SIM Only Business Contracts Compared: EE vs Vodafone vs O2 vs Three (2026)

Last updated: April 2026

Choosing between SIM only business contracts is one of the most impactful decisions you can make for your company's mobile spend. The difference between the cheapest and most expensive network for the same data allowance can be 40% or more per line per month. Multiply that across a team and the numbers become significant very quickly.

We have been comparing SIM only deals for UK businesses since 2008 at Compare The Networks. We are OFCOM regulated, rated 4.3/5 on Trustpilot from over 1,000 reviews, and we have helped more than 2,000 businesses find better deals. Our service is completely free. The networks pay us, not you.

This guide puts every major SIM only deal side by side so you can see exactly what each network offers, where they excel, and where they fall short. No fluff, no filler, just straightforward comparison from people who do this every day.

If you want a personalised comparison based on your postcode and usage, get a free quote and we will have recommendations from all four networks within 24 hours.

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SIM Only Business Deals: The Full Comparison Table

Here is a direct comparison of business SIM only deals across all four UK networks. All prices shown are ex VAT and based on 12-month contract terms unless otherwise stated.

Important: These are indicative starting prices for multi-line business accounts. Your actual price depends on the number of lines, your postcode, and promotions running at the time you enquire. Multi-line discounts of 10-25% are common for businesses with 5+ lines. Get an exact quote for your specific requirements.

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EE Business SIM Only Deals

EE consistently leads the UK on network coverage and 5G availability. Their 4G reaches approximately 99% of the UK population, and their 5G rollout is further ahead than any other network. For businesses where dropped calls or patchy data are not acceptable, EE is the default choice.

What EE Offers

EE's business SIM only plans start from around £12 per line per month for 10GB on a 12-month contract. Their range covers 10GB through to unlimited data, with all plans including 5G access at no extra cost. Wi-Fi calling is standard, which is genuinely useful in buildings where mobile signal struggles to penetrate.

Their Smart plan tier and above includes EU roaming at no additional daily charge, covering 47 destinations. For teams that travel to Europe regularly, this is a meaningful cost saving compared to paying roaming fees on cheaper networks.

Where EE Excels

• Coverage: If your team works across rural and urban areas, EE will have the most consistent signal. Sales teams, delivery drivers, and field engineers benefit most from this.
• 5G speed: In areas with 5G coverage, EE's speeds are the fastest of the four networks. For teams that tether their laptops to their phones, this makes a noticeable difference.
• Business support: EE's dedicated business support line is generally well-regarded. Wait times are reasonable and the agents understand business account structures.
• Multi-line pricing: For teams of 20+ lines, EE's negotiated bulk rates become very competitive. The premium over cheaper networks narrows significantly at volume.

Where EE Falls Short

• Price: EE is the most expensive network for smaller accounts. If you only need a handful of SIM only lines, you will pay more per line than on Three or Vodafone for equivalent data.
• Contract flexibility: EE's 30-day rolling options exist but carry a more noticeable premium over their 12-month contracts compared to other networks.
• Roaming on basic plans: The cheapest EE SIM only deals do not include roaming. You need to be on a Smart plan or above to get EU roaming included, which pushes the price up.

Who Should Choose EE SIM Only?

Businesses where signal reliability is non-negotiable. Teams that cover large geographic areas. Companies with 20+ lines where bulk negotiation closes the price gap. Anyone in a coverage-challenged postcode where EE is the only network with solid signal.

Compare EE SIM only deals for your business

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Vodafone Business SIM Only Deals

Vodafone occupies the middle ground. Not the cheapest, not the most expensive, but with the widest roaming coverage of any UK network and solid all-round performance.

What Vodafone Offers

Vodafone's business SIM only range starts from around £10 per line per month for 10GB. Their standout feature is inclusive roaming across 83 destinations on their Essentials plans and above. That is significantly more countries than any other UK network includes as standard.

All plans include 5G where available, and Vodafone's network coverage has been improving steadily. They sit in second place behind EE for overall UK coverage.

