Best SIM Plans in Germany 2026: 7 Carriers Compared

TL;DR: Top 3 Picks for Germany

Compare All 24 German Plans on SimFinder →

Below, we break down the entire market using real plan data from all 7 carriers.

Table of Contents

• The German Mobile Landscape
• Carrier Structure: Who Owns What
• Price Breakdown: All 24 Plans Compared
• Best Value Plans by Use Case
• 5G and eSIM Availability
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Key Takeaways

Germany’s mobile market is Europe’s largest by subscriber count, but it has historically been one of the most expensive. That is changing. While the three network operators — Deutsche Telekom, Vodafone, and O2 (Telefonica DE) — still charge premium prices for their flagship plans, a wave of budget sub-brands and MVNOs now offers the same network quality at a fraction of the cost.

SimFinder’s database tracks 7 carriers and 24 plans in Germany. Prices range from €7/month to €84.95/month, with 75% eSIM support and 96% offering 5G. The most striking value gap in the market: Fraenk sells 20 GB on the Telekom network for €10/month, while Telekom’s own MagentaMobil XL costs €84.95/month — both run on the identical infrastructure.

This guide breaks down the entire German SIM market using actual plan data, network quality scores, and pricing analysis.

The German Mobile Landscape: 3 MNOs, 4 Budget Brands

Germany’s mobile market is structured around three physical networks. Unlike France with its four MNOs, Germany has three — but each network supports multiple budget brands that deliver the same connectivity at lower prices.

Quality data: OpenSignal 2025, measured November 2025

Additionally: 1&1 is building its own O-RAN 5G network and currently uses Vodafone roaming for coverage gaps.

Deutsche Telekom dominates network quality with 92/100 overall, the fastest download speeds (173.8 Mbps), and the widest coverage (97/100). It is the clear leader, especially in rural areas where Vodafone and O2 coverage can be patchy.

Vodafone DE sits in the middle with 85/100 overall and 93/100 coverage. Its download speeds (154.3 Mbps) are solid, and its urban performance is competitive with Telekom.

O2 (Telefonica DE) has the weakest scores at 78/100 overall and 91/100 coverage. However, O2 has invested heavily in network expansion since 2020, and the gap has narrowed. Its 114.5 Mbps average download speed is adequate for most users, and its aggressive pricing (including the cheapest unlimited plan) makes it a strong value proposition.

Carrier Structure: Who Owns What

Understanding the MNO/sub-brand relationship is the key to getting the best value in Germany.

Telekom’s Two Sub-brands: Fraenk and congstar

Fraenk and congstar both run on the Telekom network — the same 97/100 coverage, the same 5G infrastructure, the same cell towers. What differs is the price and the service model.

Fraenk is Telekom’s digital-only brand, managed entirely through a mobile app. No shops, no phone hotline. Two plans: 20 GB for €10 and 45 GB for €15. Both include 5G, eSIM, and no contract. Fraenk targets tech-comfortable users who do not need hand-holding.

congstar is Telekom’s traditional budget brand with a broader product range (3 plans from €7 to €16) and somewhat better customer support. The trade-off: no eSIM on any plan, and 5G is only available on the M and XL tiers. congstar is better suited for users who want a budget plan with a more conventional service experience.

O2’s MVNO: Aldi Talk

Aldi Talk operates on the O2 network and is sold through Aldi supermarkets across Germany. Its three Combo Paket plans (€8.99 to €18.99) are prepaid, no-contract, and include 5G. However, like congstar, Aldi Talk does not offer eSIM.

1&1: The Fourth Network (In Progress)

1&1 is Germany’s newest mobile operator. It completed migrating all 12 million customers to its own O-RAN 5G network in late 2025, with Vodafone roaming filling coverage gaps. Its plans (€14.99 to €24.99) require 24-month contracts but include eSIM and 5G, with competitive data allowances.

