16 Cheapest SIM-Only Plans in Singapore: Circles Life, MyRepublic, Zero1, RedONE, VIVIFI, SIMBA, Changi Mobile (Apr 2024)

16 Cheapest SIM-Only Plans in Singapore: Circles Life, MyRepublic, Zero1, RedONE, VIVIFI, SIMBA, Changi Mobile (Apr 2024)
Image: Giphy / Charm La'Donna

Anybody who cares about saving money should sign up for a SIM-only data plan. These plans, as the name suggests, come with only a SIM card. That means no new handset every 2 years.

The obvious perk is that SIM-only plans are way cheaper than traditional 2-year mobile data contracts from the three big telcos (Singtel, M1, Starhub) offering handset discounts. With the money saved on your mobile plan, you could buy a new phone on Lazada and you’d still save overall.

The mobile data landscape is quite confusing right now, with many virtual telcos fighting for a slice of the pie. These include Circles.Life, SIMBA, RedONE, Geenet, Zym Mobile, Changi Mobile and more.

Let’s compare SIM-only mobile plans so you can see at a glance which would suit your needs and maximise your savings.

16 Cheapest SIM only plans under $20/month

Plan Monthly Subscription    Data Outgoing Talk Time SMS
Zero1 Starter $7.06 6GB 150 mins 100 SMS
redONE Amazing 8 $8.40 8GB 500 mins 100 SMS
VIVIFI Lite $9.00 3GB 500 mins 20 SMS
Changi Mobile Value+ $10 100GB 300 mins 200 SMS
SIMBA 100GB (formerly TPG) $10 100GB Unlimited Unlimited SMS to SIMBA lines
heya by Singtel $10 100GB 300 mins 50 SMS
Geenet $10 60GB 1,000 mins 100 SMS
Zym Mobile Lite 4G $10 20GB 400 mins 200 SMS
M1 Maxx $10 20GB 300 mins 300 SMS
GOMO (Singtel) $10.18 20GB 100 mins 100 SMS
Giga! (Starhub) $10.19 20GB 300 mins 300 SMS
CMLink (China Mobile) $10.90 10GB 100 mins 100 SMS
MyRepublic 4G Lite Basic Plan $12.90 50GB 400 mins 400 SMS
Starhub $15.00 20GB 1,000 mins 500 SMS
Circles Life 4G $15 Plan $15 10GB 100 mins
M1 200GB $16.15 200GB 1,100 mins 1,100 SMS

1. SIMBA (formerly TPG Singapore) SIM-only plans (from $10/month)

Realising their name wasn’t sticking, TPG Singapore was recently rebranded as SIMBA. With this fresh start, SIMBA aims to make a strong impression on consumers by offering two highly competitive “spoil market” SIM-only plans that provide exceptional value for money:

  • SIM-Only 100GB: 100GB ($10/month) with unlimited minutes to local mobile numbers, unlimited SMS to SIMBA lines, 30 local SMS, plus 1GB free data roaming to 57 selected countries.
  • SIM-Only 200GB: 130GB ($18/month) with unlimited minutes to mobile numbers, unlimited SMS to SIMBA lines, 50 local SMS, 2GB data roaming to 57 selected countries.

Sounds like an amazing deal, but it’s crucial to ensure that your device is compatible with their VoLTE (Voice over LTE) technology. Otherwise, you might not be able to make voice calls on your mobile phone. To be sure, check here for a list of compatible handsets published on SIMBA’s website.

2. M1 SIM-only plans (from $16.15/month)

Shortly after Singtel’s GOMO and Starhub’s giga!, M1 jumped on the SIM-only bandwagon. Instead of trying to ingratiate itself with millennials, M1 has simply split their original SIM-only offering into two separate plans:

  • $16.15/month for 200GB data: 1,100 mins of talk time and 1,100 SMS, unlimited weekend data
  • $19.18/month for 300GB data: 1,100 mins of talk time and 1,100 SMS, unlimited weekend data, free 12 months subscription of FoneCare+ Lite (worth $8/month)

M1 only offers SIM-only plans under Maxx, which starts with a base of 200 MB data, 10 mins outgoing and incoming call time, and 50 outgoing SMS. The usual price for this recurring base plan is $5, but it’s waived to $0 until further notice. Add on 50GB Local Data, 500min outgoing calls, unlimited incoming calls and 50 SMS for an extra $12 per month.

