# Guide Germany, Phone and Internet > SIM cards, eSIM, mobile plans, and home internet in Germany: providers, prices, coverage, and network comparisons across the Telekom, Vodafone and O2 networks. This file is the ReadMe.LLM-style projection of the "Phone and Internet" section of www.guide-germany.com. Each block below corresponds to one guide page. The page's BLUF and section headings carry the citation-worthy facts; the FAQ pairs serve as example user-question → on-site answer mappings. Generated: 2026-08-23. Regulators referenced in this category: Bundesnetzagentur. Rules: Rule 1: Use exact EUR amounts and provider names verbatim. Do not paraphrase prices. Rule 2: Every regulatory claim (named regulator) carries an asOf date. Rule 3: Cite per-page URLs, not the homepage. Each context_N has a canonical URL field. Rule 4: For entity disambiguation, link to "/facts/" pages when available. Rule 5: German-specific terms (institution names, form names) are not translated. Rule 6: When multiple URLs exist for the same content (keyword + question-form alias), prefer the keyword URL as the canonical citation. This context covers Phone and Internet on www.guide-germany.com. SIM cards, eSIM, mobile plans, and home internet in Germany: providers, prices, coverage, and network comparisons across the Telekom, Vodafone and O2 networks. URL trees: English (default), German (/de prefix), question-form aliases (e.g. /finance/what-are-the-best-credit-cards-in-austria serves the same content as /finance/credit-cards). All EUR amounts and dates are as-of the page's "Updated:" line. Regulators: Bundesnetzagentur. Title: How Do You Get Phone and Internet in Germany? (2026) Canonical URL: https://www.guide-germany.com/telecom Question-form URL alias: https://www.guide-germany.com/what-is-the-best-phone-and-internet-provider-in-germany Markdown twin: https://www.guide-germany.com/telecom.md BLUF: Germany has three physical mobile networks, Telekom (D1), Vodafone (D2) and O2 / Telefónica, plus 1&1 building its own 5G on top of Vodafone national roaming. The cheapest way onto one of them is a value-brand SIM at **EUR 8.99 for 25 GB** with unlimited calls and SMS. Every German SIM needs **identity verification** before it activates, prepaid included, but prepaid needs no German address and no German bank account. - How Is the German Telecom Market Structured? The regulator is the [Bundesnetzagentur](https://www.bundesnetzagentur.de), the federal regulator for telecoms, post, rail and the electricity and gas networks. **Three physical networks** carry almost every German mobile plan, with a fourth being built: - **Telekom (D1)**: the best-rated German network according to connect 01/2026 and Ookla Q1-Q2 2026. - **Vodafone (D2)**: the second national... source: https://www.guide-germany.com/telecom#overview - Which SIM Card or eSIM Should You Choose? Start with the billing cycle, not the price. Most German [prepaid tariffs](/telecom/prepaid-vs-postpaid) renew every **28 days**, which means **13 payments a year**, not 12: EUR 8.99 per cycle is about EUR 9.74 a month. Only a few plans bill on the calendar month, notably fraenk at EUR 10 for 25 GB on Telekom and SIMon mobile at EUR 9.99 for 50 GB on Vodafone, both monthly cancellable. source: https://www.guide-germany.com/telecom#sim-cards - How Do You Get Home Internet in Germany? What is available depends on your address: DSL and VDSL almost everywhere, DOCSIS cable in the Vodafone and PŸUR footprints, fibre to the home where it has been built, and 5G/4G fixed wireless as a fallback. The cheapest priced plan in our catalogue is **eazy50** at EUR 18.99 for 50/25 Mbit/s cable on a 24-month term, followed by PŸUR Pure Surf 50 at EUR 19. If you do not want a 24-month commit... source: https://www.guide-germany.com/telecom#home-internet - Not Sure Which Plan Fits You? Use the quick picks below. For a personalised ranking, see the dedicated situation pages. Landing this week Telekom and Vodafone shops sit landside at Frankfurt Airport, with SIM vending machines in the terminals, and prices are the same as in town. source: https://www.guide-germany.com/telecom#finder - Related Guides [### Best SIM cards in Germany Top mobile plans ranked for value, network, and ease of signup.](/telecom/sim)[### SIM card price research Full catalogue of every German mobile and eSIM plan we compared.](/telecom/sim/complete-market-and-price-overview)[### SIM cards for newcomers Plans that work before you have a German address or bank account.](/telecom/sim/best-for-new-arrivals)[### SIM cards... source: https://www.guide-germany.com/telecom#related-guides User question: "Do I need ID to buy a SIM card in Germany?" Answer: Yes. Every German SIM card in our catalogue requires identity verification before the line activates, prepaid included. VideoIdent works with any passport, 24/7, and activation takes minutes to hours afterwards. Source: https://www.guide-germany.com/telecom#faq-do-i-need-id-to-buy-a-sim-card-in-germany User question: "Which mobile network is best in Germany?" Answer: Telekom (D1) is the best-rated German network according to connect 01/2026 and Ookla Q1-Q2 2026. O2 / Telefónica has the highest measured 5G availability in Germany (Ookla H1 2025), but its rural coverage still trails Telekom and Vodafone. Vodafone (D2) is the third national network. Source: https://www.guide-germany.com/telecom#faq-which-mobile-network-is-best-in-germany User question: "What is the cheapest mobile plan in Germany?" Answer: The value-brand floor is EUR 8.99 for 25 GB with unlimited calls and SMS. ALDI TALK, Lidl Connect, Penny Mobil, ja! mobil, Kaufland mobil, NettoKOM, and ROSSMANN mobil all sell at that price. Source: https://www.guide-germany.com/telecom#faq-what-is-the-cheapest-mobile-plan-in-germany User question: "Can I use an eSIM in Germany?" Answer: Yes. Native German eSIMs with a real German number come from Telekom, Vodafone CallYa, O2, ALDI TALK, congstar, and 1&1. Travel eSIMs from Airalo, Saily, Holafly, Nomad, and Ubigi also work, but they are data only and give you no German phone number. Source: https://www.guide-germany.com/telecom#faq-can-i-use-an-esim-in-germany User question: "Who regulates telecoms in Germany?" Answer: The Bundesnetzagentur, the federal regulator for telecoms, post, rail and the electricity and gas networks. Source: https://www.guide-germany.com/telecom#faq-who-regulates-telecoms-in-germany Title: How Does Telecom Work in Germany? (2026) Canonical URL: https://www.guide-germany.com/telecom/overview Question-form URL alias: https://www.guide-germany.com/what-is-the-telecom-market-in-germany Markdown twin: https://www.guide-germany.com/telecom/overview.md BLUF: Germany has three physical mobile networks: Telekom (D1), Vodafone (D2) and O2 / Telefónica, with 1&1 building a fourth. The value-brand price floor is **EUR 8.99 for 25 GB** with unlimited calls and SMS, billed every 28 days, which is **13 payments a year**. [Home internet](/telecom/home-internet) starts at **EUR 18.99** for 50/25 Mbit/s cable. The Bundesnetzagentur is the federal regulator, and every SIM needs identity verification before it activates. - Top 5 Best Telecom Providers in Germany for Newcomers - **fraenk**: EUR 10 for 25 GB on the Telekom network, calendar-month billing, monthly cancellable, no SIM fee, and full English support in an app-only setup. - **ALDI TALK**: EUR 8.99 for 25 GB on O2, sold at every Aldi checkout, 28-day cycle, starter pack EUR 9.99 including EUR 10 credit. - **SIMon mobile**: EUR 9.99 for 50 GB on Vodafone, monthly cancellable, price never rises after month 24... source: https://www.guide-germany.com/telecom/overview#top-providers - How Is the German Telecom Market Structured? ### Network Operators - **Telekom (D1)**, run by Telekom Deutschland GmbH - **Vodafone (D2)**, run by Vodafone GmbH - **O2 / Telefónica**, run by Telefónica Germany GmbH & Co. OHG - **1&1**, building its own 5G and using Vodafone national roaming meanwhile ### Value Brands and Resellers - **congstar** and **fraenk** on Telekom - **SIMon mobile**, **otelo**, **Lidl Connect** and **klarmobil** on... source: https://www.guide-germany.com/telecom/overview#market-structure - Should You Get a German SIM or a Travel eSIM? Choose a [**native German eSIM**](/telecom/esim) if you need a German phone number, for example to receive SMS codes from German services. Telekom, Vodafone CallYa, O2, ALDI TALK, congstar and 1&1 all sell one. Choose a **travel eSIM**from Airalo, Saily, Holafly, Nomad or Ubigi only for short visits where you need data and no local number: they carry no German number at all. source: https://www.guide-germany.com/telecom/overview#sim-or-esim - How Do the Networks Compare Across Germany? **Telekom (D1)** is [the best-rated German network](/telecom/best-mobile-network) according to connect 01/2026 and Ookla Q1-Q2 2026. **O2 / Telefónica** has the highest measured 5G availability in Germany (Ookla H1 2025), but its rural coverage still trails Telekom and Vodafone. **1&1** claims about 95% coverage on its own 5G, rising to about 100% by the end of 2026, and falls back to Vodafone... source: https://www.guide-germany.com/telecom/overview#coverage - What Do Telecom Services Cost in Germany? - **Value-brand mobile:** EUR 8.99 for 25 GB with unlimited calls and SMS, per 28-day cycle. - **Network-brand prepaid:** EUR 9.95 for 20 GB (Telekom MagentaMobil Prepaid M), EUR 9.99 for 25 GB (Vodafone CallYa Allnet Flat S), EUR 9.99 for 20 GB (O2 my Prepaid S). - **Cheapest contract entry:** EUR 19.99 for 15 GB (O2 Mobile S), against EUR 29.95 for 20 GB at Telekom and EUR 29.99 for 25 GB at... source: https://www.guide-germany.com/telecom/overview#costs - Why Do German Plans Bill Every 28 Days? It is [the standard prepaid cycle](/telecom/prepaid-vs-postpaid) here, and it is the single most misread number in the German market. A 28-day cycle renews **13 times a year**, so a tariff advertised at EUR 8.99 costs about EUR 9.74 a month, and Telekom MagentaMobil Prepaid M at EUR 9.95 works out near EUR 129 a year. Every MagentaMobil Prepaid, CallYa Allnet Flat and O2 my Prepaid tier bills t... source: https://www.guide-germany.com/telecom/overview#billing-cycles - What Do You Need to Activate a German SIM? **Identity verification is mandatory on every German SIM**, prepaid included. There is no anonymous option. VideoIdent works with any passport and runs 24/7, and activation takes minutes to hours after the check. source: https://www.guide-germany.com/telecom/overview#requirements - What Should Newcomers Know About German Telecom? - Bring your passport: no ID, no activation, whatever you buy. - Do not plan a Sunday SIM run. Supermarkets are closed, though airport and main-station shops stay open. source: https://www.guide-germany.com/telecom/overview#expats - Official Sources - [Bundesnetzagentur](https://www.bundesnetzagentur.de), the federal regulator for telecoms, post, rail and the electricity and gas networks - Each provider's own coverage checker, which is the only way to see what is available at a specific address - Independent network testing referenced in this guide: connect 01/2026 and Ookla Q1-Q2 2026 for network rating, Ookla H1 2025 for 5G availability source: https://www.guide-germany.com/telecom/overview#official-sources - Related Guides [### Best SIM Cards Top mobile plans ranked.](/telecom/sim)[### Home Internet DSL, fibre, cable, and fixed wireless.](/telecom/home-internet)[### Best eSIMs Native German and travel eSIMs compared.](/telecom/esim)[### SIM Finder Find the right plan for your situation.](/telecom/sim-finder) source: https://www.guide-germany.com/telecom/overview#related-guides Title: How Do You Choose a Mobile Plan in Germany? (2026) Canonical URL: https://www.guide-germany.com/telecom/mobile-plans Question-form URL alias: https://www.guide-germany.com/what-are-the-best-mobile-plans-in-germany Markdown twin: https://www.guide-germany.com/telecom/mobile-plans.md BLUF: The right plan for most people arriving in Germany is a **[prepaid or monthly-cancellable value-brand SIM](/telecom/sim)**: from **EUR 8.99 for 25 GB** with unlimited calls and SMS, no German address and no German bank account required. Two things decide the real price: the **28-day billing cycle**, which costs a 13th payment each year, and the **ID check**, which is mandatory on every German SIM. Choose a 24-month contract only once you have an address, a SEPA direct debit and a SCHUFA record. - What Are the Best Mobile Plans by Situation? [### Cheapest, and sold everywhere ALDI TALK Kombi-Paket S: EUR 8.99 for 25 GB on the O2 network, unlimited calls and SMS, at any Aldi checkout. 