How our prices compare with buying direct
We show the network's own published SIM only price next to ours so you can see the saving over the full term.
Every deal card that has a like-for-like equivalent shows what the network charges for the same allowance directly, and what you save over the term. Here is exactly how that comparison is built.
Key takeaways
- We compare SIM only against SIM only, on a similar allowance and term.
- Plans bundled with entertainment extras are excluded from the comparison.
- Savings are shown per month and totalled over the full term.
- Both prices include VAT.
Every deal card that has a like-for-like equivalent shows what the network charges for the same allowance directly, and what you save over the term. Here is exactly how that comparison is built.
Key takeaways
- We compare SIM only against SIM only, on a similar allowance and term.
- Plans bundled with entertainment extras are excluded from the comparison.
- Savings are shown per month and totalled over the full term.
- Both prices include VAT.
What we compare
The comparison uses the networks' own published SIM only prices for a similar data allowance on a similar term. Plans that come bundled with entertainment subscriptions or other extras are deliberately left out — those extras have value, but they make a price comparison meaningless.
Where there is no reasonable like-for-like equivalent, the card simply shows our price with no saving claimed.
How the saving is worked out
We take the difference between the direct price and our price for the same allowance, then multiply it by the contract length: 24 months on a fixed term, or 12 months for a rolling monthly plan so the figure represents an annual saving.
Both sides of the comparison include VAT at 20%, so you are comparing the number you actually pay.
What the saving doesn't include
The saving is based on starting prices. Both our price and the direct price are subject to the same annual increase, so the comparison holds at the point of sale rather than being a guarantee of the exact cash difference in month twenty-three.
Direct prices change frequently. We refresh the reference prices we hold and always show the network's price alongside ours so you can check it yourself.
Frequently asked questions
Why do some deals not show a saving?
Because there is no comparable published SIM only plan on that network for the same allowance and term, or the closest equivalent includes entertainment extras.
Are the compared prices including VAT?
Yes. Every headline price on the site, and the direct price we compare it against, includes VAT at 20%.
Do savings hold for the whole contract?
The saving reflects starting prices. Both plans are subject to the usual annual increase, so treat the total as an indication over the term rather than a fixed guarantee.
Next steps
Frequently asked questions
Why do some deals not show a saving?
Because there is no comparable published SIM only plan on that network for the same allowance and term, or the closest equivalent includes entertainment extras.
Are the compared prices including VAT?
Yes. Every headline price on the site, and the direct price we compare it against, includes VAT at 20%.
Do savings hold for the whole contract?
The saving reflects starting prices. Both plans are subject to the usual annual increase, so treat the total as an indication over the term rather than a fixed guarantee.
Deals mentioned in this guide
Prices include VAT and show the saving against the network’s own published price where a like-for-like plan exists.
O2 Unlimited
Unlimited streaming and tethering
Fixed for the full 24 month term
Compared against O2 direct, you save £192 over the 24 month term
That’s £8/month less than their £23 price for the same allowance.
Unlimited
Data
24 months
Contract
Vodafone Unlimited
Unlimited streaming and tethering
Fixed for the full 24 month term
Compared against Vodafone direct, you save £216 over the 24 month term
That’s £9/month less than their £26 price for the same allowance.
Unlimited
Data
24 months
Contract