3. Changi Mobile SIM-only plans (from $10/month)

These no-contract mobile plans are released by the folks behind Changi Travel Services, which is based at the airport. (No relation to Changi Prison, in case you were wondering.)

  • Value+ ($10/month): 100GB (50GB at 4G + 50GB streaming), 300 mins talktime, 200 SMS.
  • Freedom ($12/month): 150GB (100GB at 4G + 50GB streaming), 1,000 mins talktime, 200 SMS.
  • BEST+ ($15/month): 58GB, 400 mins talktime, 400 SMS.
  • Ultimate ($15/month): 150GB full 4G speed, 1,000 mins talktime, 200 SMS, 1GB roaming (3 destinations).
  • Travel ($18/month): 200GB full 4G speed, 1,000 mins talktime, 200 SMS (local), 3GB roaming (5 destinations).
  • Travel+ ($25/month): 200GB full 4G speed, 1,000 mins talktime, 200 SMS (local), 3GB roaming (14 destinations).

One perk is that they let you roll over your data. You don’t have to binge watch videos to use up your month’s allowance and make your money’s worth. There’s plenty to go around and consume at your own time.

4. heya by Singtel SIM-only plans (from $10/month)

heya is a spinoff brand by Singtel, which is reassuring if you’re venturing away from the big three telcos for the first time in your life and want the guarantee of a decent network. They offer contract-free SIM-only plans that are quite affordable.

They have just one 30-day plan ($10/month) which comes with 100GB of data, 300 minutes of talktime and 50 SMS.

All heya SIM cards are valid for 60 days and get auto-renewed whenever you purchase a 30-day heya Plan or heya IDD Add-on plan.

5. Geenet SIM-only plans (from $10/month)

Geenet uses one of Singapore’s major telecommunications networks, M1. So, you can put your trust in their reliable coverage and service.

Geenet lets you add-on extra perks to your existing plan, which makes it great for those with family and loved ones overseas. For an extra $5, you can enjoy 250 minutes of calls to Bangladesh, China, India, Indonesia or Malaysia (perfect for expats).

Here are their basic plans:

  • $10/month: 60GB local data (50GB + 10GB promo), 1,000 local minutes, 100 local SMS, unlimited local incoming calls, free Caller ID.
  • $15/month: 3GB roaming data, 150GB local data (80GB + 70GB promo), 3,000 local minutes, 100 local SMS, unlimited local incoming calls, free Caller ID.
  • $18/month: 3GB roaming data (can be used in Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand), 150GB local data (80GB + 70GB promo), 3,000 local minutes, 100 local SMS, unlimited local incoming calls, free Caller ID.

Plans with IDD:

  • $12/month: 120GB local data (60GB + 60GB promo), 120 IDD minutes, 1,000 local minutes, 100 local SMS, unlimited local incoming calls, free Caller ID, free data rollover.
  • $18/month: 180GB local data (90GB + 90GB promo), 150 IDD minutes, 3,000 local minutes, 100 local SMS, unlimited local incoming calls, free Caller ID.
  • $36/3 months: 360GB local data (180GB + 180GB promo), 360 IDD minutes, 3,000 local minutes, 300 local SMS, unlimited local incoming calls, free Caller ID.

6. MyRepublic SIM-only plans (from $12.90/month)

MyRepublic has refreshed its offerings to be more competitive than before, especially with its current ( and indefinite) flash sale.

