SIM-only vs. phone with contract: which fits you?

SIM-only: flexible and often cheaper

Keep your current phone and sign up for a mobile plan only — usually 24 months, sometimes cancellable monthly.

Ideal if your device still works or you prefer buying hardware separately. Data volume and network (Telekom, Vodafone, O₂) are key.

SIM-only without a new phone often saves €200–400 over two years versus a bundle with the same plan.

Phone with contract: finance the device

The monthly fee covers plan plus phone — convenient but often more expensive than SIM-only plus buying the phone outright.

Check total cost over the full term, not just the monthly rate. Watch for upfront payments and residual value.

Installments tie you longer: cancel the plan early and the phone deal may get expensive or require remaining payments.

Compare network and data

Telekom often has the best rural coverage; Vodafone and O₂ are strong in cities — check maps for your postal code.

Under 5 GB suits messaging and navigation; streaming and hotspot need 20 GB or more.

5G is nice to have — for most users LTE with enough data is fine.

What to watch for

Always compare several offers. For plan-only switches, SIM-only via a comparison tool is often enough.

If you want a new phone, compare total cost and cancellation terms — the lowest monthly price is not always the best deal.

EU roaming is usually included in EU plans — check add-ons for travel outside the EU.

Decision: SIM-only or bundle?

Phone still works → compare SIM-only. Want a new flagship → calculate bundle vs. buy phone + SIM-only.

VertragSpar shows plans side by side — without shop sales pressure.