Are you tired of long-term mobile contracts that don’t match your needs or budget? You’re not alone. With Singapore’s mobile penetration rate reaching 108% in 2022, many are adopting flexible SIM-only plans.
However, the competitive market makes finding the best SIM-only plan in Singapore challenging. This comprehensive guide will compare the top 5 SIM-only plans for 2024, helping you make an informed decision that maximises value and aligns with your unique requirements.
| Sim Plan / Provider | Data Allowance | Monthly Cost | Best For |
| Singtel 5 GB | 5 GB | SGD 10 | Light data users |
| StarHub giga | 80 GB | SGD 18 | Moderate data users |
| MyRepublic Unlimited Data | Unlimited | SGD 48 | Heavy data users |
| M1 Bespoke | 70 GB | SGD 17 | Families and multi-user plans |
| VIVIFI Roam | 40 GB (Local), 5 GB (Roaming) | SGD 29.90 | Frequent travelers |
Table of Contents
What are SIM-Only Plans in Singapore?
SIM-only plans are mobile subscription plans with a SIM card but do not include a subsidised handset. These plans offer users greater flexibility, cost savings, and freedom from long-term contracts compared to traditional mobile plans.
With SIM-only plans, users can enjoy lower monthly fees as they are not paying for a bundled device. This allows them to choose their preferred handset separately or continue using their existing one. Additionally, most SIM-only plans do not require a contract, allowing users to switch providers or plans as their needs change.
Which is the Right Sim-Only Plan for You?
Choosing the best SIM-only plan depends on your individual needs and usage patterns. To make the right decision, you’ll need to assess your data needs, consider your calling and texting habits, evaluate network quality and coverage, and explore additional features offered by different providers.
Assess Your Data Needs
To determine the right data allowance for your SIM-only plan, start by tracking your monthly data usage. You can use your phone’s built-in data monitoring feature or your mobile provider’s app. Review your data consumption over the past few months to identify your average usage.
This will help you choose a plan with a data allowance that meets your needs without overpaying for unused data. Consider factors such as browsing habits, streaming preferences, and frequency of using data-intensive apps like social media or navigation services.
Consider Your Calling and Texting Habits
Evaluating your calling and texting habits, in addition to data usage, is crucial when selecting a SIM-only plan. Review your previous bills or use your provider’s app to determine your average monthly call minutes and SMS usage.
This information will help you choose a plan with sufficient call minutes and SMS allowances to avoid additional charges. Some plans offer unlimited local calls and texts, which may be suitable for heavy users, while others provide a set number of minutes and SMS messages that can be sufficient for light to moderate users.
Network Quality and Coverage
Network quality and coverage should be top priorities when searching for the best telco in Singapore. A reliable network ensures consistent access to voice calls, SMS, and mobile data services, even in remote or crowded areas.
To determine which telco offers the best coverage, visit their official websites and look for coverage maps or enter your address to check signal strength in your area. You can also consult online forums or ask friends and family about their experiences with different providers to make an informed decision.
Additional Features
When comparing SIM-only plans, don’t forget to consider additional features that can enhance your mobile experience or provide added value. Some plans offer international roaming options, allowing you to use your mobile services while traveling abroad at discounted rates or with special data packages.
Data rollover is another useful feature that lets you carry over unused data from one month to the next, ensuring that you get the most out of your plan. Some telcos also provide special add-ons or bundled services for streaming platforms like Netflix or Spotify, or social media apps like Facebook or Instagram, which can be particularly attractive if you frequently use these services.
Top SIM-Only Plans in Singapore for 2024
To help you find the best SIM-only plan for your needs, we’ve compiled a list of the top plans available in Singapore for 2024, broken down into five categories.
Best for Light Data Users
| Plan / Provider | Singtel 5 GB | M1 5 GB | StarHub 5 GB |
| Data (GB) | 5 GB | 5 GB | 5 GB |
| Talk Time (Minutes) | 150 | 100 | 100 |
| SMS | 500 | 100 | 100 |
| Monthly Cost (SGD) | SGD 10 | SGD 15 | SGD 12.50 |
| Contract Term | No contract | No contract | No contract |
| Special Features | Data rollover, Free incoming calls | Free caller ID, Data rollover | Free incoming calls, Caller ID |
| Network Coverage | Singtel | M1 | StarHub |
Singtel 5GB:
Ideal for light data users who primarily use Wi-Fi and need minimal data. Affordable at SGD 10/month with data rollover and free incoming calls. Singtel’s extensive network coverage ensures reliable connectivity.