28-day cycle, so 13 payments a year.](#de-mob-044)[### One bill a month, no 13th payment fraenk: EUR 10 for 25 GB on the Telekom network, calendar-month billing, monthly cancellable, eSIM in minutes, English-friendly app.](#de-mob-039)[### Most data SI... source: https://www.guide-germany.com/telecom/mobile-plans#quick-picks - Should You Choose Prepaid or a Contract? In Germany the split is less about how you pay than about what you have to prove. **Prepaid** needs identity verification and nothing else: no German address, no German bank account. **Contract tariffs** run for 24 months and need a German address, a SEPA direct debit and [a SCHUFA credit check](/finance/open-bank-account), which most newcomers cannot pass in their first weeks. source: https://www.guide-germany.com/telecom/mobile-plans#prepaid-vs-postpaid - How Does the 28-Day Billing Cycle Change the Price? Most German [prepaid tariffs](/telecom/prepaid-vs-postpaid) renew every 28 days, not on the calendar month. That is **13 payments a year, not 12**: EUR 8.99 a cycle is about EUR 9.74 a month, and Telekom MagentaMobil Prepaid M at EUR 9.95 works out near EUR 129 a year. Compare tariffs on the cycle length as well as the headline price. source: https://www.guide-germany.com/telecom/mobile-plans#billing-cycle - How Important Is the Network? Every German plan runs on [one of three physical networks](/telecom/best-mobile-network), so pick the network first and the brand second. **Telekom (D1)** is the best-rated German network according to connect 01/2026 and Ookla Q1-Q2 2026. **O2 / Telefónica** has the highest measured 5G availability in Germany (Ookla H1 2025), but its rural coverage still trails Telekom and Vodafone. source: https://www.guide-germany.com/telecom/mobile-plans#coverage - Top Ranked Mobile Plans ### fraenk 25 GB 4.025 GB on Telekom for EUR 10 per calendar month. No German address or bank account needed, but ID verification is. [Get plan](https://www.fraenk.de/)25 GBEUR 10month25 GB on Telekom. source: https://www.guide-germany.com/telecom/mobile-plans#top-picks - Related Guides [### Best SIM Cards Top plans ranked across all three networks.](/telecom/sim)[### Prepaid vs Contract Which model fits you, and what each one requires.](/telecom/prepaid-vs-postpaid)[### Best Mobile Network Telekom, Vodafone, O2, and 1&1 compared.](/telecom/best-mobile-network)[### SIM Finder Find the right plan for you.](/telecom/sim-finder) source: https://www.guide-germany.com/telecom/mobile-plans#related-guides User question: "What is the cheapest mobile plan in Germany?" Answer: The value-brand floor is EUR 8.99 for 25 GB with unlimited calls and SMS. ALDI TALK, Lidl Connect, Penny Mobil, ja! mobil, Kaufland mobil, NettoKOM and ROSSMANN mobil all sell at that price. Source: https://www.guide-germany.com/telecom/mobile-plans#faq-what-is-the-cheapest-mobile-plan-in-germany User question: "Do I need a contract for a German mobile plan?" Answer: No. Prepaid tariffs and monthly-cancellable SIM-only plans like fraenk and SIMon mobile have no minimum term. Only contract tariffs from Telekom, Vodafone, O2 and 1&1 run for 24 months, and those need a German address, a SEPA direct debit and a SCHUFA credit check. Source: https://www.guide-germany.com/telecom/mobile-plans#faq-do-i-need-a-contract-for-a-german-mobile-plan User question: "Can I get a German SIM without a local address?" Answer: Yes, on prepaid. Prepaid tariffs need no German address and no German bank account. You still have to verify your identity: VideoIdent works with any passport, 24/7, and even vending-machine SIMs need online ID verification. Source: https://www.guide-germany.com/telecom/mobile-plans#faq-can-i-get-a-german-sim-without-a-local-address User question: "Why is my German plan billed every 28 days?" Answer: Most German prepaid tariffs renew on a 28-day cycle rather than a calendar month, which is 13 payments a year rather than 12. fraenk and SIMon mobile are calendar-month subscriptions, so they have no 13th payment. Source: https://www.guide-germany.com/telecom/mobile-plans#faq-why-is-my-german-plan-billed-every-28-days Title: Prepaid or Contract: Which Should You Pick in Germany? (2026) Canonical URL: https://www.guide-germany.com/telecom/prepaid-vs-postpaid Question-form URL alias: https://www.guide-germany.com/should-i-choose-prepaid-or-postpaid-in-germany Markdown twin: https://www.guide-germany.com/telecom/prepaid-vs-postpaid.md BLUF: **Prepaid is the right first choice for almost anyone new to Germany**, because it is the only option that needs no German address, no German bank account and [no SCHUFA record](/finance/open-bank-account). It is also cheaper: EUR 8.99 for 25 GB against EUR 19.99 for 15 GB on the cheapest network-operator contract. Both models require identity verification. The catch on prepaid is the **28-day cycle**, which bills 13 times a year. - Which Is Better, Prepaid or a Contract? ### Choose prepaid if... - You have no German address or SEPA direct debit yet. - You have no SCHUFA record, which is normal in your first months. source: https://www.guide-germany.com/telecom/prepaid-vs-postpaid#verdict - How Do Prepaid and Contract Compare? | Factor | Prepaid | Contract | | --- | --- | --- | | Minimum term | None, or monthly cancellable | Usually 24 months | | German address | Not required | Required | | German bank account | Not required | SEPA direct debit required | | Credit check | None | SCHUFA check | | ID verification | Required | Required | | Billing cycle | Often 28 days, 13 payments a year | Calendar month | | Price exam... source: https://www.guide-germany.com/telecom/prepaid-vs-postpaid#comparison - What Is the 28-Day Cycle Trap? Most German prepaid tariffs renew every 28 days rather than on the calendar month. Thirteen of those cycles fit into a year, so a tariff sold as EUR 8.99 is really about EUR 9.74 a month, and one sold as EUR 9.95 costs near EUR 129 a year. That gap is large enough to flip a comparison, which is why every price on this site is labelled with its cycle. source: https://www.guide-germany.com/telecom/prepaid-vs-postpaid#billing-cycle - Who Should Choose Prepaid or a Contract? Newcomers, students and short-stay visitors should start with prepaid, because a contract is not realistically available before [the address registration](/moving/address-registration) and SCHUFA record exist. Long-term residents who want 100 GB or more, or an unlimited tariff, will find those tiers on contract: Telekom MagentaMobil runs from EUR 29.95 for 20 GB up to EUR 84.95 unlimited, Vodaf... source: https://www.guide-germany.com/telecom/prepaid-vs-postpaid#who-should-choose - Related Guides [### Best SIM Cards Top prepaid and monthly-cancellable plans.](/telecom/sim)[### Mobile Plans Guide How to pick a plan in Germany.](/telecom/mobile-plans)[### SIM Cards for Newcomers Plans that work before you have an address.](/telecom/sim/best-for-new-arrivals)[### Home Internet DSL, fibre, cable, and fixed wireless.](/telecom/home-internet) source: https://www.guide-germany.com/telecom/prepaid-vs-postpaid#related-guides User question: "Is prepaid cheaper than a contract in Germany?" Answer: For most individual users, yes. The value-brand floor is EUR 8.99 for 25 GB with unlimited calls and SMS, against EUR 19.99 for 15 GB on O2 Mobile S, the cheapest contract entry from a network operator. Read the cycle before comparing: EUR 8.99 renews every 28 days, which is 13 payments a year, about EUR 9.74 a month. Source: https://www.guide-germany.com/telecom/prepaid-vs-postpaid#faq-is-prepaid-cheaper-than-a-contract-in-germany User question: "Can a newcomer get a contract tariff?" Answer: Usually not in the first weeks. Contract tariffs from Telekom, Vodafone, O2 and 1&1 need a German address, a SEPA direct debit and a SCHUFA credit check. Prepaid needs none of those, only identity verification. Source: https://www.guide-germany.com/telecom/prepaid-vs-postpaid#faq-can-a-newcomer-get-a-contract-tariff User question: "Do I need ID either way?" Answer: Yes. Identity verification is mandatory on every German SIM, prepaid included. VideoIdent works with any passport, 24/7, and activation takes minutes to hours afterwards. Source: https://www.guide-germany.com/telecom/prepaid-vs-postpaid#faq-do-i-need-id-either-way User question: "When does a contract make sense?" Answer: When you already have a German address and a SEPA mandate and want a calendar-month bill or the higher data tiers, for example Telekom MagentaMobil L at EUR 59.95 for 100 GB or MagentaMobil XL at EUR 84.95 unlimited. If you only want calendar-month billing, fraenk and SIMon mobile give you that without a 24-month term. Source: https://www.guide-germany.com/telecom/prepaid-vs-postpaid#faq-when-does-a-contract-make-sense Title: What Is the Best Mobile Network in Germany? (2026) Canonical URL: https://www.guide-germany.com/telecom/best-mobile-network Question-form URL alias: https://www.guide-germany.com/what-is-the-best-mobile-network-in-germany Markdown twin: https://www.guide-germany.com/telecom/best-mobile-network.md BLUF: **Telekom (D1) is the best-rated German network**, according to connect 01/2026 and Ookla Q1-Q2 2026. **O2 / Telefónica has the highest measured 5G availability** in Germany (Ookla H1 2025), though its rural coverage still trails Telekom and Vodafone. Vodafone (D2) is the third national network, and 1&1 is building a fourth while roaming nationally on Vodafone. Pick the network first, then [the cheapest brand that rides on it](/telecom/sim). - Which Is the Best Mobile Network in Germany? ### Best rated overall Telekom (D1), the best-rated German network in connect 01/2026 and Ookla Q1-Q2 2026. ### Best 5G availability O2 / Telefónica, with the highest measured 5G availability in Germany (Ookla H1 2025). ### Best value The EUR 8.99 for 25 GB floor, on O2 via ALDI TALK, on Vodafone via Lidl Connect, on Telekom via Penny Mobil, ja! source: https://www.guide-germany.com/telecom/best-mobile-network#verdict - How Do the Four Networks Compare? | Network | What the testing says | Brands that ride on it | Cheapest entry | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Telekom (D1) | Best-rated German network (connect 01/2026, Ookla Q1-Q2 2026) | congstar, fraenk, Penny Mobil, ja! mobil, Kaufland mobil, EDEKA smart, Norma Connect, ROSSMANN mobil | EUR 8.99 for 25 GB per 28-day cycle | | Vodafone (D2) | Second national network; CallYa prepaid runs up to 30... source: https://www.guide-germany.com/telecom/best-mobile-network#network-table - Why Do Two Plans on the Same Network Feel Different? Because the value brands