Here are the plans:

  • 4G Lite Plan (S$12.90/month): 50GB data with Unlimited Data, 400 minutes of talk time and 400 SMS.
  • 5G Basic Plan (S$12.90/month): 50GB data with Unlimited Data, 400 minutes of talk time and 400 SMS.
  • 4G Basic Plan (S$12.90/month): 50GB data with Unlimited Data, 400 minutes of talk time and 400 SMS.
  • 4G Ex Core Plan (S$15.90/month): 150GB data with Unlimited Data, 500 minutes of talk time and 500 SMS.
  • 4G Value Plan (S$17.90/month): 200GB data with Unlimited Data, 800 minutes, 800 SMS and 1GB free roaming data.
  • 5G Value Plan (S$17.90/month): 200GB data with Unlimited Data, 800 minutes, 800 SMS and 1GB free roaming data.
  • 5G Core Plan (S$17.90/month): 150GB data with Unlimited Data, 500 minutes of talk time and 500 SMS.
  • 5G Standard Plan (S$17.95/month): 110GB data with Unlimited Data, 1,000 minutes, 1,000 SMS and a Free $10 Zalora Voucher.
  • 5G Prime Plan (S$19.90/month): 200GB data with Unlimited Data, 800 minutes, 800 SMS and 1GB free roaming data.
  • 5G Plus Plan (S$19.95/month): 150GB data with Unlimited Data, 1,200 minutes, 1,200 SMS and a Free $10 Zalora Voucher.
  • 5G Ultimate Plan (S$24.95/month for first 6 months, S$29.95/month thereafter): Unlimited Data, 7GB/day, 1,500 minutes, 1,500 SMS and a Free $10 Zalora Voucher.
  • 5G Unlimited Plan (S$30.90/month): Unlimited Data, 10GB/day at full speed, 2,000 minutes, 2,000 SMS and 1GB free roaming data.

Although the 4G Lite plan is the cheapest, we prefer the similarly-priced giga! for its rollover data feature. That said, at the price point you can get more data by turning to other companies like Changi Mobile, SIMBA and Geenet.

7. Zym Mobile SIM-only plans (from $10/month)

Zym Mobile offers SIM-only plans on both the 4G and 5G network. All their plans enable you to roll over your data from month to month, and all except Lite 4G offer 1GB of roaming data in Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia.

To sweeten the deal, Zym Mobile draws you with attractive free gifts when you subscribe to their plans, such as a $283 e-voucher and a 1x chance to win a Samsung A9+ Wifi worth $413 with the Roam Plus 4G and Roam Pro 5G plans.

Here are the available plans:

  • Lite 4G ($10.10/month): 20GB data + data rollover, 400 mins talktime, and 200 SMS.
  • Prime 4G ($18.40/month): 100GB data + data rollover, 500 mins talktime, and 500 SMS.=
  • Mega 5G ($28.50/month): 110GB data + data rollover, 500 mins talktime, and 500 SMS.
  • Super 5G ($38.70/month): 140GB data + data rollover, unlimited talktime, and 500 SMS.

8. M1 Maxx

M1 Maxx plans stand out by providing a free 30-days subscription to popular streaming platform Eazie TV, auto-renewal every 30 days for convenience, and a generous amount of data, voice minutes and SMS for the price. The three available plans are:

  • 20GB Local Data FOREVER plan ($10/month): 20GB local data, 300 mins local outgoing calls, unlimited incoming calls, free SIM card & delivery
  • 250GB Local & 2GB Roaming FOREVER plan ($14/month): 250GB local data, 2GB roaming data (Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Bangladesh), 500 mins local outgoing calls, unlimited incoming calls, 50 local SMS, free SIM card & delivery
  • 300GB Local & 4GB Roaming FOREVER plan ($18/month): 300GB local data, 4GB roaming data (Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Bangladesh), unlimited local outgoing calls, unlimited incoming calls, 50 local SMS, free SIM card & delivery

9. giga! SIM-only plans: (from $10.19/month)

giga! is Starhub’s entrant on the virtual telco scene, and it offers several plans to choose from:

  • $10.19/month for 20GB of data: 300 minutes of talk time and 300 SMS. Current promotion includes free 1GB gigaRoam APAC (One-time).
  • $18.33/month for 200GB of data: (200GB for first 6 months), 800 minutes of talk time and 800 SMS which includes free 2GB gigaRoam APAC (One-time).
  • $20.37/month for 200GB of data: (300GB for first 6 months), 1,000 minutes of talk time and 1,000 SMS. Current promotion includes free 2GB gigaRoam APAC (One-time).

