Cheap SIM Only Deals
Don't overpay on SIM-only mobile deals - We compare plans to cover all use-types, including low-users wanting 1GB of data, minutes and texts for less than $10/month
Updated 2 October 2023
Summary
Our best buy SIM-only plans are grouped by user type:
- Smartphone contracts can end up costing a lot every month – but if you separate your phone from your mobile provider, you can save a lot with a SIM-only deal.
- Whatever your needs and habits, there's a good chance you're paying to much at the moment. Switching to a cheaper provider is easy, and you can keep your number with no hassle.
- This guide lists everything you need to know when looking for a new SIM only plan and our top picks for low, medium and high data users.
- We analysed 60+ SIM-only plans available in New Zealand offered by 9 different providers (2degrees, Farmside, Kogan, Mighty Mobile, One NZ (previously Vodafone), Skinny, Spark, Slingshot and Warehouse Mobile). We found that there was no real difference in prices between pre-paid and monthly plans. The only exception was for annual pre-paid plans, which offered savings of over 10% versus the same plan when pre-paid in monthly instalments.
- Please note - Kogan doesn't allow you to reply to short text. This post explains more about why that can be an issue for anyone receiving appointment SMS.
Our best buy SIM-only plans are grouped by user type:
"SIM Only" Must-Know Facts and Tips
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SIM only means you are not paying for a phoneAll SIM only plans only cover a service which includes data, minutes and/or texts. You don't pay anything with regards to a phone device, as each plan requires you to have an existing phone.
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The known networks are NOT the cheapest in most instancesNew Zealand's recent arrival of Mighty Mobile, Skinny and Warehouse Mobile offer cheaper data and calling bundles than the likes of Spark, One NZ (previously Vodafone) and 2Degrees. If you're with a big network, you're probably overpaying.
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Most SIM-only deals are for 28 days, 30 days or one monthThis means you've got more flexibility to cancel, upgrade or downgrade the plan you pick. You can switch providers without paying penalties.
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Even though contracts are 30 days, you will probably have a credit check doneWhile this is mostly a formality, if you do have bad credit your application may be declined and you will need to stick to a pay-as-you-go SIM provider. See our credit score and credit reporting guide for more information. Also, if you're already paying off a phone you may be flagged as a higher risk customer.
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Check the promotion and special offer detailsThere is no point signing up to an offer that locks you in for 12 months if the offer pricing or bonus data/minutes only applies for the first 3 months. Check out exactly what you’re paying over the entire contract period.
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Pick a SIM Only plan that offers the allowance you NEEDDon’t overpay for things you don’t need. If you have internet at home and don’t watch TV on your phone, it’s unlikely you’ll need 10GB of data and unlimited minutes.
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You'll need to have an unlocked phoneCheck your phone, as some phones from Telecom, Vodafone, Skinny and 2degrees will be SIM-locked to their networks. You can find out if the phone is locked by putting a SIM from another provider. To unlock your phone, you’ll need an IMEI number - you can find it by dialling *#06# on most phones or look for it on the label in the battery compartment, or on the box the phone came in.
Each provider’s website gives guidance about unlocking a phone, which is free if your phone is out of contract, or around $30 if it’s in a contract. Phones bought from overseas or via Trade Me will specify if they are unlocked or locked, so always buy an unlocked phone to save any hassle and extra costs. |
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Check the signal strength where you live and workThere is no point picking a provider if it doesn’t work in your lounge or bedroom. These links just need your address to show if you’ll get 3G, 4G or 5G
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Switching from a contract to a SIM deal? Tell your current service provider ASAP!Monthly plans usually require notice a month in advance, so as soon as you know you’re leaving the plan, advise your provider. You will have to pay the final month’s bill, so it’s best to buy the new provider’s sim first and organise your new deal to start as your current provider’s billing month finishes, therefore avoiding being stranded and paying twice for two plans at changeover time.
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Keeping your number is easyOnce you have a new provider’s SIM, you can submit a change of number request online via their website. It’s usually processed in one or two working days and you can call the new provider’s support team if you have any issues.
