1&1 vs sim.de vs winSIM (2026): Drillisch Family Compared
Side-by-side
| Feature | 1&1 | sim.de | winSIM |
|---|---|---|---|
| Network | 1&1 5G | 1&1 5G | 1&1 5G |
| Entry tariff | 10 GB €9.99 intro / €14.99 | 40 GB €8.99/mo | 10 GB €6/mo |
| Mid tier | 60 GB €9.99 intro / €19.99 | 90 GB available | 20 GB €8.99/mo, 40 GB €10.99/mo |
| High tier | 120 GB €9.99 intro / €24.99 | Up to 90 GB | 60 GB €14.99/mo + Unlimited On Demand |
| 5G speed | Up to 300 Mbit/s | 1&1 5G | 1&1 5G |
| eSIM | Yes, free | Yes | Yes |
| Contract term | Monthly or 24-month | Monthly or 24-month | Monthly |
| Retail / shops | 1&1 shops nationwide | Online-only | Online-only |
| Customer service | Full German + English | Online support | Online support |
Verdict
Pick 1&1 if…
- You want the brand-name customer service
- You like the first-3-months €9.99 intro pricing
- You may visit a 1&1 shop for support
- You want a household bundle with 1&1 broadband
Pick sim.de if…
- You want most data for the money (40 GB €8.99)
- Online-only signup is fine
- You don't need brand-name customer service
- You sort by €/GB
Pick winSIM if…
- You want the cheapest absolute tariff (€6/mo)
- 10 GB is enough for your usage
- Online-only signup is fine
- You want Unlimited On Demand on the 60 GB tier
Frequently asked questions
Are 1&1, sim.de, and winSIM really the same network?
Yes. All three are owned by United Internet / Drillisch and run on the 1&1 5G network. Where 1&1's own infrastructure doesn't reach, the SIM falls back to Vodafone via roaming agreement. Network coverage and speed are identical across the three brands.
Why is 1&1 more expensive than sim.de and winSIM?
Brand-name customer service and retail. 1&1 has shops, phone support, household bundle promotions, and slick onboarding. sim.de and winSIM are stripped-down online-only brands. The trade-off: you save €5-10/month with sim.de or winSIM but lose access to in-person support.
Is the 1&1 5G network as good as Telekom or Vodafone?
Improving fast, but still behind. 1&1 launched its infrastructure in 2023 and reached ~95% nationwide 5G coverage by early 2026. connect's 2025 network test placed 1&1 fourth of four. In Berlin, Hamburg, Munich the gap to the others is small. In rural areas, Telekom is significantly better.
Are intro prices on 1&1 a trap?
No, they're clearly disclosed. The €9.99 first-3-months price applies to all 1&1 All-Net-Flat tiers. After 3 months, ongoing prices are €14.99 / €19.99 / €24.99. You can cancel monthly. sim.de and winSIM don't use this intro model — what you pay first month is what you pay ongoing.