Last Update: 02 July 2024
1. Best Unlimited Internet Postpaid and Prepaid SIM Cards in Germany
Germany has four mobile network operators: Telekom, Vodafone, Telefónica o2, and 1&1. You can get a contract directly with them or with one of the numerous other providers like 1&1, Lidl Connect, ALDI Talk, congstar, sim.de, or Blau. The latter use one of the four nationwide networks. All providers are extending their networks quickly. However, there are still significant regional differences regarding 5G coverage in Germany. Hence, choosing the right mobile phone provider depends on where you stay in Germany.
In this article, we discuss the coverage of network providers in Germany and the mobile phone contract providers operating in these networks. We explain the different options of mobile phone plans, such as getting a prepaid SIM card or subscribing to a mobile phone contract in Germany. We also look at the best mobile providers in Germany with the most competitive plans currently available for fast mobile internet and phoning in Germany.
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Best SIM Card in Germany: 4 Ideas for Every Purpose
sim.de plans come with unlimited calls, texts and generous data allowances: 5 GB for 4.99 Euros, 10 GB for 6.99 Euros, and 25 GB for 9.99 Euros / month.
Vodafone CallYa is problably the best free prepaid SIM Card with cheap prices, 5G high-speed and optionally available as eSIM.
![mega sim logo](https://www.vitrado.de/files/homeprograms/35_20200615130308MegaSim-logo-204x88.jpg)
Mega SIM offers high-volume 225 MBit/s capped plans: 140 GB for 24.99 Euros, 70 GB for 19.99 Euros, and 50 GB for 14.99 Euros / month.
Freenet o2 Mobile Unlimited Max is great for high-speed unlimited internet with 225 MBit/s starting at 44.99 Euros / month.
2. Cheapest Mobile Networks and Plans up to 30 GB of Data
To help you choose your mobile provider, we have compared hundreds of plans from different mobile operators and defined the ones that offer the best value for your money. Most of these plans have short durations, so you can cancel your mobile contract easily.
If none of the plans mentioned matches your expectations, check our comparison tools to find your best mobile network provider for your time in Germany.
€4.99 / month (5 GB)
€6.99 / month (10 GB)
€9.99 / month (25 GB)
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€2.99 / month (2 GB)
€4.99 / month (10 GB)
€6.99 / month (15 GB)
€9.99 / month (24 GB)
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3. High Data Volume and Unlimited Internet SIM Cards
If you use a lot of data, the following plans are perfect for streaming, gaming, and surfing.
Are you specifically looking for the best mobile phone contracts or the best Prepaid SIM Cards in Germany that offer unlimited internet? Then, check out our dedicated article featuring all the unlimited internet SIM cards available in Germany.
€14.99 / month (50 GB)
€19.99 / month (70 GB)
€24.99 / month (140 GB)
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€34.99 / month (280 GB)
€44.99-49.99 / month (ult.)
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4. Best 5G Mobile Network Providers
Only the large network providers offer plans with full 5G speed. Even though some discount providers advertise their 5G plan, the speed is still limited to 50 or 100 MBit/s. Telekom is the mobile network provider with the best coverage in terms of 5G. Furthermore, o2, 1&1, and Vodafone also propose 5G plans.
€0 / 4 weeks (0 GB)
€4.99 / 4 weeks (1 GB)
€9.99 / 4 weeks (10 GB)
€14.99 / 4 weeks (20 GB)
€20 / 4 weeks (30 GB)
€79.99 / 4 weeks (unlt.)
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€29.99 / month (25 GB)
€19.99-34.99 / month (50 GB)
€39.99 / month (70 GB)
€29.99-44.99/ month (140 GB)
€39.99-49.99 / month (280 GB)
€49.99-59.99 / month (unlt.)
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5. Best Operators for eSIM
Many mobile operators propose eSIM cards. While some require you to get a physical SIM first and then convert it into an eSIM, others allow you to order the eSIM online directly. It is then delivered by e-mail so you can be connected within minutes.
We have created an overview with all German phone providers that enable you to purchase a fully digital eSIM here. The best available deals at the moment are:
€0 / 4 weeks (0 GB)
€4.99 / 4 weeks (1 GB)
€9.99 / 4 weeks (10 GB)
€14.99 / 4 weeks (20 GB)
€20 / 4 weeks (30 GB)
€79.99 / 4 weeks (unlt.)
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€19.99 / month (50 GB)
€24.99/ month (70 GB)
€29.99 / month (140 GB)
€34.99 / month (28ß GB)
€49.99 / month (unlt.)
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Disclaimer:
The information in this post is non-binding and for informational purposes only. It is not a complete market overview. We do not take responsibility for the accuracy and up-to-dateness of the data. Please re-check the final conditions and prices on the providers’ websites (§18 ZKG).