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Our Comparison - Finding You the Best Deal for Your Needs
As explained in our summary, we analysed 60+ SIM-only plans available in New Zealand offered by 9 different providers (2degrees, Farmside, Kogan, Mighty Mobile, One NZ (previously Vodafone), Skinny, Spark, Slingshot and Warehouse Mobile). We found that there was no real difference in prices between pre-paid and monthly plans. The only exception was for annual pre-paid plans, which offered savings of over 10% versus the same plan when pre-paid in monthly instalments.
Our methodology
Different people have different needs in terms of data and minutes for calls, so there’s no one-size-fits-all plan that can be singled out as the best option for everyone. Instead, we have looked at the characteristics of each plan and specifically the amount of data per month compared to their monthly price to assess if plans are good value or not. Our comparison process was as follows:
With this information, we have picked the plans that we consider are the best plans in each category, but we present all the plans we evaluated and whether or not we consider them good value.
You can download the spreadsheet with all details of our comparison here.
Our methodology
Different people have different needs in terms of data and minutes for calls, so there’s no one-size-fits-all plan that can be singled out as the best option for everyone. Instead, we have looked at the characteristics of each plan and specifically the amount of data per month compared to their monthly price to assess if plans are good value or not. Our comparison process was as follows:
- First, we categorised the type of user the plans are aimed at, based on their data needs. We defined Low users as those that need less than 4GB per month, Medium users as those that need between 4GB and 8GB and High users as those that require more than 8GB per month.
- Plans have different frequencies, they can be billed every 7, 14, 28, 30 or 365 days. To compare them on an even basis, we divided the cost of the plan by the number of days (cost per day) and then multiplied this by 30 to arrive at a monthly price. We did something similar for the data limit, so we could look at the “Data per month” that would apply over a 30-day period.
- Some plans offered additional data like 8GB upon sign up (Skinny), or 1GB of data for social media apps (Spark, “socialiser data”). We prorated these allowances and added them to the “Data per month” mentioned before.
- For plans that provide unlimited data, we used 150GB as the data allowance for our monthly data calculation.
- Finally, we used the Ratio of “Price per month to Data per month”, and sorted all plans based on this ratio. A lower ratio indicates better value.
- For each user category (Low / Medium / High), we looked at the average Price/Data Ratio and rated each plan’s value as “Good”, “Average” or “Below Average”.
- We also include details about each plan, like if it offers endless data, hotspot/tethering capabilities or 5G coverage.
- We have not applied any promotional discounts or temporary offers, but where possible we have listed their existence. We have also not deducted from the monthly cost the value of benefits in kind like Spotify subscriptions.
With this information, we have picked the plans that we consider are the best plans in each category, but we present all the plans we evaluated and whether or not we consider them good value.
You can download the spreadsheet with all details of our comparison here.
Best SIM Only Phone Plans
Once you know which network(s) cover your home and work locations, and you know how much data you’ll need, look for the best deals that fit this. We present the results of our analysis below and highlight the plans we consider would be the best buys. We categorised users by their data needs as follows:
As 4G covers around 95% of Kiwi homes and workplaces, all the below best buys come with 4G data (unless otherwise stated) and 5G where available.
- Low users: data consumption below 4GB
- Medium users; data consumption between 4GB and 8GB
- High users: data consumption above 8GB
As 4G covers around 95% of Kiwi homes and workplaces, all the below best buys come with 4G data (unless otherwise stated) and 5G where available.
1. Low Users
For light users who want the convenience of a reasonable data limit and enough minutes, these plans provide up to 3GB data per month.
Our favourite SIM-only plans for low users (below 4GB of data per month) are the following:
Our favourite SIM-only plans for low users (below 4GB of data per month) are the following:
Kogan Mobile Small Plan (Annual or 30 day) |
Warehouse $25 Combo 3GB Rollover Data |
Skinny 3GB Rollover Data |
15 |
25 |
27 |
30 days |
28 days |
28 days |
1.5 GB data/month |
3 GB data/month |
3 GB data/month |
Unlimited minutes |
Unlimited minutes |
300 minutes |
Save if you pay annually instead of monthly |
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These are all the plans we analysed the for this category, sorted by the amount of data they provide. We indicate in the last column if we consider they provide good value or not.
