Virgin Mobile SIM only plans: how their May deals compare

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We find out if Virgin Mobile's current best SIM only deals are cheaper than their competition on other UK mobile networks this month. SIM Sherpa is your trusty guide. Last updated: 16th May 2022.
Virgin's best SIM only deals
Our highest-rated SIM only deal on Virgin Mobile this month
Out of all the SIM only plans available this May on Virgin Mobile, we'd say their best value deal is their 12‑month SIM below, which gets you 10GB data, plus unlimited minutes and texts for £7 a month:
In comparison to the rest of Virgin's current SIM only plans, it's one of the best. But it is beatable on price, even if you're set on joining a provider that uses the Vodafone network. Here are the networks offering it cheaper:
They've also got a 5GB for £6 SIM plan at the moment
For a smaller amount of data, another option for you on Virgin, is their 12‑month SIM below, which costs £6 a month for 5GB data and comes with unlimited minutes and texts:
It does enough to get into our pick of Virgin's best SIMs but that doesn't mean it's unbeatable on price. Other providers (even ones that use the Vodafone network) can beat it. See the networks that beat it here:
Virgin's £11 for 36GB is our next best choice now
For people who need even more data, Virgin have got a £11 deal on SIM only we think's worth looking at. It gets you 36GB data, unlimited minutes and texts and it's a 24‑month plan:
Compared to Virgin's other deals, this comes out among the best. But it's worth knowing you can get a lower price elsewhere, even on other providers that use the Vodafone network. Here are the networks where it'd cost less:
Their £13 SIM with 45GB is our next favourite this May
If you want even more data, we think this 45GB is one of the best SIM only plans on Virgin Mobile too. It's on a 12‑month deal, comes with unlimited minutes and texts - all for £13 a month:
It might be one of Virgin's best deals on SIM only but you can get a lower price for a similar plan on other providers, even ones that use the Vodafone network. See which networks that are cheaper here:
Compare all SIM only plans
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How Virgin Mobile's deals compare with other networks

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More about Virgin Mobile's SIM only plans
How Virgin Mobile’s SIM only prices and benefits compare
In our full review of Virgin Mobile, we said we liked the fact that Virgin give you full access to Vodafone’s network coverage and data speeds, while also offering a massive network of WiFi hotspots (see our Vodafone vs Virgin guide).
For SIM only you’ve got the choice of a 12-month or 24-month contract with them. Their 24-month contracts tend to be cheaper per month, but it’s worth comparing here to check for any hidden deals.
They’re a cheaper way onto the Vodafone network than going with Vodafone directly and tend to be one of the cheapest networks especially on their larger data deals.
They also offer some nice benefits on top of low prices. You get unlimited data to use these social media apps, a decent data rollover scheme, inclusive roaming in 43 EU destinations and a nice family discount for broadband and TV customers.
Useful link: Our full guide to Virgin Mobile’s network
Useful information about Virgin Mobile’s SIM only deals
Virgin will send your SIM card by Royal Mail within 3-5 working days. The package you get will have each size of SIM in it, so you can fit it in any phone. Virgin don’t offer eSIMs (see the networks that do).
As with any network, you get 14 days to return your SIM after it arrives if you’re not happy with it. You will be charged for using any of your data, so you’ll only get a full refund if you haven’t used it. See more info here.
To join on their pay monthly SIM only plans you’ll have to pass a credit check so that Virgin know you can afford to pay each month. There are no pay as you go options on Virgin, so there’s no way around this.
If you want to keep your number when switching from another provider to Virgin, you should request a PAC from your old provider and give it to Virgin at any point. You can read Virgin’s instructions on how to do this here.
Useful link: Virgin Mobile’s SIM only plans