The Best Three Deals & Plans Analyzed For Every Type of User

What’s The Best Three Deal Right Now? It Depends…

The way you use your phone and consume data is totally unique. No two people do it the same. You might require all the mobile data you can get your hands on, while someone else might only need 1GB per month. 

There is no simple answer to what is the best Three deal right now. It’s a little more nuanced than simply saying, GET THIS ONE, IT’S AWESOME, because it depends on what YOU need and what YOU want to pay. 

This page breaks down all of Three’s current plans and deals for 2024 across its SIM-only, PAYG, and rolling monthly contract offers.

The idea is simple: you find the style of plan that suits you the most, then you pick a cost you can handle.

Only you know what you can afford, so when you have the knowledge of how things work in a macro sense, you can easily pick the best deal for your exact needs and wants.

Not sure what any of that means? Don’t worry, I’ve provided an explanation of each style of plan and how it works in practice below. By the end, I promise you’ll know more about phone plans than 99.9% of people.

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Which Type of Plan Is Right For You? Let’s Unpack The PROS & CONS of Each…

OK, there’s gonna be a short version of this (and a long one, which you can read below). The short version is an infographic that basically highlights everything you need to know.

The long version (click here to read it) is a detailed overview of each of the plans, what they include, and their individual pros and cons.

Here’s the short, visual version:

And now, here’s the LONG version – and it is really, really long. If you want to understand literally everything about Three’s current phone plans and how they work, I suggest you grab a coffee and read the whole thing.

SIM-Only Plans: What You Need to Know

A SIM-only plan is exactly what it sounds like – you’re paying for just the SIM card and the services it provides, like data, calls, and texts.

Unlike other plans, you’re not getting a new phone included. Instead, you bring your own device, and the plan covers everything else you need to stay connected.

How It Works

With a SIM-only plan, you simply insert the SIM card into your existing phone, and you’re set.

You choose a plan based on how much data you think you’ll need each month, and all of these plans include unlimited calls and texts, so you don’t need to worry about running out of those.

Plus, you get 5G service at no extra cost if it’s available in your area.

Contract Length Options

There are three main options for contract lengths: 1-month, 12-month, and 24-month contracts.

Each has its own advantages, depending on what you’re looking for.

• 1-Month Rolling Contracts: These are perfect if you want maximum flexibility. You can cancel or change your plan at the end of any month, with no penalties. The downside is that you’ll usually pay a bit more each month compared to longer contracts. This option is great if you’re unsure about your data needs, travel often, or simply don’t like being locked into long-term commitments.
• 12-Month Contracts: If you’re comfortable with a bit more commitment but don’t want to be tied down for too long, a 12-month contract offers a nice balance. You’ll get a better price than with a 1-month plan, but you’re only locked in for a year. It’s a solid middle-ground option for most people.
• 24-Month Contracts: These contracts give you the best monthly price. If you know you’re going to be using a lot of data and are happy with your current phone, this option is ideal. However, you’ll be tied into the contract for two years, which means if your needs change or you want to upgrade your phone, it could be costly to break the contract early.

What’s Included in Every Plan

No matter which contract length you choose, every SIM-only plan from Three comes with these features:

• 5G at no extra cost: If you’re in a 5G area, you can enjoy super-fast speeds without paying more.
• Unlimited calls and texts: You never need to worry about counting minutes or texts – they’re all unlimited.
• Personal hotspot use: You can share your data with other devices, like your laptop or tablet, by turning your phone into a mobile hotspot.
• Go Roam Around the World: You can use your plan in 71 countries without additional charges (though a fair usage policy applies).

Pros of SIM-Only Plans

• Lower monthly cost: Since you’re not paying for a new phone, the monthly price is lower than typical pay monthly phone plans.
• Flexible options: Whether you want ultimate flexibility with a 1-month plan or savings with a 24-month contract, there’s something for everyone.
• Use your own phone: If you love your current device or prefer to buy a phone outright, SIM-only plans let you keep your phone while saving on the plan.

