Best SIM-Only Plans in Singapore (Oct 2024): Singtel, M1, Starhub, GOMO & 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?

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

Note that information is valid as of 18 Nov 2024 and that prices and promotions for these sim-only plans can be changed without prior notice. 

Jump to:

• What is a no-contract SIM-only plan?
• Which SIM-Only Plan Is Best in Singapore?
• Which Singapore Telco Has The Best Reception?
• Cheapest SIM-Only Plans (Under $15/month, 3 – 60GB typically)
• Mid-range SIM-Only Plans ($15 – $30/month, 50 – 300GB typically)
• Premium SIM-Only Plans for Heavy Data Users ($30 – $50/month, 100GB – 1TB typically)

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 out 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 Q2 2024 (April – June) 4G quality of service performance results:

Source: IMDA

4G/5G Network Coverage Map Singapore

Alternatively, you can find an interactive map of network coverage in Singapore by visiting nperf.

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, note that your data speeds are deprioritised when you are 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 a highly light data user.

Thus, the next cheapest and recommended SIM-Only Plan if you are a light data user (typically between 1GB – 10GB/month) is the Zero1 Starter plan.

The Zero1 Starter plan (previously known as 6u) offers 56GB for just $7.06, 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: VIVIFI Roam Value

As its name implies, VIVIFI Roam Value gives you an insane $0.08 cost per GB at a super cheap price of just $7.70 for 100GB! If you need a little more than the 56GB that Zero1 Starter provides, this is the next best thing as it also uses the Singtel network.

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Mid-Range SIM-Only Plans ($15 – $30/Month): Some 5G SIM-Only Plans

These plans are for you if you don’t mind paying a bit more each month for more data. Some of these plans come with 5G as well!

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

Premium SIM-Only Plans for Heavy Data Users (>$30 – $50/Month): Mostly 5G SIM-Only Plans

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

Though you’ll probably need to fork out much more to satiate that hunger. On the bright side, most of these plans have 5G!

Recommended/Best value: Circles.Life 5G Special (1TB)

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 Special (1TB) gives you up to 1TB of data on 5G speeds plus unlimited talk time!

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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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?

Although this article is from last year the principle of it is still valid. 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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