Best Mobile Plan Singapore 2026: Compare Coverage & Costs

Choosing a mobile plan in Singapore can feel like a puzzle with too many pieces. Between the big three telcos—Singtel, StarHub, and M1—and a growing list of budget MVNOs, the options are vast, but the real challenge is finding the plan that fits your usage, whether you’re a local data hog or a tourist passing through.

Major mobile operators in Singapore: 3 (Singtel, StarHub, M1) plus MVNOs ·
Average SIM-only plan price: S$10–S$25 per month ·
5G population coverage: Over 95% (2025) ·
Cheapest prepaid SIM at airport: From S$12 for 7 days ·
Average tourist SIM cost: S$15–S$30 for 7–14 days

Here are the key facts at a glance:

Which mobile provider has the best coverage in Singapore?

Coverage is the single biggest factor when choosing a network. You can have the cheapest plan in the world, but if you can’t make a call from your home or office, it’s useless. Here’s how the three main operators stack up.

5G coverage comparison across providers

According to Singapore’s Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA, the telecom regulator), overall 5G population coverage exceeds 95% as of 2025. But real-world experience varies by provider.

• Singtel – Consistently rated as the widest 4G and 5G coverage, especially in underground MRT lines and suburban areas. The Expatica (expat guide) identifies Singtel as the coverage leader, with plans starting from S$35 or S$24.50 for new joiners.
• M1 – Leads in 5G download speed, according to the Opensignal Mobile Network Experience Report (June 2025). Their SIM-only plans start at S$10/month, making them the speed-for-value champion.
• StarHub – Strong urban coverage and a growing 5G footprint. Their senior mobile plan (official site) offers a no-contract 5G plan at S$12/month with 150GB of data, 500 minutes, and built-in roaming across 165 destinations.

Best network for indoor and outdoor use

For indoor use (malls, offices, MRT), Singtel generally has the edge because of its larger number of small cells. M1’s speed advantage is most noticeable in outdoor line-of-sight areas. StarHub is a solid middle-ground with good coverage in downtown and residential estates.

The trade-off: M1 gives you faster speeds for less money, but Singtel gives you the safety net of having a signal almost everywhere.

What is the best SIM card for tourists in Singapore?

Singapore is one of the easiest countries to get connected as a visitor. You can grab a prepaid SIM right after you land at Changi Airport, or set up an eSIM before you even board your flight.

Prepaid tourist SIM vs eSIM options

Both Singtel and StarHub offer dedicated tourist SIMs. The Singtel (official site) hi!Tourist card gives 14 days of data for S$30. StarHub’s tourist SIM offers 30GB for S$18. StarHub (official site) also has a 7-day option at S$12.

For eSIM, Visit Singapore (tourism board) recommends services like Nomad and Airalo, which offer data-only plans from S$8 to S$15 for 7 days. eSIMs are convenient—no need to swap physical SIMs—but they don’t include a local phone number, which can be a problem for ride-hailing apps or restaurant reservations.

Where to buy a SIM card at Changi Airport

All three major providers have service counters in the arrival halls of Terminals 1, 2, 3, and 4. According to Changi Airport (official site), you can buy a prepaid SIM right after clearing customs. The cheapest option is usually StarHub’s 7-day prepaid at S$12.

How much does a tourist SIM card cost?

Prices range from S$12 for a basic 7-day data plan to S$30 for a 14-day plan with calls and SMS. The average tourist SIM cost for a week is S$15–S$25, according to comparisons from SingSaver (comparison site).

The catch: eSIMs offer convenience but lack a local number, so consider your needs.

What is the average cost of a mobile plan in Singapore?

Singapore’s mobile market is one of the most competitive in Asia. Postpaid SIM-only plans now dominate, driven by aggressive pricing from MVNOs that resell network capacity from the big three.

SIM-only plan pricing tiers

• Ultra-budget (under S$10/month): VIVIFI at S$8.90 for 5GB, Zero1 at S$9.90 for 10GB, Maxx at S$7.90, and eight at S$8. These plans use the networks of M1, Singtel, or StarHub. Source: TheSmartLocal (lifestyle publication)
• Mid-range (S$10–S$20/month): GOMO at S$10 for 20GB (on Singtel network), MyRepublic at S$7.90 with free roaming in 17 countries, redONE at S$10.90 with talktime to Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia.
• High-data (S$20–S$30/month): M1’s 100GB 5G plan at S$25, StarHub’s 150GB senior plan at S$12, Singtel hi!Mobile at S$10 for port-ins with 500GB.

Contract vs no-contract costs

All SIM-only plans in Singapore are now contract-free (no lock-in). The days of 24-month handset contracts are fading. The main difference is that contract plans (with a phone) often cost S$30–S$60 per month, depending on the device. Without a phone, you save S$20–S$40 monthly.