Price Breakdown: All 24 Plans Compared

Budget Sub-brands and MVNOs (No Contract)

O2 Plans (Mix of Contract/No-Contract)

1&1 Plans (24-Month Contract)

Telekom and Vodafone MNO Plans (24-Month Contract)

Telekom Prepaid Plans (No Contract)

The pricing pattern is clear: sub-brands and MVNOs deliver dramatically more data per euro than MNO postpaid plans. Fraenk’s 20 GB at €10 costs one-quarter of Telekom’s own 30 GB MagentaMobil S at €39.95 — on the same network. Aldi Talk’s 100 GB at €18.99 is less than half of Telekom MagentaMobil L at €59.95 for the same data amount (albeit on the O2 network instead of Telekom).

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Best Value Plans by Use Case

Ultra-Budget (Under €10/month)

congstar Allnet-Flat S €7 — The cheapest plan in Germany. 5 GB of data and unlimited calls on the Telekom network for €7/month with no contract. The limitations: no eSIM, no 5G, and only 5 GB. This plan suits WiFi-dependent users who need a basic phone line.

Aldi Talk Combo Paket S €8.99 — For just €2 more, Aldi Talk offers 5x the data (25 GB) with 5G, also without a contract. The network is O2 instead of Telekom, so rural coverage is weaker (91/100 vs 97/100). Available at any Aldi supermarket in Germany — convenient for tourists who need a physical SIM.

Telekom Prepaid M €9.95 — If you want to stay on the Telekom network with eSIM support, this prepaid plan offers 10 GB with 5G for €9.95. No contract, and you get Telekom’s full network quality.

Best Balance of Price and Features

Fraenk 20 GB €10 — The standout value in the German market. 20 GB of 5G data on the Telekom network (92/100 overall quality) for €10/month. No contract, eSIM included, cancel anytime with two weeks’ notice. For the vast majority of users, this is the plan to choose.

Fraenk 45 GB €15 — If 20 GB is not enough, the 45 GB plan at €15 is the best cost-per-GB value across all German carriers on a premium network. Still no contract, still eSIM, still Telekom 5G.

O2 Mobile M Flex €14.99 — An alternative on the O2 network: 30 GB with 5G and eSIM for €14.99 with no contract. O2’s network scores lower (78/100) but is perfectly adequate in urban areas and for typical smartphone use.

Heavy Data and Streaming

O2 Mobile Unlimited Max €29.99 — The cheapest unlimited data plan in Germany, and it comes with no contract. Unlimited 5G on the O2 network with eSIM support. The trade-off is O2’s lower network quality (78/100 overall, 114.5 Mbps average download). For urban users who stream heavily, this is sufficient. For rural users, consider the Vodafone or Telekom unlimited options.

1&1 Allnet-Flat L €24.99 — 120 GB on 1&1’s growing network with Vodafone roaming for €24.99/month. Requires a 24-month contract, but the data-per-euro ratio is strong. A viable middle ground between O2’s unlimited plan and the premium Vodafone/Telekom options.

Premium / Best Network Quality

Telekom MagentaMobil XL €84.95 — For users who demand the absolute best network quality in Germany (92/100 overall, 173.8 Mbps download, 97/100 coverage), Telekom’s unlimited 5G plan is the premium choice. It requires a 24-month commitment and costs nearly 3x more than O2’s unlimited plan. The MagentaEINS family discount saves €10/month per additional line.

Vodafone GigaMobil XL €59.99 — Unlimited 5G on Vodafone’s network (85/100 overall) for €25 less per month than Telekom XL. A 24-month contract is required. For users who want unlimited data on a high-quality network without Telekom’s premium pricing, Vodafone is the rational choice.

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5G and eSIM Availability

5G

23 of 24 plans (96%) include 5G. Germany’s 5G rollout is among the most advanced in Europe, with all three MNOs operating extensive 5G networks. The only plan without 5G:

For practical purposes, 5G is standard across the German market. Even prepaid and MVNO plans from Aldi Talk, Fraenk, and 1&1 include 5G access.

eSIM

18 of 24 plans (75%) support eSIM. The carriers that support eSIM:

congstar and Aldi Talk are the eSIM holdouts. If you need eSIM activation (especially useful for travellers who want to set up a German SIM before arriving), choose Fraenk, Telekom Prepaid, O2, or 1&1 instead.

