What is a 5G SIM only plan?

With a 5G SIM only plan, you get access to the provider’s 5G network and all the benefits that come with 5G technology – such as significantly higher speeds and lower latency – which aren’t available on standard 4G plans. However, to connect to the 5G network, your mobile must be 5G-ready, and your provider must have 5G coverage in your specific area.

Info! Today, almost all Irish providers offer 5G SIMs, and it is now the standard among the major networks like Eir, Vodafone, and Three, as well as many smaller providers (MVNOs). Just like with older 4G plans, prices and terms for 5G SIM only deals vary. To find the best value and lowest monthly cost, it’s worth comparing offers before you commit. You can do this quickly using our comparison table above.

One thing to keep in mind is that 5G is backwards compatible. This means you can use a 5G SIM in a 4G handset without any issues – you just won’t be able to access 5G speeds until you upgrade to a 5G-enabled device.

Things to consider when getting a 5G SIM only

  • Check your handset: Ensure your smartphone supports 5G technology.
  • Check the coverage map: Confirm that your provider has solid 5G coverage where you live and work (rural coverage has improved significantly in 2026, but some gaps remain).
  • Compare the market: Use our tools to find the most affordable 5G SIM only deal that fits your data needs.

Pros and cons of 5G SIM only

  • Blazing fast speeds
  • Better capacity
  • Lower latency

  • Requires a 5G-ready handset
  • 5G SA coverage varies

Which 5G SIM only plan is the cheapest?

Clear Mobile Unlimited is the cheapest 5G SIM only deal right now (checked on 29/09/2026). The cost is €0.00/month for 1 months, then €12.99/month when you sign a 0-month contract. 

Get the deal at Clear Mobile

What speeds can you get with a 5G SIM?

According to recent 2026 data from ComReg and independent tests (like Ookla), 5G speeds in Ireland typically average between 150 and 350 Mbps downstream. In urban hubs like Dublin, Cork, and Galway, users often see peaks well above 500 Mbps.

To experience the next level of mobile connectivity, you need access to 5G Standalone (5G SA). Ireland has seen a massive rollout of 5G SA by the main networks over the last year, moving away from the older Non-Standalone (NSA) systems that relied on 4G infrastructure.

What does 5G SA mean?

5G SA (often called True 5G) is a network built entirely on 5G-dedicated infrastructure. It delivers the ultra-fast response times and massive device capacity that 5G originally promised. Unlike 5G NSA, which uses a 4G core, 5G SA is completely independent, leading to more stable connections and better battery efficiency for your phone.

What do you need to use 5G SA in Ireland?

To use 5G SA, you need a compatible SIM only plan (note that some budget MVNOs may still use 5G NSA), a modern SIM or eSIM, and a handset that supports the technology. Coverage is now widespread across all major Irish cities and larger towns.

Examples of mobiles that support 5G Standalone

  • Apple: iPhone 15, 16, and 17 series
  • Samsung: Galaxy S24, S25, and S26 series
  • Google: Pixel 9 and 10 series
  • Other: Newer models from Motorola, Honor, and Nokia/HMD.

Frequently asked questions about 5G SIM only deals

Does a 5G SIM work in a 4G phone?

Yes, it will work perfectly fine, but you will be limited to 4G speeds.
Do all Irish providers offer 5G SIM only plans?

Yes, all major networks and most low-cost providers now offer 5G as standard or as a low-cost add-on.
Is 5G coverage available in rural Ireland?

As of 2026, 5G coverage reaches over 90% of the population. While some remote areas still rely on 4G, most regional towns now have full 5G access.
Do I need a new SIM card for 5G?

Most SIM cards issued in the last few years are 5G-ready. If your SIM is very old, your provider will usually send you a new one (or an eSIM) for free when you upgrade to a 5G plan.
Are there 5G SIM only plans with unlimited data?

Yes, “All-you-can-eat” or Unlimited data plans are very popular. Most 5G plans from the major networks include unlimited data, though fair usage policies may apply.
Can I use a regular 5G SIM only plan as my home broadband?

While it is technically possible to put a mobile SIM into a router, these plans are specifically designed for use in smartphones. The main drawback is the fair usage policy; most Irish mobile plans have a data cap that is much lower than dedicated 5G home broadband plans. If you use a regular mobile SIM for data-heavy tasks like HD streaming or working from home, you risk having your speeds significantly throttled or your service interrupted once the limit is reached