Last updated: Wednesday 7 October 2026 (Europe/London).
Next update: when Smarty or Lebara change their low-data SIM prices or allowances.
By: Switch Editorial Team, Switch Squid Ltd
As of 7 October 2026, the cheapest low-data SIM only deals that suit many over-60s start from about £4.50 a month for 5GB on Lebara’s 12-month plan, or £6 a month for 5GB on Smarty’s rolling plan with unlimited UK calls and texts. Most people over 60 do not need 100GB+ “unlimited” packs — a simple phone on wifi, plus a few gigabytes for maps, WhatsApp and the odd video call, is usually enough. SwitchSquid compares the live low-data options below; we may earn a commission if you buy through our links.
Sources: Smarty — 5GB plan, Smarty — 16GB plan, Lebara — 5GB Annual SIM and Ofcom — mid-contract price rise rules.
Smarty 5GB — £6 a month rolling
- 5GB of data with unlimited UK calls and texts when we checked on 7 October 2026
- 30-day rolling plan — leave at the end of any month
- Runs on the Three network
- Main limitation: coverage varies by area; check the map for your street
What over-60s usually need from a SIM
For many people over 60, a mobile is for staying in touch, not for streaming every evening. Typical light use looks like WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger, a few photos, banking apps, maps when you are out, and the occasional FaceTime or Zoom call with family. On wifi at home, that can use less than 1GB of mobile data a month. Even without wifi, 3–5GB is often plenty.
That is why the big “100GB for £20” headlines often miss the point for this age group. You are not under-served by a 5GB plan — you are usually oversold by a larger one. Paying for data you never touch is one of the easiest bill leaks to fix.
A SIM only deal also lets you keep an existing handset, including a simple phone with large buttons, as long as it takes a nano SIM or supports eSIM. You do not need a new smartphone contract to change network.
Cheap SIM only deals for over-60s compared (checked 7 October 2026)
Prices and allowances are as listed by each provider when we checked. The 12-month cost for rolling plans assumes you keep the same plan for a year.
| Plan | Data | Monthly price | Cost over 12 months | Commitment | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lebara 5GB 12 Month Plan | 5GB | £4.50 | £54 | 12 months | Lowest monthly bill if 1,000 minutes/texts are enough |
| Smarty 5GB (rolling) | 5GB | £6 | £72 | Leave any month | Unlimited UK calls and texts with full flexibility |
| Smarty 16GB (rolling) | 16GB | £8 | £96 | Leave any month | More headroom for video calls and maps |
| Mozillion 1GB rolling-style low plans | 1GB | from about £4.95 | from about £59 | Varies by plan | Very light wifi-first users |
For most over-60s who want unlimited calls and texts without locking into a year, Smarty 5GB at £6 a month is the clearest fit among the live offers we can track. Lebara’s £4.50 plan is cheaper on paper, but it includes 1,000 UK minutes and texts rather than unlimited, so check that against how much you call.
Smarty 5GB at £6 — about £72 over 12 months
- Unlimited UK calls and texts (unlike Lebara’s 5GB annual plan)
- Full flexibility if your usage or phone changes
- Keep your number with a PAC code
Why Smarty 5GB at £6 suits many pensioners
Smarty’s 5GB plan is a 30-day rolling SIM. When we checked on 7 October 2026 it was listed at £6 a month, with 5GB of data and unlimited UK calls and texts. You can leave at the end of any month, which is useful if you are trying a new phone, spending winter abroad, or simply want to keep control of the bill.
Smarty runs on the Three network. Coverage is strong in many towns and cities, but it is worth checking the coverage map for your street and any places you visit regularly. If you mainly use the phone at home on wifi, network differences matter less for day-to-day use.
Smarty’s 16GB plan at £8 a month is the natural step up if you share photos a lot, use video calls without wifi, or travel by train and stream occasionally. Both plans are rolling, so you are not locked into a long contract.
Lebara 5GB at £4.50: the cheaper year-long option
Lebara’s 5GB 12 Month Plan was listed at £4.50 a month when we checked, on the Vodafone network. That is £54 for the year if you stay the full term. It is a strong price for light data users, with one important catch: it includes 1,000 UK minutes and texts, not unlimited. If you make long daily calls, run the numbers first.
