We use our phones for everything today from talking and texting to shopping.

But how much do you pay for your smartphone, and could you be getting more for less?

As the cost-of-living crisis continues to bite across the country, Newstalk is here to help with a new online series highlighting the best ways to save on your bills.

Cut-the-Cost offers tips and advice on how to save on everything from energy to modern essentials such as broadband.

This week we're taking a deep dive into some of the best phone plans on offer around Ireland.

What to consider

Phone coverage and data speeds are two of the main factors to look at when choosing a plan.

The three main networks in Ireland are eir, Three and Vodafone.

There are seven virtual networks operators (MVNOs) that lease space from the main networks - these includes Tesco Mobile and An Post Mobile.

You can check phone coverage and signal levels where you are using ComReg's mobile coverage map.

Carriers are moving over to 5G which is the latest leap in mobile internet, with faster connection and download speeds than its predecessor 4G.

SIM-only deals are by far the cheapest way to keep in touch, and start from just €6.50 per month.

48 Mobile

All-in-one Prepay Plan

€6.50 top up per month for 3 months, then €12.99 p/m. €6.50 Activation fee

• Contract: Prepay (no contract)
• Texts & Minutes: Unlimited
• Data: Unlimited (uses Three's network)

Clear Mobile

€14.99 per month, with €14.99 activation fee

• Contract: 30 days
• Texts & Minutes: Unlimited
• Data: Unlimited (uses Vodafone's network)

GoMo

Go More

€14.99 per month, with €14.99 activation fee

• Contract: 30 days
• Texts & Minutes: Unlimited
• Data: Unlimited 5G (uses eir's network)

Tesco Mobile

Prepay Data Plus

€15 top up every four weeks

• Contract: Prepay (no contract)
• Texts & Minutes: 500
• Data: 100GB (uses Three's network)
• Unlimited Tesco Mobile calls and texts
• Tesco Mobile Prepay Data Plus customers can also get an additional 500 any network minutes by registering their Clubcard to their Tesco Mobile account

All In SIM Only

€20 per month

• Contract: 30 days
• Texts & Minutes: Unlimited
• Data: 100GB (uses Three's network)
• 300 international minutes

An Post Mobile

€15 Plan

€15 top up every four weeks

• Contract: Prepay (no contract)
• Texts & Minutes: Unlimited
• Data: 25GB (uses Vodafone's network)

Totally Unlimited Plan

€18 top up every four weeks

• Contract: Prepay (no contract)
• Texts & Minutes: Unlimited
• Data: Unlimited (uses Vodafone's network)

eir

 Connect - 30 Day

€19.99 per month for 12 months, then €29.99 p/m*

• Contract: 30 days
• Texts & Minutes: Unlimited
• Data: Unlimited 5G

Prepay Simplicity

€20 top up every four weeks

• Contract: Prepay (no contract)
• Texts & Minutes: Unlimited
• Data: Unlimited 5G

Complete - 30 Day

€24.99 per month for 12 months, then €34.99 p/m*

• Contract: 30 days
• Texts & Minutes: Unlimited
• Data: Unlimited 5G
• 200 international minutes and texts

*An annual price increase applies based on a standard monthly price plan before any discounts, which is capped at 8% for 2023. If a customer has a mobile plan with a standard monthly price of €29.99, the monthly price will increase by €2.40

Virgin Mobile

Unlimited Plan

€20 per month for 12 months, then €25 p/m

• Contract: 30 days
• Texts & Minutes: Unlimited
• Data: Unlimited (uses Three's network)

Vodafone

Smart Extra

€20 top up every four weeks

• Contract: Prepay (no contract)
• Texts & Minutes: 100
• Data: 20GB
• Unlimited Vodafone calls and texts

Vodafone X

€20 top up every four weeks

• Contract: Prepay (no contract)
• Texts & Minutes: 100 minutes, unlimited texts
• Data: Unlimited
• Download Speed limited to 10Mbps, 100 any network minutes & Unlimited weekend calls from 3pm on Fridays until 11.59pm on Sundays

Vodafone Smart Extra 5G

€25 top up every four weeks

• Contract: Prepay (no contract)
• Texts & Minutes: 100 minutes
• Data: 20GB 5G
• Unlimited Vodafone calls and texts

Vodafone X 5G

€25 top up every four weeks

• Contract: Prepay (no contract)
• Texts & Minutes: 100 minutes, unlimited texts
• Data: Unlimited 5G
• 100 any network minutes & unlimited minutes from 3pm on Fridays until 11.59pm on Sundays

RED Unlimited SIM Only

€25 per month for 6 months, then €35 p/m**

• Contract: 12 months
• Texts & Minutes: Unlimited
• Data: Unlimited
• Download Speed limited to 10Mbps, unlimited European calls & texts, 100 International minutes & texts

RED Unlimited 30 Day Sim Only

€35 per month

• Contract: 30 days
• Texts & Minutes: Unlimited
• Data: Unlimited
• Download Speed limited to 10Mbps, Unlimited European calls & texts, 100 International minutes & texts

RED Unlimited Max SIM Only

€35 per month for 6 months, then €45 p/m**

• Contract: 12 months
• Texts & Minutes: Unlimited
• Data: Unlimited 5G
• 500 International minutes & texts, unlimited calls to Europe and selected countries

**An annual price increase applies from April each year. This price increase will be based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI)

3

Prepay 20

€20 top up every four weeks

• Contract: Prepay (no contract)
• Texts & Minutes: 60 minutes, unlimited texts
• Data: Unlimited 5G

3 Prepay 30

€30 top up every four weeks

• Contract: Prepay (no contract)
• Texts & Minutes: Unlimited
• Data: Unlimited 5G
• 30 International Minutes

Bill Pay Unlimited SIMO 12m

€24.99 per month for 6 months, then €34.99 p/m***

• Contract: 12 months
• Texts & Minutes: Unlimited
• Data: Unlimited 5G
• 60 International Minutes/Texts

Bill Pay Unlimited SIMO 30 Day

€34.99 per month***

• Contract: 30 days
• Texts & Minutes: Unlimited
• Data: Unlimited 5G
• 60 International Minutes/Texts

***An annual price increase applies every April of 4.5%

Roaming is also something to look at if you travel a lot. Roaming is using your mobile phone in another country, for example, while on holiday.

Carriers have a 'Roam Like At Home' policy in place when travelling within the EU - meaning you can use your minutes and data in another EU country just as you would here.

This is available in all 27 EU countries.

However since Brexit, roaming charges in the UK are determined by your service provider.

Most operators have chosen to extend 'Roam Like At Home' to the UK, although this is no longer an obligation.

People are advised to check with their operator about roaming charges when travelling to the UK or other countries outside the EU.

The young people on their phones. Image: Julie Francoeur / Alamy Stock Photo

Switcher.ie Commercial Director Eoin Clarke said there are plans for all budgets.

"The good news is there are lots of flexible and affordable mobile deals out there," he said.

"SIM-only deals or pay as you go plans are great if you’re on a budget, or prefer to be contract-free.

"If you’re considering the latest device and don’t mind spreading out the cost, a bill pay phone plan may be a better option."

Mr Clarke said people should check a few things before they switch,

"Our advice is to weigh up the pros and cons of each plan," he said.

"Before switching to a new provider, it’s a good idea to research their level of coverage in your area first.

"Check your existing data and call usage to help you choose the right deal, so you only pay for the airtime you need.

"Buying a refurbished phone can be another good way to save money, and you could bag a like-new handset for much less. Trading in your old phone could also knock the price off a new device," he added.