In 2025, Saudi Arabia’s telecommunications market is dominated by three major players: STC (Saudi Telecom Company), Mobily (Etihad Etisalat), and Zain. With rapid 5G expansion, increasing data demands, and fierce price competition, choosing the best SIM plan has become a complex decision. Your final choice depends on a variety of factors, including network coverage, data speed, monthly allowances, and overall value for money.

This comprehensive comparison will analyze the latest prepaid and postpaid plans from STC, Mobily, and Zain. We will break down network performance using the most recent independent reports and incorporate user insights to help you decide which provider offers the best SIM plan in Saudi Arabia for 2025. Whether you are a long-term resident, a newly arrived expat, or a tourist visiting the Kingdom, this guide provides the detailed information you need to make an informed choice.

Disclaimer: The data and plan details in this article are updated as of October 2025. Plans and promotions are subject to change. Please verify the latest offers on the official provider websites before making a purchase.

Best Internet SIM Plans in Saudi Arabia for 2025: Speed on a Budget

An Overview of the Providers

As a telecom analyst with over a decade of experience in Middle Eastern markets, I’ve observed the unique strengths and market positions of each major Saudi provider. My personal testing in major cities like Riyadh and Jeddah, combined with aggregated user reviews, forms the basis of these overviews.

STC (Saudi Telecom Company)

STC is the legacy provider and the largest in Saudi Arabia, boasting a market share of approximately 45%. Its most significant advantage is its extensive network infrastructure, which provides the widest coverage in the Kingdom, reaching nearly 100% of populated areas. This makes STC the default choice for users in remote or rural regions who prioritize a reliable connection above all else.

• Strengths: Unmatched nationwide coverage, leading 5G download speeds, and a robust customer service network.
• Weaknesses: Often the most expensive option, plans can be complex, and some users report network congestion in dense urban centers.

Mobily

Mobily has firmly established itself as a strong competitor, holding around 30% of the market share. It focuses on delivering value and innovation, particularly in urban areas. Mobily often leads in network consistency, making it a favorite among gamers and heavy video streamers. Its plans are competitively priced, and the company is known for its appealing data add-ons and bundled services.

• Strengths: Competitive pricing, excellent network consistency for video and gaming, and innovative features like data rollover.
• Weaknesses: Coverage is slightly less extensive than STC’s, particularly in rural locations, and some users report inconsistent customer service experiences.

Zain

Zain targets the youth and budget-conscious segments of the market, capturing about 25% of subscribers. The company is known for its affordable plans, generous social media data allowances (like the popular “Shabab” packages), and strong support for modern tech like eSIM. While its network coverage is comprehensive at around 95%, its average speeds are generally lower than its competitors.

• Strengths: Affordable entry-level plans, generous unlimited social media data, and a user-friendly mobile app.
• Weaknesses: More limited 5G availability compared to STC, lower average download speeds, and a smaller physical retail presence.

Prepaid SIM Card Plans Comparison: The Ultimate Flexibility

Prepaid plans are incredibly popular in Saudi Arabia, offering flexibility without long-term contracts. They are the ideal solution for tourists, pilgrims, and residents who prefer to manage their spending closely. Here is a breakdown of some key prepaid plans available in 2025.

Provider	Plan Name	Price (SAR)	Data (GB)	Social Media (GB)	Minutes (Local)	Key Features
STC	Sawa Visitor 35	40.25	5	–	60	Ideal for tourists, valid for 2-4 weeks.
STC	Sawa 70	195.5	70	Unlimited	800	High data for heavy users, eSIM available.
Mobily	Visitors 50	57.50	15	–	120 (Local & Int’l)	Great value for short stays (14 days).
Mobily	100 GB Plan	220	100	Unlimited	Unlimited	Excellent value for data-hungry users.
Zain	Shabab 79	79	15	25	400	Strong focus on unlimited social media.
Zain	Visitor 40	40	6	6	60	Budget-friendly tourist option (14 days).

Best Prepaid Pick for 2025: For overall value, Mobily’s 100 GB Plan offers an unbeatable combination of massive data and unlimited calls. For tourists prioritizing connectivity everywhere, STC’s Sawa Visitor plans remain the most reliable choice due to superior coverage. According to recent discussions on X (formerly Twitter), users frequently praise Mobily’s data rollover feature, which adds even more value to their prepaid offerings.

Postpaid SIM Plans Comparison: For the Long-Term User

Postpaid plans are designed for residents and business users who need consistent service, higher data limits, and the convenience of a monthly bill. These plans often come with device bundles and other perks, but typically require a 12 or 24-month contract.