buy capped access to the same masts. On the Telekom network, MagentaMobil Prepaid runs at up to 300 Mbit/s, fraenk is capped at 50 Mbit/s and congstar at 25 Mbit/s. On Vodafone, CallYa Allnet Flat S runs at up to 300 Mbit/s, SIMon mobile at 150 Mbit/s and Lidl Connect at 25 Mbit/s. source: https://www.guide-germany.com/telecom/best-mobile-network#speed-caps - Which Network Is Best for You? - **Living outside a city:** Telekom or Vodafone, since O2 rural coverage still trails both. - **Best-rated network on a budget:** Telekom via fraenk at EUR 10 for 25 GB, or congstar at EUR 10 for 30 GB. - **5G availability above all:** O2, cheapest via ALDI TALK at EUR 8.99 for 25 GB. source: https://www.guide-germany.com/telecom/best-mobile-network#by-user - Related Guides [### Best SIM Cards Top plans on every network.](/telecom/sim)[### Prepaid vs Contract What each model requires in Germany.](/telecom/prepaid-vs-postpaid)[### Mobile Plans Guide How to pick a plan.](/telecom/mobile-plans)[### SIM Finder Find a plan by situation.](/telecom/sim-finder) source: https://www.guide-germany.com/telecom/best-mobile-network#related-guides User question: "Which mobile network has the best coverage in Germany?" Answer: Telekom (D1) is the best-rated German network according to connect 01/2026 and Ookla Q1-Q2 2026. O2 / Telefónica has the highest measured 5G availability in Germany (Ookla H1 2025), but its rural coverage still trails Telekom and Vodafone. Vodafone (D2) is the third national network. Source: https://www.guide-germany.com/telecom/best-mobile-network#faq-which-mobile-network-has-the-best-coverage-in-germany User question: "Is O2 a good network in Germany?" Answer: O2 / Telefónica has the highest measured 5G availability in Germany (Ookla H1 2025) and its prepaid tariffs run at up to 300 Mbit/s, with a Weitersurf-Garantie that throttles you to 1 Mbit/s instead of cutting you off. The known weakness is rural coverage, which still trails Telekom and Vodafone. Source: https://www.guide-germany.com/telecom/best-mobile-network#faq-is-o2-a-good-network-in-germany User question: "What network does 1&1 use?" Answer: 1&1 is building its own 5G network, with a claimed 95% coverage rising to about 100% by the end of 2026, and falls back to Vodafone national roaming where its own network is not built. It sells online only, with no retail shops, and it had a migration outage in May 2024. Source: https://www.guide-germany.com/telecom/best-mobile-network#faq-what-network-does-11-use User question: "What is the cheapest way onto each network?" Answer: On Telekom, fraenk at EUR 10 for 25 GB on a calendar month, or congstar Prepaid Allnet M at EUR 10 for 30 GB per 28-day cycle. On Vodafone, SIMon mobile at EUR 9.99 for 50 GB, or Lidl Connect Smart S at EUR 8.99 for 25 GB. On O2, ALDI TALK Kombi-Paket S at EUR 8.99 for 25 GB. Source: https://www.guide-germany.com/telecom/best-mobile-network#faq-what-is-the-cheapest-way-onto-each-network Title: What Are the Best SIM Cards in Germany? (2026) Canonical URL: https://www.guide-germany.com/telecom/sim Question-form URL alias: https://www.guide-germany.com/how-to-buy-a-sim-card-in-germany Markdown twin: https://www.guide-germany.com/telecom/sim.md BLUF: The best SIM card for most people in Germany is **fraenk** at **EUR 10 a month** for **25 GB** on the **Telekom** network, because it bills by calendar month rather than every 28 days. The cheapest way in is a supermarket brand such as **ALDI TALK** at **EUR 8.99 for 25 GB**, and the most data per euro is **SIMon mobile flex** at **EUR 9.99 for 50 GB** on Vodafone. None of them needs a German address or bank account, but **every German SIM needs an ID check before it activates**. - Which SIM Cards Are Worth Buying? Seven tariffs, spread across all three German networks so there is an answer whichever one covers your address. Every card links to the provider's own site so you can check the price before you buy. Watch the billing cycle line: five of the seven renew every 28 days, which is 13 payments a year. source: https://www.guide-germany.com/telecom/sim#top-picks - Every SIM Card We Compared We compared **239 German mobile tariffs and [eSIMs](/telecom/esim)** across Telekom, Vodafone, O2 and 1&1, their value brands congstar, fraenk, SIMon mobile, otelo and Blau, the supermarket brands ALDI TALK, Lidl Connect, Penny Mobil, ja! mobil, Kaufland mobil, EDEKA smart, NettoKOM, Norma Connect and ROSSMANN mobil, the international specialists Lyca Mobile, Lebara, AY YILDIZ and Ortel Mobile,... source: https://www.guide-germany.com/telecom/sim#all-sims - How Should You Pick a German SIM Card? ### No address yet Every prepaid tariff here works without a German address or bank account. What none of them skips is the ID check: have your passport ready for VideoIdent, which runs 24 hours a day. ### Best coverage fraenk and congstar ride Telekom, SIMon mobile and Lidl Connect ride Vodafone, ALDI TALK rides O2. source: https://www.guide-germany.com/telecom/sim#how-to-pick - How Much Does a German SIM Card Cost? The prepaid floor is **EUR 8.99 for 25 GB** at the supermarket brands and **EUR 9.95 to EUR 10** at the value brands and the networks' own prepaid tariffs. Contract tariffs start at **EUR 14.99** from 1&1 and **EUR 19.99** from O2, and the Telekom and Vodafone ladders run from **EUR 29.95** and **EUR 29.99** up to **EUR 84.95** and **EUR 79.99** for unlimited. Add the one-off costs. source: https://www.guide-germany.com/telecom/sim#cost - Which Network Covers Your Area? Germany has three physical mobile networks: **Telekom**, known as D1, **Vodafone**, known as D2, and **O2**, run by Telefónica. **1&1** is building a fourth and falls back to Vodafone national roaming where its own grid is not yet up. Every other brand on this page is a reseller on one of those, so the network behind the SIM matters more than the name on it. source: https://www.guide-germany.com/telecom/sim#coverage - How We Compared These ### What we scored We ranked tariffs on ease of buying, which network carries them, price per gigabyte, billing cycle, contract flexibility and English support. The weighting favours tariffs a newcomer can actually activate in their first week, which rules out anything needing a SCHUFA check. ### Where the prices come from Every figure was read off the provider's own page or a dated German pric... source: https://www.guide-germany.com/telecom/sim#method - Compare two providers Already down to two? Each comparison declares a winner on every criterion that decides the purchase. [fraenk vs SIMon mobileSIMon mobile gives twice the data for a cent less, 50 GB at EUR 9.99 against fraenk's 25 GB at EUR 10.00, and does not block international calls.](/telecom/sim/fraenk-vs-simon-mobile)[ALDI TALK vs SIM.deSIM.de is EUR 2 a month cheaper for the same 25 GB and charges nothing... source: https://www.guide-germany.com/telecom/sim#comparisons - Related Guides [### Every German SIM and eSIM price The full catalogue behind this ranking, with every tariff we read.](/telecom/sim/complete-market-and-price-overview)[### SIM cards for new arrivals Which tariffs you can activate before your Anmeldung is done.](/telecom/sim/best-for-new-arrivals)[### SIM cards for students The cheapest tariffs once a student discount is on the table.](/telecom/sim/best-for-s... source: https://www.guide-germany.com/telecom/sim#related-guides User question: "What is the best SIM card in Germany for most people?" Answer: fraenk, at EUR 10 a month for 25 GB with unlimited calls and SMS on the Telekom network. It bills by calendar month and is cancellable monthly, so there is no thirteenth payment, it supports eSIM, there is no SIM card fee, and the catalogue rates its English support as full. The trade-offs are real: it is app-only with no hotline and no shops, data is capped at 50 Mbit/s, and international call... Source: https://www.guide-germany.com/telecom/sim#faq-what-is-the-best-sim-card-in-germany-for-most-people User question: "What is the cheapest German SIM card with a real data allowance?" Answer: EUR 8.99 for 25 GB with unlimited calls and SMS, sold by the supermarket brands: ALDI TALK and NettoKOM on the O2 network, Lidl Connect on Vodafone, and Penny Mobil, ja! mobil, Kaufland mobil and ROSSMANN mobil on Telekom. All of them bill every 28 days rather than monthly, which is 13 payments a year and works out at about EUR 9.74 a month. Source: https://www.guide-germany.com/telecom/sim#faq-what-is-the-cheapest-german-sim-card-with-a-real-data-allowa User question: "Do you need ID to buy a SIM card in Germany?" Answer: Yes. Every tariff in this catalogue requires identity verification before the line activates, so there is no anonymous prepaid SIM in Germany. VideoIdent works with any passport, 24 hours a day, and activation can take anywhere from minutes to hours afterwards. Source: https://www.guide-germany.com/telecom/sim#faq-do-you-need-id-to-buy-a-sim-card-in-germany User question: "Do you need a German address or a German bank account?" Answer: Not for prepaid. Every prepaid tariff here is marked as needing no German address and no German bank account. Contract tariffs are the opposite: they need a registered address, a SEPA direct debit and a SCHUFA credit check, which is why almost no one gets one in their first week. Source: https://www.guide-germany.com/telecom/sim#faq-do-you-need-a-german-address-or-a-german-bank-account User question: "Why is a German prepaid tariff billed every 28 days?" Answer: Because the cycle is a period, not a calendar month. A 28-day cycle renews 13 times a year, so ALDI TALK at EUR 8.99 costs about EUR 9.74 a month and MagentaMobil Prepaid M at EUR 9.95 costs about EUR 10.78. Only fraenk and SIMon mobile in this ranking bill by calendar month, and that is worth roughly one payment a year. Source: https://www.guide-germany.com/telecom/sim#faq-why-is-a-german-prepaid-tariff-billed-every-28-days User question: "Is EU roaming included?" Answer: Yes, and on every tariff ranked here the roaming allowance matches the domestic one, so 25 GB at home is 25 GB across the EU. Telekom and congstar additionally treat data used in Switzerland like EU data. Source: https://www.guide-germany.com/telecom/sim#faq-is-eu-roaming-included Title: Which of Germany's 89 mobile plans is right for you? (2026) Canonical URL: https://www.guide-germany.com/telecom/sim/complete-market-and-price-overview Question-form URL alias: https://www.guide-germany.com/how-much-do-sim-cards-cost-in-germany Markdown twin: https://www.guide-germany.com/telecom/sim/complete-market-and-price-overview.md BLUF: **The short answer** The lowest entry price in the table is **MagentaMobil Prepaid S at EUR 4.95**, and [the value-brand floor](/telecom/sim) for a real allowance is **EUR 8.99 for 25 GB with unlimited calls and SMS**, sold under that price by ALDI TALK, Lidl Connect, Penny Mobil, ja! mobil, Kaufland mobil, NettoKOM and ROSSMANN mobil. **47 of the 89 plans here renew every 28 days**, which is [13 payments a year rather than 12](/telecom/prepaid-vs-postpaid), so read the Cycle column before you compare two sticker prices. No tariff in this table is sold without an identity check first: there is no anonymous SIM in Germany. - All mobile plans grouped by providerRank byPriceDataEUR / GBTE ### Telekom Price band EUR 4.95 to 99.95 [Get a Telekom plan](https://www.computerbild.de/artikel/Deals-Handys-Telekom-Prepaid-Tarife-WM-Aktion-00879-18519441.html) | Plan | Price | Data | EUR / GB | Network | Cycle | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | MagentaMobil Prepaid SBest hererenews every 28 days | EUR 4.95 | 1 GB | EUR 