Smarty SIM only deals

All you need to know about Smarty Mobile

SMARTY is a SIM-only mobile provider owned by Three. It launched in 2017 with a focus on simple, flexible mobile plans, and today offers rolling monthly SIM-only and Data Only plans.

SMARTY doesn't sell mobile phone handsets. Instead, it focuses on flexible SIM-only deals with no long-term contracts, no credit checks and no annual price rises on its rolling monthly plans.

SMARTY also offers 5G at no extra cost, EU roaming and Group Plans for customers who want to manage multiple SIMs together.

SMARTY mobile plans

SMARTY's main phone plans are rolling monthly SIM-only deals with unlimited UK calls and texts.

The available data allowances change from time to time, but SMARTY currently offers plans ranging from low-data options through to Unlimited data.

Current standard plans include:

  • 5GB
  • 16GB
  • 20GB
  • 40GB
  • 100GB
  • 150GB
  • 200GB
  • Unlimited

SMARTY regularly runs promotional offers, so the allowance available for a particular price can be higher than the standard plan.

All plans are paid for in advance and run for one month, meaning you aren't tied into a long minimum-term contract.

SMARTY Unlimited data

If you use a lot of mobile data, SMARTY's Unlimited plan includes unlimited UK data alongside unlimited calls and texts.

The Unlimited plan is also available as part of SMARTY's Everyone Unlimited Group Plan, where additional SIMs can be added for £15 per month.

View Smarty's plans

SMARTY Group Plans

SMARTY has two ways to save when you have more than one SIM:

Everyone Unlimited

Everyone Unlimited gives every member of the Group unlimited data, calls and texts.

The Group Owner pays £20 per month and each additional member costs £15 per month.

A Group can contain up to eight SIMs, so the maximum saving compared with eight individual £20 Unlimited plans is £35 per month.

Everyone Unlimited also has one payment and one renewal date for the whole Group.

Mix & Match

Mix & Match is designed for groups where people have different data requirements.

Each person chooses their own SMARTY plan and receives 10% off.

This can work out cheaper than Everyone Unlimited if some members only need a small or medium amount of data.

Both Group options can contain between two and eight SIMs.

Read our full SMARTY Group Plans guide

SMARTY Data Only SIMs

SMARTY also offers Data Only SIMs for devices that don't need traditional calls and texts.

They're suitable for:

  • Tablets
  • Mobile broadband devices
  • Wi-Fi routers
  • Dongles
  • Backup internet connections

Current Data Only options include 2GB, 15GB, 40GB, 100GB and Unlimited data.

Like SMARTY's regular plans, Data Only plans are rolling monthly and don't require a long-term contract.

View Smarty's data only plans

Why choose Smarty?

SMARTY isn't trying to be a traditional mobile network with handset finance, entertainment bundles and a suitcase full of perks.

Its appeal is much simpler: flexible SIM-only plans at straightforward prices.

Flexible monthly plans

SMARTY's plans are rolling monthly, so you're not locked into a 12-, 18- or 24-month contract.

You can change your plan when your needs change, or stop your service when you no longer need it.

This makes SMARTY particularly useful if you don't want to commit to a long-term mobile contract.

No annual price rises

SMARTY says it does not apply annual price rises to its rolling monthly plans.

That means the standard monthly price of your plan isn't automatically increased each year simply because another April has rolled around.

Promotional offers can still have their own terms and end dates, so always check the terms of the particular deal you're taking.

No credit check

SMARTY doesn't run a traditional credit check for its rolling monthly SIM plans.

You pay for your plan in advance, so there's no need for a credit agreement or lengthy minimum contract.

This can make SMARTY a useful option for people specifically looking for a SIM-only deal with no credit check.

5G included

SMARTY plans include access to 4G and 5G at no additional cost where available.

You'll need a compatible 5G phone and suitable network coverage to use 5G.

SMARTY currently quotes estimated maximum speeds of up to 70Mbps on 4G and 597Mbps on 5G, although actual speeds vary depending on your location, device, network conditions and other factors.

SMARTY's network

SMARTY is owned by Three and operates as a standalone brand.

Following the merger of Three and Vodafone, SMARTY customers can also access Vodafone network infrastructure where network sharing has been deployed.

Your phone can automatically connect to the available network, so you don't need to manually switch between Three and Vodafone.

As with any mobile provider, coverage varies by location, so it's worth checking SMARTY coverage before switching.

Unlimited calls and texts

SMARTY's standard phone plans include unlimited UK calls and texts.

These cover standard UK landlines and mobiles, as well as freephone numbers, although premium-rate and certain service numbers may be chargeable.

Calls and texts while roaming in the EU are also included on plans that include calls and texts.

Tethering and mobile hotspot

SMARTY allows you to tether your phone and use it as a personal hotspot.

There are no speed caps on tethering in the UK, although the amount of data you can use depends on the allowance of your plan.

This makes SMARTY worth considering if you occasionally need to connect a laptop or tablet when Wi-Fi isn't available.

Roaming with Smarty

SMARTY includes EU roaming with its plans.

When travelling in the EU, customers with plans that include calls and texts can use their allowances to make standard calls and send texts without an additional roaming charge.

Data is subject to a 12GB fair-use limit each month.

If you're travelling outside the EU, SMARTY works differently. You'll need to buy an Out of Plan add-on before using calls, texts or data.

SMARTY offers £5, £10 and £15 Out of Plan add-ons, with charges deducted according to the services you use.

Unused Out of Plan credit can be converted into account credit to put towards a future renewal.

If roaming is important to you, always check the destination-specific charges before travelling, as SMARTY's included EU roaming does not mean that all European countries are included.

Visit Smarty Mobile to view the full list of countries included.

