How to choose a mobile plan: the 2026 guide
- Four criteria decide the right plan: network coverage where you live, the data allowance, the choice between 4G or 5G, and the type of commitment.
- Check your area's coverage first: a 5G plan is useless where 5G is not deployed.
- No-contract plans have become the norm in France: more than 88% of active lines in 2026, with the freedom to cancel at no cost.
- Prices have plunged: you can find 100 to 200 GB on 5G for under €12/month; there is no need to overpay for data you won't use.
How do you choose a mobile plan without drowning in offers? In 2026, prices have fallen and data is abundant, but not all offers are equal depending on your area and your usage. Here are the four criteria that really matter.
1. Network coverage, to check first
This is the criterion that takes precedence over all the others. Before comparing prices, check the 4G and 5G coverage of your area. A 5G plan in an uncovered area will bring you nothing more than a 4G offer, for a higher price.
ARCEP’s MonRéseauMobile tool maps operators’ coverage by address. A plan that is excellent on paper becomes useless if the network is poor where you live, at your workplace or on holiday.
2. The data allowance, calibrated to your usage
The amount of data drives the price. There is no point paying for 300 GB if you mostly use Wi-Fi. Conversely, a small plan quickly throttles a heavy mobile video user.
The good news: rates have plunged. You can now find 100 to 200 GB on 5G for under €12/month. Estimate your real usage (visible in your phone’s settings) to aim accurately, without overpaying.
3. 4G or 5G?
4G remains sufficient for the vast majority of uses: browsing, social media, standard video streaming. 5G takes the lead for demanding uses — online gaming, 4K streaming, large downloads — provided you are in a covered area.
Don’t pay a 5G premium on principle: first assess whether your usage and your coverage justify it.
4. Contract or no contract
In 2026, no-contract has taken over: more than 88% of active lines in France are on this type of contract. The advantage is twofold: you can cancel at no cost if you are not satisfied, and this freedom keeps operators under pricing pressure.
A contract (often 12 or 24 months) is rarely justified anymore, except when it is bundled with the purchase of a discounted phone. To compare only the commitment-free offers, see our selection of the best no-contract mobile plan.
The real price over time
Beware of enticing introductory rates that climb after a few months. Compare the real price over time, including the promotion and once it has ended. A €5 plan that jumps to €15 after a year can cost more than a stable offer at €10.
For a full overview of the best offers of the moment, all criteria combined, see our comparison of the best mobile plan.
In summary
Choosing a mobile plan comes down to weighing four criteria: coverage where you live, data suited to your usage, the right network level (4G or 5G) and, almost always, no contract. Add to that some vigilance over the real price after the promotion, and you will avoid paying for what you don’t need.
Frequently asked questions
Do you absolutely need a 5G plan?
No. 5G makes sense if your area is covered and if you have demanding uses (4K streaming, online gaming, large downloads). For browsing, social media and standard video, 4G is amply sufficient and often cheaper.
How do you check network coverage where you live?
Use ARCEP's MonRéseauMobile tool, which maps operators' 4G and 5G coverage by address. It is the first check to make: the best plan on paper is worth nothing if the network is poor where you live.
Contract or no contract: which should you choose?
No-contract plans dominate by far because they let you switch offer at any time at no cost, which pushes operators to stay competitive. A contract is rarely justified anymore, except for an offer bundled with a subsidised phone.