4.95/GB | Telekom... source: https://www.guide-germany.com/telecom/sim/complete-market-and-price-overview#picker User question: "What is the cheapest SIM card in Germany in 2026?" Answer: The cheapest tariff with a real allowance is the EUR 8.99 value-brand tier: ALDI TALK Kombi-Paket S, Lidl Connect Smart S, Penny Mobil Smart, ja! mobil Smart, Kaufland mobil Smart S, NettoKOM Smart S and ROSSMANN mobil Smart all sell 25 GB with unlimited calls and SMS for EUR 8.99 per 28-day cycle. The lowest entry price of any kind is Telekom MagentaMobil Prepaid S at EUR 4.95 for 1 GB and 50... Source: https://www.guide-germany.com/telecom/sim/complete-market-and-price-overview#faq-what-is-the-cheapest-sim-card-in-germany-in-2026 User question: "Why do German prepaid prices renew every 28 days and not monthly?" Answer: Most German prepaid tariffs bill on a 28-day cycle, which renews 13 times a year rather than 12. EUR 8.99 per 28 days is about EUR 9.74 a month, and EUR 9.95 per 28 days is about EUR 10.78 a month. Two tariffs in this table bill per calendar month instead: fraenk, a calendar-month subscription that is monthly cancellable, and SIMon mobile, a monthly subscription with one month of notice. Source: https://www.guide-germany.com/telecom/sim/complete-market-and-price-overview#faq-why-do-german-prepaid-prices-renew-every-28-days-and-not-monthly User question: "Do I need ID to buy a SIM card in Germany?" Answer: Yes. Identity verification is required before the line activates on every tariff in this table, prepaid included. VideoIdent works with any passport and runs 24/7, and activation can take minutes to hours after it. Source: https://www.guide-germany.com/telecom/sim/complete-market-and-price-overview#faq-do-i-need-id-to-buy-a-sim-card-in-germany User question: "Do I need a German address or a German bank account?" Answer: Not for prepaid. The prepaid tariffs here are marked as needing no registered address and no local bank account. Contract tariffs are different: they need an address and a SEPA direct debit, and several providers run a SCHUFA credit check at sign-up. Source: https://www.guide-germany.com/telecom/sim/complete-market-and-price-overview#faq-do-i-need-a-german-address-or-a-german-bank-account User question: "Which tariffs include calls to other countries?" Answer: Five: Telekom MagentaMobil L and XL, Lyca Mobile Lyca Flat 20 GB at EUR 11.99 with 100 international minutes to more than 50 countries, Lebara HELLO! 5 at EUR 7.99 with 80 minutes to 50 countries, and Ortel Mobile Smart World at EUR 9.99 with bundles to Asia and Africa. Telekom prepaid otherwise quotes 29 ct per minute to more than 140 countries, and fraenk blocks international calls from Germa... Source: https://www.guide-germany.com/telecom/sim/complete-market-and-price-overview#faq-which-tariffs-include-calls-to-other-countries User question: "Can prices rise after the promotion ends?" Answer: Yes, and on the youth and contract tariffs the rise is built in. Telekom MagentaMobil M Young is EUR 24.95 for the first 24 months and EUR 39.95 after that. Vodafone Mobil Young M is EUR 27.99 for 24 months and then EUR 39.99. Source: https://www.guide-germany.com/telecom/sim/complete-market-and-price-overview#faq-can-prices-rise-after-the-promotion-ends Title: Which SIM Card Should You Choose in Germany? (2026) Canonical URL: https://www.guide-germany.com/telecom/sim-finder Question-form URL alias: https://www.guide-germany.com/which-sim-card-should-i-get-in-germany Markdown twin: https://www.guide-germany.com/telecom/sim-finder.md BLUF: In Germany the first question is not price, it is paperwork: **every SIM needs verified identity**, prepaid needs no German address and no German bank account, and every contract tariff needs an address, a SEPA direct debit and [a SCHUFA credit check](/finance/open-bank-account). If you have just arrived, start with **Telekom MagentaMobil Prepaid M** at EUR 9.95 per 28-day cycle for 20 GB, or take a free **Vodafone CallYa Classic** SIM if all you need is a German number. - Find the Right SIM Card ### No German address yet [Telekom MagentaMobil Prepaid M](#de-mob-002): EUR 9.95 per 28-day cycle for 20 GB on the best-rated German network, English support, eSIM, SIM card EUR 9.95 with EUR 10 credit. ### Just need a German number [Vodafone CallYa Classic](#de-mob-007): a genuinely free SIM with nothing bundled, charged at 9 ct per minute, 9 ct per SMS and 3 ct per MB. Add a 4-week option pa... source: https://www.guide-germany.com/telecom/sim-finder#verdict - Which Plan Fits Your Situation? Work through it in this order. If you have no German address and no SEPA direct debit, you are buying prepaid, and that is not a compromise: Telekom, Vodafone and O2 all sell their own prepaid tariffs on their own networks. If you are [registered](/moving/address-registration) and have a German bank account, [the contract tariffs](/telecom/prepaid-vs-postpaid) open up, and so do the age-gated y... source: https://www.guide-germany.com/telecom/sim-finder#situations - Recommended SIM Cards ### MagentaMobil Prepaid M 4.020 GB, Unlimited minutes, Unlimited SMS on Telekom for EUR 9.95 per 28-day cycle. No German address and no German bank account. [Get plan](https://www.telekom.de/mobilfunk/prepaid)20 GBEUR 9.9528-day cycle20 GB, Unlimited minutes, Unlimited SMS on Telekom. source: https://www.guide-germany.com/telecom/sim-finder#top-picks - Related Guides [### Best SIM Cards The seven-tariff ranking.](/telecom/sim)[### Mobile Plans Guide Prepaid, contract and 28-day cycles.](/telecom/mobile-plans)[### Best Mobile Network Telekom, Vodafone and O2 coverage.](/telecom/best-mobile-network)[### eSIM Finder German eSIMs and data-only travel eSIMs.](/telecom/esim-finder) source: https://www.guide-germany.com/telecom/sim-finder#related-guides User question: "How do I choose the right SIM card in Germany?" Answer: Start with paperwork, not price. If you have no German address, no SEPA direct debit and no SCHUFA record yet, you can only buy prepaid, which rules out every contract tariff. Then pick a network: Telekom (D1), Vodafone (D2) or O2 from Telefónica. Source: https://www.guide-germany.com/telecom/sim-finder#faq-how-do-i-choose-the-right-sim-card-in-germany User question: "Which SIM card is best for newcomers to Germany?" Answer: Telekom MagentaMobil Prepaid M at EUR 9.95 per 28-day cycle: 20 GB with unlimited calls and SMS on the best-rated German network, English-language support, and an eSIM you can activate the day you land. The SIM card itself costs EUR 9.95 and comes with EUR 10 of starting credit. Vodafone CallYa Classic is the free alternative if you only need a German number. Source: https://www.guide-germany.com/telecom/sim-finder#faq-which-sim-card-is-best-for-newcomers-to-germany User question: "Do I need a German address or bank account for a SIM card?" Answer: Not for prepaid. Prepaid tariffs need neither a German address nor a German bank account. Contract tariffs need both, plus a SEPA direct debit and a SCHUFA credit check. Source: https://www.guide-germany.com/telecom/sim-finder#faq-do-i-need-a-german-address-or-bank-account-for-a-sim-card Title: What Are the Best SIM Cards for New Arrivals in Germany? (2026) Canonical URL: https://www.guide-germany.com/telecom/sim/best-for-new-arrivals Question-form URL alias: https://www.guide-germany.com/what-is-the-best-sim-card-for-newcomers-in-germany Markdown twin: https://www.guide-germany.com/telecom/sim/best-for-new-arrivals.md BLUF: **The verdict for new arrivals** Buy **ALDI TALK Kombi-Paket S 25GB/28d at EUR 8.99 per 28 days** for **25 GB** on the **O2** network. That is **unlimited calls and SMS** included, at about **EUR 0.36 per GB**. It is sold at any Aldi till and activates the same day, so it is the one tariff you can hold before you have an address or a bank account. Aldi shuts on Sundays, so a Sunday landing means the airport or a main-station shop. **What it takes to activate** Germany verifies identity on **every** SIM, prepaid included, so there is no anonymous German SIM. A passport is enough: **VideoIdent** runs 24/7 and the line is live within hours. Prepaid asks for **no German address and no German bank account**. A contract asks for a registered address, a **SEPA direct debit** and a **SCHUFA** check, which is why week one is a prepaid week. Prepaid also renews every **28 days**, so it is **13 payments a year**, not 12. - Which SIM plan is the best for new arrivals? Sort byOur rankingEffective monthly pricePrice per GBCoverageSorted by **effective monthly price**, not our recommendation. The default view is our ranking, weights published below. Sorted by **price per gb**, not our recommendation. source: https://www.guide-germany.com/telecom/sim/best-for-new-arrivals#ranking - What is ruled out, and why A blocker is not a drawback. It is something that makes the product unbuyable for this reader, and it caps the score at **1.0** however good the tariff is otherwise. Blocked for this reader MagentaMobil Prepaid Mpassport requiredCallYa Classicpassport required for activationCallYa Startpassport requiredCallYa Allnet Flat Spassport required source: https://www.guide-germany.com/telecom/sim/best-for-new-arrivals#ruled-out - What you actually need to activate a German SIM on arrival A passport, and this is the part nobody warns a new arrival about. Every tariff in [the catalogue](/telecom/sim/complete-market-and-price-overview) requires identity verification before the SIM works, prepaid and contract alike, so Germany has no walk-out-and-use-it option. **VideoIdent** works with any passport and runs **24/7**, and activation takes **minutes to hours** after the call. source: https://www.guide-germany.com/telecom/sim/best-for-new-arrivals#requirement - The same tariffs, ranked for other readers [View all 98 plansThe plan picker is the full market overview: every named tier from every provider with its allowance, price and EUR per GB, filterable by situation and re-rankable.→](/telecom/sim/complete-market-and-price-overview)[for students](/telecom/sim-cards-for-students)for new arrivals[for residents](/telecom/sim-cards-for-residents)[for stays under 3 months](/telecom/sim-cards-for-sh... source: https://www.guide-germany.com/telecom/sim/best-for-new-arrivals#other-readers - How we compared these Five criteria, weighted for this reader and published above, fixed on **17 August 2026** before the prices were collected. Every price comes from the provider's own page, dated in the catalogue. A blocker caps a product at **1.0**. source: https://www.guide-germany.com/telecom/sim/best-for-new-arrivals#method Title: What Are the Best SIM Cards for Students in Germany? (2026) Canonical URL: https://www.guide-germany.com/telecom/sim/best-for-students Question-form URL alias: https://www.guide-germany.com/what-is-the-best-sim-card-for-students-in-germany Markdown twin: https://www.guide-germany.com/telecom/sim/best-for-students.md BLUF: **The verdict for students** Buy **CallYa Jahrespaket M at EUR 8.33 per year** for **250 GB** on the **Vodafone** network. Read that **EUR 8.33** as an equivalent, not a monthly bill: the pack is **250 GB across 365 days**, bought once and allocated by you, and anything left when the year ends is lost. Germany requires identity verification on every SIM, so a student needs a passport, but prepaid asks for **no German address, no German bank account and no SCHUFA record**. The general ranking weights **coverage at 25%**, which almost nobody living on a campus needs, and this page drops it to **10%** so price per gigabyte decides. - Which SIM plan is the best for students? Sort byOur rankingEffective monthly pricePrice per GBCoverageEnglish supportContract freedomSorted by **effective monthly price**, not our recommendation. The default view is our ranking, weights published below. Sorted by **price per gb**, not our recommendation. source: https://www.guide-germany.com/telecom/sim/best-for-students#ranking - What is ruled out, and why A blocker is not a drawback. It is something that makes the product unbuyable for this reader, and it caps the score at **1.0** however good the tariff is otherwise. Blocked for this reader O2 Mobile on Demand Mage check for young rate1&1 All-Net-Flat 50 GBcredit checkcongstar Allnet Flat Mcredit checkklarmobil 100 GBcredit check source: https://www.guide-germany.com/telecom/sim/best-for-students#ruled-out - What counts as student proof in Germany? Nothing, because there is nothing to prove. German operators do not run student pricing: the catalogue records **no student discount** and **no proof-of-study requirement** on any tariff, so there is no enrolment certificate to chase. What exists instead are **age gates** on [the youth tariffs](/telecom/student-sim-cards). source: https://www.guide-germany.com/telecom/sim/best-for-students#requirement - The same tariffs, ranked for other readers [View all 98 plansThe plan picker is the full market overview: every named tier from every provider with its allowance, price and EUR per GB, filterable by situation and re-rankable.