StarHub 5GB:
It’s suitable for light data users who don’t need much data or SMS. The plan comes with free incoming calls and caller ID at a competitive price of SGD 12.50/month.
M1 5GB:
A good option for light data users who want data rollover and free caller ID. Slightly pricier at SGD 15/month, but M1’s network coverage is reliable.
Best for Moderate Data Users
| Plan / Provider | Singtel giga | Singtel Combo 12 | M1 Bespoke 40 GB |
| Data (GB) | 80 GB | 60 GB | 40 GB |
| Talk Time (Minutes) | 1000 | 800 | 300 |
| SMS | 1000 | 800 | 300 |
| Monthly Cost (SGD) | SGD 18 | SGD 20 | SGD 17 |
| Contract Term | No contract | 12 Months | No contract |
| Special Features | Free incoming calls, Caller ID | Data rollover, Free incoming calls | Data rollover, Customizable plan |
| Network Coverage | Starhub | M1 | M1 |
StarHub giga:
Ideal for moderate data users who consume data regularly for browsing, social media, and occasional video streaming. The plan offers a generous 80 GB data allowance, 1000 minutes of talk time, and 1000 SMS at an affordable price of SGD 18/month, as mentioned in the introduction table.
Singtel Combo 12:
Suitable for moderate data users who value data rollover and free incoming calls. The plan provides 60 GB of data, 800 minutes of talk time, and 800 SMS at SGD 20/month with a 12-month contract.
M1 Bespoke 40GB:
Perfect for moderate data users who prefer a customizable plan. With 40 GB of data, 300 minutes of talk time, and 300 SMS at SGD 17/month, this plan allows users to adjust their data, talk time, and SMS allocations according to their needs.
Best for Heavy Data Users
| Plan / Provider | Circles.Life 120GB | MyRepublic Unlimited Data | TPG 100 GB |
| Data (GB) | 120 GB | Unlimited | 100 GB |
| Talk Time (Minutes) | 500 | 1000 | 500 |
| SMS | 200 | 1000 | 50 |
| Monthly Cost (SGD) | SGD 28 | SGD 48 | SGD 25 |
| Contract Term | No contract | No contract | No contract |
| Special Features | Data rollover, Caller ID | Unlimited data, Free incoming calls | Data rollover, Free incoming calls |
| Network Coverage | M1 | Starhub | TPG |
Circles.Life 120GB:
An excellent choice for heavy data users who want a large data allowance at an affordable price. The plan offers 120 GB of data, 500 minutes of talk time, and 200 SMS at SGD 28/month, with data rollover and caller ID.
MyRepublic Unlimited Data:
Perfect for the heaviest data users who require unlimited data. The plan provides unlimited data, 1000 minutes of talk time, and 1000 SMS at SGD 48/month, with free incoming calls. It runs on StarHub’s network, ensuring reliable coverage.
TPG 100GB:
A great option for heavy data users who want a large data allowance at a competitive price. The plan offers 100 GB of data, 500 minutes of talk time, and 50 SMS at SGD 25/month, with data rollover and free incoming calls. TPG has its own network coverage in Singapore.
Best for Families and Multi-User Plans
| Plan / Provider | M1 Bespoke Family Plan | Singtel MobileShare | StarHub giga Share |
| Data (GB) | 120 GB (Shared) | 160 GB (Shared) | 200 GB (Shared) |
| Talk Time (Minutes) | 1000 per line | Unlimited | 1000 per line |
| SMS | 1000 per line | Unlimited | 1000 per line |
| Monthly Cost (SGD) | SGD 17 per line (up to 4 lines) | SGD 58 for 2 lines, SGD 88 for 4 lines | SGD 75 for 2 lines, SGD 140 for 4 lines |
| Contract Term | No contract | 12 Months | No contract |
| Special Features | Customisable plan, Data rollover | Free incoming calls, Data rollover | Free incoming calls, Caller ID |
| Network Coverage | M1 | Singtel | StarHub |
M1 Bespoke Family Plan:
Perfect for families who want a customisable plan with shared data. The plan offers 120 GB of shared data, 1000 minutes of talk time, and 1000 SMS per line at SGD 17 per line for up to 4 lines. Users can adjust their data, talk time, and SMS allocations based on their needs.