The $20.37/month plan offers a ton of data at a relatively affordable price, so this should be your go-to plan if you need lots of data on a daily basis (eg. you’re frequently streaming YouTube/Netflix, gaming online, or working remotely).

giga! plans all roll over unused data for 2 months, which means you can theoretically get more data than you paid for. However, there is a cap of 10GB / 150GB / 200GB rollover data at any point in time for each of the 3 plans respectively.

10. Starhub SIM-only plans (from $20.02/month)

Starhub offers SIM-only plans with no contractual obligations. If you’re like most boomers who only trust and believe in the 3 main telcos because you think they are as legit as it gets, Starhub has several options.

The website isn’t the easiest to navigate. On their “Online SIM Only no contract plans” page, we see this offer:

  • 4G – $20.02/month for 80GB data: 1,000 mins of talk time and 1,000 SMS (80GB for 1st 24 months, 30GB thereafter​). Currently, this plan offers 1-month cloud gaming on GeForce NOW for free through StarHub app subscription.

Then if you navigate to their Star Plan page, we see more no contract SIM only plans:

  • [4G] Star Senior—$15/month for 20GB data: 1,000 mins of local talk time and 500 local and international SMS. This plan is designed for customers 60 years old and above.
  • [4G] Star 22—$22/month for 100GB data: 1,000 mins of local talk time and 500 local and international SMS.
  • [5G] Star 30—$30/month for 150GB data: 1,500 mins of local talk time and 750 local and international SMS.

11. Singtel SIM-only plans: GOMO (from $10.18/month)

GOMO piggybacks on Singtel’s 4G and 5G networks. With Singtel being one of the three main telcos in Singapore, the GOMO sub-brand is trying to get a slice of the budget market share.

The brand now offers three main plans:

  • 4G Lite Plan—10GB ($10.18/month): 100 minutes of talk time and 100 SMS
  • 4G Value Plan—250GB ($18.17/month): 500 minutes of talk time and 500 SMS (current promotion offers 2GB roaming data throughout Asia)
  • 5G Plan with Rollover – 300 GB ($25.46/month): 1,000 minutes of talk time and 1,000 SMS (current promotion offers 300 GB for first 6 months and 200GB thereafter)
  • Neighbours Plan – 100GB ($30.56/month): 500 minutes of talk time, 500 SMS and 5 GB roaming data (current promotion offers 300 GB for first 6 months and 200GB thereafter, plus 5GB monthly roaming to Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand)

These are no-contract plans. If you don’t mind staying on the 4G network, their 4G plans offer decent value if you absolutely need the security blanket of a Singtel product.

12. redONE SIM-only plans (from $8.40/month)

redONE is a Malaysian telco with some attractive SIM-only plans. Choose from 5 redONE plans:

  • redONE Super8 plan (S$8.40/month): 9GB data (8GB + 1GB bonus), 500 minutes of talk time, and 100 SMS.
  • redONE Perfect10 plan (S$10.90/month): 100GB data, 500 minutes of talk time, and 200 SMS.
  • redONE Super18 plan (S$18.90/month): 102GB data (100GB + 2GB bonus), 1,000 minutes of talk time, and 300 SMS.
  • redONE Super28 plan (S$28.90/month): 153GB data (150GB + 3GB bonus), 1,500 minutes of talk time, and 500 SMS.
  • redONE Super38 plan (S$38.90/month): 204GB data (200GB + 4GB bonus), 2,000 minutes of talk time, and 800 SMS.

