Data Only SIM Cards UK
For iPads, Tablets, Routers & Mobile WiFi
Compare data only SIMs from Giffgaff and Lebara. Pop one into an iPad, tablet, 4G/5G router or mobile WiFi device — from around £5/month, no contract, no credit check, 5G included.
Data Only, No Calls
Cheaper plans without minutes you won't use
Any Device
iPads, tablets, routers, mobile WiFi
No Contract
Rolling 30-day plans from ~£5/month
What Is a Data Only SIM?
A data only SIM gives you a mobile data allowance with no calls or texts — designed for devices that aren't phones.
iPads & Tablets
Add cellular connectivity to a Wi-Fi-only iPad or Android tablet. A data only SIM means your tablet works on the train, in the car or anywhere without Wi-Fi.
4G/5G Routers
Turn a router into home broadband in minutes. Ideal for flats where fixed-line installation is slow or expensive — and there's no 18-month contract.
Mobile WiFi (MiFi)
Pocket-sized battery routers create a personal Wi-Fi bubble for laptops and multiple devices — popular with students, van lifers and site workers.
Laptops with SIM Slots
Many Windows laptops and some MacBooks have a SIM slot. A data SIM keeps you connected without draining your phone's battery via hotspot.
Cameras & Gadgets
Trail cameras, security cameras and other connected gadgets can run on a low-data SIM — a small 500MB-2GB plan is often enough.
No Credit Check
Giffgaff and Lebara data plans are rolling 30-day deals with no credit check, so you can get connected the week your SIM arrives.
Data Only SIM Deals by Network
Giffgaff Data Goodybags (O2 Network)
Dedicated data-only goodybags you can change every month — no calls or texts to pay for.
- ✓ Data goodybags from around £5/month
- ✓ O2 network - 99% UK coverage
- ✓ Data-only options from 500MB to unlimited
- ✓ 5G included at no extra cost
- ✓ Works in tablets, routers and MiFi devices
- ✓ No contract, no credit check
Lebara Data Plans (Vodafone Network)
Rolling data plans on Vodafone's network — strong 5G footprint in towns and cities.
- ✓ Plans from around £5/month
- ✓ Vodafone network coverage
- ✓ Data allowances from 2GB to unlimited
- ✓ 5G included where available
- ✓ EU roaming data allowance included
- ✓ Rolling 30-day plans, no credit check
Data Only SIMs Compared
Side-by-side look at the two no-contract networks for data only SIMs, so you can match the plan to your device.
| Feature | Giffgaff (O2 network) | Lebara (Vodafone network) |
|---|---|---|
| Data plans from | ~£5/month | ~£5/month |
| Data options | 500MB to unlimited | 2GB to unlimited |
| Calls & texts | Unlimited UK on all goodybags | Unlimited UK on all plans |
| International calls | Pay-as-you-go rates | Included to 40+ countries |
| 5G | Included at no extra cost | Included at no extra cost |
| EU roaming | Included on qualifying plans | Included allowance |
| Contract | None — rolling 30 days | None — rolling 30 days |
| Credit check | None | None |
Best for most people: Giffgaff (O2 coverage, flexible goodybags). Best for international calling: Lebara (40+ countries included).
Data Only SIM Pricing by Device
How much data different devices typically need, and what that costs on a rolling monthly plan.
Tablet / iPad
Browsing, video and messaging on the go
£5–£10/month
- ✓ 5–15GB data
- ✓ No calls or texts to pay for
- ✓ 4G/5G speeds
- ✓ No contract
Mobile WiFi / MiFi
Sharing data across several devices
£10–£20/month
- ✓ 20–50GB data
- ✓ Connect laptops + phones
- ✓ 5G included
- ✓ EU roaming
Home Broadband Replacement
4G/5G router as your main connection
£20–£35/month
- ✓ Unlimited data
- ✓ No line rental or install
- ✓ 5G included
- ✓ Cancel anytime
Prices are indicative and may change — always confirm current pricing on the network's site before ordering.
Data Only SIMs: FAQs
What is a data only SIM?
A data only SIM provides a mobile data allowance with no calls or texts. It's designed for iPads, tablets, 4G/5G routers, mobile WiFi devices and laptops with SIM slots. Giffgaff offers dedicated data goodybags and Lebara offers rolling data plans from around £5/month.
Can I use a normal SIM as a data only SIM?
Yes. Any SIM works in a tablet or router — you'd just be paying for minutes and texts you won't use. Dedicated data only plans are cheaper because they strip those out.
What size SIM do tablets and routers use?
Most devices use the standard "triple-cut" SIM that Giffgaff and Lebara post out — it punches out to nano, micro or standard size, so one SIM fits any device.
Can a data SIM replace home broadband?
Yes. An unlimited data SIM in a 4G or 5G router is a popular broadband alternative — no line rental, no installation and no fixed contract. Check indoor coverage at your address first; 5G routers can comfortably handle a household's streaming and video calls.
Do data only SIMs include EU roaming?
Lebara includes an EU roaming data allowance on its plans, and Giffgaff includes EU roaming on qualifying goodybags — useful for tablets and MiFi devices when travelling. Fair use limits apply, so check each network's terms before you go.
Ready to Get Your Devices Connected?
Order a free data SIM, pop it in your device, and you're online in minutes