Cons of SIM-Only Plans

• No new phone included: You’re not getting a new phone as part of the deal, so if you need a new device, you’ll have to buy it separately.
• Contract commitment (for 12- and 24-month plans): With longer contracts, you’re locked in for a while. If your circumstances change, early termination fees may apply.
• Higher costs for short-term flexibility: If you go with a 1-month plan for the flexibility, you’ll typically pay more each month than if you committed to a longer contract.

Who Should Consider a SIM-Only Plan?

SIM-only plans are perfect if:

• You already have a phone you’re happy with and don’t need to upgrade.
• You want to save money on your monthly bill by avoiding the cost of a new phone.
• You prefer flexibility and don’t want to be tied to long-term contracts (or you’re happy to commit for the savings).
• You’re a light or moderate data user who doesn’t need tons of data every month.

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24-Month Contracts: What You Need to Know

A 24-month contract is a long-term commitment that gives you access to lower monthly rates in exchange for staying with the plan for two years.

This type of contract is ideal if you know your data needs and want a reliable, cost-effective solution for the long term.

Here’s what you need to consider:

How It Works

With a 24-month contract, you’re locked into a fixed monthly payment for two years.

You can choose a plan based on how much data you need each month, and in return for your long-term commitment, you get discounted rates on both moderate and high-data plans.

Plan Options

You have several data plans to choose from, ranging from 4GB to unlimited data per month.

The pricing scales with your data needs, and some plans offer a discount for the first six months:

• 4GB Data: £7 per month
• 25GB Data: £10 per month
• 120GB Data: £16 per month (£8 for the first 6 months)
• 250GB Data: £20 per month (£10 for the first 6 months)
• Unlimited Data: £26 per month (£13 for the first 6 months)

These options make 24-month plans flexible enough for light users, moderate users, and even those who need unlimited data.

What’s Included in Every 24-Month Plan

No matter which data plan you choose, every 24-month contract includes:

• 5G at no extra cost: Enjoy ultra-fast 5G speeds if available in your area.
• Unlimited calls and texts: You never need to worry about how many minutes or texts you’re using.
• Personal hotspot use: Share your data with other devices by turning your phone into a mobile hotspot.
• Go Roam Around the World: Use your plan in 71 destinations worldwide without extra charges (12GB fair usage applies in Go Roam Around the World destinations).

Pros of 24-Month Contracts

• Lower monthly rates: By committing to two years, you benefit from significantly reduced monthly prices compared to shorter contracts or rolling options.
• Discounted rates for the first 6 months: On the 120GB and 250GB plans, you’ll pay half-price for the first six months, making them even more affordable.
• Generous data options: You can choose the right data plan for your usage, whether you’re a light user or need unlimited data for streaming, gaming, or work.
• 5G and unlimited calls/texts: These are included in every plan, so you get maximum value regardless of your data choice.

Cons of 24-Month Contracts

• Long-term commitment: You’re locked into the plan for two years. If your needs change, or if you want to switch providers, you’ll face early termination fees.
• Less flexibility: If your data usage fluctuates or you’re unsure of your long-term needs, committing to a 24-month plan might feel restrictive.
• Upfront cancellation fees: If you decide to cancel before the two years are up, you’ll likely need to pay a fee, which can be costly.

Who Should Consider a 24-Month Contract?

This type of plan is best for people who are comfortable with a long-term commitment and have predictable data needs. If you’re someone who:

• Needs a lot of data: Heavy users who rely on large amounts of data, such as for streaming or working remotely, will benefit from the discounted higher-end plans.
• Wants to save money: 24-month contracts offer the best value on a monthly basis. You’ll get the lowest rates for your data, and the savings are especially noticeable on the bigger data plans.
• Isn’t planning to switch providers: If you’re happy with your current service provider and don’t foresee the need to switch, this plan offers stability and savings over time.

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12-Month Contracts: What You Need to Know

A 12-month contract is a middle-ground option for those who want a balance between cost and flexibility.

It offers the same data plans and perks as a 24-month contract, but with slightly higher monthly prices.

This option is ideal if you don’t want to commit for two years but still want better pricing than a shorter-term or 1-month rolling contract.

How It Works

With a 12-month contract, you commit to a one-year plan with fixed monthly payments.