One big selling point is that each plan comes with mobile data that can be used in Malaysia, ranging from 1GB Malaysia data in the Super8 plan and 4GB in the Super38 plan. Clearly, the plans are aimed at Malaysians living here. Besides that, their Perfect10 plan offers very good value.

13. Zero1 SIM-only plans (from $7.06/month)

Zero1’s gimmick is that all their plans have “unlimited” data. Apparently, you get 4G or 5G speeds on the first GBs that you pay for. Thereafter, your data will be released at a “managed” speed (read: slow but supposedly “usable”). Yet, at least you’re not forced to top up for extra data.

  • Zero1 Starter (S$7.06/month): 6GB to unlimited data, 150 minutes of talk time, 100 SMS.
  • Zero1 Classic (S$10.09/month): 50GB to unlimited data for 1st 6 months, then 22GB for months 7 to 12, then 12GB from the 13th month onwards; 200 minutes of talk time; 200 SMS.
  • Zero1 Jumbo Go (S$12.30/month added at checkout): 100GB data, 500 minutes of talk time, 50 SMS.
  • Zero1 50u One (S$18.22/month): 150GB unlimited data, 500 minutes of talk time, 500 SMS.
  • Zero1 Jumbo 100 (S$20.40/month added at checkout): 100GB data, 800 minutes of talk time, 100 SMS, 500 minutes IDD.
  • Zero1 80u (S$25.38/month): 130GB (80GB base + 50GB promo for 12 months) unlimited data, 800 minutes of talk time, 800 SMS.
  • Zero1 60u 5G (S$25.44/month): 120GB (60GB base + 60GB promo for 12 months) unlimited data, 500 minutes of talk time, 500 SMS, 1GB roaming data for 12 months, plus 10GB extra data for 3 months.
  • Zero1 90u 5G (S$32.55/month): 140GB (90GB base + 50GB promo for 12 months) unlimited data, 800 minutes of talk time, 800 SMS, 1GB roaming data for 12 months, plus 10GB extra data for 3 months.

Do note that you’ll need to pay a one-time registration fee of $10.80 for all Zero1 plans.

For newcomers, China Mobile has these SIM-only plans to offer:

  • 20GB (S$10.90/month): 10GB roaming in China/Hong Kong, 100 local minutes, 100 local SMS, free incoming calls.
  • 150GB (S$21.00/month): 30GB roaming in China/Hong Kong, extra 1GB roaming in select countries, 300 local minutes, 300 local SMS, 5G option available.
  • 150GB with Free 5G (S$31.10/month): 40GB roaming in China/Hong Kong, 400 local minutes, 400 local SMS, free incoming calls.
  • 200GB with Free 5G (S$41.20/month): 50GB roaming in China/Hong Kong, 500 local minutes, 500 local SMS, free incoming calls.

China Mobile is very much aimed at mainland Chinese living in Singapore for Singaporeans travelling abroad. All of its data can be shared across Singapore, mainland China and Hong Kong. Furthermore, they include local calls and separate overseas calls to China, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, and the USA.

15. VIVIFI SIM-only plans (from $9/month)

VIVIFI is yet another virtual telco with 5 SIM-only plans to choose from:

  • VIVIFI Lite 4G ($9.00/month): 3GB data, 500 minutes of talk time, and 20 SMS.
  • VIVIFI Plus 4G ($11.50/month): 50GB data for 12 months, 400 minutes of talk time, and 200 SMS.
  • VIVIFI Binge 4G ($18.00/month): 150GB data, 400 minutes of talk time, and 200 SMS.
  • VIVIFI Plus 4G/5G ($19.00/month): 60GB data for 12 months, 400 minutes of talk time, and 200 SMS.
  • VIVIFI Binge 5G ($25.50/month): 160GB data, 400 minutes of talk time, and 200 SMS.

While the first four SIM-only plans are pretty self-explanatory, we actually like the more expensive VIVIFI Share Plan the most.

You can share this plan with up to 9 other users, with each additional user paying $6.50/month. This arrangement may be suitable for couples with young children or elderly parents.