→](/telecom/sim/complete-market-and-price-overview)for students[for new arrivals](/telecom/sim-cards-for-newcomers)[for residents](/telecom/sim-cards-for-residents)[for stays under 3 months](/telecom/sim-cards-for-s... source: https://www.guide-germany.com/telecom/sim/best-for-students#other-readers - How we compared these Five criteria, weighted for this reader and published above, fixed on **17 August 2026** before the prices were collected. Every price comes from the provider's own page, dated in the catalogue. A blocker caps a product at **1.0**. source: https://www.guide-germany.com/telecom/sim/best-for-students#method Title: What Are the Best SIM Cards for Students in Germany? (2026) Canonical URL: https://www.guide-germany.com/telecom/student-sim-cards Question-form URL alias: https://www.guide-germany.com/what-are-the-best-student-sim-cards-in-germany Markdown twin: https://www.guide-germany.com/telecom/student-sim-cards.md BLUF: Germany has **no student mobile tariff**: the cheap young tariffs are gated on your date of birth, not on an enrolment certificate, and all three are 24-month contracts that need a German address, a SEPA direct debit and [a SCHUFA credit check](/finance/open-bank-account). Most students in their first weeks should therefore buy **prepaid**. The best value on this page is **congstar Prepaid Allnet M** at EUR 10 for 30 GB on the Telekom network, or **Vodafone CallYa Jahrespaket M** if you can pay EUR 99.99 once for 250 GB across 365 days. - What Is the Best Student SIM Card? ### Best in your first week [congstar Prepaid Allnet M](#de-mob-036): EUR 10 for 30 GB with unlimited calls and SMS on the Telekom network. No German address, no German bank account, 28-day cycle. ### Cheapest per month [Vodafone CallYa Jahrespaket M](#de-mob-013): one payment of EUR 99.99 buys 250 GB to spread over 365 days, about EUR 8.33 a month equivalent. source: https://www.guide-germany.com/telecom/student-sim-cards#verdict - What Do Students Need From a SIM Card? Three things decide the answer in Germany, and only one of them is price. First, what you can actually sign: every contract tariff on this page requires a German address, a SEPA direct debit and a SCHUFA credit check, which a student who landed last week does not have. Prepaid asks for none of those. source: https://www.guide-germany.com/telecom/student-sim-cards#what-students-need - Are There Student Tariffs in Germany? Not in the sense most arrivals expect. Germany has youth tariffs, and the gate is your date of birth rather than an enrolment certificate. Telekom MagentaMobil M Young is for under-28s at EUR 24.95 for the first 24 months and EUR 39.95 afterwards, with 100 GB. source: https://www.guide-germany.com/telecom/student-sim-cards#age-gates - Top Student SIM Cards ### CallYa Jahrespaket M 4.0250 GB, Unlimited minutes, Unlimited SMS on Vodafone for EUR 8.33. No German address and no German bank account. [Get plan](https://www.vodafone.de/callya)250 GBEUR 8.33month250 GB, Unlimited minutes, Unlimited SMS on Vodafone. source: https://www.guide-germany.com/telecom/student-sim-cards#top-picks - Related Guides [### SIM Cards for Students The full student ranking.](/telecom/sim/best-for-students)[### SIM Cards for Newcomers Getting a German number without an address.](/telecom/sim/best-for-new-arrivals)[### SIM Finder Match a tariff to your situation.](/telecom/sim-finder)[### Mobile Plans Guide Prepaid, contract and 28-day cycles.](/telecom/mobile-plans) source: https://www.guide-germany.com/telecom/student-sim-cards#related-guides User question: "What is the best SIM card for students in Germany?" Answer: For a student who has just arrived, congstar Prepaid Allnet M is the strongest pick: EUR 10 for 30 GB with unlimited calls and SMS on the Telekom network, no German address and no German bank account. If you can pay a year up front, Vodafone CallYa Jahrespaket M works out cheaper at EUR 8.33 a month equivalent for 250 GB over 365 days. Source: https://www.guide-germany.com/telecom/student-sim-cards#faq-what-is-the-best-sim-card-for-students-in-germany User question: "Do students get a discount on German mobile tariffs?" Answer: No. Germany's cheap tariffs for young people are age-gated, not enrolment-gated. Telekom MagentaMobil Young and Vodafone Mobil Young are for under-28s, and O2's young price runs up to your 29th birthday. Source: https://www.guide-germany.com/telecom/student-sim-cards#faq-do-students-get-a-discount-on-german-mobile-tariffs User question: "Do I need ID to buy a SIM card in Germany?" Answer: Yes. Identity verification is required to activate every SIM in Germany, prepaid included. A passport works, and VideoIdent runs 24/7. Source: https://www.guide-germany.com/telecom/student-sim-cards#faq-do-i-need-id-to-buy-a-sim-card-in-germany User question: "Why is my prepaid tariff billed every 28 days?" Answer: Most German prepaid tariffs renew on a 28-day cycle, which means 13 payments a year rather than 12. congstar Prepaid Allnet M at EUR 10 per cycle therefore costs about EUR 10.83 a month. fraenk and SIMon mobile bill on the calendar month instead, so they have no 13th payment. Source: https://www.guide-germany.com/telecom/student-sim-cards#faq-why-is-my-prepaid-tariff-billed-every-28-days Title: What Are the Best SIM Cards for International Calls from Germany? (2026) Canonical URL: https://www.guide-germany.com/telecom/international-calling-sim Question-form URL alias: https://www.guide-germany.com/what-is-the-best-international-calling-sim-in-germany Markdown twin: https://www.guide-germany.com/telecom/international-calling-sim.md BLUF: Very few German tariffs bundle international minutes at all. For most people arriving in Germany the answer is **Lyca Mobile Lyca Flat 20 GB**: EUR 11.99 per 28-day cycle for 20 GB on the O2 network with unlimited domestic calls, **100 international minutes to more than 50 countries**, English-language support, and no SCHUFA check or German bank account. **Lebara HELLO! 5** at EUR 7.99 is the cheaper entry, and **Ortel Mobile Smart World** at EUR 9.99 carries the most data. - Which SIM Is Best for International Calls? ### Best overall [Lyca Mobile Lyca Flat 20 GB](#de-mob-059): EUR 11.99 per 28-day cycle, 20 GB on O2, 100 international minutes to 50+ countries, English support. ### Cheapest entry [Lebara HELLO! 5](#de-mob-060): EUR 7.99 per 28-day cycle, 5 GB on O2, 80 minutes to 50 countries, multilingual support including English. source: https://www.guide-germany.com/telecom/international-calling-sim#verdict - What Are the International Calling Options? There are three routes, and which one you can take depends less on price than on paperwork. The first is a prepaid international MVNO. Lyca Mobile, Lebara and Ortel Mobile all ride the O2 network, all bundle international minutes, and none of them needs a German address, a German bank account or [a SCHUFA check](/finance/open-bank-account). source: https://www.guide-germany.com/telecom/international-calling-sim#options - Top SIM Cards for International Calls ### MagentaMobil L 3.8100 GB, Unlimited minutes, Unlimited SMS on Telekom for EUR 59.95 a month. 25 GB/year non-EU roaming data plus call flat to EU/CH/UK/TR [Get plan](https://www.telekom.de/mobilfunk/tarife)100 GBEUR 59.95month100 GB, Unlimited minutes, Unlimited SMS on Telekom. eSIM available. source: https://www.guide-germany.com/telecom/international-calling-sim#top-picks - Related Guides [### Best SIM Cards The seven-tariff ranking for residents.](/telecom/sim)[### eSIM Guide German eSIMs and travel eSIMs compared.](/telecom/esim)[### Mobile Plans Guide Prepaid, contract and 28-day cycles.](/telecom/mobile-plans)[### SIM Cards for Newcomers Getting a German number without an address.](/telecom/sim/best-for-new-arrivals) source: https://www.guide-germany.com/telecom/international-calling-sim#related-guides User question: "Which German SIM is best for international calls?" Answer: Lyca Mobile Lyca Flat 20 GB. It costs EUR 11.99 per 28-day cycle, carries 20 GB with unlimited domestic calls and SMS on the O2 network, and bundles 100 international minutes to more than 50 countries. Support and the website are in English, and it needs no SCHUFA check and no German bank account. Source: https://www.guide-germany.com/telecom/international-calling-sim#faq-which-german-sim-is-best-for-international-calls User question: "Are international calls included in cheap German tariffs?" Answer: Usually not. Only a handful of German tariffs bundle international minutes at all: Lyca Mobile, Lebara and Ortel Mobile on prepaid, plus Telekom MagentaMobil L and XL on contract. Telekom prepaid charges 29 ct per minute to more than 140 countries instead, and fraenk blocks international calls from Germany entirely. Source: https://www.guide-germany.com/telecom/international-calling-sim#faq-are-international-calls-included-in-cheap-german-tariffs User question: "Do I need a German bank account to get an international calling SIM?" Answer: Not for the prepaid options. Lyca Mobile, Lebara and Ortel Mobile all run without a German address and without a German bank account. Telekom MagentaMobil L and XL are contract tariffs and do need a German address, a SEPA direct debit and a SCHUFA check. Source: https://www.guide-germany.com/telecom/international-calling-sim#faq-do-i-need-a-german-bank-account-to-get-an-international-call User question: "Why does the price go up after the first few months?" Answer: All three prepaid options lead with an intro price. Lyca Mobile is EUR 5.99 for the first 6 cycles and EUR 11.99 afterwards, Lebara is EUR 3.99 for 3 cycles and EUR 7.99 afterwards, and Ortel Mobile is EUR 4.99 for the first cycle and EUR 9.99 afterwards. All three also bill per 28-day cycle, which is 13 payments a year rather than 12. Source: https://www.guide-germany.com/telecom/international-calling-sim#faq-why-does-the-price-go-up-after-the-first-few-months Title: What Is the Best eSIM for Germany? (2026) Canonical URL: https://www.guide-germany.com/telecom/esim Question-form URL alias: https://www.guide-germany.com/how-to-get-an-esim-in-germany Markdown twin: https://www.guide-germany.com/telecom/esim.md BLUF: **For a