Mobile phones

According to Ofcom’s 2026 report, the average person uses around 11GB of data per month.

That could be enough for occasional video streaming and social media scrolling, but if you browse a lot or are often on the move, you might need more.

Unlimited data is also an option, but this could be more expensive. So think about how much you really need and only pay for what you use.

Loyalty could limit your options. If you’re open to other networks (and have checked they give good coverage where you live), or would consider a different brand of phone, you could find more deals and better prices by shopping around.

Usually, the more you pay upfront, the lower your monthly payments. But there are £0 upfront contracts if you prefer to pay nothing initially.

Just be careful – you could end up paying more with a £0 upfront deal. No down payment means more risk for the provider, so some may charge interest as a result.

If you can, consider making an upfront payment you’re comfortable with.

Always check the total cost and compare different payment plans to make sure you’re not overpaying.

When you compare mobile phone deals with us, you can choose the upfront cost you’re happy with. We’ll then show you what your monthly payments will be.

Some mobile phone contracts are as long as 36 months. This may be ideal if you want to keep your monthly payments down.

However, you could end up paying more than you would on a shorter contract, especially if the price increases every year.

Also, the longer the contract, the less flexibility you usually have to shop around. If flexibility is your priority, consider a SIM-only or SIM-free deal instead.

Many networks now offer 5G coverage, but availability and reliability depend on where you live.

It’s best to check your chosen network’s coverage in advance to make sure you get the connectivity you expect before committing to a lengthy contract.

Looking for add-ons such as roaming or international calls? Some may be included in your monthly price, and others could cost extra. Double check the details if you’d like specific add-ons in your mobile phone deal.

Some networks also offer exclusive perks like discounted subscriptions and retail discounts.

These can be tempting but don’t base your decision on perks alone, as you could end up paying more for a new mobile phone than you need to.

When you compare with us, you can filter your options so you only see deals that suit your needs.

Avoid early exit fees by getting a new mobile phone deal once you’re outside your current contract.

You don’t want to pay for more data, texts or minutes than you’ll use, but going over your limits could be expensive. Find out how much you actually need and look for packages that match your usage.

Don’t get tied into a long contract if it’s unaffordable or you like to upgrade your phone often.

If you make a lot of international calls or think you’ll need to top up your data, look for add-ons that can save you money in these areas. For example, you might be able to add on an international call bundle.

Getting a new phone? See if you could make money by recycling your old one. Companies like Back Market and Music Magpie offer cash for old mobile phones.

Many networks have trade-in schemes too, which reduce your bill or offer cashback when you trade in an eligible device.

Refurbished deals give you a pre-owned phone that’s usually much cheaper than buying brand new. Just remember to check the condition – A and B grades and ‘like new’ descriptions will likely be more reliable.

If your phone contract ends and you do nothing, your provider may put you on a rolling monthly plan. That means you’ll keep paying for a handset you’ve paid off and airtime you might no longer need.

Comparing new mobile phone deals towards the end of your contract can help make sure you keep paying a fair price and that your airtime plan still suits you.