SMARTY add-ons

If you need something that isn't included in your normal allowance, SMARTY offers several types of add-on.

Data add-ons are available if you need more data during your month, while Out of Plan add-ons can be used for services such as international calls, chargeable numbers and roaming outside the EU.

SMARTY's current data add-ons include:

  • 1GB
  • 2GB
  • 4GB
  • 5GB
  • 10GB
  • 15GB

Add-ons do not expire while you have an active plan, according to SMARTY's current terms.

What happened to SMARTY's Data Discount plans?

SMARTY previously offered Data Discount plans where unused data could be converted into money off the following month's plan.

These plans are no longer available to new customers.

Existing customers on a Data Discount plan can remain on it, provided they don't change plans, but new customers cannot sign up to these plans.

This means that if you're looking for a current SMARTY deal, the standard rolling monthly plans above are the relevant options.

What's good about SMARTY?

Flexible contracts

SMARTY's rolling monthly plans give you considerably more flexibility than a traditional 12- or 24-month mobile contract.

No credit checks

Because you pay in advance, SMARTY doesn't need to carry out a traditional credit check for its standard rolling monthly plans.

5G included

5G comes as standard on compatible plans and devices, with no separate 5G premium.

Group Plans

Families and groups can save money by combining multiple SMARTY SIMs.

Everyone Unlimited is particularly attractive if several people need unlimited data, while Mix & Match can be better when data usage varies between members.

EU roaming

EU roaming is included, with up to 12GB of data per month subject to SMARTY's fair-use policy.

Tethering

You can use your SMARTY phone as a personal hotspot in the UK without a separate tethering charge or speed restriction.

What's not so good about SMARTY?

SMARTY keeps things simple, which is part of its appeal, but that also means there are some things you won't get.

No mobile phone handsets

SMARTY is a SIM-only provider.

If you need a new phone bundled into your monthly contract, you'll need to buy the handset separately or choose a provider that offers handset contracts.

Fewer extras

SMARTY is primarily about the mobile plan itself.

You won't get the same range of bundled entertainment services, handset deals, rewards and other extras that some larger network operators offer.

Coverage depends on location

SMARTY uses the VodafoneThree network, but no mobile network has perfect coverage everywhere.

Check coverage at the locations where you use your phone most before switching.

Digital-first customer service

SMARTY is designed around self-service through your online account and app, with customer support available through online channels.

If you prefer walking into a shop or dealing with a traditional high-street mobile network, SMARTY may feel less familiar.

SMARTY Frequently asked questions

Which network does Smarty use?

SMARTY is owned by Three and uses the VodafoneThree network. Following the Vodafone and Three merger, SMARTY customers can access both Three and Vodafone network infrastructure where network sharing has been deployed.

Is SMARTY a good network?

SMARTY can be a good choice if you want a flexible, SIM-only deal without a long contract, credit check or annual price rise. Its suitability ultimately depends on network coverage where you live and use your phone.

Does SMARTY have 5G?

Yes. SMARTY offers 5G at no additional cost on compatible devices and where 5G coverage is available.

Does SMARTY have Unlimited data?

Yes. SMARTY currently offers an Unlimited rolling monthly plan with unlimited data, calls and texts.

How much is SMARTY Unlimited?

The standard SMARTY Unlimited plan currently costs £20 per month, although promotional offers can change the price or allowance available.

Is SMARTY really unlimited?

The UK Unlimited plan provides unlimited data for use in the UK. Roaming is subject to separate fair-use rules, including a 12GB monthly data limit in the EU.

Does SMARTY have SIM-only contracts?

SMARTY offers rolling monthly plans rather than traditional long-term SIM-only contracts.

Does SMARTY do credit checks?

No. SMARTY's rolling monthly plans don't require a traditional credit check because customers pay for their service in advance.

Can I keep my existing mobile number with SMARTY?

Yes. You can transfer your existing number to SMARTY using a PAC from your current provider.

Does SMARTY support eSIM?

Yes. SMARTY now supports eSIM on compatible devices, although the exact process can differ for Group Plans.

Can I use SMARTY in Europe?

Yes. SMARTY includes EU roaming on eligible plans. Calls and texts are included and you can use up to 12GB of your monthly data allowance in the EU, subject to the fair-use policy.

Can I use SMARTY outside Europe?

Yes, but outside the EU you'll generally need an Out of Plan add-on to use your SMARTY service.

Can I tether with SMARTY?

Yes. SMARTY allows tethering and mobile hotspot use in the UK without speed caps.

Does SMARTY sell phones?

No. SMARTY is a SIM-only provider, so you'll need to supply your own compatible handset.

Can I get a SMARTY SIM with bad credit?

Yes. SMARTY doesn't perform a traditional credit check on its rolling monthly plans.

Does SMARTY offer family plans?

Yes. SMARTY calls these Group Plans. There are two options: Everyone Unlimited and Mix & Match.

What is the SMARTY Everyone Unlimited Group Plan?

Everyone Unlimited gives every SIM in a Group unlimited data, calls and texts. The Group Owner pays £20 per month and each additional member costs £15.

What is SMARTY Mix & Match?

Mix & Match lets each member choose their own SMARTY plan and gives each SIM 10% off.

Is SMARTY good for families?

It can be, particularly if several family members want flexible SIM-only plans. Everyone Unlimited can be particularly good when multiple people need lots of data, while Mix & Match is better suited to families with different data requirements.

How do I switch to Smarty SIM only?

Switching to Smarty SIM only couldn't be easier. Once you have found the deal you want, simply click the ‘View Deal’ button. This will take you to Smarty’s website, who will guide you through the rest of the process. Or you can click the link below to go direct to the Smarty website.

Visit Smarty's website