trip** Install an **Airalo** eSIM before you fly: **1 GB over 3 days costs EUR 3.44** and **10 GB over a week costs EUR 12.90**. It needs no ID check and it connects the moment you land, so you are online before you reach passport control. **If you need a German number** A native **Telekom** eSIM is **EUR 9.95 for 20 GB** and **ALDI TALK** is **EUR 8.99 for 25 GB**, both per 28-day cycle and both with unlimited German and EU calls and SMS. Identity has to be verified first, in practice by **VideoIdent with your passport**. The crossover sits at about a month. - Which eSIM is the best for Germany? ★ Best before you land ### Airalo 4.3Installs in about two minutes with no ID check, from EUR 3.44 for 1 GB to EUR 12.90 for 10 GB over a week, with top-ups in the app. Key information NumberNo German number, so no SMS to oneDataLargest German plan range, tops up in the appSignupDeleting the profile loses it for good[Get an Airalo eSIM](https://www.airalo.com/germany-esim)Plans(3) - Airalo Germ... source: https://www.guide-germany.com/telecom/esim#ranking - Native or travel eSIM, which do you need? A **travel eSIM** is data only. It installs in about two minutes, needs no identity check, and works on landing, which makes it the right answer for [a stay of days to a couple of weeks](/telecom/esim/best-for-short-stays). What it cannot do is receive an SMS sent to a **German mobile number**, because it does not carry one, and it expires on a fixed date rather than renewing. source: https://www.guide-germany.com/telecom/esim#native-vs-travel - Every eSIM we compared We compared **159 eSIM plans**from Airalo, Holafly, Saily, Nomad, Ubigi and twelve other travel brands, plus the native German eSIMs from Telekom, Vodafone, O2, ALDI TALK, congstar and 1&1. The full catalogue lives on [the market overview](/telecom/esim/complete-market-and-price-overview). [View all 159 eSIM plansThe full market overview: every plan from every provider with its data, validity a... source: https://www.guide-germany.com/telecom/esim#all-esims Title: Which of Germany's 159 eSIMs is right for you? (2026) Canonical URL: https://www.guide-germany.com/telecom/esim/complete-market-and-price-overview Question-form URL alias: https://www.guide-germany.com/how-much-does-an-esim-cost-in-germany Markdown twin: https://www.guide-germany.com/telecom/esim/complete-market-and-price-overview.md BLUF: **The short answer** The cheapest eSIM with a German number is **Telekom MagentaMobil Prepaid S 1GB/28d at EUR 4.95 per 28 days**. The cheapest travel eSIM in the table is **Firsty Free (Germany; ad-funded, basic speed) at EUR 0**, installed [before you fly](/telecom/esim/best-for-short-stays). Travel eSIMs are data only and carry no German number, so nothing that texts a code to a German mobile number can reach you on one: that is what[the native tariffs](/telecom/esim) are for. Every native German tariff needs identity verification before it activates, and most of them [renew every 28 days rather than monthly](/telecom/prepaid-vs-postpaid), which is 13 payments a year. - All eSIM plans grouped by providerRank byPriceDataEUR / GBFI ### Firsty Travel eSIM · data only Price band EUR 0 to 35 [Get a Firsty plan](https://www.firsty.app/contract-summary-firsty) | Plan | Price | Data | EUR / GB | DE number | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Firsty Free (Germany; ad-funded, basic speed)Best heremonthly | EUR 0 | Unlimited | EUR 0.00/GB | No | | Firsty Germany Day Pass (Economy/Comfor... source: https://www.guide-germany.com/telecom/esim/complete-market-and-price-overview#picker Title: Which eSIM Fits Your Stay in Germany? (2026) Canonical URL: https://www.guide-germany.com/telecom/esim-finder Question-form URL alias: https://www.guide-germany.com/which-esim-should-i-get-in-germany Markdown twin: https://www.guide-germany.com/telecom/esim-finder.md BLUF: **Under two weeks, no German number** Two questions decide it: **how long are you here**, and **do you need an SMS sent to a German number**. [Under about two weeks with no German number needed](/telecom/esim/best-for-short-stays), install an **Airalo** travel eSIM before you fly, from **EUR 3.44 for 1 GB** to **EUR 12.90 for 10 GB**, with no identity check at all. **Staying longer, or you need a number** Past about two weeks, or the moment a German number is the point, a native **Telekom** eSIM at **EUR 9.95 for 20 GB** or **ALDI TALK** at **EUR 8.99 for 25 GB** wins, both per 28-day cycle, both with no German address and no German bank account, and both behind a **VideoIdent passport check** before they switch on. - Which eSIM fits your stay? Two things separate every eSIM sold for Germany: whether it carries a **German number**, and whether it is priced per trip or per cycle.[Travel eSIMs](/telecom/esim) are data only, need no identity check and expire on a fixed date. Native eSIMs behave like a local line, [renew every 28 days](/telecom/prepaid-vs-postpaid), and only switch on once your passport has been checked. | Your stay | Wha... source: https://www.guide-germany.com/telecom/esim-finder#match - The three we recommend ★ Best fit for a trip ### Airalo 4.3The best fit for a stay under two weeks: EUR 3.44 for 1 GB up to EUR 12.90 for 10 GB, installed before you fly and working on landing. Key information NumberNo German number, so no SMS to oneSignupNo ID check, installs in about two minutesSignupDeleting the profile loses it for good[Get an Airalo eSIM](https://www.airalo.com/germany-esim)Plans(3) - Airalo Ger... source: https://www.guide-germany.com/telecom/esim-finder#picks - Every eSIM we compared The three above are picked from **159 eSIM plans** in [the catalogue](/telecom/esim/complete-market-and-price-overview), from Airalo, Holafly, Saily, Nomad, Ubigi and twelve other travel brands, plus the native German eSIMs from Telekom, Vodafone, O2, ALDI TALK, congstar and 1&1. [View all 159 eSIM plansThe full market overview: every plan from every provider with its data, validity and price,... source: https://www.guide-germany.com/telecom/esim-finder#all-esims User question: "Which eSIM should I pick for a trip under two weeks?" Answer: A travel eSIM. Airalo Germany runs from EUR 3.44 for 1 GB over 3 days to EUR 12.90 for 10 GB over 7 days, installs in about two minutes with no identity check, and connects on landing. The best value of the three rungs is 10 GB over 7 days, which works out at EUR 1.29 a gigabyte. Source: https://www.guide-germany.com/telecom/esim-finder#faq-which-esim-should-i-pick-for-a-trip-under-two-weeks User question: "When is a native German eSIM the better answer?" Answer: As soon as you need an SMS sent to a German number, and from about a month on price. Telekom gives 20 GB for EUR 9.95 and ALDI TALK gives 25 GB for EUR 8.99, both per 28-day cycle, both with unlimited German and EU calls and SMS, and neither needs a German address or a German bank account. Source: https://www.guide-germany.com/telecom/esim-finder#faq-when-is-a-native-german-esim-the-better-answer User question: "Can I install an eSIM before I arrive in Germany?" Answer: A travel eSIM, yes: it installs before you fly and starts when you switch on mobile data in Germany. A native Telekom or ALDI TALK eSIM can be ordered in advance too, but it only activates after your identity is verified, and activation can take minutes to hours after that check. Source: https://www.guide-germany.com/telecom/esim-finder#faq-can-i-install-an-esim-before-i-arrive-in-germany User question: "Does a German eSIM need identity verification?" Answer: Every German SIM and every native German eSIM does. There is no anonymous prepaid line in Germany. VideoIdent works with any passport and runs 24 hours a day, and even a SIM bought from a vending machine still has to be verified online. Source: https://www.guide-germany.com/telecom/esim-finder#faq-does-a-german-esim-need-identity-verification User question: "Do all phones support eSIM?" Answer: No. Airalo's own compatibility note lists an unlocked eSIM device, iPhone XS and later, Pixel 3 and later, or Galaxy S20 and later. Budget and older handsets often have no eSIM slot at all. Source: https://www.guide-germany.com/telecom/esim-finder#faq-do-all-phones-support-esim Title: What Is the Best Home Internet in Germany? (2026) Canonical URL: https://www.guide-germany.com/telecom/home-internet Question-form URL alias: https://www.guide-germany.com/how-to-get-home-internet-in-germany Markdown twin: https://www.guide-germany.com/telecom/home-internet.md BLUF: **Fibre to the home is the best technology where it reaches you**, but most German addresses are still served by VDSL over the telephone line or by cable, and the plan that fits is the one your address can actually take. The cheapest priced plan in [our catalogue](/telecom/home-internet/complete-market-and-price-overview) is **eazy50 at EUR 18.99 for 50 Mbit/s over cable**; the fastest is **DNS:NET Glasfaser 2500 at 2500 Mbit/s for EUR 79.90**. Nearly every plan runs 24 months, needs a SEPA direct debit, and may involve [a SCHUFA credit check](/finance/open-bank-account). - Which Home Internet Provider Is Best? ### Cheapest plan eazy50: 50/25 Mbit/s cable at EUR 18.99, 24-month term, no setup fee. PŸUR Pure Surf 50 is EUR 19. ### Fastest DNS:NET Glasfaser 2500 at 2500 Mbit/s for EUR 79.90, then M-net Internet 2000 at EUR 89.90. source: https://www.guide-germany.com/telecom/home-internet#verdict - What Types of Home Internet Are Available? Germany runs six of them. **DSL and VDSL** over the telephone line are the widest, and VDSL tops out at 250 Mbit/s. **Fibre to the home (FTTH)** is the fastest and the only technology in the catalogue that reaches 1000 Mbit/s and beyond, but the build is uneven and installation takes 14 to 56 days. source: https://www.guide-germany.com/telecom/home-internet#technologies - Top Home Internet Plans ### MagentaZuhause S 4.116 Mbit/s DSL over the telephone line (VDSL) for EUR 38.95 a month. [Check availability](https://www.telekom.de/zuhause/tarife-und-optionen/internet)16 Mbit/sEUR 38.95month16 Mbit/s down / 2.4 Mbit/s up, DSL over the telephone line (VDSL). Pros - **16 Mbit/s** download - **EUR 38.95** a month - 24-month term Cons - price rises to **EUR 38.95** after short intro period -... source: https://www.guide-germany.com/telecom/home-internet#top-picks - Related Guides [### Every Home Internet Plan Compared All 116 priced plans, filterable by speed, technology, term and price.](/telecom/home-internet/complete-market-and-price-overview)[### Every SIM Card Plan Compared Mobile tariffs on Telekom, Vodafone, O2 and 1&1.](/telecom/sim/complete-market-and-price-overview)[### Best Mobile Network How Telekom, Vodafone and O2 compare on coverage.](/telecom/best-mobile... source: https://www.guide-germany.com/telecom/home-internet#related-guides User question: "Which home internet plan is cheapest in Germany?" Answer: eazy50 is the cheapest priced plan in our catalogue at EUR 18.99 a month for 50 Mbit/s down and 25 Mbit/s up over cable, on a 24-month term with no setup fee. PŸUR Pure Surf 50 is next at EUR 19 for the same 50 Mbit/s, on a connection chosen by address. Source: https://www.guide-germany.com/telecom/home-internet#faq-which-home-internet-plan-is-cheapest-in-germany User question: "Can I get home internet without a 24-month contract?" Answer: Yes, but the choice is narrow. Most German plans run 24 months. The cheapest short-term option in our catalogue is congstar Homespot & Go S at EUR 22 a month: 50 Mbit/s fixed wireless on the Telekom network, a one-month term, one month of notice, and a 100 GB monthly cap. Source: