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.

 

πŸ€” What Is a SIM Only Plan?

A SIM only plan gives you mobile data, talk time and SMS without a bundled smartphone. You bring your own phone and pay only for the service itself, with no handset cost built into your monthly bill.

This is why SIM only plans typically come with:

  • Lower monthly fees
  • No contract or short commitments
  • Full control over when you upgrade your device

 

πŸ†š 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

So which plan is actually better?

It depends on your situation. Need a new phone and happy to commit for 12 to 24 months? Go with a contract. Value flexibility, want lower monthly costs, or travel often? A SIM only plan is the smarter choice. The sections below will help you compare specific plans and decide.

 

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.

 

πŸ“‘ 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 and underground areas

  • Large office buildings and commercial complexes

  • Carparks and lift lobbies, where signals need to travel through thick structures

 

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.

 

 

πŸ” 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

πŸ‘‘ Which Is the Best SIM Only Plan in Singapore?

 

5G Lite ($22/mth)

πŸ‘‰ Best For: Value-seekers, moderate streamers, and users who travel occasionally.

  • 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.
     

5G Unlimited+ Core ($38/mth)

πŸ‘‰ Best For: Heavy local data users, students, and digital residents.

  • Unlimited local data, unlimited calls and SMS, plus IDD to 165 destinations. This is the plan where the roaming benefits really kick in. Good value if you use your phone a lot and want the peace of mind of not watching your data.
     

5G Unlimited+ Plus ($48/mth)

πŸ‘‰ Best For: Frequent regional travellers, users who need more global roaming, and those starting to save up for their next device.

  • 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.
     

5G Unlimited+ Max ($78/mth)

πŸ‘‰ Best For: Frequent business travelers, global citizens, and device enthusiasts.

  • 20GB of global roaming across 165 destinations, unlimited local data, and the highest DeviceDollars payout. This is the plan 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 StarHub 5G Unlimited+ plans include built-in roaming data, so you can stay connected the moment you arrive overseas.

Roaming allowances increase with each plan tier, from basic roaming on entry-level plans to generous data pools on the higher tiers - covering up to 165 global destinations. Additional roaming add-ons are available if you need more data while travelling.

 

πŸ“ž Beyond Data: Roaming Calls, IDD & SMS

Roaming data is just one piece of the puzzle. Calls and SMS matter too, especially when you need to reach someone back home or sort out plans while you're overseas.

Here's what's included with 5G Unlimited+ Core plans and above:

  • Unlimited IDD Calls
    IDD (International Direct Dialing) calls are calls you make from Singapore to someone overseas. With 5G Unlimited+ Core and above, you can call any of 165 destinations at no extra charge.

  • Unlimited Roaming Calls
    Roaming calls are calls you make or receive while you're overseas. Whether you're calling back to Singapore or ringing someone in another country, it's all covered at no extra cost.

  • Unlimited SMS
    Send or receive SMS wherever you are. Texting a friend overseas while you're in Singapore, or getting a message from home while you're travelling, it's all included with no extra fees.

 

πŸ•ŠοΈ No Lock-ins, No Contracts

All 5G Unlimited+ plans are fully no-contract. Upgrade, downgrade, or cancel whenever you want, with no early termination fees.

 

πŸ’° Save for Your Next Phone with DeviceDollars

Our plans automatically credit you with monthly device credits which you can save and use for your next phone purchase.


Use Your DeviceDollars Your Way:

  • Option 1: Redeem Monthly:
    Already paying for a device in instalments? Your DeviceDollars get applied automatically to your monthly device payments, lowering your cost every month without you having to do anything.

  • Option 2: Save & Redeem Later:
    Not upgrading just yet? Your DeviceDollars keep building up. Use the balance whenever you're ready to buy a new device.

πŸ‘¨β€πŸ‘©β€πŸ‘§β€πŸ‘¦ 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 databuilt-in device savings, and premium network reliability. It’s time to live your best life, connected.

❓Frequently Asked Questions

What is a SIM Only Plan?
What’s the difference between a SIM Only plan and a contract plan?
Can I buy a device with a 5G Unlimited+ Plan?
How do I sign up for StarHub's New 5G SIM Only plan?
Can I upgrade my Star Plan to a 5G Unlimited+ Plan?

 

 

 

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