Lebara’s annual plans are priced for 12 months, so read the terms on ending early before you order. If you prefer total flexibility, Smarty’s rolling 5GB plan is usually the safer everyday choice even though it costs a little more each month.
Simple phones and SIMs for elderly relatives
A “simple phone” with large buttons, a clear screen and a loud speaker is often easier than a complex smartphone. Most modern simple phones still take a standard nano SIM. When you order a SIM only deal:
- Choose a physical SIM unless you are sure the handset supports eSIM.
- Ask the shop or the relative’s current network for the right SIM size if you are unsure.
- Keep the old SIM until the new one is working, and write down any important numbers first.
- Set up ICE (In Case of Emergency) contacts on the phone once the new SIM is live.
If you are helping a parent or grandparent, do the switch together. Text PAC to 65075 from the old phone to keep the number, then give that code to the new provider. Our PAC code guide walks through the steps.
How to choose without overpaying
- Check last month’s data use in the phone settings. If it was under 2GB, a 5GB plan has headroom.
- Decide on calls and texts. Unlimited is worth a couple of pounds a month if you call family a lot.
- Prefer rolling if you are unsure. A 30-day plan lets you change your mind without an exit fee.
- Check coverage at home and at places you visit often.
- Keep your number with a PAC code unless you want a fresh start.
Fit summary
- Good for Smarty 5GB at £6: over-60s who want unlimited UK calls and texts, light data use, and the freedom to leave any month.
- Consider Lebara 5GB at £4.50 instead: very light callers who are happy with 1,000 minutes/texts and a 12-month price.
- Consider Smarty 16GB at £8 instead: people who video-call often without wifi or use maps and photos more heavily.
Important conditions
- Prices and allowances are as listed by Smarty and Lebara when we checked on 7 October 2026 and may change.
- Confirm the exact data, minutes, texts and monthly price in the basket before you pay.
- Coverage varies by area; check each provider’s coverage map for your address.
- Lebara’s 5GB annual plan includes 1,000 UK minutes and texts, not unlimited.
- We may earn a commission if you buy through our links.
Final decision card
Want unlimited calls and texts with no long contract → Smarty 5GB at £6 a month.
Want the lowest monthly price and call lightly → Lebara 5GB at £4.50 a month on a 12-month plan.
Need more data headroom → Smarty 16GB at £8 a month.
Check Smarty 5GB for your phone
- Confirm £6 and 5GB in the basket before you pay
- Order a physical SIM for a simple phone unless you are sure about eSIM
- Check coverage at home and places you visit often
FAQ
What is the cheapest mobile plan for pensioners?
Among the live low-data plans we checked on 7 October 2026, Lebara’s 5GB 12 Month Plan at £4.50 a month is the lowest monthly price. Smarty’s 5GB rolling plan at £6 a month costs a little more but includes unlimited UK calls and texts and lets you leave any month.
What is the best simple phone for elderly people in the UK?
Look for a handset with large buttons, a clear display, a loud speaker and a long battery life. Many “senior” or “simple” phones from the big high-street chains still take a standard nano SIM, so you can pair them with a cheap SIM only deal instead of a handset contract.
Who has the cheapest SIM only plan?
For light data use, Lebara’s 5GB annual plan at £4.50 a month and Smarty’s 5GB rolling plan at £6 a month are among the cheapest live options we can track. Always compare the minutes and texts included, not just the headline price.
Do over-60s need a lot of mobile data?
Often no. If you use wifi at home for messaging and video calls, a few gigabytes a month can be enough for when you are out. Check your phone’s data use before you buy a large plan.
Can I put a SIM only deal in a simple phone?
Yes, as long as the phone is unlocked and takes the right SIM size, or supports eSIM. Most simple phones use a nano SIM. Order a physical SIM if you are unsure about eSIM.
Should I choose a rolling SIM or a 12-month plan?
Choose rolling if you want to stay flexible or try a new network. Choose a 12-month plan if the monthly price is clearly lower and you are happy to commit. For many over-60s, a rolling 5GB plan is the lower-risk starting point.
Can I keep my number when I switch SIM?
Yes. Text PAC to 65075 from your current phone, then give the code to your new provider when you order or activate. Your number usually moves within one working day.
