The right mobile tariff starts with network and data needs
Three steps to the right mobile tariff: check network coverage where you spend your time, work out your real data needs, then decide on contract term and costs.
A big data allowance is no advantage if the network is weak in the places that matter to you. Check coverage first, then work out your monthly needs, and only then decide on contract term and extras.
Your three checks
Consider home, work and your regular routes. Use coverage maps and your own tests before committing, wherever possible. After that, usage data from recent months helps you choose the data allowance.
- Network at the places that matter
- Typical rather than maximum data use
- Effective price including connection fees
- Roaming, eSIM and MultiSIM only if you really need them
Putting speed into perspective
Typical smartphone use often needs far fewer Mbit/s than advertised. In everyday life, network availability and reception inside buildings usually matter more than a very high theoretical top speed.
In this section
Mobile contract
Work out fixed-term contracts honestly: base price, connection fee, device payment and the price after the minimum term all belong in the same calculation.
Read morePrepaid
Prepaid gives you full control over costs. Watch the billing period: with 28-day packs you pay 13 times a year instead of 12 – which raises the annual cost.
Read moreMobile comparison
Compare mobile tariffs by network, data allowance and contract term – and convert base price, connection costs and bonuses into a reliable effective price.
Read moreFrequently asked questions
Which mobile network is the best?
There is no universal answer, because the networks differ considerably from region to region. What matters is coverage where you actually spend your time: at home, at work and on your regular routes. Coverage maps and the mobile network monitoring of the Federal Network Agency (Bundesnetzagentur) are a good starting point; your own tests on site tell you even more.
What is the difference between network operators and discount providers?
Discount providers buy network capacity from one of the network operators and sell it under their own brand. Radio coverage is the same. Differences often lie in the maximum speed, prioritisation in busy cells and extra features such as 5G, eSIM or VoLTE – so check what is enabled in the specific tariff.