Picture this. Your main signal drops on the train, and you still have a laptop to open, an email to send, or half an hour of scrolling to get through. On a backup SIM built for a list of apps, the first thing you notice is what's missing. Honest Mobile says on its own page that social media and streaming aren't supported, and that open web browsing needs your main SIM. On FlexiFone there is no app list, so it all works, and you can share the connection with your laptop.
Honest Mobile's Smart SIM and FlexiFone look alike at first. Both connect to EE, O2, Vodafone and Three, and both start at £3.75 a month on an annual plan. But they are built for different jobs. Here is a straight, side-by-side look.
What each SIM is for
Smart SIM is a back-up eSIM that works alongside your main SIM. It gives unlimited data to a list of 500+ apps, such as WhatsApp, Google Maps, Uber and Monzo. Everything outside the list isn't covered.
FlexiFone is a full data SIM. Every app and every website works, including social media, streaming and browsing, and a hotspot is included on data-only plans. You get a monthly data allowance (5GB to 100GB) instead of unlimited data for a few apps. You can also add a Voice & SMS plan, choose a physical SIM, and block any network you don't want.
Side by side
"Not stated" means Honest Mobile's own website doesn't mention it.
| FlexiFone | Honest Smart SIM |
Apps and websites | All apps and websites | 500+ listed apps; open web browsing needs your main SIM |
Social media and streaming | Yes | Not supported |
Data | 5, 10, 20, 30, 50 or 100GB a month | Unlimited for listed apps; data for other apps not stated |
Hotspot / tethering | Yes, unrestricted on data-only plans | Not stated on their website |
Annual price | From £45 a year (5GB a month) | £45 a year |
Monthly price | From £8 (cancel anytime) | £10 (cancel anytime) |
UK networks | EE, O2, Vodafone, Three | EE, O2, Vodafone, Three |
Preferred home network | None (unsteered): connects to the strongest signal | Not stated on their website |
Block a network you don't want | Yes, in your account | Not stated on their website |
Calls and texts | Voice & SMS plans available | Not included (WhatsApp calls work) |
SIM type | eSIM (free) or physical SIM (£3.50 delivery) | eSIM only |
Roaming | 170+ destinations; up to 25GB a month abroad in popular destinations, 5GB in the rest | Free roaming for listed apps in 180+ countries |
Money-back guarantee | No free trial or guarantee | 14-day guarantee |
Business and IoT plans | Yes | Not stated on this page |
What this means for you
Price. On an annual plan they cost the same, £45 a year. On a monthly plan FlexiFone starts at £8 against Honest's £10. The difference is what the money buys: 5GB a month for anything, or unlimited data for a fixed list of apps.
Control. FlexiFone has no preferred network. If your network drops out completely, it moves to another one. You can also block one network. If your main SIM is on Vodafone, block Vodafone on your FlexiFone SIM and you have a real second option when Vodafone is weak.
Everyday use. Think of a laptop or tablet on the go, or a holiday where you want to browse and stream. Those all need more than a list of apps.
Which one should you choose?
You need a laptop or tablet online (hotspot), or you want to browse, stream or use social media: FlexiFone.
You want a physical SIM, or your device has no eSIM: FlexiFone.
You want to block your main network, or add calls and texts: FlexiFone.
You only need WhatsApp, maps, rides and banking as a back-up, and want unlimited data for those: Smart SIM is built for exactly that, and either SIM would work.
You want to try it with a money-back guarantee: Honest offers 14 days. With FlexiFone, the £8 monthly plan is a low-cost way to test it, but there is no refund for unused data if you cancel mid-month.
Things to know before you buy FlexiFone
Speeds depend on the mobile networks. Networks can give their own customers priority at busy times, so a roaming multi-network SIM can be slower than a standard SIM in busy areas, and latency can be a little higher. FlexiFone doesn't slow your data or limit apps. There is no voicemail or Wi-Fi Calling on our SIMs. Annual plans are fixed for 12 months, with no changes until the end.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use FlexiFone for social media and streaming?
Yes. There is no app list. Everything works as long as you have data left in your plan.
Is FlexiFone cheaper than Smart SIM?
On an annual plan the price is the same (£45 a year). On a monthly plan FlexiFone starts at £8, and Smart SIM is £10. The difference is what you get: a data allowance for any app or website, against unlimited data for a fixed list of apps.
Can I use FlexiFone as my main SIM?
It works as a primary or a second data SIM. See our article "Can I Use FlexiFone as My Primary or 'Only' SIM?" first.
Can I use my phone as a hotspot with FlexiFone?
Yes. Hotspot and tethering are included on data-only plans.
Which should I pick for travelling?
If you only need messaging, maps and rides, either works. If you want to browse, stream or use a laptop abroad, choose FlexiFone, and check that your destination is on our roaming list.
Do you have business plans?
Yes. FlexiFone has Business and IoT plans. See flexifone.co.uk.
Ready to try it? Choose your plan at flexifone.co.uk.