Vodafone Basics SIMs: what you do and don't get

What you get with Vodafone’s Basics SIMs

Vodafone’s Basics plans are a range of pay monthly SIM only contracts that are lower in cost than their regular plans and don’t need you to pass a credit check - ideal if you have bad credit history.

See the best Basics deals

You get full access to Vodafone’s 4G data network. And for calls, you get identical 2G and VoLTE (4G calling) too on Basics plans. This is important as (conventional call signal is being switch off).

If you’re planning on going abroad, you can use a Basics plan for roaming in the EU or beyond. But you will have to pay the same daily rate of £2 a day in the EU as you would on Vodafone’s regular plans.

The main benefit of these plans is their lower costs and lack of credit check. They can be a good choice for building up your credit score if you failed a credit check for a regular plan.

Useful link: See Vodafone’s full range of Basics SIMs

You do miss out on some benefits on Basics

While you’re spending less on a Basics plan, you’re also getting less out of it. You don’t get access to Vodafone’s 5G network, which is a loss as you miss out on the fastest possible data speeds.

And all Basics plans have a 100 Mbps speed cap on them. While that won’t affect you too often, you’re still missing out on the peak 4G speeds of 110+ Mbps that you can get on their regular plans.

Best Basics plans currently on Vodafone

You also don’t get WiFi calling. While their 4G calling is handy, you may struggle to get 4G in your home. In that case you won’t be able to connect to calls and texts at home once 3G and 2G are shut off.

And despite the lower costs, Vodafone will still hike up your bill every year above and beyond inflation. That makes these a lot less appealing for us, especially when many cheaper providers don’t increase your bill.

Useful link: See Vodafone’s full list of 5G locations

Talkmobile are our favourite alternative to Vodafone Basics

There are a good number of cheaper alternatives to Vodafone’s Basics plans that give you full access to Vodafone’s network and some additional benefits. Talkmobile are our favourite of these.

They offer some of the lowest prices of any provider, both on flexible 1-month plans and 12-month contracts that let you switch your plan up or down each month. And you don’t need to pass a credit check for these.

You also get a great WiFi calling scheme with 4G calling also included, so connecting to calls and texts shouldn’t be an issue. Talkmobile offer more than Vodafone’s Basics plans at even lower costs.

Best current SIM only plans on Talkmobile

ASDA and VOXI are good options as well, with flexible 1-month deals. And Lebara are another good choice that include international mins on their plans. Any of these are better than joining a Basics plan in our eyes.

Useful link: Read our guide to the best providers on Vodafone