The data options are similar to those offered in 24-month contracts, ranging from 4GB to unlimited data.

This plan is perfect if you want to avoid being locked in for two full years while still enjoying some of the cost benefits of a longer-term contract.

Plan Options

You can choose from the same data plans offered in 24-month contracts, but at a slightly higher monthly rate:

• 4GB Data
• 25GB Data
• 120GB Data
• 250GB Data
• Unlimited Data

The monthly price is higher compared to the 24-month plans because you’re not committing for as long, but you still get good value for a mid-term contract.

What’s Included in Every 12-Month Plan

No matter which data option you choose, each 12-month contract comes with the following:

• 5G at no extra cost: If you’re in an area with 5G coverage, you can enjoy fast speeds without paying extra.
• Unlimited calls and texts: All plans include unlimited minutes and texts, so you don’t have to worry about overage charges for talking or texting.
• Personal hotspot use: You can use your data to create a mobile hotspot and share it with other devices.
• Go Roam Around the World: Use your plan in 71 destinations abroad without additional roaming fees, though a fair usage limit of 12GB applies in some locations.

Pros of 12-Month Contracts

• Moderate commitment: A 12-month plan offers a shorter commitment than a 24-month contract, which can feel less restrictive. It’s great for those who prefer not to be locked in for too long but still want a better deal than what’s offered with a 1-month rolling contract.
• Same perks as 24-month contracts: Even though you’re not committing for as long, you still get all the benefits like 5G, unlimited calls and texts, personal hotspot usage, and Go Roam.
• Better pricing than shorter-term plans: While you’re paying more than you would with a 24-month contract, you’re still getting a better rate than if you chose a 1-month plan.

Cons of 12-Month Contracts

• Higher prices than 24-month contracts: Since you’re not committing for two years, the monthly cost is higher, so it’s not the absolute cheapest option.
• Still a long-term commitment: You’re locked in for one year, so if your needs change or you want to switch providers, there may be early termination fees.

Who Should Consider a 12-Month Contract?

A 12-month contract is ideal if:

• You want a balance between flexibility and affordability: It’s a great option for those who want lower monthly rates but don’t want to commit to a full two years.
• You’re not planning major changes: If your data needs or circumstances are unlikely to change in the next year, a 12-month plan gives you stability without the long-term commitment of a 24-month contract.
• You want the same perks as longer plans: You get all the benefits of the longer 24-month plans, like 5G and unlimited calls, but with a shorter commitment period.

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1-Month Rolling Contracts: What You Need to Know

A 1-month rolling contract gives you complete freedom with no long-term commitments. You pay for your data, calls, and texts on a month-to-month basis, which means you’re not tied down to any lengthy contracts.

This makes it a great option for anyone who values flexibility, whether you want to switch plans often or keep your options open to change providers.

How It Works

With a 1-month rolling contract, you’re only committing to one month at a time. After each month, you can either keep the same plan, switch to a different one, or cancel entirely without any fees or penalties. You still get all the benefits included in longer-term contracts, like 5G access, unlimited calls and texts, and the ability to use your phone as a personal hotspot.

What’s Included

Just like longer contracts, a 1-month rolling plan comes with:

• 5G at no extra cost: You can take advantage of fast 5G speeds if you’re in an area that supports it.
• Unlimited calls and texts: All your UK calls and texts are unlimited, so you never have to worry about running out.
• Personal hotspot usage: Share your data with other devices by using your phone as a mobile hotspot.
• Go Roam Around the World: Use your plan in 71 destinations without worrying about roaming fees, though a fair usage limit applies.

Pros of 1-Month Rolling Contracts

• Maximum flexibility: You can change or cancel your plan at the end of any month without any penalties. This is ideal for those who want the freedom to switch plans based on changing needs or circumstances.
• No long-term commitment: Unlike 12- or 24-month contracts, you’re not locked in. This is perfect for people who prefer not to commit or may need a short-term solution, like travelers or students.
• Same perks as longer contracts: You still get all the benefits like 5G, unlimited calls and texts, and personal hotspot usage, so you’re not missing out on any features despite the short-term nature of the contract.

