How to Compare Mobile Tariffs in Germany — A Methodical Guide
Comparing mobile tariffs in Germany requires evaluating multiple parameters simultaneously. Headline prices are rarely sufficient for an accurate comparison because setup fees, activation fees, introductory pricing, speed caps, throttle speeds, and roaming conditions all affect the real value of a tariff. This guide provides a structured framework for evaluating and comparing any two or more German mobile tariffs.
Step 1: Determine Your Usage Profile
Before comparing tariffs, quantify your actual usage requirements:
- Monthly data consumption: Check your current usage in your device settings (iOS: Settings → Mobile Data; Android: Settings → Network → Data Usage). Average across 3–6 months for accuracy.
- Call pattern: How many minutes per month? Primarily to German mobile numbers, German landlines, or international?
- SMS usage: Most consumers have near-zero SMS usage due to messaging apps; verify whether SMS inclusion matters.
- Speed requirements: Do you stream HD video? Run video calls? Only browse and email? Match to speed requirements from the Data Speeds page.
- Travel requirements: How frequently do you travel within the EU/EEA? Do you need non-EU roaming?
Step 2: Evaluate Data Volume and Speed
The data component is typically the most differentiating factor in German mobile tariffs. Check:
- High-speed data volume (GB): The amount of data at full speed before throttling.
- Maximum download speed: The tariff-level speed cap (e.g., "bis zu 50 Mbit/s"). Note whether this is the network maximum or a commercial cap.
- Throttle speed after cap: What speed applies after the monthly data runs out (e.g., 32 Kbit/s, 64 Kbit/s, 1 Mbit/s)?
- 5G access included: Explicitly check whether 5G is available or whether the tariff is LTE-only even on a 5G-capable network.
- Data rollover: Some tariffs allow unused data to carry over to the next month (rare in Germany; notable when available).
Step 3: Check Voice and SMS Inclusions
- Allnet-Flat (all-network flat rate for calls): Included or extra? Does it cover German mobile, German landline, and voicemail?
- SMS-Flat: Included or per-SMS charge?
- International calls: Separately priced in most tariffs. Check per-minute rates for relevant countries if you call internationally.
- Special numbers: Calls to 0800 (free), 0900 (premium rate), 118xx (directory services) may not be included in Allnet-Flat.
Step 4: Calculate the True Monthly Cost
The advertised monthly price is rarely the complete cost. Consider all cost components:
| Cost Component | What to Check |
|---|---|
| Monthly base price | Is this an introductory price? How long does it last? What is the standard price afterwards? |
| Activation fee (Anschlussgebühr) | One-time charge at contract start. Often €0–€40. Often waivable during promotions. |
| SIM card fee | One-time charge for the physical SIM. Usually €0–€10. |
| Device payment (if applicable) | Monthly hardware payment for a subsidized phone. Adds to the base tariff price. |
| Effective monthly cost over contract | Calculate: (Total payments over contract term) ÷ contract months. Compare this across tariffs. |
Example calculation: Tariff A costs €15/month for 24 months + €25 activation fee = Total €385 ÷ 24 = €16.04/month effective. Tariff B costs €18/month for 12 months + €0 activation = Total €216 ÷ 12 = €18/month effective. Tariff A is cheaper per month despite the activation fee.
Step 5: Assess Contract Terms
- Contract duration: 24 months, 12 months, or monthly?
- Cancellation notice: 1 month (standard under TKG 2021) or different?
- Price guaranteed for full term: Or does the provider reserve the right to increase prices?
- Upgrade/downgrade options: Can you change the tariff mid-contract? Are there fees?
Step 6: Verify Network and Coverage
- Identify which MNO network the tariff uses (especially for MVNOs).
- Check the official coverage map for your home address, workplace, and frequent travel routes.
- Verify that the claimed network speed (e.g., LTE max, 5G) is actually available in your primary locations.
- If coverage is borderline, consider a provider on the Telekom network for the best rural coverage.
Step 7: Check Extras and Limitations
- EU roaming data allowance: How much high-speed data is available while roaming in the EU/EEA? Is it equal to the domestic cap or less?
- Tethering/hotspot: Is using the SIM as a mobile hotspot (Tethering) permitted and at full speed?
- VoIP calls: Are VoIP calls over data (e.g., WhatsApp calls) counted against the data cap? Some tariffs throttle VoIP.
- Multi-SIM / eSIM: Is a second SIM for a tablet or wearable available as an add-on?
- Customer service: Online-only or phone/store support available? Language of support (relevant for non-German speakers).
Step 8: Read the Produktinformationsblatt
EU and German law require providers to make a standardised product information sheet (Produktinformationsblatt) available before contract signing. This document lists all key tariff parameters in a standardised format, enabling direct comparison across providers. Always download and read this document before committing to a tariff — it contains the contractually binding parameters, not just the marketing highlights.
Summary Comparison Checklist
Use this checklist when comparing any two or more German mobile tariffs:
- ☐ Monthly data volume (GB at full speed)
- ☐ Maximum download speed (Mbit/s)
- ☐ Throttle speed after data cap
- ☐ 5G access included (yes/no)
- ☐ Allnet-Flat for calls (yes/no)
- ☐ SMS-Flat (yes/no)
- ☐ Base monthly price (standard, not intro)
- ☐ Activation fee
- ☐ SIM card fee
- ☐ Effective total cost over contract term
- ☐ Contract duration and cancellation notice
- ☐ Auto-renewal terms
- ☐ Host network (for MVNOs)
- ☐ Coverage at primary locations
- ☐ EU roaming data allowance
- ☐ Tethering/hotspot permitted
- ☐ Produktinformationsblatt reviewed