Cheapest mobile plans in Germany by usage: Compare options and save money on data

Picking a SIM card in Germany is not what you want to spend much time on. Yet you have to choose between massive network operator giants like Telekom or Vodafone and dozens of discounter SIM options at Aldi, Lidl and Penny. To find the one that fits you, explore our guide on cheap mobile plans in Germany in 2026.

Budget-friendly options: MVNOs & discounters

MVNO providers – like Aldi Talk, Lidl Connect, Congstar, Penny Mobil, and fraenk – often have lower prices compared to companies which own mobile networks. However, the signal and data might be weaker.

• Aldi Talk: Uses the O2 network. You can purchase Aldi’s SIM card while buying your groceries in the nearest shop.
• Lidl Connect: Uses the Vodafone network. A solid choice if the O2 signal in your location is weak.
• Congstar: Wide Telekom network coverage, but with much simpler, cheaper plans.
• Penny Mobil: Another Telekom network provider, which is perfect for light usage without the premium prices.
• fraenk: A digital-only Telekom brand managed entirely via app; it offers flat-rate postpaid plans.

Tips: How to get a German SIM card.

Top 4 network operators: Telekom, Vodafone, O2, and 1&1 Mobilfunk

Often not the cheapest, but always reliable – four companies in Germany own their own networks. Choose Deutsche Telekom, Vodafone Germany, O2, and 1&1 Mobilfunk if you don’t want to worry about the data speed or coverage.

• Vodafone Germany

Vodafone is known for speed, so it’s a legit choice when you need to go out to work or study. They also have special travel deals – EasyTravel option for postpaid plans. When going to Turkey, the USA, or Switzerland, you can get 7 days of free roaming for 21.99 EUR.

• O2 (Telefónica Germany)

The budget-friendly giant. O2 is the go-to if you want an unlimited data plan that won’t eat your entire budget. Their signal is excellent in the city, though you might still hit dead zones on long train rides through the countryside.

• 1&1 Mobilfunk

The newest operator with its own network. 1&1 Mobilfunk is still building its towers, so they use O2’s network as a backup for now. TThe company usually tries to win you over with a low monthly cost and a 30-day test trial. Not satisfied? You can get the money back.

• Deutsche Telekom

Telekom has the best network coverage in Germany, which matters most if you plan on heading into the mountains or rural villages where other signals die. You pay a higher monthly cost, but you get fewer "No Service" bars.

Explore: Saving money the German way, a complete guide for expats.

Mobile plan costs in Germany 

On average, the data in Germany costs 7-10 EUR for 5-7 GB, 9-10 EUR for 10-25 GB, 15-50 EUR for 50-60 GB, and unlimited plans can reach 85 EUR. Note that the prices are true as of April 2026 and may change.  

Below you’ll find a full breakdown:

• Light usage (5-7 GB)

Enough if you just use your phone for maps, WhatsApp, and basic browsing.

• Moderate usage (10-25 GB)

The tier for people who spend quite a lot of time on social media.

• Heavy usage (30-60 GB)

For users who tether their laptops or watch a lot of video on the go.

• Unlimited data plan

For when you never want to think about a data cap or a Wi-Fi password again.

5 things to know about the phone plans in Germany

• EU roaming: Thanks to roam-like-at-home rules, your data works in other EU countries at no extra cost. Just don't forget the fair use policy: you can't live in Spain permanently using a German SIM.
• Prepaid (Pay-as-you-go) vs postpaid (contract): Prepaid (e.g., Aldi) has no credit check and total flexibility. Postpaid (e.g., Telekom) requires a German bank account and credit check but offers more features and faster 5G priority.
• Identity check: No matter which of the mobile plans in Germany you choose, you have to show your ID or passport to activate any SIM.
• Network priority: Deutsche Telekom and Vodafone Germany give their direct customers priority. MVNO provider users (on the same network) might experience slower speeds in extremely crowded areas like festivals.
• Beware of Switzerland & Turkey: These are not in the EU. Unless you have a specific Vodafone deal that includes them, using your phone there will trigger expensive roaming rates.

FAQ: Mobile phone plans in Germany