Where Vodafone Excels

• Roaming: If your team travels internationally, particularly within Europe, Vodafone's 83-destination inclusive roaming is the best in the market. No daily charges, no bolt-ons needed, just use your phone abroad as you would at home.
• Bolt-on flexibility: Vodafone's add-on structure is genuinely useful for businesses with varied usage patterns. One team member needs extra international minutes, another needs more data. You can tailor each line without putting everyone on an expensive all-inclusive plan.
• Small business support: Vodafone's support for smaller accounts (5-15 lines) is solid. You get access to their business portal for line management, usage tracking, and billing without needing a dedicated account manager.
• European presence: For businesses with European operations, Vodafone's network presence across the continent means more consistent roaming performance than networks that rely purely on roaming agreements.

Where Vodafone Falls Short

• 5G coverage: Vodafone's 5G rollout lags behind EE. In many areas, you will be on 4G where EE users have 5G. For most business use this is not a major issue, but if your team relies on fast mobile data, it is worth noting.
• Rural coverage: While improving, Vodafone's coverage in deep rural areas is not as strong as EE. Check coverage at your specific postcodes before committing.
• Mid-contract price rises: Like all networks, Vodafone applies annual CPI-linked price increases during your contract. Their specific formula has been CPI + 3.9% in recent years, which can add up over a 12-month term.

Who Should Choose Vodafone SIM Only?

Businesses with regular European travel. Small to medium teams (5-15 lines) wanting solid all-round performance without paying EE's premium. Companies that need bolt-on flexibility for varied usage across the team.

Compare Vodafone SIM only deals for your business

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O2 Business SIM Only Deals

O2 sits in the middle of the market on pricing but has carved out specific strengths in contract flexibility and their Priority rewards programme.

What O2 Offers

O2's business SIM only plans start from around £11 per line per month for 10GB. Their range mirrors the other networks, running from 10GB up to unlimited data with 5G included on all plans. O2's differentiator is their approach to flexible contracts and the Priority programme, which gives business customers access to exclusive offers and early event ticket access.

Where O2 Excels

• Contract flexibility: O2 has historically been more flexible on contract terms than the other three networks. Their business team is often willing to accommodate mid-contract changes, additional lines, or adjusted allowances without penalising you.
• Priority rewards: While it sounds like a consumer perk, O2 Priority actually has business applications. Event ticket access and dining offers can be used for client entertainment, team rewards, or corporate hospitality at no additional cost.
• Wi-Fi calling: O2's Wi-Fi calling implementation works well, which is a genuine benefit for businesses in buildings with thick walls or basement offices where mobile signal is weak.
• Business flexibility plans: O2 offers some of the most flexible short-term options, including rolling 30-day contracts that are only marginally more expensive than their 12-month equivalents.

Where O2 Falls Short

• Roaming: O2's roaming is less generous than Vodafone's. Their Europe Zone costs an additional daily fee on most plans, which adds up for frequent travellers. This is a significant weakness for businesses with international travel.
• Rural coverage: O2's coverage in rural areas is not as comprehensive as EE's. In our experience, O2 performs best in major urban centres and less reliably in the countryside.
• Pricing at the top end: O2's unlimited data plans are among the most expensive of the four networks. If you need unlimited, Three or Vodafone offer better value.

Who Should Choose O2 SIM Only?

Urban businesses that value contract flexibility. Companies that want the Priority programme for client entertainment or team perks. Businesses that do not travel abroad frequently and want a solid mid-range option with good support.

Compare O2 SIM only deals for your business

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Three Business SIM Only Deals

Three is the value champion. Consistently the cheapest across every data tier, with unlimited data starting lower than some networks charge for 50GB.

What Three Offers

Three's business SIM only plans start from around £8 per line per month for 10GB. Their unlimited data plan at approximately £18 per line is the cheapest unlimited offering in the market. All plans include 5G where available, and their Go Roam feature provides inclusive roaming in 71 destinations on Advanced plans.

Where Three Excels

• Price: There is no way around it. Three is the cheapest network for SIM only business contracts at every data tier. For budget-conscious businesses, Three is the first place to look.
• Unlimited data value: At approximately £18 per line for unlimited, Three undercuts everyone. This is particularly relevant for businesses where employees tether their laptops, work from vehicles, or use mobile data as their primary internet connection.
• Simplicity: Three's plan structure is the most straightforward of the four networks. Less tiering, fewer add-on options, fewer confusing bolt-on combinations. You pick your data allowance and you are done.
• Coverage improvement: Three's network has improved significantly over the past two to three years. Their coverage gap with the other networks has narrowed considerably, and in many urban and suburban areas they now match Vodafone and O2.

