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Lebara is a UK-based mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) that launched in 2007 and has since grown to serve millions of customers with no-frills, budget-friendly options.
TLDR
- SIM-Only Plans from £5/month with inclusive UK minutes, texts and data, plus international minutes to 50+ countries
- Pay-As-You-Go SIMs offering top-up flexibility and calls from 1p per minute
- Data-Only SIMs ideal for tablets and mobile hotspots
- International Calling Bundles built into many plans, plus PAYG rates at 1p/min
- eSIM Roadmap planned but not yet available
- Flexible Top-Up & Bolt-Ons to adjust allowances on a 30-day rolling basis
- Strong Network Coverage on Vodafone’s 98% UK footprint
SIM-Only Plans
Lebara offers a suite of SIM-Only plans designed for flexibility and value. Plans start from just £5 each month, including data, UK minutes/texts and a generous allocation of international minutes. Customers aren’t tied into long-term contracts and can switch or cancel each 30-day cycle.
- Entry-level: 5 GB data + 1 000 UK mins + 1 000 UK texts + 100 international mins
- Mid-tier: 10–25 GB data with unlimited UK use + 100+ international mins
- Premium: Unlimited data, calls & texts in the UK
Pay-As-You-Go Options
For those who prefer to pay only for what they use, Lebara provides PAYG SIMs with no minimum spend. Users top up as needed via the online portal, in-app or at retail partners, then use their credit for calls, texts and data.
- Free SIM delivery
- Credit expiry: 365 days from last top-up
- PAYG rates from 1 p/min for UK calls and texts
International Calling Bundles
Global connectivity is baked into many Lebara plans, with international minutes to over 50 destinations included in bundle deals. Pay-as-you-go international calls start from just 1 p per minute when you top up credit.
- Included minutes to popular countries (India, EU, USA, etc.)
- Flexible top-up for additional international minutes
Data-Only SIM Plans
Ideal for tablets, dongles or hotspot devices, Lebara’s data-only SIMs let you connect any SIM-enabled device to mobile broadband. You choose the data allowance that suits your usage without paying for voice or text services.
- Use in 4G/5G hotspots, tablets, or smartphones running internet-only apps
- Plans ranging from a few GB up to unlimited data options
eSIM Roadmap
While many MVNOs now support embedded SIMs, Lebara is still developing eSIM capability. Official support is not yet live but is planned in future updates; customers can follow official channels for announcements.
Roaming and Network Coverage
By piggy-backing on Vodafone’s infrastructure, Lebara provides UK-wide network access with 98% geographic coverage, including 5G where available. Data speeds average over 20 Mbps, ensuring reliable connections in most areas.
- 5G, 4G, 3G and 2G compatibility
- Fair-usage roaming in EU & select global destinations
Top-Up and Bolt-On Flexibility
Adjust your plan mid-cycle or when allowances run low using bolt-ons and top-ups. Lebara offers add-ons starting from £3 to boost data, calls or texts for 30 days, making it easy to tailor your service.
- Data add-ons for extra GBs
- Additional international minutes packages
Digital App and Online Portal
Manage your account seamlessly via Lebara’s web portal or mobile app:
- Check balances and allowances
- Purchase plans and bolt-ons
- Set up auto-top-up and reminders
Keep Your Number (Porting)
Switching to Lebara is straightforward: order your SIM, text for a PAC code from your old provider, then complete the port-in request online. Your number transfers without losing service for more than a few minutes.
Customer Support Services
Lebara provides multilingual customer support:
- Phone: Dial 5588 (from Lebara SIM) or +44 207 031 0791
- Email & Chat: Response within 5–7 working days
- Help Centre: Extensive online FAQs and guides
Tips for Choosing the Perfect Plan
- Assess your average monthly data, minutes and texts to pick the closest bundle
- Consider a data-only SIM if you primarily use internet-based calling/text apps
- Use bolt-ons for occasional spikes in usage rather than moving to a higher-tier plan
- Check coverage maps for your home and work areas
Pros and Cons of Lebara Products
Pros
- Highly affordable plans starting at £5/month
- Flexible 30-day rolling contracts without credit checks
- Inclusive international minutes to 50+ countries in bundles
- PAYG option with calls from 1 p/min
- Strong Vodafone network coverage (98% UK footprint)
Cons
- No eSIM support at present (feature coming soon)
- Advanced business-grade features (e.g., dedicated account manager) may be limited
- Bolt-ons incur extra cost if usage spikes are frequent
Overall, Lebara delivers an attractive mix of low prices, flexibility and international focus—ideal for budget-minded users who want control without the commitment.