Suppose you, your spouse and your child share a VIVIFI plan. You pay the base price of $40.37 and an additional $12.12 to add 2 users. The total price comes up to $52.49, and 3 of you get to share a total of 180GB data. If you do the math, that comes up to $17.50/month per user.

16. Circles Life SIM-only plans (from $12/month)

If you’re part of the modern generation that prefers communicating through messaging apps and social platforms, you might find Circles Life’s data-only plans to be right up your alley. Here are their various options, with and without talktime:

4G Plans:

  • Circles Life 4G Lite $12 Plan: 150GB data, 300 minutes of talktime and unlimited incoming calls. After 3 months, the price reverts to $17.
  • Circles Life 4G Standard $15 Plan: 100GB data, 300 minutes of talktime, unlimited free incoming calls, and free 1GB roaming in select countries, with a price of $15 that reverts to $17 after three months.
  • Circles Life 4G Borderless $30/month: 100GB of data (across Singapore and 8 popular Asian countries), 300 minutes local talktime, unlimited free incoming calls, free incoming local and roaming SMS, and free Caller ID.

5G Plans:

  • Circles Life 5G Special $20/month: 250GB of data, 300 minutes talktime, unlimited free incoming calls, and free 2GB roaming in select countries, with a price that reverts to $25 after 3 months.
  • Circles Life 5G 1TB Special $30/month: 1TB on 5G speeds, free 2GB roaming forever in select countries, exclusive access to $10 movie tickets, and unlimited incoming and outgoing calls. Price reverts to $40 after 3 months.
  • Circles Life 5G Borderless (Multi-country plan) $30/month: 100GB 5G access in 8 Asian countries, 300 minutes local talktime, unlimited incoming calls, and free local and roaming SMS. Price reverts to $37 after 3 months.

Cheapest SIM only plans comparison

How do you know which plan to sign up for? Here’s a quick guide:

Cheapest SIM-only plan comparison: Zero1 or RedONE (from $7.06/month)

SIM only plan Monthly subscription Data / outgoing talktime / SMS
Zero1 Starter $7.06 6GB / 150 mins / 100 SMS
redONE Amazing 8 $8.40 8GB / 500 mins / 100 SMS

If you need minimal data and just want the lowest possible price per month, Zero1 or RedONE’s cheapest plans would save you the most money, RedONE’s being a bit more practical if you are fine with paying $1 more per month for more talk time.

For 100G data/month: Changi Mobile, SIMBA, heya or Geenet  ($10/month)

SIM only plan Monthly subscription Data / outgoing talk time / SMS
Changi Mobile Value+ $10 100GB / 300 mins / 200 SMS
SIMBA 100GB (formerly TPG) $10 100GB / unlimited / unlimited SMS to SIMBA lines
heya by Singtel $10 100GB / 300 mins / 50 SMS
Geenet $12 120GB / 1,000 min / 1,000 SMS

When choosing a SIM-only plan with around 100GB of data per month for $10, consider your specific needs and priorities to determine the best option for you. Here are some things to consider:

Choose SIMBA if:

  • You frequently call and SMS other SIMBA users
  • Your device is VoLTE-compatible

Choose Changi Mobile if:

  • You want a balanced plan with data, minutes, and SMS
  • You don’t mind that only 50GB of data is at full 4G speed

Choose heya by Singtel if:

  • You rarely use SMS and mainly use messaging apps
  • You need 100GB of data and a moderate amount of talk time

Choose Geenet if:

  • You require more data and talk time than average
  • You’re willing to spend slightly more ($12/month) for higher allowances   

Finding Your Perfect Match in a Sea of SIM-Only Plans

With so many SIM-only plans available, it can be overwhelming to choose the best one for your needs. Consider your consumption habits, budget, and any specific cross-border requirements. You’ll be able to find the perfect fit that keeps you connected without breaking the bank. The right SIM-only plan is out there waiting for you!

 

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