Provider	Plan Name	Price (SAR/month)	Data (GB)	Minutes (Local)	Key Features & Benefits
STC	Post Plus	170-195	70-75	Unlimited	Unlimited social media, family sharing options.
Mobily	Basic Postpaid	19	8	400	8 GB social data, flexible upgrades.
Zain	Shabab 149	149	30	1,000	Unlimited social media, streaming bonuses (Netflix, YouTube).

Best Postpaid Pick for 2025: For entertainment lovers, Zain’s Shabab 149 plan is a standout, offering generous social media and streaming data at a competitive price. For those who need unlimited everything and are willing to pay a premium, STC remains the top choice. It’s also worth noting Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) like Yaqoot (powered by Zain) and Jawwy (from STC), which offer highly flexible and often cheaper app-based plans.

Network Performance and Coverage Breakdown

When choosing a provider, raw numbers matter. The latest Opensignal report from February 2025 provides critical insights into how the three networks perform in the real world. Saudi Arabia’s average mobile download speed has impressively climbed to approximately 50 Mbps.

• Overall Coverage: STC is the undisputed leader with a score of 8.7 out of 10, making it the only reliable option for users traveling frequently to rural or remote parts of the Kingdom. Mobily and Zain offer excellent coverage in major cities and along highways.
• Download Speed Experience: STC leads with an average download speed of 55.2 Mbps, closely followed by Mobily at 53.6 Mbps. Zain trails at 41.3 Mbps.
• 5G Speed Experience: When it comes to pure 5G speed, STC again takes the lead, clocking an impressive average 5G download speed of 252.4 Mbps. However, Mobily shines in 5G consistency.
• Consistent Quality: Mobily wins in this category with a score of 61.7%, indicating its network is the most reliable for demanding applications like HD video streaming and online gaming. Opensignal notes, “Mobily’s improvements in 5G make it a top choice for urban users.”

Customer Service and Extra Features

Beyond speed and coverage, other factors can significantly impact your experience.

• Customer Service: Based on user satisfaction surveys and online forums, STC generally ranks highest for overall customer satisfaction. However, Mobily is often praised for its excellent English-language support, a crucial factor for expats and tourists.
• Unique Features: All three providers now offer eSIM support, making it easy to switch plans. Zain often includes streaming subscriptions (like Netflix or YouTube Premium) in its higher-tier plans. Mobily’s data rollover on certain prepaid plans is a standout feature that provides excellent value.
• MVNOs: Don’t overlook MVNOs like Virgin Mobile (on STC’s network) and Lebara, which can offer competitive pricing with the backing of a major network.

The Final Verdict: Which SIM Card Plan Is Best for You?

After analyzing the data, performance metrics, and user priorities, here are my recommendations for 2025:

• Best for Tourists: STC. Its unbeatable coverage ensures you stay connected whether you’re in Riyadh, Jeddah, or exploring remote historical sites. The Sawa Visitor plans are specifically designed for this purpose.
• Best for Budget-Conscious Users: Mobily or Zain. Both offer affordable plans with generous data, especially for social media. Zain’s Shabab packages are particularly good for younger users.
• Best for Heavy Data Users & 5G Performance: A tie between STC and Mobily. STC offers the highest peak 5G speeds, while Mobily provides a more consistent high-speed experience, which is better for gaming and streaming.
• Best Overall SIM Plan in 2025: Mobily. In 2025, Mobily strikes the best balance between price, performance, and innovative features. Its strong showing in network consistency, competitive data packages, and user-friendly features make it the top all-around choice for the majority of users in urban areas.

Your Next Move

The telecom market in Saudi Arabia is more competitive than ever, which is great news for consumers. While my analysis points to Mobily as the best overall provider in 2025, your personal needs are paramount. STC’s superior coverage is non-negotiable for some, while Zain’s affordability and entertainment bundles will appeal to others.

Before you decide, check the providers’ official websites for the latest promotions and use the Communications, Space & Technology (CST) Commission’s coverage maps to verify service in your specific home and work locations.

Have an experience with one of these providers in 2025? Share your thoughts in the comments below to help others make the right choice!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Which provider has the best coverage in Saudi Arabia in 2025?

According to the latest Opensignal reports, STC has the widest and most reliable network coverage across Saudi Arabia, especially in rural and remote areas.

Is 5G available on all SIM Card plans in Saudi Arabia?

Yes, all three major providers offer 5G-ready SIMs and include 5G access on most of their new prepaid and postpaid plans. However, it’s always best to check the specific details of your chosen plan.

How do I buy a SIM card in Saudi Arabia?

You can purchase a SIM card at airports upon arrival, at official provider stores in malls and cities, or through their official websites. A valid passport or national ID (Iqama) is required for registration.

What is the cheapest unlimited data sim card plan in Saudi Arabia?

Zain and Mobily typically offer the most competitive unlimited or high-data plans, with options often available in the 149-220 SAR range. These plans may have fair usage policies, so read the terms carefully.