EE SIM Only Deals
UK's #1 rated network for speed
Updated April 2026 · 3 min read · Reviewed by The Free SIM Cards UK editorial team · Why trust us
What is the EE SIM only deal?
EE doesn't ship standalone free SIMs — but its SIM-only plans give you the UK's fastest 5G network, with the SIM itself free when you sign up to any plan.
It runs on Own network (BT Group), giving you 99%+ UK population, best rural reach on 4G and Largest & fastest UK 5G network on 5G. Voted UK's best network for speed and reliability multiple years running.
Plans start at SIM-only from £12/mo on the UK's fastest network. and the SIM itself is free with any plan — delivery is Next-day if ordered before 8pm. Best for power users who demand the fastest speeds and best coverage. Not sold? Compare it with our Vodafone review or O2 review.
What we like about EE
- Fastest average 5G speeds in the UK
- Excellent rural & urban coverage
- Great smart benefits (Apple TV+, BritBox)
Where EE falls short
- No standalone free SIM
- EU roaming charges apply
At a glance
Network host
Own network (BT Group)
Delivery
Next-day if ordered before 8pm
SIM types
Triple-cut SIM + eSIM
Contract
1, 12 or 24-month SIM-only
Credit check
Required
EU roaming
Roaming Pass £2.59/day in Europe
On this page⌄
Why EE doesn't offer a free SIM card
Unlike networks like giffgaff or Smarty, EE doesn't post out standalone free SIM cards. Their business model is built around paid SIM-only contracts — you get a free SIM included whenever you sign up to a plan, but there's no way to order just a SIM with no commitment.
If you specifically want a totally-free SIM with no plan, look at our free SIM comparison. Otherwise, EE's SIM-only deals start from £12/month and the SIM itself is free with any plan.
EE coverage
Voted UK's best network for speed and reliability multiple years running.
4G
99%+ UK population, best rural reach
5G
Largest & fastest UK 5G network
Host
Own network (BT Group)
Keep your existing number
Switching to EE doesn't mean losing your number. Text the word PAC to 65075 from your current SIM. You'll get a free PAC code within 60 seconds — it stays valid for 30 days. Hand it to EE during activation and your number transfers within one working day.
Our EE rating breakdown
How we tested: We compared EE against the other UK networks on public coverage data, plan pricing, customer reviews and our own delivery test.
Who EE is best for
Power users who demand the fastest speeds and best coverage.
Network coverage
Voted UK's best network for speed and reliability multiple years running.
EE vs other free UK SIM cards
How EE stacks up against the next 3 best-rated free SIM cards we reviewed.
| Network | Rating | Delivery | Contract | Credit check | EU roaming |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EE (this review) | 4.7 / 5 | Next-day if ordered before 8pm | 1, 12 or 24-month SIM-only | Required | Roaming Pass £2.59/day in Europe |
| Vodafone | 5.0 / 5 | 1–3 working days | None — PAYG or 30-day plans | Not required | Inclusive in most plans (fair-use cap) |
| O2 | 4.9 / 5 | 2–3 working days | None — PAYG or 30-day Big Bundles | Not required | Included in Europe (25GB fair-use) |
| Three | 4.8 / 5 | 1–3 working days | None — PAYG or 1/12/24-month options | Not required | Go Roam in 70+ destinations (12GB fair-use) |
EE free SIM FAQ
The verdict on the EE SIM only deal in 2026
EE wins on raw speed and coverage — if you want the best signal everywhere from city centres to country lanes, the small premium on a SIM-only plan is worth it.
Free SIM with any plan · 30-day rolling · Cancel anytime
Related guides
Ready to see EE's SIM only deals?
Plans from £12/mo. Free SIM included with every plan.
See SIM Deals →