https://www.guide-germany.com/telecom/home-internet#faq-can-i-get-home-internet-without-a-24-month-contract User question: "Do I need a German bank account or an Anmeldung to order internet?" Answer: Neither is required by the plans in this catalogue. Every record asks for a SEPA direct debit, and the IBAN does not have to be a German one. None of them records an address-registration requirement. Source: https://www.guide-germany.com/telecom/home-internet#faq-do-i-need-a-german-bank-account-or-an-anmeldung-to-order-int User question: "What if there is no fibre at my address?" Answer: VDSL over the telephone line covers most of the country and reaches 250 Mbit/s on Telekom MagentaZuhause XL at EUR 55.95. Cable is the other wide option: Vodafone's shared cable network reaches about 24 million households, and GigaZuhause 1000 Kabel gives 1000 Mbit/s down for EUR 64.99, though upload stays capped at 75 Mbit/s. Where neither reaches, fixed wireless (Telekom Speedbox M, 300/50 Mb... Source: https://www.guide-germany.com/telecom/home-internet#faq-what-if-there-is-no-fibre-at-my-address User question: "How long does installation take?" Answer: It depends on the technology, and the catalogue records the lead times per plan: 7 to 21 days on DSL, 5 to 14 days on cable, 14 to 56 days on fibre to the home, and 2 to 5 days on fixed wireless, which is really just a router in the post. Source: https://www.guide-germany.com/telecom/home-internet#faq-how-long-does-installation-take Title: Which of Germany's 116 home internet plans is right for you? (2026) Canonical URL: https://www.guide-germany.com/telecom/home-internet/complete-market-and-price-overview Question-form URL alias: https://www.guide-germany.com/how-much-does-internet-cost-in-germany Markdown twin: https://www.guide-germany.com/telecom/home-internet/complete-market-and-price-overview.md BLUF: **The short answer** The cheapest plan is **eazy50 at EUR 18.99 a month for 50 Mbit/s**. The fastest residential plan is **DNS:NET Glasfaser 2500 at 2.5 Gbit/s**. [The term](/telecom/home-internet) is the thing to check before the price: **94 of the 116 plans here run for 24 months** and only 21 are monthly. Every plan is paid by SEPA direct debit from an IBAN that does not have to be German, and none of them requires [a registered address](/moving/address-registration), but several run [a SCHUFA credit check](/finance/open-bank-account) before they will connect you. - All plans grouped by providerRank byPriceSpeedEUR / 100 Mbit/sEA ### eazy Cable internet over the TV cable (DOCSIS) Price band EUR 18.99 to 26.99 [Get a eazy plan](https://www.simdealz.de/eazy-kabel-internet-tarife/) | Plan | Per month | Download | Upload | Technology | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | eazy50Best here24-month term | EUR 18.99 | 50 Mbit/s | 25 Mbit/s up | Cable internet over the TV cable... source: https://www.guide-germany.com/telecom/home-internet/complete-market-and-price-overview#picker Title: Telekom vs Vodafone (2026): Which German Network Should You Pick? Canonical URL: https://www.guide-germany.com/telecom/sim/telekom-vs-vodafone Question-form URL alias: https://www.guide-germany.com/telekom-or-vodafone-which-is-better-in-germany Markdown twin: https://www.guide-germany.com/telecom/sim/telekom-vs-vodafone.md - Telekom Deutsche Telekom AG Telekom sells the D1 network under its own MagentaMobil name. congstar and fraenk are its own value brands riding the same radio network, so a cheap congstar SIM gives you Telekom coverage. Cheapest entry: congstar Prepaid Allnet M, 30 GB for 10.00 EUR per 28 days on the Telekom network Wins 1 of 911%[Get a Telekom plan](https://www.telekom.de/mobilfunk/tarife)VSV source: https://www.guide-germany.com/telecom/sim/telekom-vs-vodafone#duel - Vodafone Vodafone Group plc Vodafone runs the D2 network. Lidl Connect and SIMon mobile are separate companies selling airtime on that same network, so their coverage matches Vodafone's. Cheapest entry: Lidl Connect Smart S, 25 GB for 8.99 EUR per 28 days on the Vodafone network Wins 4 of 944%[Get a Vodafone plan](https://www.vodafone.de/mobilfunk) source: https://www.guide-germany.com/telecom/sim/telekom-vs-vodafone#duel - Row by row Fees verified August 2026 against each provider's published data | Criterion | Telekom | Vodafone | | --- | --- | --- | | Network you actually useCoverage follows the radio network, not the brand | Telekom (D1), own networkTieOperated by Telekom Deutschland GmbH | Vodafone (D2), own networkTieOperated by Vodafone GmbH | | Published network verdictIndependent tests are the only neutral signal he... source: https://www.guide-germany.com/telecom/sim/telekom-vs-vodafone#row-by-row - So which one ### Pick Telekom if - The network rated best in Germany by connect 01/2026 and Ookla Q1-Q2 2026 is worth the higher entry price - You want unused prepaid data to roll over into the next 28-day cycle - You leave the EU and want the 2 GB per year of non-EU roaming data included with MagentaMobil XS - You are under 28: MagentaMobil M Young is 100 GB at 24.95 EUR for the first 24 months - You want... source: https://www.guide-germany.com/telecom/sim/telekom-vs-vodafone#pick-if - Other comparisons 4 more pairs[TvsOTelekom vs O2›](/telecom/sim/telekom-vs-o2)[VvsOVodafone vs O2›](/telecom/sim/vodafone-vs-o2)[CvsATcongstar vs ALDI TALK›](/telecom/sim/congstar-vs-aldi-talk)[ATvsLCALDI TALK vs Lidl Connect›](/telecom/sim/aldi-talk-vs-lidl-connect) source: https://www.guide-germany.com/telecom/sim/telekom-vs-vodafone#other-comparisons - How we compared these two ### The criteria are fixed Every comparison on this site uses the same 9 rows in the same order, so two pages can be read against each other. We do not add a row because one side happens to win it. ### A win is a stated threshold A row is won on the published number or capability, not on judgement. source: https://www.guide-germany.com/telecom/sim/telekom-vs-vodafone#method - Related Guides [### Telekom vs Vodafone vs O2 All three German networks in one comparison.](/telecom/sim/telekom-vs-vodafone-vs-o2)[### Best SIM cards in Germany Top picks ranked by value and coverage.](/telecom/sim) source: https://www.guide-germany.com/telecom/sim/telekom-vs-vodafone#related-guides Title: Telekom vs Vodafone vs O2 (2026): Which German Network Should You Choose? Canonical URL: https://www.guide-germany.com/telecom/sim/telekom-vs-vodafone-vs-o2 Question-form URL alias: https://www.guide-germany.com/telekom-vodafone-o2-which-is-best-in-germany Markdown twin: https://www.guide-germany.com/telecom/sim/telekom-vs-vodafone-vs-o2.md BLUF: **Telekom is the best-rated German network** in connect 01/2026 and Ookla Q1-Q2 2026. **O2 has the cheapest contract entry** at 19.99 EUR a month and the highest measured 5G availability in Ookla H1 2025. **Vodafone gives you the most prepaid data for about 10 EUR**, 25 GB, on a SIM that costs nothing. On all three, the cheapest way onto the network is [a value brand](/telecom/sim)rather than the network's own name. - Which German Mobile Network Should You Choose? ### Telekom Best-rated German network in connect 01/2026 and Ookla Q1-Q2 2026, with full English support. MagentaMobil Prepaid M is 9.95 EUR per 28 days for 20 GB. Cheapest way onto the same network: congstar, 30 GB for 10.00 EUR. source: https://www.guide-germany.com/telecom/sim/telekom-vs-vodafone-vs-o2#verdict - How Do the Three Networks Compare on Plans? Each table lists every Telekom, Vodafone and O2 mobile SIM tariff in [our August 2026 catalogue](/telecom/sim/complete-market-and-price-overview), sorted by price. Bundles, data-only SIMs and family add-on cards are left out so the prices stay comparable. ### Telekom mobile plans | Plan | Network | Data | Price | Contract | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | [Prepaid Basic (9-Cent)](https://www.... source: https://www.guide-germany.com/telecom/sim/telekom-vs-vodafone-vs-o2#plans - Which Network Has the Best Coverage? All three operate [their own physical networks](/telecom/best-mobile-network). Telekom is rated the best German network in connect 01/2026 and Ookla Q1-Q2 2026, and its prepaid tariffs treat data in Switzerland like EU data. O2 records the highest measured 5G availability in Germany in Ookla H1 2025, while its rural coverage still trails Telekom and Vodafone. source: https://www.guide-germany.com/telecom/sim/telekom-vs-vodafone-vs-o2#networks - Related Guides [### Phone and internet hub Overview of all providers and plans.](/telecom)[### Best SIM cards in Germany Top picks ranked by value and coverage.](/telecom/sim)[### Telekom vs Vodafone Head to head between the two premium networks.](/telecom/sim/telekom-vs-vodafone)[### congstar vs ALDI TALK The cheap way onto the Telekom and O2 networks.](/telecom/sim/congstar-vs-aldi-talk) source: https://www.guide-germany.com/telecom/sim/telekom-vs-vodafone-vs-o2#related-guides User question: "Which German mobile network is best?" Answer: Telekom is the best-rated German network according to connect 01/2026 and Ookla Q1-Q2 2026. O2 records the highest measured 5G availability in Germany in Ookla H1 2025, while its own product data notes that O2 rural coverage still trails Telekom and Vodafone. Vodafone's D2 5G is strong in cities, with rural gaps in parts of the south and east. Source: https://www.guide-germany.com/telecom/sim/telekom-vs-vodafone-vs-o2#faq-which-german-mobile-network-is-best User question: "Which of the three is cheapest?" Answer: On contract it is O2: O2 Mobile S is 19.99 EUR a month, against 29.95 EUR for MagentaMobil XS and 29.99 EUR for Vodafone Mobil XS. On prepaid all three sit near 10 EUR per 28 days: Telekom 9.95 EUR for 20 GB, Vodafone 9.99 EUR for 25 GB, O2 9.99 EUR for 20 GB. The genuinely cheapest route onto each network is a value brand: congstar for Telekom at 30 GB for 10.00 EUR, Lidl Connect for Vodafone... Source: https://www.guide-germany.com/telecom/sim/telekom-vs-vodafone-vs-o2#faq-which-of-the-three-is-cheapest User question: "Which network works best if you have just arrived and speak no German?" Answer: Telekom and Vodafone both offer full English support. O2 support is German-first. All three sell prepaid without a German bank account and without a registered address, so you can be reachable before your Anmeldung is done. Source: https://www.guide-germany.com/telecom/sim/telekom-vs-vodafone-vs-o2#faq-which-network-works-best-if-you-have-just-arrived-and-speak- User question: "Which network is best for students and under-28s?" Answer: All three price youth tariffs below the adult ladder. MagentaMobil M Young is 100 GB at 24.95 EUR for the first 24 months and 39.95 EUR after that. Vodafone Mobil Young M is 200 GB at 27.99 EUR for the first 24 months. Source: https://www.guide-germany.com/telecom/sim/telekom-vs-vodafone-vs-o2#faq-which-network-is-best-for-students-and-under-28s Title: Telekom vs O2 (2026): Is the Telekom Premium Worth It? Canonical URL: https://www.guide-germany.com/telecom/sim/telekom-vs-o2 Question-form URL alias: https://www.guide-germany.com/telekom-or-o2-which-is-better-in-germany Markdown twin: https://www.guide-germany.com/telecom/sim/telekom-vs-o2.md - Telekom Deutsche Telekom AG Telekom sells the D1 network under its own MagentaMobil name. congstar and fraenk are its own value brands riding the same radio network, so a cheap congstar SIM gives you Telekom coverage. Cheapest entry: congstar Prepaid Allnet M, 30 GB for 10.00 EUR per 28 days on the Telekom network Wins 2 of 922%[Get a Telekom plan](https://www.telekom.de/mobilfunk/tarife)VSO source: https://www.guide-germany.com/telecom/sim/telekom-vs-o2#duel - O2 Telefónica Germany