Cons of 1-Month Rolling Contracts

• Higher monthly costs: Since you’re not committing long-term, you’ll pay more each month compared to 12- or 24-month plans. This makes it less cost-effective, especially for heavy data users.
• Not ideal for long-term heavy users: If you’re someone who consistently needs a lot of data each month, a longer-term contract would offer better value over time.

Who Should Consider a 1-Month Rolling Contract?

This plan is ideal for people who:

• Need maximum flexibility: If you want the freedom to cancel, change, or switch providers whenever you like, this is the best option. There are no strings attached.
• Don’t want to commit: Whether you’re unsure about your future needs or don’t like being tied to a long-term contract, a 1-month plan lets you stay in control.
• Travel often or have unpredictable needs: If you’re frequently traveling, studying abroad, or living in a temporary situation, this contract lets you adjust your plan to fit your lifestyle without worrying about a long-term commitment.

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Pay Monthly Phone Plans: What You Need to Know

Pay Monthly Phone Plans offer a simple way to get a new phone without paying for it all at once.

Instead, the cost of the phone is spread out over 24 months and bundled with your chosen data plan.

This makes it easy to upgrade to a new device and manage your costs with a single monthly payment for both the phone and your service.

How It Works

When you choose a Pay Monthly Phone Plan, you pick a phone and a data plan that suits your needs. You then pay for both the phone and the plan over 24 months.

The monthly payment includes the cost of the phone, your data allowance, and unlimited calls and texts.

Prices vary based on the phone you choose, the amount of data you need, and whether there’s an upfront cost for the phone.

Plan Options

Pay Monthly Phone Plans come with various data options, ranging from 4GB to Unlimited data per month.

This allows you to pick a plan that matches your data usage, whether you’re a light user or need a lot of data for streaming, browsing, or working on the go.

All plans include unlimited calls and texts, so you won’t have to worry about running out of minutes or texts.

What’s Included

With every Pay Monthly Phone Plan, you get:

• A new phone: The cost of your chosen phone is spread over 24 months, making it easier to afford.
• Unlimited calls and texts: All plans come with unlimited UK calls and texts.
• Flexible data options: Choose from 4GB to Unlimited data depending on your needs.
• 5G access at no extra cost: If 5G is available in your area, you can enjoy faster speeds without paying more.

Pros of Pay Monthly Phone Plans

• Combine the cost of a new device with your plan: You don’t have to pay for your new phone upfront, which makes it easier to get the latest device without a big initial cost.
• Flexible data options: You can choose the data plan that fits your usage, from light browsing to unlimited streaming.
• Convenient bundled payment: You only have one monthly payment that covers both your phone and your data plan, simplifying your budgeting.
• Ideal for those who don’t want to buy a phone outright: If you don’t want to spend a large sum upfront to get a new phone, this plan lets you spread the cost over two years.

Cons of Pay Monthly Phone Plans

• 24-month commitment: You’re locked into a two-year contract for both the phone and data. If you want to cancel early, you’ll likely face termination fees.
• Upfront costs for some phones: Depending on the device you choose, you may still have to pay a significant upfront cost. High-end phones often require an upfront payment, which can be pricey.

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Pay As You Go (PAYG) Plans: What You Need to Know

Pay As You Go (PAYG) plans offer maximum flexibility because you only pay for what you use, with no contracts or long-term commitments.

This makes PAYG perfect for those who want control over their spending and prefer to top up their data, calls, and texts when they need them.

You can choose between auto-renewing Data Packs or one-off packs depending on your needs.

How It Works

With PAYG, you buy Data Packs that provide a set amount of data, and these packs can either renew automatically each month or be purchased as needed.

Since there’s no contract, you have the flexibility to switch, stop, or change your plan at any time.

You only pay for the data and services you need, making it a budget-friendly option for people who don’t want to be tied down to a monthly payment or long-term plan.

Auto-Renewing Data Packs

These packs automatically renew every month, ensuring you don’t run out of data or lose service. They offer a range of data allowances to suit different usage levels, and discounts are applied to larger packs.

