BackSIM Only Plan Comparison Singapore [2026]
Compare SIM Only Plans, Coverage, Costs and Find the Best One for You
SIM only plans have become the go-to choice for mobile users in Singapore who want flexibility, clear pricing, and no long-term contracts, without sacrificing network quality.
But picking the best SIM only plan isn't just about finding the cheapest price. The right plan depends on how much data you use, whether you travel often, what kind of coverage you need, and how important things like roaming and IDD calls are to you.
This guide covers:
- What is a SIM only plan?
- How it compares to a contract plan
- What to look for when comparing SIM only plans
- A full breakdown of StarHub's 5G Unlimited+ plans.
What is a SIM Only Plan?
| Lower monthly fees Pay only for your mobile service — no device cost built into your bill. | No contract or short commitments Stay on month-to-month terms with full freedom to change your plan anytime. | Full control over when you upgrade Keep your current phone or buy a new one whenever you’re ready — on your terms. |
SIM Only vs Contract Plans
The core difference is simple: a SIM only plan covers your mobile service. A contract plan covers your mobile service AND a new phone.
Key differences at a glance
| Feature | SIM Only Plans | Contract Plans |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly cost | Lower | Higher |
| Contract length | None or short | 12 to 24 months |
| Phone included | No | Yes |
| Device payment | Buy separately | Spread over contract |
| Flexibility | High | Limited |
| Early termination fees | Typically none | Usually apply |
| Best for | People who already own a phone, frequent travellers, budget-conscious users, eSIM users | People buying a new flagship who want to spread the cost over time |
|
Go Contract If…
You need a new phone now
Need a new phone and happy to commit for 12 to 24 months? A contract plan spreads the device cost and keeps things simple.
|
Go SIM Only If…
You value flexibility
Value flexibility, want lower monthly costs, or travel often? A SIM only plan is the smarter choice for most Singaporeans.
|
How to Compare SIM Only Plans in Singapore
When comparing SIM only plans, the goal is not to find the cheapest option on paper, but the one that fits how you use your phone in real life. The table below summarises the key factors to evaluate and what to look out for.
| What to Compare | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Data allowance | Make sure it matches your real monthly usage. Paying for data you don't use is a waste. |
| Data usage behaviour | Some plans throttle speeds once you hit a certain point. Others don't. |
| Network type (4G or 5G) | Affects speed and performance, especially if your phone supports 5G. |
| Coverage (indoors, MRT, office) |
Outdoor coverage is usually fine across all networks. Indoor and underground coverage is where plans differ. |
| Roaming (data, calls, SMS) |
If you travel, check what's actually included. Some plans only cover data. |
| Contract terms | No-contract gives you the most flexibility. |
| SIM format (physical or eSIM) |
Matters if you use a dual-SIM phone or a smartwatch. |
| Extra benefits | Things like device credits or security features can add real value over time. |
Singapore's telco market is regulated by IMDA (Infocomm Media Development Authority), which monitors network quality and ensures fair competition across all providers. It's worth checking IMDA's Quality of Service reports if you want an independent view of how networks perform.
Which SIM Only Plan Has the Best Coverage?
In Singapore, most mobile networks provide strong island-wide outdoor coverage, so you are unlikely to face major issues when moving around the city. That said, the actual experience can vary depending on where you spend most of your time and how you use your phone day to day.
Coverage tends to vary most in these spots:
|
MRT Tunnels
Underground and tunnel areas where signal needs to penetrate deep structures.
|
Office Buildings
Large commercial complexes where thick walls reduce signal strength.
|
Carparks & Lifts
Basement carparks and lift lobbies where signals travel through thick concrete.
|
Because of this, a plan that works perfectly outdoors may behave differently indoors or during your daily commute.
The best way to compare coverage is to check how well a network performs in the places you spend most of your time: home, work, and your regular routes. StarHub's 5G network, for example, covers over 99% of Singapore outdoors.
🔍 SIM Only Plan Comparison
Here's how our 4 new SIM Only Plans stack up:
| Feature | 5G Lite | 5G Unlimited+ Core | 5G Unlimited+ Plus | 5G Unlimited+ Max |
| Monthly Price | $22.00/mth | $38.00/mth | $48.00/mth | $78.00/mth |
| Local Data | 150GB | Unlimited | ||
| Local Talk/SMS | 1,000 mins & 500 SMS | Unlimited Voice & SMS | ||
| Roaming Data | 1GB Global + 1GB SEA |
3GB Global + 5GB SEA |
5GB Global + 10GB APAC |
20GB Global |
| Unlimited IDD Calls | N/A | 165 destinations | ||
| Device Dollars | N/A | Get 5 DeviceDollars/mth | Get 10 DeviceDollars/mth | Get 20 DeviceDollars/mth |
| Security | Caller Number Display ScamSafe |
|||
Which Is the Best SIM Only Plan in Singapore?
| $22/mth 5G Lite Best For Value-seekers, moderate streamers, occasional travellers 150GB of local data is plenty for everyday use. It comes with basic roaming and gets you onto StarHub’s 5G network at the lowest price point. If you don’t need unlimited data or IDD calls, this is the smart starting point. | $38/mth 5G Unlimited+ Core Best For Heavy data users, students, digital residents Unlimited local data, unlimited calls and SMS, plus IDD to 165 destinations. Good value if you use your phone a lot and want the peace of mind of not watching your data. |
| $48/mth 5G Unlimited+ Plus Best For Frequent regional travellers, device savers Everything in Core, plus a solid jump in roaming data (5GB Global + 10GB APAC) and double the DeviceDollars. The sweet spot if you travel regularly within the region. | $78/mth 5G Unlimited+ Max Best For Business travellers, global citizens, device enthusiasts 20GB of global roaming across 165 destinations, unlimited local data, and the highest DeviceDollars payout. For people who are overseas often and need their phone to just work, everywhere. |
Why Choose StarHub 5G Unlimited+ SIM Only Plans
Here's a closer look at the features that make these plans work.
| Built-In Global Roaming All 5G Unlimited+ plans include built-in roaming data across up to 165 global destinations , so you can stay connected the moment you arrive overseas. Additional roaming add-ons are available if you need more data. | Unlimited IDD, Roaming Calls & SMS With 5G Unlimited+ Core and above: unlimited IDD calls to 165 destinations, unlimited roaming calls while overseas, and unlimited SMS anywhere. No extra charges, no surprises on your bill. |
| No Lock-ins, No Contracts All 5G Unlimited+ plans are fully no-contract. You have complete flexibility to decide how long you keep your plan, switch, or upgrade whenever it suits you. | Save for Your Next Phone with DeviceDollars Plans automatically credit monthly DeviceDollars to your account. Redeem monthly against your device instalment payments , or save the balance until you’re ready to upgrade. |
Multi-Line Discount: More Lines, More Savings
Enjoy automatic savings when you connect multiple lines under the same account - perfect for families, couples or households:
We Got You: Your Mobile Peace of Mind
Your mobile plan shouldn't hold you back with restrictive contracts. With StarHub's new 5G Unlimited+ Plans, you get the unparalleled freedom of no-contract SIM Only flexibility combined with the power of unlimited data, built-in device savings, and premium network reliability. It’s time to live your best life, connected.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Open your StarHub App and tap “More” (bottom menu)
- Select “Manage Plan & Add-Ons”
- Tap “Change Plan” on the Star Plan you wish to switch from
- Select your preferred 5G Unlimited+ Plan
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