Most people carry at least one smartphone with them. And one crucial aspect that makes a smartphone super useful is its ability to access the internet. This can be done either via Wi-Fi or mobile data.
We are only going to be focusing on mobile data here, as Wi-Fi has limited coverage and solely relying on public Wi-Fi isn’t possible (or wise). And if you’re looking for high-data plans in the UK, you’ll eventually come across Lyca Mobile.
As one of the top MVNOs (Mobile Virtual Network Operators), Lyca Mobile has an excellent line-up of affordable SIM-only deals. They have everything you’re looking for in a mobile plan and then some more.
But how do Lyca Mobile’s PAYG (pay-as-you-go) plans do against the competition? Let’s find out.
How Lyca Mobile’s SIM-Only Deal Fares Against the Competition
For this comparison, we have used Lyca Mobile’s National Plus PAYG plan with others of more or less similar data allowance.
The table clearly shows how Lyca Mobile offers the best value for the price paid. Even without the promotional price, Lyca Mobile’s National Plus has the edge over its competitors.
| Feature | Lyca Mobile | giffgaff | Smarty | Three | O2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Data | 30GB | 30GB | 40GB | 40GB | 20GB |
| Monthly cost | £5.00* | £15 | £10 | £12 | £27 |
| UK Mins/Texts | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Contract | 30-day | 30-day | 30-day | PAYG / contract options | 30-day |
| EU roaming (Data Cap) | ✓ 12GB | ✓ 5GB | ✓ 12GB | ✓ 6GB | X No |
| China Roaming (Data cap) | ✓ 500MB | X No | X No | X No | X No |
| International calling included | ✓ 100 Minutes (48 countries) | X No | X No | X No | X No |
| Wi-Fi Calling | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Credit check | X No | X No | X No | X No | X No |
* 50% off for the 1st month - Original Price £10
Lyca Mobile vs giffgaff
Like Lyca Mobile, giffgaff is an MVNO as well. The network provider has been around since 2008.
As for the plan in the table, Lyca Mobile has a clear advantage in terms of pricing. There is a £10 difference between Lyca Mobile’s and giffgaff’s prices. Even without Lyca Mobile’s promotional price, there’s still a £5 price difference.
There are other areas where Lyca Mobile excels as well. Lyca Mobile’s National Plus has more than twice the amount of EU roaming data than giffgaff. Also, giffgaff charges standard PAYG rates for international calls. With the National Plus, you get 100 minutes free for 48 countries around the world.
Lyca Mobile vs Smarty
Smarty is a unique addition to this table. It’s a flanker brand (or a fighter brand) of Three UK, which is also in the list. Smarty markets itself as a brand that prioritises transparency and simplicity.
Smarty has a higher data allowance than Lyca Mobile at almost the same price, but it loses out when it comes to international calling. While Lyca Mobile has dedicated international minutes, you’ll have to purchase an add-on to make international calls. Lyca Mobile’s National Plus also has dedicated roaming data for China. This, combined with the international calling benefits, makes the National Plus a great choice for international students in the UK.
Lyca Mobile vs Three
This is the first instance where we compare an MVNO with an MNO (Mobile Network Operator).
Three is considered one of the best networks in the UK. The previous flanker brand, Smarty, is the budget-friendly range of Three.
As for the plans themselves, there are quite a few differences. Three’s plan has 10 GB more data than the National Plus. But the National Plus’s competitive promotional price and the price after that are lower than Three’s plan.
Lyca Mobile also has double the roaming data for the EU. Like the previous comparisons, the dedicated international minutes to 48 countries make Lyca Mobile’s National Plus the clear winner here.
Lyca Mobile vs O2
O2 is another MNO in the list. It is also the most expensive one in the table.
O2’s plan costs twice as much as the National Plus’s original price and has 10 GB less monthly data.
Also, unlike other plans in the table, O2’s plan doesn’t have dedicated roaming data, whether it’s for the EU or China.
And just like other plans, international calls aren’t included with the base plan. You will have to purchase an add-on to make international calls from the UK.
Switch to Lyca Mobile Today!
You now have a clear picture of the value Lyca Mobile offers compared to some of the top mobile operators in the UK.
The National Plus offers exceptional value for the money you pay. For the first month, you only have to pay £5. The £10 price from the second month onwards is on the affordable side as well.
Lyca Mobile’s international benefits are also worth considering. It is one of the few operators that offer roaming data and international calling benefits without any add-ons.
So, get the Lyca Mobile National Plus and experience the best benefits at affordable prices. You can also get this plan without changing your number.