Some of the links in this article are promotional links. We gain a commission if you purchase an item or open an account following this link. It helps us keep this site running and does not come at any cost to you.
6. Pick the Best Mobile Network in Germany: List of Mobile Operators
Your connection’s service quality and speed will depend on your chosen network. There are, in total, four operators with a varying degree of coverage. You can get a mobile plan directly from one of the network operators or another provider using their network. The provider you choose may depend on your requirements and the availability at your place of residence.
Deutsche Telekom Network
Telekom is famous for having the most advanced and fastest-growing network. According to the data of the German surveillance authority Bundesnetzagentur from July 2023, Telekom has a 4G coverage of 91.3% and a 5G coverage of 75.3% of Germany’s territory. Telekom provides a map with its local service quality here.
Vodafone Germany Network
Vodafone‘s 4G network coverage is comparable to that of Telekom, reaching 90.7% of the territory. However, 5G coverage is considerably lower, at 65.3%, according to the statistics of Bundesnetzagentur from July 2023. Visit the Vodafone website to see the map of network coverage.
Telefónica o2 Network
The network of Telefónica o2 provides 85.9% coverage of national territory for 4G and 55.6% for 5G. The Bundesnetzagentur July 2023 statistics show that it has the least-performing network among the Top 3 providers. However, plans within the o2 network are oftentimes the most economical solution. Check the network coverage for your place on the o2 website.
1&1 Network
1&1 has just recently started to build a network of its own. Hence, network progression is still very early and only available at selected places. However, 1&1 customers can access the Telefonica o2 network whenever no direct 1&1 service is available. As the cooperation between o2 and 1&1 ends, Vodafone will become the fallback network in the future
7. Types of Mobile Contracts in Germany Compared
Pay-as-you-go vs. Subscription
Pay-as-you-go
With pay-as-you-go, you only pay for what you consume. You are charged for every minute you use your phone or megabyte of data you consume. This type of plan is mostly attractive if you have very low usage—e.g., you use your phone mainly “to be reached” or perform occasional short calls.
Subscription
With a subscription, you usually pay a monthly fee for a package with a specific bundle of services; these may, for instance, include:
- Unlimited or a certain number of included minutes for national calls to landlines and other mobile networks
- Options to perform a certain amount of calls to selected countries abroad for free or a limited fee
- Unlimited or a certain number of texts
- Included data—usually unlimited: There is a certain amount of megabits included for high-speed data use for surfing or social media. After consumption, the speed is reduced so that at least messaging is still possible.
Prepaid Plans vs. Postpaid Plans
Prepaid Plans
Before using a prepaid SIM, you charge your card in advance. You may choose a pay-as-you-go option or a monthly subscription. The latter is usually renewed monthly if you do not cancel or run out of sufficient balance. Prepaid plans are the most flexible option, as you can cancel or change the package anytime. They are especially great if you have just arrived in Germany or only plan to stay for a limited time. You usually do not need to provide a local address.
Postpaid Plans
With postpaid options, you close a contract with a provider, and charges are deducted from your bank account at the end of the month. Different plans are available with a minimum notice period between 1 and 24 months. With a notice period of 1 month, you are very flexible and can always terminate your contract. However, even with a 24-month agreement, there are exceptions to terminate the contract: If you move abroad, special rights to cancel or pause the contract may be available. Some services are only provided as a part of postpaid plans (e.g., eSIM, multiSIM, high-speed / high-volume data). Also, providers offer attractive bundles to get a new phone and pay in installments. Hence, this is an excellent option if you want to stay permanently or forever.
8. Requirements: Who can Get a German SIM Card?
Everyone in Germany can easily get a local SIM card for a mobile phone or data plan. You need your ID or passport to verify yourself. This means that new arrivals, tourists, or people only planning to stay for a short time can also get a local phone or data plan. A residence or address in Germany is usually optional if you choose a prepaid option. A postpaid contract can be an attractive choice if you are an expat or plan to stay longer – however, these plans usually require a residence in Germany. See further information below on the different kinds of plans.
9. Comparison of Plans: How do We Find the Best SIM Cards in Germany?
We use a variety of sources to identify the best deals for SIM Cards and eSIM in Germany at the moment. We check out the provider’s websites listed above. Furthermore, we use the market comparison websites of Verivox, CHECK24, and communicationAds. They are established services for detailed market checks in Germany. If you want to do more research, we recommend starting your search there.
8. Frequently Asked Questions on Getting a SIM Card
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What is the Best Prepaid SIM Card from Germany?
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Where can I Buy a SIM Card for Germany?
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Can I Use my SIM Card for Mobile Phoning and Mobile Internet Outside of Germany?
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How do You Activate Your Prepaid SIM Card?
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Is there a Free German Prepaid SIM?
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How can I find a Phone Contract in Germany?
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Can You Use Your Phone from Abroad when You Buy a German SIM Card or do You Require a German Mobile Phone?