| Provider | Plan name | Data limit (in GB) | Minutes | Price | Days | Endless data? | Hotspot? | 5G? | Network provider | Moneyhub evaluation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Skinny | 100MB Data 7-Days | 0.1 | 60 | $5 | 7 | No | Yes | Yes | Spark | Below average value |
| Spark | Rollover Plan $15 | 0.1 | Unlimited | $15 | 30 | No | Yes | Unspecified | Spark | Below average value |
| Skinny | 250MB | 0.25 | 100 | $9 | 28 | No | Yes | Yes | Spark | Below average value |
| 2degrees | 250MB Carryover data | 0.25 | 100 | $10 | 30 | No | Yes | Yes | 2degrees | Below average value |
| Warehouse Mobile | $9 Combo 300MB Rollover Data | 0.3 | 100 | $9 | 28 | No | Unspecified | Unspecified | 2degrees | Average value |
| Spark | Rollover Plan $25 | 0.5 | Unlimited | $25 | 30 | No | Yes | Unspecified | Spark | Below average value |
| 2degrees | 650MB Carryover data | 0.65 | 100 | $10 | 14 | No | Yes | Yes | 2degrees | Below average value |
| OneNZ | Popular combo 1GB | 1 | 100 | $15 | 28 | No | Yes | Yes | OneNZ | Below average value |
| Warehouse Mobile | $15 Combo 1.25GB Rollover Data | 1.25 | 200 | $15 | 28 | No | Unspecified | Unspecified | 2degrees | Good value |
| 2degrees | 1.25GB Carryover data | 1.25 | 150 | $15 | 14 | No | Yes | Yes | 2degrees | Average value |
| Spark | Prepaid value pack $20 | 1.25 | 200 | $20 | 28 | No | Yes | Unspecified | Spark | Below average value |
| Skinny | 1.5GB Rollover Data | 1.5 | 200 | $17 | 28 | No | Yes | Yes | Spark | Good value |
| Spark | Data lovers pack $20 | 1.5 | 0 | $20 | 28 | No | No | Unspecified | Spark | Good value |
| Kogan | Small (Annual) | 1.5 | unlimited | $160 | 365 | No | Yes | Yes | OneNZ | Good value |
| Kogan | Small (Monthly) | 1.5 | unlimited | $15 | 30 | No | Yes | Yes | OneNZ | Good value |
| 2degrees | 1.5GB Carryover data | 1.5 | 200 | $19 | 30 | No | Yes | Yes | 2degrees | Average value |
| OneNZ | Popular combo 1.5GB | 1.5 | 200 | $20 | 28 | No | Yes | Yes | OneNZ | Average value |
| Slingshot | Basic | 1.5 | 200 | $20 | 30 | No | Unspecified | Unspecified | 2degrees | Below average value |
| Spark | Prepaid value pack $30 | 2 | 300 | $30 | 28 | No | Yes | Unspecified | Spark | Average value |
| 2degrees | 2GB Carryover data | 2 | Unlimited | $20 | 14 | No | Yes | Yes | 2degrees | Below average value |
| Slingshot | Value | 2.5 | 300 | $25 | 30 | No | Unspecified | Unspecified | 2degrees | Below average value |
| Warehouse Mobile | $25 Combo 3GB Rollover Data | 3 | unlimited | $25 | 28 | No | Unspecified | Unspecified | 2degrees | Good value |
| Skinny | 3GB Rollover Data | 3 | 300 | $27 | 28 | No | Yes | Yes | Spark | Good value |
| 2degrees | 3GB Carryover data | 3 | 300 | $30 | 30 | No | Yes | Yes | 2degrees | Good value |
| OneNZ | Popular combo 3GB | 3 | 300 | $30 | 28 | No | Yes | Yes | OneNZ | Good value |
| 2degrees | 3GB Carryover data | 3 | 300 | $35 | 30 | No | Yes | Yes | 2degrees | Average value |
| Spark | Rollover Plan $39.99 | 3 | Unlimited | $39.99 | 30 | No | Yes | Unspecified | Spark | Average value |
2. Medium Users
For users wanting 4GB to 8GB of data, we’ve selected below what we considered to be the best plans:
Kogan Mobile Medium Plan (Annual or 30 day) |
Warehouse Mobile $35 Combo 6GB Rollover Data |
2degrees 8GB Carryover data |
25 |
35 |
45 |
30 days |
28 days |
30 days |
4 GB data/month |
6 GB data/month |
8 GB data/month |
Unlimited minutes |
Unlimited minutes |
Unlimited minutes |
Save if you pay annually instead of monthly |
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These are all the plans we analysed the for this category, sorted by the amount of data they provide. We indicate in the last column if we consider they offer good, average or below average value:
| Provider | Plan name | Data limit (in GB) | Minutes | Price | Days | Endless data? | Hotspot? | 5G? | Network provider | MH evaluation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kogan | Medium (Annual) | 4 | unlimited | 250 | 365 | No | Yes | Yes | OneNZ | Good value |
| Kogan | Medium (Monthly) | 4 | unlimited | 25 | 30 | No | Yes | Yes | OneNZ | Good value |
| Spark | Prepaid value pack $50 | 4 | 500 | 50 | 28 | No | Yes | Unspecified | Spark | Average value |
| Spark | Data lovers pack $40 | 4.5 | 0 | 40 | 28 | No | No | Unspecified | Spark | Average value |
| Farmside | Endless Mobile Lite Plan 5 GB | 5 | Unlimited | 45 | 30 | Yes | Yes | Unspecified | OneNZ | Average value |
| Skinny | 5GB Endless Data | 5 | unlimited | 40 | 28 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Spark | Average value |
| Contact | Small | 5 | Unlimited | 40 | 30 | Yes | Yes | Yes | OneNZ | Average value |
| 2degrees | 5GB Carryover data | 5 | Unlimited | 45 | 30 | No | Yes | Yes | 2degrees | Below average value |
| OneNZ | Small | 5 | Unlimited | 45 | 30 | Yes | Yes | Yes | OneNZ | Below average value |
| Warehouse Mobile | $35 Combo 6GB Rollover Data | 6 | unlimited | 35 | 28 | No | Unspecified | Unspecified | 2degrees | Good value |
| Slingshot | Unlimited Texts & Calling | 6 | Unlimited | 43 | 30 | No | Unspecified | Unspecified | 2degrees | Below average value |
| OneNZ | Popular combo 8GB | 8 | 100 | 40 | 28 | No | Yes | Yes | OneNZ | Good value |
| 2degrees | 8GB Carryover data | 8 | Unlimited | 45 | 30 | No | Yes | Yes | 2degrees | Good value |
3. High Users
Our favourite plans for high data users, who need above 8GB of data per month, are the following:
Mighty mobile Fast plan (10Mbps) (Annual or Monthly) |
One NZ - One Plan |
MyRepublic Plus (40Mbps) |
40 |
80 |
45 |
30 days |
30 days |
30 days |
Unlimited data at full speed |
Unlimited data at full speed |
Unlimited Data at 40Mbps |
Unlimited minutes |
Unlimited minutes |
Unlimited minutes |
Save if you pay annually instead of monthly, Other plans available with higher speeds. |
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Here is a summary of all the plans we analysed, we indicate in the last column if we consider they provide good, average or below average value:
| Provider | Plan name | Data limit (in GB) | Minutes | Price | Days | Endless data? | Hotspot? | 5G? | Network provider | MH evaluation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Skinny | 10GB Endless Data 7-days | 10 | unlimited | 20 | 7 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Spark | Good value |
| Slingshot | Ultra | 12 | Unlimited | 55 | 30 | No | Unspecified | Unspecified | 2degrees | Below average value |
| Spark | Endless Plan $65 | 14 | Unlimited | 65 | 30 | Yes | Yes | Unspecified | Spark | Below average value |
| Kogan | Large (Annual) | 15 | unlimited | 330 | 365 | No | Yes | Yes | OneNZ | Good value |
| Kogan | Large (Monthly) | 15 | unlimited | 35 | 30 | No | Yes | Yes | OneNZ | Average value |
| Warehouse Mobile | $45 Combo 15GB Rollover Data | 15 | unlimited | 45 | 28 | No | Unspecified | Unspecified | 2degrees | Average value |
| Farmside | Endless Mobile Regular Plan 15 GB | 15 | Unlimited | 65 | 30 | Yes | Yes | Unspecified | OneNZ | Average value |
| Skinny | 15GB Endless Data | 15 | unlimited | 50 | 28 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Spark | Below average value |
| 2degrees | 15GB Carryover data | 15 | Unlimited | 60 | 30 | No | Yes | Yes | 2degrees | Below average value |
| 2degrees | 15GB Carryover data | 15 | Unlimited | 60 | 30 | No | Yes | Yes | 2degrees | Below average value |
| OneNZ | Medium | 15 | Unlimited | 65 | 30 | Yes | Yes | Yes | OneNZ | Below average value |