Where Three Falls Short

• Coverage in rural areas: Despite the improvements, Three still has the weakest coverage of the four networks in rural and remote areas. If your team operates in the countryside, check Three's coverage at your exact postcodes before committing.
• Business support: Three's business support infrastructure is less mature than EE's or Vodafone's. For larger accounts, the level of dedicated account management is not as strong. For small teams this rarely matters, but for 20+ line accounts it can be a frustration.
• Roaming limitations: While Go Roam covers 71 destinations, it is only included on Advanced plans. The cheaper plans require an add-on for roaming, and the destinations list is narrower than Vodafone's 83-country offering.

Who Should Choose Three SIM Only?

Budget-conscious businesses in urban and suburban areas. Teams that need unlimited data without paying a premium. Sole traders and small businesses looking for the most cost-effective option. Any business where Three's coverage at their specific locations is solid.

Compare Three SIM only deals for your business

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Who Should Choose SIM Only?

SIM only is not for everyone, but it is the right choice for the majority of UK businesses. Here is a straightforward decision framework.

SIM Only Is Right for You If:

• Your team's phones are in good condition. If your handsets have at least 12 months of useful life remaining, there is no reason to pay for a new phone bundled into your contract.
• Your previous handset contracts have expired. If you are past the initial contract term and still paying the same monthly rate, you are paying for phones that are already fully paid off. Switching to SIM only immediately reduces your monthly bill.
• You prefer to buy phones separately. Many businesses find it more cost-effective to buy handsets outright (or through a business lease) and pair them with cheap SIM only plans.
• You want flexibility. SIM only contracts are available on 30-day rolling terms, giving you the ability to scale up or down as your team changes.
• You want to reduce costs immediately. SIM only plans start from around £6+VAT per month. That is a fraction of what most handset contracts cost.

SIM Only Might Not Suit You If:

• Everyone needs new phones right now. If your entire team needs handset upgrades, a bundled contract might be simpler. Although even then, buying phones separately and going SIM only is often cheaper overall.
• You want one single monthly payment. Some businesses prefer the simplicity of one bill covering the phone and airtime. That is a valid preference, even if it costs slightly more.
• Cash flow is tight. Buying handsets upfront requires capital. If spreading the phone cost over monthly payments is essential for your cash flow, a handset contract achieves that.

For a more detailed breakdown of the cost differences, see our guide on SIM only vs handset contracts.

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SIM Only vs Contract with Handset: The Numbers

The financial case for SIM only is clear when you look at the total cost of ownership. Here is how the two approaches compare over a 24-month period.

The real savings come in scenarios two and three. If your team already has working phones, switching to SIM only saves the entire handset subsidy portion of your current contract. For 10 lines, that can easily be £2,000-4,000 per year.

Even when you need to buy new phones, SIM only plus outright purchase is typically cheaper because handset contracts include a margin on the device cost. You are essentially paying interest on a phone loan built into your monthly rate, even though the networks never describe it that way.

For businesses with growing teams, SIM only also offers the advantage of onboarding new employees faster. A SIM only plan can be activated in hours, whereas handset contracts require credit checks and delivery logistics.

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How to Get the Best SIM Only Deal for Your Business

Finding the right SIM only deal is not just about picking the cheapest price on a comparison table. Here is what actually matters.

1. Check Coverage First, Price Second

The cheapest deal in the market is worthless if you cannot get a signal where your team works. Before comparing prices, check each network's coverage at your key postcodes. EE will win on coverage in most locations, but there are plenty of areas where Three, Vodafone, or O2 are perfectly adequate.

We check coverage at every client's postcode as the first step in our comparison process. It immediately eliminates networks that will not work for your specific locations.

2. Calculate Your Actual Data Usage

Most businesses overestimate their data needs. A typical office worker on Wi-Fi most of the day uses 5-15GB of mobile data per month. Only employees who are regularly away from Wi-Fi, those who tether their laptops, or those in video calls on the road genuinely need 50GB or unlimited.

Check your current usage in your network's business portal before choosing your data tier. Overpaying for data you never use is one of the most common sources of waste on business mobile accounts.

