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Prepaid mobile plans offer a flexible and cost-effective solution for those seeking full control over their monthly mobile tariffs, without long-term contracts. This article provides a guide to help you choose the best prepaid mobile provider in Germany based on network coverage, data volume, free minutes, internet speed, and additional filters.
Network Coverage and Speed
When it comes to network coverage and fast LTE/5G speeds, Deutsche Telekom (T-Mobile) is widely recognized as the best, particularly in rural areas. However, it tends to be more expensive[1]. Vodafone offers strong coverage and good EU roaming options with moderate 5G availability[1]. O2 (Telefónica) has decent coverage and is often more affordable but may lag slightly behind in rural areas[1].
Data Volume and Pricing
Look for prepaid plans offering enough data for your needs; budgets start around €10/month with providers like fraenk (subsidiary of Telekom), Lidl Connect (Vodafone network), and Aldi Talk (Eplus network)[1][2]. Check slotting of data volumes in prepaid options to match your internet use—some providers like Lebara offer various prepaid top-ups with different GB amounts, but usually limited to use within Germany only[3].
Free Minutes and Calls
Many prepaid plans charge per minute or include a certain number of free minutes. Telekom's subsidiaries like fraenk offer good voice call packages on Telekom’s superior network[1][2]. Plans like the Orange Holiday Europe SIM provide unlimited European calls for a short validity period, suitable for travel but may not be ideal for long-term use in Germany[4].
Additional Filters
- Purchase point: Some SIMs can only be bought in specific stores (e.g., Aldi Talk only at Aldi, Lidl Connect only at Lidl) which may affect convenience[2].
- Contract flexibility: Look for no-contract, no-commitment plans if you want to avoid long-term obligations[2][5].
- EU roaming: Vodafone and Telekom have stronger EU roaming options if you plan to travel within Europe[1].
- eSIM Availability: If your phone supports it, eSIM plans like Orange Holiday can be bought and activated instantly without physical SIM cards[4].
Other Considerations
- Prepaid plans with high and even unlimited data volumes are available for heavy internet users who want to upload large amounts of data or stream videos even without Wi-Fi.
- Germany has four main network providers: Telekom (D1), Vodafone (D2), Telefónica (O2), and 1&1.
- Some providers allow exchanging your physical SIM card for an eSIM for already activated prepaid tariffs.
- The prepaid mobile phone comparison helps users find affordable prepaid plans in four steps.
- The choice of network technology is more significant, with users able to choose between LTE and 5G prepaid tariffs.
- Booking too little data volume may result in further internet usage and outgoing calls being impossible.
- There are numerous smaller providers that use one or more of the four major mobile networks.
- Prepaid plans are a good alternative for those with negative SCHUFA entries, as they often cannot get a conventional mobile phone contract.
- 5G offers faster data transmission, but requires a 5G-enabled device.
- Most prepaid plans in the comparison offer LTE speeds of up to 25 Mbit/s, with some offers also providing 5G, allowing speeds of up to 300 Mbit/s.
In summary, if top network quality and speed are your priority and budget allows, go for Telekom (or its subsidiaries like fraenk or Congstar). For a better price-to-performance balance with decent coverage and EU roaming, Vodafone or its budget brands (e.g., Lidl Connect) are strong contenders. For strict budget options with basic coverage, Eplus-based providers like Aldi Talk or Blau are alternatives. Always check the exact prepaid plan’s data volume, free minutes, validity, and purchase convenience before deciding[1][2][3].
[1] https://www.golem.de/news/prepaid-vergleich-2021-test-die-besten-prepaid-tarife-in-deutschland-1809-174659.html [2] https://www.mobilfunk-test.de/prepaid-test-2021-die-besten-prepaid-tarife-im-test/ [3] https://www.prepaid-vergleich.de/ [4] https://www.orange.de/produkte/sim-karte/orange-holiday-europe-sim [5] https://www.prepaid-vergleich.de/prepaid-ohne-vertrag/
- For users seeking a top-notch network experience and who are willing to pay more, a counsellor might recommend Deutsche Telekom (T-Mobile) or its subsidiaries like fraenk, given their superior network quality and speeds, even in rural areas.
- For those looking to balance cost and performance, a counsellor might suggest Vodafone or its budget brands, such as Lidl Connect, due to their moderate 5G availability, good EU roaming options, and more affordable pricing compared to Deutsche Telekom.