| Contact | Medium | 16 | Unlimited | 60 | 30 | Yes | Yes | Yes | OneNZ | Below average value |
| Farmside | Endless Mobile Premium Plan 40 GB | 40 | Unlimited | 70 | 30 | Yes | Yes | Unspecified | OneNZ | Good value |
| Skinny | 40GB Endless Data | 40 | unlimited | 70 | 28 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Spark | Good value |
| Spark | Prepaid value pack $80 | 40 | unlimited | 80 | 28 | Yes | Yes | Unspecified | Spark | Average value |
| Spark | Endless Plan $85 | 50 | Unlimited | 85 | 30 | Yes | Yes | Unspecified | Spark | Good value |
| 2degrees | 100GB Endless data | 100 | Unlimited | 75 | 30 | Yes | Yes | Yes | 2degrees | Good value |
| 2degrees | 120GB Endless data | 120 | Unlimited | 85 | 30 | Yes | Yes | Yes | 2degrees | Good value |
| My Republic | Starter (2Mbps) | Unlimited | Unlimited | 25 | 30 | Yes | Yes | Yes | OneNZ | Good value |
| Mighty mobile | Fast plan (10Mbps) (Annual) | Unlimited | Unlimited | 399 | 365 | Yes | Yes | Yes | OneNZ | Good value |
| Mighty mobile | Fast plan (10Mbps) (Monthly) | Unlimited | Unlimited | 40 | 30 | Yes | Yes | Yes | OneNZ | Good value |
| Mighty mobile | Faster Plan (50Mbps) (Annual) | Unlimited | Unlimited | 499 | 365 | Yes | Yes | Yes | OneNZ | Good value |
| My Republic | Plus (40Mbps) | Unlimited | Unlimited | 45 | 30 | Yes | Yes | Yes | OneNZ | Good value |
| Mighty mobile | Faster Plan (50Mbps) (Monthly) | Unlimited | Unlimited | 50 | 30 | Yes | Yes | Yes | OneNZ | Good value |
| Mighty mobile | Fastest Plan (MAX Speed) (Annual) | Unlimited | Unlimited | 799 | 365 | Yes | Yes | Yes | OneNZ | Good value |
| My Republic | Max (Max Speed) | Unlimited | Unlimited | 75 | 30 | Yes | Yes | Yes | OneNZ | Good value |
| OneNZ | One Plan | Unlimited | Unlimited | 80 | 30 | Yes | Yes | Yes | OneNZ | Good value |
| Mighty mobile | Fastest Plan (MAX Speed) (Monthly) | Unlimited | Unlimited | 80 | 30 | Yes | Yes | Yes | OneNZ | Good value |
| Contact | Large | Unlimited | Unlimited | 80 | 30 | Yes | Yes | Yes | OneNZ | Good value |
| Spark | Endless Plan $100 | Unlimited* | Unlimited | 100 | 30 | Yes | Yes | Unspecified | Spark | Good value |
Complain about your network using the Telecommunications Dispute Resolution (TDR)
Telecommunications Dispute Resolution (TDR) deals with complaints from consumers about any product or service provided by their telecommunications company. As the customer of a New Zealand network, you have the right to make a complaint. It's a free and independent service, but you will need to follow their process to progress a complaint.
Before you complain, you'll need to raise the issue with your network directly via their complaints form or customer service team
The process of complaining with TDR is outlined here. Their helpful FAQs outline what you can expect, and case studies about recent complaints about telecommunication companies in general. The process is impartial, and once a decision is made, Your network will (usually) abide by the ruling should it be in the wrong.
Before you complain, you'll need to raise the issue with your network directly via their complaints form or customer service team
- Once you have done this, you must wait for a response.
- The network will respond, but if you are unable to agree with their response and your complaint becomes deadlocked, after six weeks has passed you can raise a complaint with the TDR.
The process of complaining with TDR is outlined here. Their helpful FAQs outline what you can expect, and case studies about recent complaints about telecommunication companies in general. The process is impartial, and once a decision is made, Your network will (usually) abide by the ruling should it be in the wrong.
