Remember when WiFi was the holy grail of internet? You’d get home, your phone would connect automatically, and boom—you were back in the modern world. Fast forward to today, though, and things have changed. SIM cards now offer 100GB to unlimited data, and for way less than you’d pay for broadband. So, do you really still need WiFi? Probably not.
Let’s break it down.
WiFi: The Good, the Bad, and the Outdated
Look, WiFi still makes sense in some cases. If you’ve got a big family with kids who are gaming, streaming, and using ten devices at once, then yeah—you might still want a home connection. Smart TVs, consoles, tablets—it all adds up.
But let’s say you’re a household of three adults. No kids. Just normal people with their own phones, watching Netflix, scrolling Instagram, working a bit here and there. Why are you paying £30-£50 a month for broadband when you already have unlimited data on your phone?
Mobile Data is Faster Than You Think
The argument for WiFi used to be “it’s faster.” Not anymore. 5G and even solid 4G speeds mean most SIM-only plans can handle anything you throw at them—streaming, gaming, Zoom calls, even working from home.
Depending on where you live, your mobile data might even be faster than your WiFi. Ever noticed your internet struggling at peak times while your phone’s still running smooth? That’s because home broadband often slows down when too many people in your area are online. Your SIM card doesn’t have that problem.
Personal Hotspots: The Secret WiFi Killer
Your phone isn’t just for scrolling TikTok and sending WhatsApps—it’s a portable router. You can turn on your hotspot and connect your laptop, tablet, or even a smart TV, all while using the same unlimited data you’re already paying for.
It’s easy, flexible, and doesn’t come with contracts that tie you down. No installation, no engineer visits, no waiting around for the WiFi to get fixed when it randomly dies on a Sunday afternoon.
The Best SIMs for Ditching WiFi
So, which mobile networks are offering big data plans that make WiFi pointless? Maybe you don’t need so much data anyway? Here are some top picks:
1. Lyca Plans – Affordable and flexible, perfect for those who don’t want to overpay for home broadband.
Lyca Mobile is an MVNO (What is an MVNO?) that runs on EE’s network in the UK, giving you solid coverage and reliable speeds. If you’re big on calling abroad, it’s a top choice—most of its plans come with international minutes, so staying in touch with family and friends overseas is easy.
But there’s more. Lyca Mobile also offers unlimited data plans and flexible 30-day SIM Only deals, so you’re not locked in. Prefer Pay As You Go? That’s an option too. Plus, you get inclusive EU roaming, and some plans even include roaming in India.
Want the full lowdown? Check out our Lyca Mobile review.
SIM Only Deals
2. O2 Best Plans – Good if you want extra perks like free Disney+ or priority event tickets.
SIM Only Deals
3. Smarty Plans – One of the cheapest data deals, great speeds, and works perfectly for hotspots. Smarty runs on the Three network.
If you’re after a cheap SIM with loads of data, Smarty is a solid pick. Running on Three’s network, it offers some of the best value plans around, with fast 5G speeds and no long-term contracts.
One of Smarty’s biggest perks is that all its plans come with hotspot usage included—so whether you’re working on the go or streaming from your laptop, you won’t get caught out by extra charges. Plus, its unlimited data plans are some of the most affordable in the UK.
No credit checks, no hidden fees, and flexible rolling contracts—just simple, reliable mobile plans at great prices. Want to see if it’s right for you? Check out our full Smarty review.
SIM Only Deals
4. VOXI – Great for endless social media, gaming, and tethering multiple devices.
SIM Only Deals
Final Thought: Why Pay Twice?
If you’re already paying for 100GB+ of mobile data, why are you also paying for home WiFi? Unless you’re a household with multiple kids gaming on different consoles, you’re probably wasting money on broadband you don’t need.
For three adults with their own unlimited data plans, personal hotspots are the way forward. No contracts, no extra bills, and no waiting for WiFi to stop buffering when you just want to watch YouTube in peace.
Time to ditch the WiFi and save some cash. 💸
