Singtel, M1, Starhub, GOMO and More

Want to save money and get more data while having the freedom to switch telcos whenever you want?

Consider getting a no-contract SIM-Only plan!

With no contract SIM-Only plans, you’re free to jump around the moment you spot a better deal ????

So, what are the best SIM-Only plans in Singapore, and how do you choose what’s best for you?

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TL;DR: Best SIM-Only Plans Singapore (Jan 2024)

Note that information is valid as of 11 January 2024 and that prices and promotions for these sim-only plans can be changed without prior notice. 

The competition continues to heat up with the likes of MyRepublic, VIVIFI, Changi Mobile, and more, giving more data for cheaper! This month also sees more attractive sign-up bonuses, such as discounted prices for the first few months over at GOMO and Circles.life.

Jump to:

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What Is A No Contract SIM-Only Plan?

SIM-Only plans are postpaid plans that package data, talk time, and SMSes at a fixed monthly cost.

This way, you can focus on what is most important to you — which is probably data.

They function like traditional mobile phone contracts, BUT you’re not locked into any minimum contract period.

This means you are free to switch telcos or mobile plans anytime you like without penalties.

Can I Go SIM-Only And Keep My Number?

Yes! In fact, new port-ins are highly encouraged due to better deals and freebies if you are switching telcos. All you need to do is fill up the sign-up form with your existing number and the telco will settle the rest.

Which SIM-Only Plan Is Best in Singapore?

The best SIM-Only plan really depends on how much data you’ll need. Here’s how we would choose a mobile plan:

1. Look at your latest telco bills to check how much data you’ve been using monthly
2. Check for free incoming calls, call IDs, talk time and SMS if you’re old school like that
3. Narrow down a few plans from our list of SIM-Only mobile plans that cater to your data needs
4. Consider the quality of service, user experience, and mobile reception of the company (don’t just chase the highest GB per dollar as the service may not be as good)
   • We’ll cover reception briefly in this article. Alternatively, check out reviews on Seedly of the respective companies to get a better sense of user experience.
5. For those who care much about user experience, consider looking at mobile app reviews on the Apple/Google Play store.
6. After that, go forth and pick a plan knowing that you’ve done your due diligence and getting the most out of your money!

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Which Singapore Telco Has The Best Reception?

There are four Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) in Singapore:

1. M1
2. Singtel
3. StarHub
4. SIMBA (formerly TPG Mobile)

These are the 12 Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNO), aka virtual telcos, in the market right now:

1. Changi Mobile
2. Circles.Life
3. CMLink (China Mobile)
4. Geenet
5. giga!
6. GOMO
7. heya
8. MyRepublic Mobile
9. redONE
10. VIVIFI
11. Zero1
12. ZYM Mobile

Here’s a look at who’s on which MNO’s network:

Also, here is how the telcos compare in terms of coverage according to the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA)’s latest Q3 2023 (July – September) 4G quality of service performance results:

 

Singtel, M1, StarHub or SIMBA?

But while IMDA’s report shows that the MNOs are comparable, this doesn’t necessarily translate to good connection during actual usage. SIMBA, for example has been known for a pretty terrible internet connection.

Meanwhile, Singtel seems to offer the best coverage based on reviews.

So, if you want reliable coverage, I’ll probably avoid SIMBA, even though they have some of the best bang-for-buck plans, and go for Singtel or the MVNOs riding on its network.

MVNOs Deprioritisation

If you opt for MVNOs, do note that your data speeds are deprioritised when in crowded areas. For example, if you’re on the crowded North East Line train that runs underground, Singtel users will have the best speeds while users who are on VIVIFI, Zero1 and the like will have lower speeds.

Can’t ask for much if you’re going for cheaper plans!

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Cheapest SIM-Only Plans Under $15/month

Are you looking to save on recurring expenses and have no need for so much data? Here are the cheapest SIM-Only plans in Singapore!

Recommended SIM-Only Plan: Zero1 Starter

Yes, I know, Zero1 Starter isn’t exactly the cheapest since the base M1 Maxx plan is free. However, it being free is valid till further notice and when it does revert, you’ll be paying $5 for 200MB, which in most cases isn’t enough unless you are an extremely light data user.

Thus, the next cheapest and our recommended SIM-Only Plan if you are a light data user is the Zero1 Starter plan.

The Zero1 Starter plan (previously known as 6u) offers 6GB for just $7, and you get unlimited throttled data thereafter with a decent number of minutes/SMSes.

Plus, Zero1 utilises the Singtel network, which provides the most coverage out of all the other operators.

Best value SIM-Only Plan: Zero1 Z-One 4G Plus

This month, most Singtel MVNOs have been offering 100GB plans for a little over $10. But the Zero1 Z-One 4G Plus comes in cheapest with 100GB for $10.09. 

100GB is great even for moderate data users. However, do note that these plans offer a high amount of data but do NOT have unlimited throttled data thereafter.

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Mid-Range SIM-Only Plans ($15 – $30/Month)

These plans are for you if you don’t mind paying a bit more each month for more data.

Recommended/Best Value SIM-Only Plan: MyRepublic Mobile’s Unlimited Data Plan

With a value of (theoretically) infinity, you can opt for MyRepublic Mobile’s Unlimited Data plan, which costs $25.90 per month for unlimited 4G data capped at 10 GB a day with managed speeds thereafter.

Moreover, MyRepublic uses StarHub and M1, both major operators with coverage second only to Singtel.

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Premium SIM-Only Plans for Heavy Data Users (≥$30 – $50/Month)

Data-hungry? These plans are the most suitable for you!

Though you’ll probably need to fork out much more to satiate that hunger.

Recommended/Best value: Circles.Life 5G (300GB)

If you’re paying top dollar for a SIM-Only plan, you’ll want lots of data, the fastest speeds, and more! Surprisingly at just $40 per month, the Circles.Life 5G (300GB) gives you 300GB data on 5G speeds plus unlimited talk time and SMSes!

At the time of publishing, you can get the plan at a discounted rate of $30 for the first 3 months.

You’ll also enjoy the Circle of Joy loyalty programme to get even more value!

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5G SIM-Only Plans

Have a 5G-enabled phone and are ready to take your surfing speed to the next level?

Here are all the 5G plans available for you to make a comparison:

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SIM-Only Plans For Seniors And Family

In addition, there are also SIM-Only plans for seniors and SIM-Only plans for families that you might want to check out too:

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Are SIM-Only Plans Worth It When Compared to Fixed Plans?

Here’s what we found:

Spoiler alert: you’ll be saving lots of money!

Plus, you’re getting more bang for your buck in terms of data, too!

Besides saving on your data plans, remember to charge your mobile bills to credit cards to maximise your spending!

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