For short-term visitors who need data-only connectivity, travel eSIM providers like Airalo, Holafly, and Saily also cover Germany. However, German domestic plans from Fraenk or O2 are often cheaper than travel eSIMs while providing more data and a German phone number. Fraenk’s €10 for 20 GB on Telekom’s network is difficult to beat with any travel eSIM product.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cheapest SIM plan in Germany?

congstar Allnet-Flat S at €7/month is the cheapest, offering 5 GB of data and unlimited calls on the Telekom network with no contract. However, it lacks eSIM and 5G. For eSIM support, Fraenk 20 GB at €10/month on the same Telekom network is the best budget option.

Can I get a German SIM without a long-term contract?

Yes. 12 of the 24 plans tracked by SimFinder are contract-free (ohne Vertragsbindung). All plans from Fraenk, congstar, Aldi Talk, Telekom Prepaid, and O2 Mobile M Flex/Unlimited Max are no-commitment. Telekom MagentaMobil, Vodafone GigaMobil, O2 Mobile S/L, and 1&1 plans require 24-month contracts.

Which German carrier has the best network coverage?

Deutsche Telekom leads with a coverage score of 97/100 and an overall quality score of 92/100 (OpenSignal 2025). Vodafone follows at 93/100 coverage and 85/100 overall. O2 (Telefonica) has improved significantly but still trails at 91/100 coverage and 78/100 overall.

Is 5G widely available in Germany?

Yes. 23 of 24 plans (96%) include 5G access. All three MNOs have rolled out 5G nationally, and even budget brands like Fraenk, Aldi Talk, and 1&1 include 5G. The only plan without 5G is congstar Allnet-Flat S (5 GB for €7/month).

Do German SIM plans support eSIM?

18 of 24 plans (75%) support eSIM. All plans from Telekom, Vodafone, O2, Fraenk, and 1&1 offer eSIM. The exceptions are congstar and Aldi Talk, which do not support eSIM on any of their plans.

What is the best SIM plan for an expat or tourist in Germany?

Fraenk 20 GB at €10/month is the top recommendation for newcomers. It requires no contract, supports eSIM (activate before arrival), runs on the Telekom network (97/100 coverage), and includes 5G and EU roaming. For heavier data use, Fraenk 45 GB at €15/month or O2 Mobile M Flex (30 GB, €14.99/month, no contract) are strong alternatives.

Why is Fraenk so much cheaper than Telekom when they use the same network?

Fraenk is Telekom’s own digital-only sub-brand. It offers lower prices by operating entirely through a mobile app with no physical stores and no phone support. Fraenk 20 GB costs €10/month while Telekom MagentaMobil S with 30 GB costs €39.95/month — both on the identical Telekom network with the same coverage and 5G access.

What is the cheapest unlimited data plan in Germany?

O2 Mobile Unlimited Max at €29.99/month offers unlimited 5G data with no contract. Vodafone GigaMobil XL is €59.99/month (24-month contract), and Telekom MagentaMobil XL is €84.95/month (24-month contract). O2’s plan is the clear value winner for unlimited data, though its network quality (78/100) is lower than Vodafone (85/100) and Telekom (92/100).

Key Takeaways

The German SIM market in 2026:

• 7 carriers, 24 plans — prices range from €7/month (congstar Allnet-Flat S) to €84.95/month (Telekom MagentaMobil XL)
• Three MNO networks: Telekom (92/100), Vodafone (85/100), O2 (78/100) — plus 1&1 building a fourth
• Sub-brands save 60-75%: Fraenk 20 GB costs €10 vs Telekom MagentaMobil S at €39.95 — same network, same coverage
• O2 owns unlimited value: Unlimited 5G for €29.99/month with no contract, 65% cheaper than Telekom’s unlimited plan
• 5G is near-universal (96% of plans), and eSIM covers 75% — congstar and Aldi Talk are the holdouts
• 12 of 24 plans are contract-free — 12 plans require a 24-month commitment
• For most users: Fraenk 45 GB at €15/month offers the best balance of data, price, and network quality (Telekom)

Germany’s mobile market rewards those who look beyond the three MNO brands. The networks are identical; the prices are not.

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Plan data is current as of March 2026. Prices and inclusions may change. Check carrier websites for the latest information.

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