Compare Mobile SIM Plans in Germany
Live offers across tracked providers in Germany — updated daily from the Giraffy database.
Live offers
- 1-15GB
- Prepaid wie ich will
- Lebara Allnet 10 GB Flex
- Go Mobile S 15 GB
- +5 GB Extra-Daten
What are Mobile SIMs in Germany?
Mobile SIM plans (Handytarife) provide calls, texts and mobile data on one of Germany's networks. They come as prepaid (Prepaid), where you top up in advance with no contract, or postpaid SIM-only deals, which bill monthly and run either on a rolling monthly basis or a 24-month term. SIM-only means you bring your own phone rather than bundling a handset, which usually makes the tariff cheaper.
Plans are sold as physical SIMs and increasingly as eSIMs. Data allowances, 5G access and roaming terms are the main points of difference between otherwise similar tariffs.
How the German market works
There are three physical networks: Telekom, Vodafone and O2 (Telefónica). Everything else runs on top of these as MVNOs or discount brands (Discount-Tarife). congstar and fraenk both use the Telekom network, with fraenk being app-only, while Aldi Talk runs on O2. BASE and Blau are O2 brands, SIMon mobile is a Vodafone discount brand, and providers such as congstar sit between the premium networks and the cheapest discounters.
Network choice matters because coverage and 5G availability differ by operator and region. Telekom is generally regarded as having the widest reach, while discounters offer lower prices on the same physical infrastructure, sometimes with capped speeds.
Benefits
Prepaid flexibility — No contract or credit check, top up as you go, ideal for light users, newcomers and children.
Cheaper SIM-only deals — Bringing your own phone avoids handset markups baked into bundled contracts.
Choice of commitment — Monthly-cancellable tariffs suit short stays, while 24-month deals lower the monthly price.
Discount brands on major networks — Providers like Aldi Talk and congstar use the same masts as the premium operators at lower cost.
EU roaming included — Roam-like-at-home lets you use your allowance across the EU at no extra charge.
How to choose
Start with the network, since coverage where you live, work and travel matters more than brand. Check whether the tariff offers 5G, as some cheaper plans are 4G-only or cap speeds. Match the data allowance to your usage, and decide between prepaid, monthly-cancellable and 24-month terms based on how long you want to commit.
Compare the effective monthly cost over the whole term, watch for introductory prices that rise after a promotional period, and check the notice period and any activation fee. If you bring your own phone, make sure it is unlocked and supports the network's bands.
Leading providers in Germany
Telekom, Vodafone and O2 — The three network operators, with Telekom often cited for the widest coverage. congstar and fraenk — Telekom-network value brands, with fraenk sold app-only. Aldi Talk, BASE and Blau — O2-network brands, with Aldi Talk a leading prepaid discounter. SIMon mobile — A Vodafone-network discount brand. Discount brands typically match the premium networks on coverage while trimming price and, sometimes, top speeds.
What it costs
Monthly prices start from around 2 to 10 euros for small prepaid or entry SIM-only plans and rise with larger data allowances and 5G. Mid-tier plans with generous data commonly sit in the teens to low twenties per month. Over a 24-month contract, totals can reach several hundred euros, and headline figures up to around 500 euros usually reflect full-term contract costs or handset-inclusive bundles rather than the monthly rate. Watch for prices that increase after an introductory period and for one-off activation fees.
Protections and regulation
The telecom market is regulated by the Bundesnetzagentur, which enforces consumer rules including easier contract switching, number portability, and the right to cancel long contracts monthly after the initial minimum term. EU roaming protections apply under Roam-like-at-home. Postpaid contracts generally involve a Schufa check, whereas prepaid plans do not require one, making prepaid accessible to those without a German credit history. Providers must publish transparent tariff information and honour agreed speeds.
Common questions
Do discount brands have worse coverage? No, they use the same networks, though some cap maximum data speeds.
Prepaid or postpaid? Prepaid offers flexibility with no contract or credit check; postpaid SIM-only is often cheaper per gigabyte on a term.
Is a credit check required? Postpaid contracts usually involve a Schufa check; prepaid does not.
Can I keep my number? Yes, number portability is a regulated right when you switch providers.
The cheapest Mobile SIM Plans in Germany is €2 /month from congstar.
Mobile SIM Plans in Germany — FAQ
What is the cheapest SIM-only deal in Germany right now?
Giraffy tracks 5 live SIM plans across congstar,Lebara,Go Mobile,fraenk networks in Germany. The lowest tracked price is €2 /month. Sort by lowest price to see the cheapest options for your data needs.
Which network has the best coverage in Germany?
Coverage quality varies by area and carrier. Check each network's official coverage map before switching — indoor coverage, rural reach, and 5G availability differ significantly between operators in Germany.
What is eSIM and do I need a physical SIM card?
An eSIM is a digital SIM embedded in your device — you activate a plan without swapping a physical card. Most flagship and mid-range phones released after 2020 support eSIM. Check your device settings or ask the carrier to confirm compatibility before you switch.
Is 5G worth it on a SIM-only plan?
5G delivers significantly faster download speeds and lower latency than 4G — typically 100–500 Mbps versus 20–50 Mbps. It's worth it if your handset is 5G-capable and you're in a coverage area. Most 5G plans are now priced similarly to 4G equivalents.
Can I keep my phone number when switching networks?
Yes. In most markets you can port your number to a new network within one working day by requesting a PAC or porting code from your current provider. The switch happens automatically once you activate the new SIM.
What is the difference between prepaid and pay-monthly SIM plans?
Prepaid (pay-as-you-go) plans require no contract — you top up credit and use what you pay for. Pay-monthly plans bill you at the end of each month and typically offer more data for the same price, but require a credit check and a rolling or fixed-term commitment.
Do I need to unlock my phone before switching networks?
If your handset was purchased directly from a carrier, it may be network-locked and need unlocking before accepting a different SIM. Phones bought from manufacturers or retailers are usually unlocked. Contact your current carrier to check — unlocking is often free or available for a small fee.