3. Factor in the Total Cost, Not Just the Monthly Price

Annual mid-contract price increases (typically CPI + 3.9%), out-of-bundle roaming charges, and overage fees can all inflate your real cost well beyond the headline monthly rate. Read our guide to understanding the total cost of business mobiles for a complete breakdown.

4. Negotiate Multi-Line Discounts

If you have 5 or more lines, you should be getting a multi-line discount. The networks do not always advertise these. Discounts of 10-25% are standard for businesses with 5-50 lines, and larger accounts can negotiate even deeper reductions.

This is one of the main areas where a comparison service like ours adds value. We negotiate bulk rates that are not available on network websites or in shops.

5. Time Your Switch

If you are mid-contract, check your early termination fees before switching. Sometimes it is cheaper to pay the termination fee and move to a cheaper SIM only deal. Other times, waiting until your contract ends is more cost-effective. We calculate this for you as part of our free comparison.

Get a free, personalised comparison with exact pricing from all four networks.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is a SIM only business contract?

A SIM only business contract provides you with a SIM card (or eSIM) that gives your business line calls, texts, and mobile data, without including a handset. You supply your own phone and pay only for the airtime. This results in significantly lower monthly costs compared to contracts that bundle in a phone.

Are SIM only deals available on all four UK networks?

Yes. EE, Vodafone, O2, and Three all offer SIM only business deals. Pricing, data allowances, and included features vary between networks, which is why a proper comparison is worth the time.

Can I keep my existing phone number on a SIM only deal?

Absolutely. You can port your existing business number to any SIM only deal on any network. Text PAC to 65075 from the phone to receive your Porting Authorisation Code, then give it to your new provider. The switch happens within one working day.

How much can I save by switching to SIM only?

Most businesses save 30-60% on their monthly mobile costs by moving from handset contracts to SIM only. The exact saving depends on what you are currently paying and which SIM only deal you choose. Get a free quote and we will calculate your exact savings.

Do SIM only plans include 5G?

Yes. All four UK networks include 5G access on their business SIM only plans at no extra charge. Your phone needs to be 5G-capable to use 5G speeds, but the SIM plan itself does not restrict your access.

Can I get a 30-day rolling SIM only contract?

Yes, all four networks offer 30-day rolling options for business SIM only. These typically cost £1-3 more per month than 12-month contracts but give you the flexibility to cancel or change with just 30 days' notice.

What is the cheapest business SIM only deal available?

SIM only business deals start from around £6+VAT per month for low data allowances. For a practical business allowance of 10-25GB, expect to pay from around £8-15 per line per month depending on the network and number of lines.

Is there a difference between consumer and business SIM only deals?

Yes. Business SIM only deals include dedicated business support, multi-line management portals, VAT-compliant invoicing, spend management tools, and access to business-specific pricing tiers. The network infrastructure and coverage are the same, but the service wrapper is designed for commercial use.

Can I mix SIM only and handset contracts on the same account?

Yes. Every major UK network allows a mix of SIM only lines and handset contract lines on a single business account. This is common for businesses where some employees have working phones and others need new handsets.

How does Compare The Networks help with SIM only deals?

We compare SIM only business contracts across EE, Vodafone, O2, and Three to find the best deal for your specific requirements. We check coverage at your postcode, negotiate multi-line discounts, handle number porting, and support you throughout the contract. Our service is completely free and OFCOM regulated. Get started with a free quote.

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Get Your Free SIM Only Comparison

Stop overpaying for business mobiles. Whether you need 5 lines or 50, we will compare SIM only deals from all four networks and find the one that fits your business, your locations, and your budget.

Here is what happens when you get a free quote:

1. Tell us how many lines you need, your postcode, and your typical data usage
2. We check coverage and compare every SIM only deal available to your business
3. We come back with a clear recommendation, exact pricing, and an honest explanation of why
4. If you want to go ahead, we handle everything. If not, no hard feelings

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For a broader view, see how all business mobile deals compare across networks.

Compare The Networks is a trading name of Xtra Phones UK Ltd, an OFCOM-regulated comparison service. We have helped thousands of UK businesses find the right business mobile deals since 2008. See also our guides to reducing business mobile costs and business mobile roaming.