EE UK SIM & eSIM Plans Reviewed (2026)
London consistency
80.4%
Opensignal Jan 2026, #1
Cheapest plan
GBP 16
30 GB SIM-only / 24 mo
Annual price rise
GBP 2.50
Fixed yearly increase
Unlimited fair use
600 GB
Throttle threshold
Which EE plan is best for me?
EE's value lives in SIM-only at GBP 16 for 30 GB. Heavy users go straight to an Unlimited Smart Plus tariff with included EU roaming and Inclusive Extras. EE One households save by bundling broadband. If you want EE's network at a lower price, look at 1pMobile, spusu, Lyca, Talk Home, or CMLink UK — all on the EE network.
| Plan | Contract | Price | Data | EU roaming | Notable extras | Action | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SIM-only 30 GB | 24 mo | GBP 16/mo | 30 GB | Daily charge | 5G, eSIM | Claim Deal | |
| Smart Pay Monthly | 24 mo | GBP 30/mo | Unlimited | EU included | Stay Connected, multi-line | Claim Deal | |
| Full Works iPhone | 24 mo | GBP 60/mo+ | Unlimited | Worldwide | Apple Music, AppleCare+, AppleTV+ | Claim Deal |
Prices verified against EE site on May 7, 2026. EE refreshes promotions frequently; check directly before signup.
How is EE's network in the UK and London?
EE leads consistency in London at 80.4% in Opensignal's January 2026 report and wins several experience categories including 5G games. EE typically scores well on 4G coverage nationwide and has the most-extensive 5G deployment outside London. Three leads raw 5G download speed; O2 leads 5G availability; Vodafone leads reliability.
EE supports the London Underground rollout and Elizabeth line. EE has shops at every major UK transport hub, including Heathrow Terminals 2, 3, 4, and 5, useful if you arrive needing instant SIM activation.
What are the pros and cons of EE?
Pros
- Best consistency in London (80.4% Opensignal)
- Wide 4G/5G coverage UK-wide
- Inclusive Extras: Apple Music, BT Sport, Microsoft 365
- EE One household savings with BT broadband
- Stay Connected Data when you hit your cap
- Strong shop network including airports
- eSIM, VoLTE, VoWiFi all supported
Cons
- GBP 2.50 fixed annual price rise on most plans
- Daily EU roaming charge outside premium tariffs
- 600 GB fair-use throttle on unlimited plans
- Three is faster on raw 5G in London
- O2 has more time-on-5G availability
- EE-network MVNOs (1pMobile, spusu) are much cheaper
How do I sign up for EE?
- 1Pick your plan on ee.co.uk. SIM-only is the value default; Smart Plus adds Inclusive Extras.
- 2Choose eSIM or physical SIM. eSIM activates by QR code in minutes via the My EE app.
- 3Credit check. EE runs a soft check at checkout for postpaid plans; Pay As You Go and short-term SIMs do not.
- 4Port your number. Text PAC to 65075 from your old SIM to receive your code; enter it during EE checkout. See our switching guide.
- 5Activate. Scan the eSIM QR or insert the SIM. Number ports usually within 1 working day.
What are the cheaper alternatives on the EE network?
If EE is too expensive, several MVNOs use the same EE radio:
Frequently asked questions about EE
Is EE the best network in the UK?
EE leads consistent quality in London at 80.4% in Opensignal's January 2026 report and wins several 5G experience metrics including 5G games. Three leads raw 5G download speed; O2 leads 5G availability; Vodafone leads reliability. EE is the safest premium pick for users who want steady performance over peak speed.
How much does EE cost per month?
EE's SIM-only 30 GB is GBP 16/month on a 24-month contract. Premium tariffs include Inclusive Extras like Apple Music, BT Sport, or Microsoft 365. EE One bundles broadband and mobile for combined household savings. Most SIM-only plans carry a GBP 2.50 fixed annual price rise.
Does EE include EU roaming?
EE charges a daily roaming fee in Europe outside specific premium tariffs. Full Works iPhone and certain Smart Plus tariffs keep included EU roaming. Other plans pay a daily charge each day they use mobile data abroad.
What is the EE 600 GB fair-use threshold?
EE unlimited plans apply a fair-use policy where speeds may be reduced in busy locations after a customer uses more than 600 GB in a month. The cap is generous and most users never hit it, but heavy hotspot users should know it exists.
Does EE support eSIM?
Yes. EE supports eSIM on iPhone XS or newer, Pixel 3 or newer, Galaxy S20 or newer, plus Apple Watch and other eSIM-capable devices. Activation runs through the My EE app or by visiting an EE shop.