Singtel MobileShare:
Ideal for families who want unlimited talk time and SMS with a large shared data allowance. The plan provides 160 GB of shared data, unlimited minutes of talk time, and unlimited SMS at SGD 58 for 2 lines or SGD 88 for 4 lines, with a 12-month contract. It also includes free incoming calls and data rollover.
StarHub giga Share:
Suitable for families who consume a lot of data and want a generous shared data allowance. The plan offers 200 GB of shared data, 1000 minutes of talk time, and 1000 SMS per line at SGD 75 for 2 lines or SGD 140 for 4 lines, with no contract. It also includes free incoming calls and caller ID.
Best for Frequent Travelers
| Plan / Provider | Circles.Life Roam Boost | Singtel ReadyRoam | VIVIFI Roam giga Share |
| Data (GB) | 100 GB (Local), 4 GB (Roaming) | 80 GB (Local), 3 GB (Roaming) | 40 GB (Local), 5 GB (Roaming) |
| Talk Time (Minutes) | 100 (Local), 20 (Roaming) | 500 (Local), 30 (Roaming) | 300 (Local), 100 (Roaming) |
| SMS | 25 (Local), 20 (Roaming) | 500 (Local), 30 (Roaming) | 100 (Local), 100 (Roaming) |
| Monthly Cost (SGD) | SGD 38 | SGD 40 | SGD 29.90 |
| Contract Term | No contract | No contract | No contract |
| Special Features | Data rollover, Caller ID | Free incoming calls, Data rollover | Data rollover, Free incoming calls |
| Network Coverage | M1 | Singtel | StarHub |
Circles.Life Roam Boost:
Ideal for frequent travelers who want a balance of local and roaming data, talk time, and SMS. The plan offers 100 GB of local data and 4 GB of roaming data, along with 100 minutes of local talk time, 20 minutes of roaming talk time, 25 local SMS, and 20 roaming SMS at SGD 38/month, with data rollover and caller ID.
Singtel ReadyRoam:
Perfect for frequent travelers who need a generous local data allowance and decent roaming data. The plan provides 80 GB of local data and 3 GB of roaming data, with 500 minutes of local talk time, 30 minutes of roaming talk time, 500 local SMS, and 30 roaming SMS at SGD 40/month, with free incoming calls and data rollover.
VIVIFI Roam:
Suitable for frequent travelers who prioritize roaming data and talk time. The plan offers 40 GB of local data and 5 GB of roaming data, with 300 minutes of local talk time, 100 minutes of roaming talk time, 100 local SMS, and 100 roaming SMS at SGD 29.90/month, with data rollover and free incoming calls. It runs on StarHub’s network, ensuring reliable coverage.
Customer Service and User Satisfaction
When choosing a SIM-only plan, it’s crucial to consider the level of customer service and overall user satisfaction each telco provides. A responsive and efficient customer support team can significantly improve your experience, especially when you need assistance with billing, technical issues, or plan upgrades.
To help you make an informed decision, we’ve compiled an overview of customer service ratings for various telco brands in Singapore based on user feedback and industry surveys.
| Telco | Customer Service Rating (Out of 5) | User Satisfaction Score (%) |
| Circles.Life | 4.5 | 90% |
| Singtel | 4.2 | 85% |
| StarHub | 4.0 | 82% |
| M1 | 3.8 | 80% |
| MyRepublic | 3.6 | 75% |
| TPG | 3.5 | 70% |
Circles.Life:
Circles.Life’s impressive customer service rating of 4.5 and user satisfaction score of 90% can be credited to its proactive approach to customer support, personalised assistance, and user-friendly mobile app for seamless account management.
Singtel:
With a customer service rating of 4.2 and a user satisfaction score of 85%, Singtel’s high ratings can be attributed to its efficient customer support, prompt issue resolution, and user-friendly mobile app for account management.
StarHub:
StarHub’s customer service rating of 4.0 and user satisfaction score of 82% are a result of its knowledgeable support staff, comprehensive online resources, and responsive social media presence for addressing customer queries.
M1:
M1’s customer service rating of 3.8 and user satisfaction score of 80% are due to its 24/7 customer support, easy-to-navigate website, and helpful online chat feature for quick assistance.
MyRepublic:
MyRepublic’s customer service rating of 3.6 and user satisfaction score of 75% indicate that while it provides adequate support, there is room for improvement in terms of response times and issue resolution efficiency.