Hidden fees and taxes

All prices quoted are exclusive of the 9% Goods and Services Tax (GST). Some providers also charge a S$5–S$10 registration fee for new lines. Always check the fine print for international roaming add-ons, which can cost S$5–S$15 per day on postpaid plans.

The verdict: Light users can save with plans under S$10, but heavy users should budget S$20–S$30.

Is M1 or Singtel better?

This is the most common debate in Singapore’s mobile world. Both are excellent, but they serve different priorities.

M1 advantages: cheaper plans, higher 5G speed

M1’s SIM-only plans start at S$10/month, and its 5G download speeds are the fastest in Singapore, according to Opensignal (independent network analytics firm). For heavy data users, M1’s S$25 plan with 100GB of 5G data is a steal. M1 also offers a strong data bundle on its official site.

Singtel advantages: widest coverage, bundled services

Singtel’s network reaches more places, especially in rural areas, underground MRT stations, and inside buildings. It also offers bundled services like home broadband and TV, which can save you money if you subscribe to multiple services. Singtel’s postpaid plans start at S$25/month for new joiners. Source: Expatica (expat guide)

Which to choose based on usage

• Choose M1 if: you want the fastest 5G speeds, you live in a central area, and you want the lowest possible price.
• Choose Singtel if: you need reliable coverage across the island, you travel to remote areas, or you want to bundle home services.
• Choose StarHub if: you want a balance of price and coverage, or you need built-in roaming at no extra cost.

The trade-off: Both are excellent; choose based on your priorities.

What is the cheapest mobile plan in Singapore?

The race to the bottom is real. As of 2026, several plans cost less than S$10 per month. Here are the contenders.

Cheapest SIM-only plans under S$10

Source: TheSmartLocal (lifestyle publication) and SingSaver (comparison site)

Prepaid options for light users

If you use less than 5GB per month, prepaid top-up cards from Singtel (official site) or StarHub can be even cheaper. A S$10 top-up on a prepaid line can last 30 days with 1GB of data and 100 minutes. For ultra-light users, this is the cheapest way to stay connected.

Comparison of MVNOs (GOMO, VIVIFI, Zero1)

• GOMO – S$10 for 20GB on Singtel’s network. Best for moderate users who want Singtel coverage without the premium price.
• VIVIFI – S$8.90 for 5GB on Singtel network. Great for ultra-budget users who don’t need much data.
• Zero1 – S$9.90 for 10GB on StarHub network. A good middle-ground if you need more data than VIVIFI but want to stay under S$10.

The best value: GOMO at S$10 for 20GB on Singtel network offers the best balance.

Comparison of the Big Three Mobile Plans

Three providers, three different strategies. Here’s how they line up on the essentials.

Source: StarHub (official comparison), M1 (official site), Opensignal (independent report)

Specifications of Popular Plans in Detail

Seven plans, one pattern: the price per gigabyte keeps dropping. Here are the key specs.

Source: Official sites of Singtel, StarHub, M1, eight, and TheSmartLocal

Pros and Cons

What’s confirmed and what’s still unclear

Confirmed facts

• Singtel has the widest network coverage in Singapore (Expatica)
• M1 offers the cheapest SIM-only plans among the big three (TheSmartLocal)
• Tourist SIMs are available at Changi Airport arrival halls (Changi Airport)
• 5G is available across all three main operators (IMDA)

What’s unclear

• Exact 5G coverage percentages in specific districts (only aggregated figures available)
• Which MVNO will offer the best price in second half of 2026 (market is volatile)
• Whether eSIM adoption will fully replace physical SIMs for tourists (still early)

What the experts say

“M1 leads in 5G download speed in Singapore, according to our June 2025 report.”

— Opensignal (independent network analytics firm)

“The cheapest SIM-only plans are now under S$10 per month, making it a great time to switch.”

— SingSaver (comparison site)

“Singapore’s 5G population coverage exceeds 95% as of 2025.”

— Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA, telecom regulator)

Summary: your best mobile plan in Singapore

The Singapore mobile market is a buyer’s paradise if you know where to look. For locals, the cheapest option is an MVNO like VIVIFI or Zero1 for under S$10, but if you need plenty of data, GOMO at S$10 for 20GB on Singtel’s network is the best all-rounder. For tourists, a prepaid SIM at Changi Airport starting at S$12 is the simplest choice. The choice between M1 and Singtel comes down to whether you prioritize speed (M1) or coverage (Singtel). For the budget-conscious in Singapore, the decision is clear: pick an MVNO on the Singtel network for the best balance of cost and reliability, or switch to M1 if you want the fastest 5G speeds without breaking the bank.

For a deeper dive into budget-friendly options, check out cheapest SIM only plans in Singapore, which breaks down deals starting at just $7 per month.

Frequently asked questions

Note: This article contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission if you purchase a plan through these links, at no extra cost to you. All comparisons are based on publicly available data as of March 2026.