Last Update: 27 September 2024
1. Finding a SIM Card with the Best Mobile Network and Cheapest Operators in Germany
Germany has four mobile network operators: Telekom, Vodafone, Telefónica o2, and 1&1. You can get a direct contract with them or with numerous other providers that use one of these networks, e.g., Lidl Connect, ALDI Talk, congstar, or Blau. This article gives you not only the complete list of German mobile operators and their networks but also the maps for local 4G and 5G coverage.
To help you choose your best mobile phone contract or prepaid SIM card, we compared hundreds of plans from different mobile operators with reknown price comparison engines to identify the mobile providers with the best value for your money.
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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, 40 GB for 12.99, and unlimited data for 24.99 Euros / month.
Mega SIM offers high-volume 50 MBit/s capped plans: 280 GB for 24.99 Euros, 140 GB for 19.99 Euros, 50 GB for 11.99 Euros, and 25 GB for 7.99 Euros / month.
Vodafone CallYa is problably the best free prepaid SIM Card with cheap prices, 5G high-speed and optionally available as eSIM.
o2‘s postpaid plans offer great value for money with full 5G speed. Get a 50% discount if you use our exclusive link and promo code.
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.
2. List of Mobile Operators
Your connection’s service quality and speed will depend on your chosen network. There are four operators with a varying degree of coverage. You can get a mobile plan directly from one of the network operators or another independent provider using one of the four networks.
The provider you choose may depend on your requirements, the availability at your place of residence, and competitive SIM card deals. We consolidated some great deals for each network and linked them in the respective category. Most of these plans have short durations, so you can cancel your mobile contract easily.
If you are looking for unlimited data plans or a German eSIM, check our dedicated articles:
3. Deutsche Telekom: Best Network for 5G Coverage
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.
Mobile Providers in the Deutsche Telekom Network
Popular Operators in the Deutsche Telekom Network
congstar
Mobilfunk
As of €0 / 4 weeks (prepaid)
As of €12/month (postpaid)
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EDEKA
smart
As of €0 / 4 weeks (prepaid)
Commercial partner
Deutsche Telekom
Mobilfunk
As of €4.95/4 weeks (prepaid)
As of €19.95/month (postpaid)
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4. Vodafone: Germany’s Most Popular 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.
Mobile Providers in the Vodafone Network
Popular Operators in the Vodafone Network
Klarmobil
Allnet Flats
As of €14.99 / month (postpaid)
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Lyca Mobile
Prepaid plans
As of €4.99 / month (postpaid)
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SIMon mobile
As of €0 / 4 weeks (prepaid)
As of €8.99 / month (postpaid)
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Vodafone
Mobilfunk
As of €0 / 4 weeks (prepaid)
As of €15.99 / month (postpaid)
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5. Telefónica o2: One of the Cheapest Mobile Networks
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.
Mobile Providers in the o2 Network
Popular Operators in the Telefónica o2 Network
Blau
As of €0 / 4 weeks (prepaid)
As of €4.99 / month (postpaid)
Commercial partner
Lebara
As of €0 / 4 weeks (prepaid)
As of €4.99 / month (postpaid)
Commercial partner
Mega SIM
As of €7.99 / month (postpaid)
Commercial partner
o2
Mobilfunk
As of €0 / 4 weeks (prepaid)
As of €9.99 / month (postpaid)
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6. 1&1: Network for Cheapest Data SIM Cards
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 Vodafone network whenever no direct 1&1 service is available. This cooperation has been established since Augsut 2024 after the expiry of an agreement with Telefónica o2.
Mobile Providers in the 1&1 Network
Selected Operators in the 1&1 Network
BLACKSIM
As of €6.99 / month (postpaid)
Commercial partner
sim24
As of €4.99 / month (postpaid)
Commercial partner
sim.de
Mobilfunk-Tarife
As of €4.99 / month (postpaid)
Commercial partner
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?
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What is the Best 5G Network Provider in Germany?
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Which German Operators offer eSIM?
