1pMobile is a UK SIM-only mobile provider offering ultra-low-cost Pay-As-You-Go pricing, optional data Boosts, and contract-free plans that run on the EE network. This 1pMobile review looks beyond headline pricing to explain how the service works in everyday use, how its coverage compares across the UK, and, crucially, who this type of mobile setup genuinely suits and who it does not.
If your mobile use is light, irregular, or largely Wi-Fi-based, 1pMobile can be one of the cheapest options available in the UK. If you rely heavily on mobile data every month and want a simple, fixed allowance, it is usually not the best choice. That distinction underpins everything else in this review.
Quick verdict
1pMobile is best suited to people who value control over convenience. It works particularly well for users who keep data usage low, vary their usage month to month, or want to avoid contracts entirely while still benefiting from EE-level coverage.
It is less suitable for people who stream, hotspot, or rely on mobile data daily, as PAYG data costs add up quickly unless managed carefully with Boosts.
1pmobile pros and cons
Bottom line
The 1pmobile network rewards awareness. Used intentionally, it can be extremely cheap. Used passively, it can be poor value compared with standard SIM-only plans.
How 1pMobile pricing actually works
At the heart of this 1pMobile review is its classic Pay-As-You-Go tariff. Calls cost 1p per minute, texts cost 1p each, and data costs 1p per MB. There are no call connection fees, peak rates, or network-specific pricing. The same rate applies at all times.
This pricing model is refreshingly transparent, but transparency does not automatically mean value.
1p per MB (£10 per GB)
The key thing to understand is how quickly PAYG data costs escalate. Calls and texts remain very cheap even with regular use, but data usage needs to be managed deliberately.
The price reality check most reviews skip
To understand whether 1pMobile is worth it, it helps to compare it with typical UK SIM-only pricing. Many mainstream SIM-only plans now offer around 10–20GB of data for roughly £8–£12 per month.
On PAYG alone, 1GB of data on 1pMobile costs £10.
This makes 1pMobile excellent for very low data use, but increasingly uncompetitive as data needs grow. This is why data Boosts are not a “nice extra”, but a practical necessity for many users.
Data Boosts and bundles, explained clearly
To reduce data costs, 1pMobile offers data Boosts ranging from 1GB up to 200GB, alongside 30-day and annual plans with unlimited calls and texts.
Boosts work well for people whose usage fluctuates. They suit users who rely on Wi-Fi most of the time but occasionally need mobile data, or whose usage spikes during travel or busy periods. You add data when you need it, rather than paying for it every month.
Where Boosts become less attractive is for people who consistently use large amounts of mobile data. At that point, 1pMobile behaves more like a conventional SIM provider, and its value depends entirely on how its larger plans compare with other EE-based options.
Coverage and speeds in the UK
Coverage is one of the strongest arguments in this 1pMobile review.
1pMobile operates on the EE network, providing around 99% UK population coverage, with access to 4G and 5G at no extra cost. Wi-Fi Calling, VoLTE, and 2G support for older handsets are also included.
In everyday use, this translates to reliable indoor signal, strong rural coverage, and speeds comparable to EE for browsing, streaming, and navigation. This is a meaningful advantage over many budget providers that use other networks.
EU roaming and international use
EU roaming is included in 46 European destinations, allowing customers to use their phone much like they would at home. A fair usage cap applies, with a 14GB limit per Boost.
This works well for short trips and moderate use, but is less suitable for people who rely on mobile data all day while abroad. International calls start from 9p per minute, with worldwide roaming available at variable rates that are best checked before travel.
Contracts, credit checks, and switching
One of the main reasons people choose 1pMobile is the lack of commitment. There are no contracts, no credit checks, and no notice periods.
You can keep your existing number when switching, and SIMs are available in standard, micro, and nano sizes. A 14-day money-back guarantee is also offered, which makes trying the service relatively low risk.
Common complaints and avoidable mistakes
This 1pMobile review would be incomplete without addressing where people tend to struggle.
The most common issue is underestimating PAYG data costs. Using mobile data without adding a Boost can drain credit quickly. Another frequent frustration is treating 1pMobile like a traditional monthly plan and forgetting to monitor usage.
These are not faults with the network itself, but they do require a mindset shift. 1pMobile works best when users actively manage their usage rather than expecting a fixed allowance to cover everything.
Who 1pMobile is actually best for
1pMobile is a strong fit for people who mainly use calls and texts, rely heavily on Wi-Fi, or want a genuinely contract-free mobile option. It also suits those who value transparent pricing and are comfortable keeping an eye on usage.
It is a poor fit for people who stream regularly on mobile data, use hotspot tethering frequently, or want a predictable monthly bill with no involvement.
If you recognise yourself more in the first group than the second, 1pMobile is likely to work well.
Is 1pMobile worth it in the UK?
This 1pMobile review shows that the network offers something genuinely different in the UK market.
Its strengths are clear: honest pricing, strong EE-based coverage, and complete freedom from contracts. Its weakness is that it requires attention. For users willing to manage their usage and add data deliberately, it can be one of the cheapest mobile options available. For those who prioritise simplicity, other SIM-only plans will usually be a better fit.
1pmobile review – faqS
Is 1pMobile legit in the UK?
Yes. 1pMobile is a UK-based provider operating on the EE network, with over 20 years of experience in the mobile industry.
Does 1pMobile have good coverage?
Yes. 1pMobile uses the EE network, which offers strong 4G and 5G coverage across most of the UK, including good rural and indoor signal.
Can 1pMobile end up costing more than expected?
It can if you rely on PAYG data without adding a Boost. Calls and texts are very cheap, but data costs add up quickly unless managed deliberately.
Is 1pMobile good for heavy data users?
Not usually. People who use large amounts of mobile data every month may find better value with fixed-allowance SIM-only plans.
Can you leave 1pMobile easily?
Yes. There is no contract or notice period, so you can stop using the service at any time.
Who is 1pMobile good for?
1pMobile is well suited to people who use their phone lightly or inconsistently, rely heavily on Wi-Fi, or mainly make calls and send texts. It also works well for anyone who wants strong UK coverage without being tied into a contract, and for users who prefer transparent pricing and are happy to keep an eye on their usage.