TPG:
TPG’s lower customer service rating of 3.5 and user satisfaction score of 70% suggest that users may experience occasional delays in receiving support or resolving complex issues, highlighting the need for TPG to enhance its customer service efforts.
Expert Tips for Maximising Your SIM-Only Plan in Singapore
Managing Data Usage
To make the most of your SIM-only plan and avoid unexpected charges, it’s essential to manage and monitor your data usage effectively. Here are some tips to help you stay within your plan’s data limits:
- Set data alerts: Most telcos offer the option to set data usage alerts via their mobile apps or online portals. By setting alerts at specific thresholds (e.g., 50%, 80%, and 100% of your data allowance), you can stay informed about your consumption and adjust your usage accordingly.
- Monitor your data usage regularly: Keep track of your data usage by checking your telco’s mobile app or online account dashboard. This will help you identify any unusual spikes in consumption and take corrective measures if needed.
- Use Wi-Fi whenever possible: Connect to Wi-Fi networks at home, work, or in public places to reduce your reliance on mobile data. This can significantly help you conserve your data allowance for when you truly need it.
- Disable background data: Some apps continue to use data in the background even when you’re not actively using them. Disable background data for non-essential apps to prevent unnecessary data consumption.
- Opt for lower video quality: Streaming videos in high resolution can quickly deplete your data allowance. Consider lowering the video quality settings on streaming platforms like YouTube, Netflix, or TikTok to consume less data without significantly compromising the viewing experience.
Leveraging Promotions
One of the best ways to maximise value and savings when choosing a SIM-only plan is to take advantage of promotional offers. Here’s some advice on how to leverage these promotions and where to find them:
- Check telco websites: Regularly visit the official websites of telcos like Singtel, StarHub, M1, and Circles.Life to stay updated on their latest promotions. Look for banners or dedicated promotion sections highlighting current deals and discounts on SIM-only plans.
- Follow telcos on social media: Follow the official social media accounts (Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter) of telcos to receive updates on promotional offers, flash sales, and limited-time discounts. These channels often feature exclusive deals that may not be available on their websites.
- Subscribe to newsletters: Sign up for telco newsletters to receive promotional offers and discount codes directly in your inbox. This ensures you never miss out on a great deal or limited-time offer.
- Compare plans on third-party websites: Utilize comparison websites like SIMPLYs Shop Samsung, GoBear, or CompareHero to browse and compare SIM-only plans from various telcos. These platforms often highlight ongoing promotions and help you find the best deals based on your usage needs.
- Look for bundle deals: Keep an eye out for bundle deals that offer discounts on SIM-only plans when combined with other services like home broadband or digital subscriptions. These bundle promotions can provide significant savings and added value.
Using the Right Credit Card for Payments
Using the right credit card to pay your SIM-only plan bills can help you maximise returns and enjoy additional benefits. Here’s how you can make the most of your credit card payments:
- Look for telco-specific rewards: Some credit cards offer bonus rewards or cashback specifically for telco payments. For example, the Citi Cash Back+ Mastercard provides 1.6% cashback on telco bills, while the OCBC 365 Credit Card offers 3% cashback on mobile and broadband subscriptions.
- Exploit online transaction rewards: Certain credit cards provide additional rewards for online transactions, which can be advantageous when paying your SIM-only plan bills through the telco’s website or app. The UOB EVOL Card, for instance, offers 8% cashback on online purchases, including telco payments.
- Utilise recurring bill payment benefits: Some credit cards offer bonus rewards or fee waivers when you set up recurring bill payments. The Standard Chartered Unlimited Cashback Credit Card provides 1.5% cashback on all eligible spending, including recurring telco bills, with no minimum spend requirement.
- Take advantage of sign-up bonuses: When applying for a new credit card, look for sign-up bonuses that can provide additional value when you use the card to pay your SIM-only plan bills. These bonuses may include cashback, reward points, or bill rebates.
- Redeem rewards for telco vouchers: If your credit card allows you to redeem rewards points for merchant vouchers, check if any telco-specific vouchers are available. You can then use these vouchers to offset your SIM-only plan bills or purchase additional services.
Conclusion
Choosing the best SIM-only plan in Singapore requires careful consideration of your usage habits, budget, and desired features. By evaluating your needs and comparing the various plans available, you can find the one that offers the best value for your lifestyle and ensures a seamless mobile experience.
