans, you may cancel anytime.
  • All plans include Unlimited Texts & Minutes.
  • Cheapest 1 month Unlimited Plan in the UK.
  • Now has Wi-Fi Calling.

Con's

  • No 5G.
  • No 4G Calling.
  • No handset plan options.

Powered by Three, SMARTY offers a SIM Only unlimited data plan which provides great value. It comes with zero restrictions at a very competitive price. On top of that, it’s a 1-month rolling plan, so you’re not locked into a long term commitment.

However, compared to its parent network SMARTY doesn’t offer any 5G coverage, nor does the network provide important features like 4G Calling & Wi-Fi Calling. You don’t get as many roaming destinations either.

Inclusive roaming data is capped to 20GB/month on the carrier. There are no phone deals on SMARTY.

SMARTY Unlimited Data Plan

1 Month Plan
Unlimited data
Unlimited mins
Unlimited texts
£20/month

Superdrug Mobile

Pro's

  • No contract SIMs.
  • No credit checks.
  • Double points on Superdrug shopping.
  • Data rollover scheme.
  • Health & Beauty card points when you join.

Con's

  • Not many additional perks. No 4G Calling or Wi-Fi Calling or free Wi-Fi.
  • The customer service is webchat only.
  • Only four plans to choose from.

Superdrug Mobile runs on Three’s network and offers a truly unlimited data plan on a monthly basis for just £20. On top of that, you’ll also get £20 in Health and Beautycard points when you activate your SIM. If you shop regularly at Superdrug, you’ll receive double Health & Beautycard points on all your Superdrug shopping as long as you’re a customer. You can also cancel your Superdrug plan anytime you want.

There are no data caps or speed restrictions on Superdrug Mobile, meaning it’s a truly unlimited data offer. The operator also allows you to tether and roam freely, including free roaming in the EU countries. Don’t forget to read our Superdrug Mobile Review to discover all the other great features of the network!

Superdrug Mobile Unlimited Data Plan

1 Month Plan
Unlimited data
Unlimited mins
Unlimited texts
£20/month

iD Mobile

Pro's

  • Wide variety of SIM deals to choose from
  • WiFi Calling & 4G Calling on contract deals
  • Data Rollover
  • 5G at no extra cost
  • Competitively priced SIM deals

Con's

  • PAYG plans don’t have WiFi or 4G Calling
  • No fancy rewards or loyalty offers
  • No 2G coverage

This mobile virtual network (MVNO) is also powered by Three Mobile and it offers a monthly rolling unlimited data plan. You can tether freely on iD Mobile and compared to SMARTY you get more inclusive roaming destinations. Plus, the carrier provides 4G Calling & Wi-Fi Calling features. These two perks are rarely offered by MVNOs.

There is no fair usage limit on iD Mobile, however, commercial usage is not permitted. The network doesn’t offer any 5G services at the moment.

12 Month Plan
Unlimited data
Unlimited mins
Unlimited texts
£15/month

giffgaff

Pros

  • Unique flexibility with goodybag deals
  • Easy to switch between SIM only plans and PAYG
  • 5G coverage and speeds
  • Unlimited plans
  • No credit checks

Cons

  • No WiFi Calling or 4G Calling
  • Smaller plans are at the more expensive end of the market
  • Data cap on Always-On plan

Run by the O2 Network, giffgaff brings a different approach to pay monthly plans with ‘goodybags’. The bags offer great flexibility, but they don’t offer as great value as they once did and they aren’t the only flexible deals out there anymore. The network has a ‘goodybag’ called ‘Always-On-Data’ and it’s an unlimited data plan.

Always-On has 4G data speeds, but only for the first 80GB of usage. Past that point your download speeds will be capped at 384Kbps between 8am and midnight till you renew your ‘goodybag’. giffgaff will provide 5G coverage in the future, but at the moment customers can only get 3G/4G services.

giffgaff Unlimited Data Plan

1 Month Plan
Unlimited data
Unlimited mins
Unlimited texts
£25/month (After 80 GB reduced data speed of 384kbps - 8am to Midnight)
1 Month Plan
Unlimited data
Unlimited mins
Unlimited texts
£35/month (No speed restrictions)

Virgin Mobile

Pro's

  • The best 4G network coverage and fastest data speeds thanks to EE
  • 5G coverage from Vodafone
  • WiFi Calling and 4G Calling on all plans
  • A second chance to use your leftover data
  • Free access to 3.5 million Virgin WiFi hotspots
  • Wide variety of SIM only deals to choose from

Con's

  • No PAYG deals
  • No short-term contracts
  • All plans require a credit check
  • Strict restrictions when roaming abroad
  • A little pricier than its competitors

Using the EE Network, Virgin Mobile offers great network coverage and decent 4G data speeds. The carrier has an unlimited data scheme, and as of February 2021 it’s available to all UK mobile customers. The deal used to be exclusive to existing Virgin TV and Broadband customers. If you want to experience 5G download speeds too, your provider will be Vodafone when you pick Virgin Mobile as your operator. Virgin Mobile will be leaving EE at the end of this year and making a full switch to Vodafone.

The network also requires you to sign up for either 12 months or 24 months. As long as you’re not using the service for commercial purposes you’re good to tether on Virgin Mobile. There’s also no mention about any fair usage policy while using your SIM in the UK. As for roaming in the UK, you’re given about 15GB data per month. There’s no set in stone number so you’ll have to use Virgin’s EU fair usage calculator.

Virgin Mobile Unlimited Data Plan

24 Month Plan
Unlimited data
Unlimited mins
Unlimited texts
£20/month
12 Month Plan
Unlimited data
Unlimited mins
Unlimited texts
£25/month

BT Mobile

Pro's

  • 5G at no extra cost
  • You can switch between available plans
  • Free access to the BT Sport app on some deals
  • Free access to 5 million BT WiFi hotspots
  • WiFi Calling and 4G Calling
  • £5 discount to BT Broadband customers
  • Double data for BT Halo customers

Con's

  • Significantly pricier than competitors
  • Mandatory credit checks, all deals are long-term contracts
  • Unlimited data only available to BT Halo customers
  • Limited range of models for handsets
BT Mobile is powered by EE, and the network has an unlimited data plan. However you must have BT Halo in order to benefit from this option. There’s no fair usage policy on BT Mobile so it is also truly unlimited. Plus the network offers great perks accompanying the unlimited data deal.

There’s a 15GB allowance when you’re travelling in ‘Roam Like Home’ countries though. The carrier offers two different unlimited data deals, one for 12 months and the other for 18 months. These deals include BT Sport on the app too.

BT Mobile Unlimited Data Plan

18 Month Plan
Unlimited data
Unlimited mins
Unlimited texts
£20/month
12 Month Plan
Unlimited data
Unlimited mins
Unlimited texts
£25/month

Networks Without Unlimited Data Plans

The list below includes the rest of the mobile networks operating in the UK, but not offering an unlimited data plan of any sorts.

UK Networks Without Unlimited Data

NetworkMaximum Amount of DataPrice
100GB£20-25-30/month
20GB£20/month
10GB/12GB if you have Plusnet broadband£10/month

Half Cooked’s Overall Winner

We believe Three Mobile is still the best network when it comes to unlimited data plans. The carrier offers competitive prices, many perks including 4G Calling & Wi-Fi Calling and most importantly 5G speeds at no extra cost.

Three also offers great flexibility, while rewarding commitment with better prices. You can also get an unlimited pay as you go deal on the Three network.