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Smarty Review
SMARTY is a mobile virtual network operator launched in 2017 by Three UK, designed to offer a stripped-back, no-frills alternative to the parent netwo...
Network Info
4.5/5
MVNO
5G Ready
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Exceptional value with plans starting from just six pounds per month including 5G
- All plans are rolling monthly with no minimum term and no credit checks required
- No annual price increases, unlike most UK mobile providers
- Uncapped 5G speeds on every plan with access to Three's fast 5G network
Cons
- Online-only customer service with no phone support or physical stores
- EU roaming data capped at 12GB regardless of plan size
- SIM-only service with no handset deals or phone contracts available
- Three's 4G coverage can be weaker in some rural areas compared to EE
Overview
SMARTY is a mobile virtual network operator launched in 2017 by Three UK, designed to offer a stripped-back, no-frills alternative to the parent network's main brand. Operating entirely online with no physical stores, SMARTY has built a strong following among value-conscious consumers by delivering some of the cheapest SIM-only plans in the UK market while providing access to Three's full 4G and 5G network infrastructure.
What makes SMARTY particularly distinctive is its commitment to simplicity and transparency. All plans operate on rolling one-month contracts with no minimum term, meaning customers can leave at any time without penalty. There are no credit checks, no hidden fees, and no annual price increases. SMARTY also pioneered a unique cashback feature on selected plans, where unused data at the end of the month is credited back to the customer, effectively rewarding lighter data users.
With the merger of Three and Vodafone's UK operations, SMARTY customers are beginning to benefit from access to both networks through the Multi-Operator Core Network, significantly expanding coverage. This, combined with access to Three's industry-leading 5G speeds with no speed caps on any plan, positions SMARTY as one of the most compelling value propositions in UK mobile.
Coverage & Speed
SMARTY provides coverage through Three's network, offering 4G to approximately 99% of the UK population. The ongoing Three-Vodafone network integration through the Multi-Operator Core Network is progressively expanding coverage further, allowing SMARTY SIMs to connect to Vodafone's masts in addition to Three's own infrastructure. This dual-network access is a significant development that addresses Three's historical weakness in certain rural areas.
Plans & Pricing
SMARTY offers SIM-only plans exclusively, all on rolling one-month contracts. Data allowances range from 2GB to unlimited, with every plan including unlimited UK calls and texts, 5G access, and EU roaming. No credit check is required, and there are no annual price increases.
Roaming
SMARTY includes free EU roaming across 44 destinations on all plans. Customers can use their UK minutes and texts as normal, along with up to 12GB of mobile data while abroad. This 12GB fair usage cap applies regardless of the plan's UK data allowance, which may be a limitation for heavy data users travelling frequently. Roaming must be manually activated before travel. Outside of Europe, roaming is not supported, so customers will need alternative arrangements for non-EU destinations.
Our Verdict
SMARTY has established itself as one of the standout value propositions in UK mobile, offering a combination of low prices, genuine flexibility, and access to fast 5G speeds that is hard to beat. The no-minimum-term rolling contracts, absence of credit checks, and pledge against annual price increases create a refreshingly transparent customer experience in an industry often criticised for opaque pricing and lock-in tactics.
The Three-Vodafone network merger has been a significant boost for SMARTY customers, progressively eliminating one of the service's main historical weaknesses by expanding coverage through access to Vodafone's infrastructure. Combined with Three's uncapped 5G speeds, which consistently rank among the fastest in UK independent testing, SMARTY now offers both coverage breadth and speed depth that rival more expensive providers.
The main trade-offs are the online-only customer service model, which will not suit everyone, and the 12GB EU roaming cap that may frustrate frequent travellers with heavy data needs. The lack of handset deals also means SMARTY is only suitable for customers who already own their phone or are willing to purchase one separately. For its target audience of savvy, self-sufficient mobile users who prioritise value and flexibility, SMARTY is arguably the best option in the UK market.