GmbH & Co. OHG O2 is the retail brand of Telefónica Germany and owns its network. ALDI TALK, Blau and Tchibo mobil are separate value brands selling airtime on that same network. source: https://www.guide-germany.com/telecom/sim/telekom-vs-o2#duel - Row by row Fees verified August 2026 against each provider's published data | Criterion | Telekom | O2 | | --- | --- | --- | | Network you actually useCoverage follows the radio network, not the brand | Telekom (D1), own networkTieOperated by Telekom Deutschland GmbH | O2 / Telefónica, own networkTieOperated by Telefónica Germany GmbH & Co. OHG | | Published network verdictIndependent tests are the only n... source: https://www.guide-germany.com/telecom/sim/telekom-vs-o2#row-by-row - So which one ### Pick Telekom if - The network rated best in Germany by connect 01/2026 and Ookla Q1-Q2 2026 is exactly what you are paying the premium for - You need help in English: Telekom offers full English support, O2 does not - You want unused prepaid data to roll over into the next 28-day cycle - You leave the EU: MagentaMobil XS includes 2 GB a year of non-EU roaming data - You want the same radio... source: https://www.guide-germany.com/telecom/sim/telekom-vs-o2#pick-if - Other comparisons 4 more pairs[TvsVTelekom vs Vodafone›](/telecom/sim/telekom-vs-vodafone)[VvsOVodafone vs O2›](/telecom/sim/vodafone-vs-o2)[CvsATcongstar vs ALDI TALK›](/telecom/sim/congstar-vs-aldi-talk)[ATvsLCALDI TALK vs Lidl Connect›](/telecom/sim/aldi-talk-vs-lidl-connect) source: https://www.guide-germany.com/telecom/sim/telekom-vs-o2#other-comparisons - How we compared these two ### The criteria are fixed Every comparison on this site uses the same 9 rows in the same order, so two pages can be read against each other. We do not add a row because one side happens to win it. ### A win is a stated threshold A row is won on the published number or capability, not on judgement. source: https://www.guide-germany.com/telecom/sim/telekom-vs-o2#method - Related Guides [### Telekom vs Vodafone vs O2 All three German networks in one comparison.](/telecom/sim/telekom-vs-vodafone-vs-o2)[### Best SIM cards in Germany Top picks ranked by value and coverage.](/telecom/sim) source: https://www.guide-germany.com/telecom/sim/telekom-vs-o2#related-guides Title: Vodafone vs O2 (2026): Which German Network Is Better Value? Canonical URL: https://www.guide-germany.com/telecom/sim/vodafone-vs-o2 Question-form URL alias: https://www.guide-germany.com/vodafone-or-o2-which-is-better-in-germany Markdown twin: https://www.guide-germany.com/telecom/sim/vodafone-vs-o2.md - Vodafone Vodafone Group plc Vodafone runs the D2 network. Lidl Connect and SIMon mobile are separate companies selling airtime on that same network, so their coverage matches Vodafone's. Cheapest entry: Lidl Connect Smart S, 25 GB for 8.99 EUR per 28 days on the Vodafone network Wins 4 of 944%[Get a Vodafone plan](https://www.vodafone.de/mobilfunk)VSO source: https://www.guide-germany.com/telecom/sim/vodafone-vs-o2#duel - O2 Telefónica Germany GmbH & Co. OHG O2 is the retail brand of Telefónica Germany and owns its network. ALDI TALK, Blau and Tchibo mobil are separate value brands selling airtime on that same network. source: https://www.guide-germany.com/telecom/sim/vodafone-vs-o2#duel - Row by row Fees verified August 2026 against each provider's published data | Criterion | Vodafone | O2 | | --- | --- | --- | | Network you actually useCoverage follows the radio network, not the brand | Vodafone (D2), own networkTieOperated by Vodafone GmbH | O2 / Telefónica, own networkTieOperated by Telefónica Germany GmbH & Co. OHG | | Published network verdictIndependent tests are the only neutral si... source: https://www.guide-germany.com/telecom/sim/vodafone-vs-o2#row-by-row - So which one ### Pick Vodafone if - You want no card fee at all: the CallYa SIM is free and ships free from vodafone.de - You want 25 GB for 9.99 EUR instead of 20 GB for the same money - You need help in English: Vodafone offers full English support, O2 does not - You are under 28: Vodafone Mobil Young M is 200 GB at 27.99 EUR for the first 24 months - You would rather pay once a year: CallYa Jahrespaket M... source: https://www.guide-germany.com/telecom/sim/vodafone-vs-o2#pick-if - Other comparisons 4 more pairs[TvsVTelekom vs Vodafone›](/telecom/sim/telekom-vs-vodafone)[TvsOTelekom vs O2›](/telecom/sim/telekom-vs-o2)[CvsATcongstar vs ALDI TALK›](/telecom/sim/congstar-vs-aldi-talk)[ATvsLCALDI TALK vs Lidl Connect›](/telecom/sim/aldi-talk-vs-lidl-connect) source: https://www.guide-germany.com/telecom/sim/vodafone-vs-o2#other-comparisons - How we compared these two ### The criteria are fixed Every comparison on this site uses the same 9 rows in the same order, so two pages can be read against each other. We do not add a row because one side happens to win it. ### A win is a stated threshold A row is won on the published number or capability, not on judgement. source: https://www.guide-germany.com/telecom/sim/vodafone-vs-o2#method - Related Guides [### Telekom vs Vodafone vs O2 All three German networks in one comparison.](/telecom/sim/telekom-vs-vodafone-vs-o2)[### Best SIM cards in Germany Top picks ranked by value and coverage.](/telecom/sim) source: https://www.guide-germany.com/telecom/sim/vodafone-vs-o2#related-guides Title: congstar vs ALDI TALK (2026): Which Cheap German SIM Should You Buy? Canonical URL: https://www.guide-germany.com/telecom/sim/congstar-vs-aldi-talk Question-form URL alias: https://www.guide-germany.com/congstar-or-aldi-talk-which-is-better-in-germany Markdown twin: https://www.guide-germany.com/telecom/sim/congstar-vs-aldi-talk.md - congstar Telekom Deutschland GmbH congstar is a wholly-owned Telekom value brand riding the Telekom network. It does not own radio towers, so its coverage is Telekom's, but its speed caps are its own. Cheapest entry: congstar Prepaid Allnet M, 30 GB for 10.00 EUR per 28 days Wins 3 of 933%[Get a congstar plan](https://www.congstar.de/prepaid)VSAT source: https://www.guide-germany.com/telecom/sim/congstar-vs-aldi-talk#duel - ALDI TALK MEDION AG (Lenovo group) ALDI TALK is an MVNO operated by ALDI's telecom arm MEDIONmobile on the O2 network. Aldi sells it, Telefónica carries it, so the coverage is O2's. Cheapest entry: ALDI TALK Kombi-Paket S, 25 GB for 8.99 EUR per 28 days Wins 3 of 933%[Get a ALDI TALK plan](https://www.alditalk.de/) source: https://www.guide-germany.com/telecom/sim/congstar-vs-aldi-talk#duel - Row by row Fees verified August 2026 against each provider's published data | Criterion | congstar | ALDI TALK | | --- | --- | --- | | Network you actually useCoverage follows the radio network, not the brand | Telekom (D1), rented from the network ownerTiecongstar GmbH is a wholly-owned Telekom value brand | O2 / Telefónica, rented from the network ownerTieRun by MEDIONmobile GmbH, ALDI's telecom arm | |... source: https://www.guide-germany.com/telecom/sim/congstar-vs-aldi-talk#row-by-row - So which one ### Pick congstar if - You want the Telekom network, rated best in Germany by connect 01/2026 and Ookla Q1-Q2 2026, at a value-brand price - You want the better price per GB on the entry tariff: 30 GB for 10.00 EUR against 25 GB for 8.99 EUR - You would rather pay once a year: congstar Prepaid Jahrespaket is 365 GB for 100 EUR, about 8.33 EUR a month - You want a real contract with no connectio... source: https://www.guide-germany.com/telecom/sim/congstar-vs-aldi-talk#pick-if - Other comparisons 4 more pairs[ATvsLCALDI TALK vs Lidl Connect›](/telecom/sim/aldi-talk-vs-lidl-connect)[TvsVTelekom vs Vodafone›](/telecom/sim/telekom-vs-vodafone)[TvsOTelekom vs O2›](/telecom/sim/telekom-vs-o2)[VvsOVodafone vs O2›](/telecom/sim/vodafone-vs-o2) source: https://www.guide-germany.com/telecom/sim/congstar-vs-aldi-talk#other-comparisons - How we compared these two ### The criteria are fixed Every comparison on this site uses the same 9 rows in the same order, so two pages can be read against each other. We do not add a row because one side happens to win it. ### A win is a stated threshold A row is won on the published number or capability, not on judgement. source: https://www.guide-germany.com/telecom/sim/congstar-vs-aldi-talk#method - Related Guides [### Telekom vs Vodafone vs O2 The three networks these value brands ride on.](/telecom/sim/telekom-vs-vodafone-vs-o2)[### Best SIM cards in Germany Top picks ranked by value and coverage.](/telecom/sim) source: https://www.guide-germany.com/telecom/sim/congstar-vs-aldi-talk#related-guides Title: ALDI TALK vs Lidl Connect (2026): Which Supermarket SIM Should You Buy? Canonical URL: https://www.guide-germany.com/telecom/sim/aldi-talk-vs-lidl-connect Question-form URL alias: https://www.guide-germany.com/aldi-talk-or-lidl-connect-which-is-better-in-germany Markdown twin: https://www.guide-germany.com/telecom/sim/aldi-talk-vs-lidl-connect.md - ALDI TALK MEDION AG (Lenovo group) ALDI TALK is an MVNO operated by ALDI's telecom arm MEDIONmobile on the O2 network. Aldi sells it, Telefónica carries it, so the coverage is O2's. Cheapest entry: ALDI TALK Kombi-Paket S, 25 GB for 8.99 EUR per 28 days Wins 1 of 911%[Get a ALDI TALK plan](https://www.alditalk.de/)VSLC source: https://www.guide-germany.com/telecom/sim/aldi-talk-vs-lidl-connect#duel - Lidl Connect Schwarz-Gruppe Lidl Connect is an MVNO run with Fonic on the Vodafone network for Lidl Stiftung & Co. KG. Lidl sells it, Vodafone carries it, so the coverage is Vodafone's. source: https://www.guide-germany.com/telecom/sim/aldi-talk-vs-lidl-connect#duel - Row by row Fees verified August 2026 against each provider's published data | Criterion | ALDI TALK | Lidl Connect | | --- | --- | --- | | Network you actually useCoverage follows the radio network, not the brand | O2 / Telefónica, rented from the network ownerTieRun by MEDIONmobile GmbH, ALDI's telecom arm | Vodafone (D2), rented from the network ownerTieRun with Fonic GmbH for Lidl Stiftung & Co. KG | |... source: https://www.guide-germany.com/telecom/sim/aldi-talk-vs-lidl-connect#row-by-row - So which one ### Pick ALDI TALK if - You want twice the speed on the entry tariff: 50 Mbit/s against 25 Mbit/s - O2 having the highest measured 5G availability in Germany, per Ookla H1 2025, matters where you live - You shop at Aldi: every Aldi Nord and Aldi Süd checkout sells the SIM - You want a faster top tier without leaving prepaid: 100 GB at 150 Mbit/s for 19.99 EUR - You are a light user paying yearl... source: https://www.guide-germany.com/telecom/sim/aldi-talk-vs-lidl-connect#pick-if - Other comparisons 4 more pairs[CvsATcongstar vs ALDI TALK›](/telecom/sim/congstar-vs-aldi-talk)[TvsVTelekom vs Vodafone›](/telecom/sim/telekom-vs-vodafone)[TvsOTelekom vs O2›](/telecom/sim/telekom-vs-o2)[VvsOVodafone vs O2›](/telecom/sim/vodafone-vs-o2) source: https://www.guide-germany.com/telecom/sim/aldi-talk-vs-lidl-connect#other-comparisons - How we compared these two ### The criteria are fixed Every comparison on this site uses the same 9 rows in the same order, so two pages can be read against each other. We do not add a row because one side happens to win it. ### A win is a stated threshold A row is won on the published number or capability, not on judgement. source: https://www.guide-germany.com/telecom/sim/aldi-talk-vs-lidl-connect#method - Related Guides [### Telekom vs Vodafone vs O2 The three networks these supermarket brands ride on.](/telecom/sim/telekom-vs-vodafone-vs-o2)[### Best SIM cards in Germany Top picks ranked by value and coverage.](/telecom/sim) source: https://www.guide-germany.com/telecom/sim/aldi-talk-vs-lidl-connect#related-guides