Cheapest SIM Only Plans

In this story we cover:

• • What is a SIM only plan?
  • What are the benefits of a SIM only plan?
  • What are the cheapest SIM only plans in NZ?
  • Cheapest SIM only plans under 1GB
  • Cheapest SIM only plans for everyday users
  • Cheapest SIM only plans for high users
  • Cheapest SIM only endless data plans

What is a SIM only plan?

SIM only plans are pre-paid mobile phone plans that provide you with a SIM card and a set amount of calls, texts and data, and not a phone handset. They are designed to be used with your existing phone or device.

When you sign up for a SIM only plan, the provider gives you a SIM card, which stores your phone number and network settings. You can choose to keep an existing phone number or opt for a new one. You then prepay for calls, data and text, as required.

SIM only plans vary depending on your provider and how much you are willing to pay.

What are the benefits of a SIM only plan?

1. Cost savings

Since SIM only plans don’t include the cost of a new phone, they are generally more affordable than traditional plans. They can be ideal for those who already own a phone or are planning to buy a phone outright.

2. Flexibility

With a SIM only plan, you’re not tied to a long-term contract or device financing. This gives you the flexibility to switch easily between mobile providers or plans.

3. Upgrade freedom

You’re free to upgrade or change your phone whenever you want since you’re not locked into a device contract. This is particularly useful for those who go through phones quickly or like to stay up-to-date with the latest models.

4. Shorter commitment

Most prepaid SIM only plans are offered on a month-to-month prepaid basis, so you’re not committed to a long-term contract. However, some carriers might offer discounted rates or other perks for longer term commitments.

5. Easy switching

If, for some reason, you’re not satisfied with your current carrier or plan, it’s easy to switch your phone and number to a new provider, since you’re not tied into a long-term device payment contract.

What are the cheapest SIM only plans in NZ?

Cheapest SIM only plans under 1GB

For those who want a cheap SIM only plan to cover the basics, there are two options available for under $10.

Skinny $9 28-day plan

• 250MB data
• 100 calling minutes within NZ and Australia
• Unlimited texts within NZ and Australia

Skinny is well-known for its affordable mobile plans, without any bells and whistles. Skinny’s $9 plan is ideal for students, kids or anyone on a budget. However, if 250MB isn’t enough to get you through the month, Skinny offers a $17 monthly plan with 1.5GB of rollover data.

Warehouse Mobile $9 28-day combo

• 300MB data
• 100 calling minutes within NZ, Australia and more*
• Unlimited texts within NZ and Australia
• Free calls to other Warehouse Mobile numbers
• Free voicemail

As you can see, the Warehouse Mobile plan is a slightly better bang for your buck, offering a tad more data and additional perks like free voicemail and free calls to other Warehouse Mobile numbers. And despite being a lesser-known mobile brand, Warehouse Mobile covers 98.5% of places where Kiwis work and live, by using the 2Degrees network.

Cheapest SIM only plans for everyday users

The following plans have at least 4GB of data so you can browse, check emails and stream music while out and about.

Warehouse Mobile $35 28-day combo

• 6GB data
• Unlimited calls within NZ, Australia and more*
• Unlimited texts within NZ and Australia
• Free voicemail

This plan offers great value for the average mobile user. With unlimited texts and calls, keeping in touch with friends, family and work colleagues is easier then ever. Plus, check your voicemail at any time, for free. Note that unused carryover data can be carried over 365 days with an active product.

2Degrees $45/month plan

• 5GB
• Unlimited calls within NZ and Australia
• Unlimited texts within NZ and Australia
• Shared data
• Hotspotting included
• Group plans available from $30/month

2Degrees is one of NZ’s premier mobile providers. 2Degrees offers a free data hour with this plan. You are able to select and activate the free data hour everyday you want to use it. Carryover as much data as you can for up to a year and dish it out to friends and family who also have a 2Degrees carryover plan.

Cheapest SIM only plans for high users

For those who constantly need access to high speed data, plus texts and calling minutes, these are your best options.

Kogan Mobile ‘Large’ $35 30-day plan

• 15GB
• Unlimited calls within NZ and Australia
• Unlimited texts within NZ and Australia

If you’re considering a Kogan Mobile plan, don’t be worried about coverage. Kogan Mobile covers 98.5% of Kiwis, with 4G making up 96%. You’re able to bring your own number and device, however, you will need a Kogan Mobile SIM card. Unlike other providers, this plan from Kogan Mobile doesn’t come with Carryover data. Data expires after 30 days, or upon next renewal (whichever is first).

You can save money with this plan by purchasing the 365 day plan for $330, which saves you around $90.

Warehouse Mobile $45 28-day combo

• 15GB
• Unlimited calls within NZ, Australia and more*
• Unlimited texts within NZ and Australia
• Free voicemail

Like the other Warehouse Mobile plans on this list, this 28-day plan is great value for money. While it comes in a bit more expensive than the Kogan Mobile plan, it does offer rollover data and free voicemail.

Cheapest SIM only endless data plans

If you’re constantly away from Wi-Fi and need access to the internet, an endless data plan might be the right choice. While more expensive than other plans, it does mean you aren’t needing to worry about your usage.

Skinny $40 28-day plan

• 5GB at max speeds, including hotspotting
• Endless NZ data at reduced speeds, including hotspotting
• Unlimited calls within NZ and Australia
• Unlimited texts within NZ and Australia

Skinny’s endless data plan has all the data you could ever need. The first 5GB run at max speeds, however, the speed does slow down after that. Because this plan has unlimited data, it does not offer a rollover option, nor are you able to gift Carryover data to others.

Spark $65/month

• 14GB at max speed
• Endless NZ data at reduced speeds
• Unlimited calls within NZ and Australia
• Unlimited texts within NZ and Australia
• Team Up option available

This is Spark’s cheapest endless data plan and offers great value for price. While it’s a bit more expensive than Skinny’s $40 plan, you can use almost triple the amount of data before being impacted by reduced speeds. And, by teaming up with another person who has a Team Up plan, you can save 20% every month. The more people you add, the more you save!

*NZ, Australia, China, England, Scotland, Wales, US, India, Canada, Germany, Israel, Puerto Rico, Brazil, Mexico, Malaysia, Singapore and South Korea.

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About the author of this page

This report was written by Canstar Content Producer, Caitlin Bingham. Caitlin is an experienced writer whose passion for creativity led her to study communication and journalism. She began her career freelancing as a content writer, before joining the Canstar team.