• 15GB for £10 (includes an extra 5GB of data)
• 100GB for £13.50 (10% discount)
• 200GB for £18 (10% discount)
• Unlimited data for £31.50 (10% discount)

This makes PAYG a great choice if you want the convenience of regular top-ups without worrying about contracts.

What’s Included

With PAYG Data Packs, you also get:

• Unlimited calls and texts: All Data Packs include unlimited UK calls and texts.
• Go Roam: Use your plan in 71 countries around the world without extra fees (fair usage policy applies).
• No contract: You can switch, stop, or change your plan anytime without penalties.

Pros of PAYG Plans

• Ultimate flexibility: PAYG lets you pay only for the data you use, and there’s no contract tying you down. You can adjust your usage and spending as needed.
• Auto-renew for convenience: If you don’t want to worry about manually topping up every month, auto-renewing Data Packs ensure continuous service.
• Go Roam included: Like other plans, PAYG includes Go Roam, so you can use your data in many international destinations at no extra cost.
• No commitment: You’re never locked into a long-term contract, which is ideal if your usage changes month to month.

Cons of PAYG Plans

• Slightly higher rates: While PAYG offers flexibility, the rates for data are generally higher than those in long-term SIM-only plans, so heavy data users might find it less cost-effective.
• Requires regular top-ups: If you choose not to use auto-renewing packs, you’ll need to remember to top up regularly to maintain service.

Who Should Consider a PAYG Plan?

PAYG is ideal for people who:

• Want flexibility: If you don’t want to commit to a monthly contract, PAYG gives you full control over how much you spend and when.
• Have variable data needs: If your data usage changes from month to month, PAYG allows you to scale up or down without being tied to a specific amount.
• Are budget-conscious: If you’re trying to avoid long-term costs or contracts, PAYG allows you to manage your spending more carefully by only paying for what you use.

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What You Need to Know About Data & Rates for PAYG

When you choose Pay As You Go (PAYG), you’re not locked into a contract, and you only pay for the services you use.

You can either buy Data Packs that automatically renew, or opt to pay for calls, texts, and data individually with Standard PAYG rates.

This setup gives you total flexibility, but it’s important to understand how the pricing works so you can make the most cost-effective choices.

How Value Data Packs Work: From 10GB to Unlimited Data

Data packs start from as little as £10 a month which gets you 15GB of mobile data (inc. 5G) per month.

But there are higher options, if you need more (we outlined these earlier).

If you’re a heavy data user, you can opt for the Value Data Pack, which offers unlimited data for three months for £90.

This plan saves you £15 compared to paying for unlimited data on a monthly basis, and it gives you the convenience of not having to top up every month.

How It Works:

• You pay £90 upfront for three months of unlimited data.
• For three months, you won’t have to worry about running out of data or paying for top-ups.
• The pack also includes Go Roam, so you can use your data abroad in 71 destinations with no extra charges (fair usage applies).

Best for:

• Heavy data users: If you use your phone constantly for streaming, browsing, or work, this option ensures you won’t run out of data.
• Those who prefer fewer payments: Paying once for three months offers convenience and a discount.

Pros:

• Big savings: You save £15 compared to paying month by month for unlimited data.
• No need for monthly top-ups: You only need to think about payments once every three months.
• Go Roam included: Use your unlimited data abroad without extra charges in many destinations.

Cons:

• Upfront payment: You have to pay £90 all at once, which can be a downside if you prefer to spread out your payments.

Standard PAYG Rates (Without a Data Pack)

If you don’t want to commit to buying a Data Pack, you can stick with Standard PAYG rates.

This means you’ll only pay for what you use, with rates based on your calls, texts, and data usage. It’s an ideal option for people who don’t use their phones often.

You simply top up your phone with credit and the cost is deducted based on your usage.

How It Works:

• 10p per minute for calls
• 10p per text
• 5p per MB of data

Best for:

• Minimal phone users: If you only use your phone occasionally for calls or texts and rarely use data, this pay-per-use system can be more affordable than buying a data pack.
• Those who prefer no commitments: If you don’t want to worry about monthly payments or auto-renewals, PAYG rates give you the freedom to use your phone as little or as much as you like without a contract.

