Germany has one of Europe's most competitive mobile markets β with prices dropping every year. Whether you just moved to Germany, want to ditch an expensive contract, or simply want better value, this guide walks you through the best SIM-only deals available in 2026.
π‘ Quick tip: Most Germans overpay for mobile plans. The average monthly bill is β¬24, but excellent 4G/5G plans are available from β¬5ββ¬12/month with the same network quality.
Germany's Three Mobile Networks
All mobile providers in Germany operate on one of three physical networks. MVNOs (cheaper brands) use the same towers β just at lower prices.
Best SIM-Only Plans 2026
These are the best value SIM-only plans available in Germany in November 2026. All prices include VAT.
| Provider | Network | Data | Price/Month | Contract | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aldi Talk Best Value | Telekom | 15 GB 4G | β¬9.99 | Prepaid | Budget users |
| Congstar | Telekom | 10 GB 5G | β¬12.00 | Monthly cancel | Telekom quality, lower price |
| Lidl Connect | Vodafone | 20 GB 4G | β¬9.99 | Prepaid | Data-heavy users |
| Freenet Top Pick | O2/Telekom | 20 GB 5G | β¬14.99 | Monthly cancel | Flexibility + 5G |
| O2 Free S | O2 | 10 GB 5G | β¬19.99 | 24 months | O2 native + roaming |
| Telekom MagentaMobil S | Telekom | 10 GB 5G | β¬29.95 | 24 months | Best rural coverage |
Prepaid vs. Contract: What's Right for You?
Germany offers both options. Here's how to decide:
| Factor | Prepaid (Prepaid) | Contract (Vertrag) |
|---|---|---|
| Registration | Just EU ID needed | Requires Schufa check (credit) |
| Commitment | None β cancel anytime | 12β24 months typical |
| Monthly cost | β¬5ββ¬15 | β¬15ββ¬40 |
| 5G access | Usually 4G only | Yes, on most plans |
| EU roaming | Sometimes limited | Usually included |
| Best for | New arrivals, short stays | Long-term residents |
π New in Germany? Start with a prepaid SIM (Aldi Talk or Lidl Connect). You can switch to a contract plan after 3β6 months once you have a Schufa score and stable address.
How to Register a SIM Card in Germany
German law requires all SIM cards to be registered (PostIdent procedure). Here's what you need:
- Buy a SIM card β at any supermarket (Aldi, Lidl, Rewe), electronics store (MediaMarkt, Saturn), or online
- Activate online β go to the provider's website and start activation
- Verify identity β use VideoIdent (video call) or PostIdent (post office). You'll need your passport or EU ID card
- Enter your German address β required by law
- Done! β usually activated within 1β2 hours
MVNOs: Same Network, Half the Price
MVNOs are companies that sell mobile plans using another company's network. In Germany, this is completely legal and standard. The major MVNOs:
- Telekom network: Congstar, Aldi Talk, Penny Mobil, Netzclub, Edeka Mobil
- Vodafone network: Lidl Connect, Callmobile, otelo
- O2 network: Blau, Simyo, Yourfone, WinSIM
The key difference: MVNOs may be deprioritized during network congestion, but for most users in normal conditions, the experience is identical to the main brand.