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Newcomer guide to Germany - in English

Mobile Tariff Comparison Germany 2026

Compare 100+ mobile plans across the four German mobile networks in two minutes. Allnet flats from EUR 2.99, 5G, prepaid and SIM-only - sorted by price, data and network.

Last updated: 22 May 2026meinetarife24 Editorial TeamFree, no signup required

Key Takeaways

  • Germany has four mobile networks: Telekom, Vodafone, Telefonica (O2) and - since the 2019 frequency auction - 1&1 (source: Bundesnetzagentur Annual Report 2024).
  • Allnet-Flat plans start in 2026 at around EUR 2.99/month (prepaid and discounter); standard plans with 10-20 GB typically sit between EUR 9.99 and EUR 19.99.
  • Since December 2021 a German mobile contract may only auto-renew for one month after the minimum term - so you can almost always cancel with a one-month notice (§ 309 Nr. 9 BGB).
  • "Roam like at Home" has applied across the EU since 2017 (Regulation (EU) 531/2012) - your data and Allnet-Flat work at home rates. Switzerland and the UK sit outside this rule.

German terms you will see on contracts

Handyvertrag
Mobile phone contract
Prepaid
Pay-as-you-go SIM
Datenvolumen
Data allowance
Allnet-Flat
Unlimited calls in all networks
Rufnummernmitnahme
Number portability
Mindestlaufzeit
Minimum contract term
Kündigung
Cancellation / termination
Sonderkündigungsrecht
Special right of termination
4
Networks
100+
Plans
EUR 2.99
Entry / month
2 min
Comparison

Which plan fits you?

Three categories cover the entire German mobile market - from cheap entry SIMs to unlimited 5G with a bundled phone.

Budget plans

from EUR 2.99/month

Light users and second SIM

  • 2 to 5 GB data
  • Allnet flat in every network
  • LTE, often up to 50 Mbit/s
  • Monthly cancellable
  • EU roaming included
Most common

Standard plans

from EUR 9.99/month

Everyday users with social media

  • 10 to 20 GB data
  • Allnet flat & SMS flat
  • 5G, often up to 300 Mbit/s
  • 24-month minimum term
  • EU roaming and hotspot

Premium plans

from EUR 29.99/month

Heavy users and mobile work

  • Unlimited data
  • Allnet flat & SMS flat
  • 5G without throttling
  • Flexible: 1 or 24 months
  • Premium roaming beyond the EU

Compare plans now

100+ mobile plans across all German networks in one overview. Filter by data, network, term or whether you want a phone included.

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Switching provider: four steps

How to switch safely and without losing service - with the German legal deadlines you need to know in 2026.

  1. 1. Check your notice period

    Open your existing contract or your provider's customer portal. Since 1 December 2021 a German mobile contract may only auto-renew for one month after the minimum term - so a one-month notice almost always works.

  2. 2. Compare a new plan

    Use the comparison above to see offers from congstar, Aldi Talk, klarmobil, Telekom, Vodafone, O2, 1&1 and others. Filter by data, network and term.

  3. 3. Take your number with you

    Number portability (Rufnummernmitnahme) is free by law in Germany (§ 58 TKG). You request it in the new provider's order form and tell your old provider you want to port the number when the contract ends.

  4. 4. Activate the SIM

    The new SIM or eSIM usually arrives within a few days. Move contacts via your Google or Apple account, turn on Wi-Fi calling and - if needed - update the APN. Your new provider will send a step-by-step note with the SIM.

Why compare on meinetarife24.de?

We explain what Allnet-Flat, Sonderkündigungsrecht and number portability actually mean - in German, English and Turkish.

Real savings

Swapping an old 24-month contract for a current discounter plan often saves several hundred euros per year, according to Verbraucherzentrale data. The exact amount depends on your current plan - the comparison tool works it out for you.

5G across the big networks

Telekom, Vodafone and Telefonica already cover most German households with 5G according to the Bundesnetzagentur; 1&1 is rolling out its own network step by step. Filter the comparison for 5G-capable plans.

Allnet-Flat is standard

Nearly every plan from around EUR 5/month includes unlimited calls and SMS in all German networks. Premium numbers and international calls remain extra - check this if you call abroad often.

Flexible terms

Monthly-cancellable Allnet plans are widely available in 2026. A bundle with a subsidised phone usually ties you in for 24 months; after that the Fair Consumer Contracts Act limits auto-renewal to one month.