Pros:

• Pay only for what you use: If you don’t use your phone much, this can save you money, as you’re not tied to any monthly fees or packs.
• No contract: You can stop or change your usage at any time, with no penalties or restrictions.

Cons:

• Can get expensive: If you start using your phone more regularly—especially for data—the cost per MB can add up quickly. For example, 5p per MB works out to £5 per GB, which is much more expensive than buying a Data Pack.
• Not suited for heavy users: If you use your phone frequently for calls, texts, or data, this option is less cost-effective compared to choosing a Data Pack or a regular plan.

Choosing Between a Data Pack and Standard PAYG Rates

The best choice depends on how much you use your phone:

• If you’re using a lot of data, especially over a longer period (like three months), the Value Data Pack gives you better value with unlimited data and savings.
• If you only use your phone occasionally for basic calls, texts, or small amounts of data, Standard PAYG rates could be more affordable since you’re only paying for what you actually use, without the need for a pack.

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What Other Goodies To You Get On Three Mobile Plans?

Three offers a slew of additional extras and freebies on all of its plans, from a dedicated app to roaming bundles and discounts. Here’s a quick overview of all the extras you get with your Three mobile plan.

Go Roam: Stay Connected Abroad

Travel worry-free with Go Roam, letting you use your data, calls, and texts in 71 countries at no extra cost.

You can use up to 12GB of data in Go Roam Around the World destinations.

• Best for: Frequent travelers.
• Pros: No extra fees abroad, 71 destinations covered.
• Cons: 12GB limit in some destinations.

Why It’s Awesome: Keep connected abroad without extra charges. Perfect for jet-setters and holidaymakers!

Three+: Exclusive Deals and Presale Tickets

Get access to exclusive discounts and presale tickets with the Three+ app. You get offers on shopping, dining, and entertainment, plus early access to major events.

• Best for: Music lovers and deal hunters.
• Pros: Exclusive discounts, presale ticket access.
• Cons: Only for Three customers.

Why It’s Awesome: Save money and get early access to big events with Three+.

Personal Hotspot: Internet On-The-Go

Turn your phone into a personal hotspot and share your data with other devices. Every plan includes hotspot use at no extra cost.

There’s no limits either. When I moved house, I used mine for a week solid, chalking up around 100GB of data used. Three didn’t blink an eye.

• Best for: Remote workers and travelers.
• Pros: Convenient, easy to use anywhere.
• Cons: Can use up data quickly.

Why It’s Awesome: Portable Wi-Fi wherever you are, perfect for staying connected on the go.

Family Plans: Save on Multiple Lines

Add extra lines to your account and get discounts with Three’s Family Plans. Ideal for households with multiple phone users.

• Best for: Families or shared households.
• Pros: Savings on multiple lines, shared billing.
• Cons: Requires at least two lines.

Why It’s Awesome: Save money while keeping the whole family connected.

Wrapping Up: What Plan Should YOU Choose?

OK, this has been a long, long journey. If you’re still with me and you read everything, well done – it took A LONG TIME to research and collate all of this information together. 

We’ve covered all of the nuances associated with Three’s different types of plans, what you get, the PROS and CONS of each, and how they work in theory. 

So, what is the best plan for you? I think it is easiest to break things down by data usage (because that’s all you’re really paying for these days). 

Here’s my final words of advice for you on what plan would be best for your needs: 

• Light Data Users: 4GB-15GB PAYG or low-end SIM-only plans are ideal.
• Moderate Users: 25GB-75GB options offer a good balance between cost and usability.
• Heavy Data Users: 120GB and Unlimited plans are perfect, with the 24-month contract offering the best value.
• Ultimate Flexibility: 1-month rolling SIM plans or PAYG for those who don’t want to commit.
• Want A Shiny, New Phone: Get one of Three’s Pay Monthly plans, just make sure it’s a cost you can handle. Want to keep the cost down? Go for a cheaper model or do a trade-in.

And if you need a refresh on all the stuff we’ve just discussed as well as the plans, just click here – it’ll take you back to the infographic.