All networks covered

Telekom, Vodafone, Telefonica (O2), 1&1 plus the main discounters - congstar, Aldi Talk, klarmobil, Tchibo mobil, Penny Mobil and Lidl Connect - all in one overview.

EU roaming and beyond

"Roam like at Home" is mandatory in every plan since 2017. If you travel often to Switzerland, the UK or your home country, filter for plans with third-country roaming options.

Frequently asked questions

The questions we hear most often from people choosing a mobile plan in Germany.

How many mobile networks are there in Germany in 2026?

Four operators run their own network: Telekom, Vodafone, Telefonica (O2) and since the 2019 frequency auction also 1&1. Source: Bundesnetzagentur Telecommunications Annual Report 2024.

1&1 is rolling out its 5G network step by step and uses a national-roaming agreement with Telefonica/O2 where its own infrastructure is not yet live - so coverage is available there too.

What is the difference between prepaid and a contract?

Prepaid plans are paid in advance. You stay in control of your costs, can switch month to month and do not need a Schufa credit check - very useful if you are new to Germany or are a student.

Contracts with a 24-month minimum term are often cheaper per GB and frequently come with a subsidised phone. Since 1 December 2021 they may only auto-renew for one month after the minimum term ends (§ 309 Nr. 9 BGB).

How much data do I actually need?

A rough guide by user type:

  • 2-3 GB: WhatsApp, e-mail, occasional browsing. Good for older relatives or a second SIM.
  • 5-10 GB: Social media, navigation, occasional video. The Bundesnetzagentur 2024 report cites a German average of about 5-8 GB per SIM per month.
  • 20-50 GB: Regular streaming, gaming and laptop tethering.
  • Unlimited: Multiple hours of streaming per day, working without Wi-Fi, intensive cloud gaming.

Tip: Your phone settings show your usage of the past months. Add roughly 20% buffer and review your plan once a year as your needs change.

What does Allnet-Flat mean?

An Allnet-Flat (all-network flat rate) covers unlimited calls and SMS to every German mobile and landline number for a fixed monthly price. That includes Telekom, Vodafone, O2, 1&1 and all discounters.

Excluded are premium numbers (0900, 0180, 01805), premium SMS and usually international calls outside the EU. In 2026 almost every plan from around EUR 5/month already comes with an Allnet-Flat.

What notice period applies under the Fair Consumer Contracts Act?

Three rules you should remember:

  • Minimum term capped at 24 months - longer commitments have been unlawful since 1 March 2022 (§ 309 Nr. 9 BGB).
  • Auto-renewal capped at 1 month - after the minimum term the contract may only extend for one month, with a one-month notice.
  • Special right of termination - applies for price increases, moves abroad or persistently poor coverage at your address.

Prepaid plans can be cancelled without notice; remaining credit must be paid back.

Are discounter plans as good as the network operators?

Network quality is identical - discounters use the same antennas as the four network operators. congstar belongs to Telekom, Aldi Talk runs on Telefonica, klarmobil books capacity with multiple operators.

The differences:

  • Speed: Often capped at 25-50 Mbit/s. Full-HD streaming needs 5 Mbit/s; 4K streaming needs about 25 Mbit/s.
  • Support: Typically online only.
  • Extras: 5G and premium roaming are not in every discounter plan.
  • Price: Often 30-50% cheaper at the same network quality.
Will my plan work in other EU countries?

Yes. Since 15 June 2017 "Roam like at Home" applies under Regulation (EU) 531/2012. In all 27 EU states plus Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway you use your data, calls and SMS at home rates (subject to a fair-use limit).

Exceptions where roaming fees can still apply:

  • Switzerland: not part of the EU/EEA. Check the small print of your plan before you travel.
  • United Kingdom: since Brexit not automatically included; some providers add it voluntarily.
  • Aircraft, cruise ships and satellite links: very high special rates may apply.

For travel outside Europe, many providers offer daily or weekly packages - or buy a local prepaid SIM.

How do I keep my German number when switching?

Number portability (Rufnummernmitnahme) is free by law in Germany under § 58 of the Telecommunications Act (TKG). You request it on the new provider order form. The new provider handles the entire transfer with your old provider.

Plan the port for the end of your current contract. If you switch earlier, the number is "parked" and transferred at end of term.

Ready to find your mobile plan?

Compare 100+ plans from all four German networks in two minutes - free, no signup and with number portability.

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All comparisons are based on the same filter criteria, sorted by price and conditions. SSL-encrypted and GDPR-compliant.