Last updated on August 8th, 2021
Mobile SIM-only plans have helped to reduce the costs of our data usage.
2 of the plan providers that you might be considering include Circles Life and Gomo.
How are they different and which one should you choose?
Contents
The difference between Circles Life and GOMO
Circles Life provides more flexibility with 5GB, 20GB and 100GB plans. However, GOMO only has a base 20GB plan, and charges an extra $2 for more SMSes and call-time.
Here is an in-depth comparison between both mobile plans:
Network
Circles Life is a Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) which uses M1’s 4G network to provide you with your data coverage.
Circles Life also claims that you’ll be able to receive reception when you’re underground or in the MRT.
Meanwhile, GOMO uses Singtel’s 4G network.
According to OpenSignal’s study, both M1 and Singtel have rather similar coverage experience. Singtel had a score of 10, while M1 had a score of 9.9.
As such, it depends on which telco’s network that you prefer to be on.
Plans
Here are the different plans that both telcos can offer you:
5GB plans
Only Circles Life has a 5GB plan to offer you.
You are charged $10 per month for this plan, which comes with:
- 100 call minutes
- 25 SMS
Meanwhile, GOMO does not offer any plans at this tier.
20GB plans
Both telcos offer a 20GB plan. Here are the comparisons between both of their base plans (with no promotions):
| Circles Life | GOMO | |
|---|---|---|
| Data | 20GB | 20GB |
| SMS | 25 SMS | 20 SMS |
| Call Minutes | 100 minutes | 200 minutes |
| Cost | $18/month | $20/month |
The prices are only if you are porting over an existing number to the network. You will need to pay $28 a month for Circles Life if you are getting a new number.
In comparison, you’re paying an extra $2/month for GOMO for:
- 175 more SMSes
- 100 more call minutes
You’ll need to decide if that extra $2 is worth the extra call minutes and SMSes!
Moreover, you are able to receive your number as an electronic SIM (eSIM) card for Circles Life.
Sign-up promotions for new customers
Both telcos also have sign-up promotions if you’re a new customer:
| Circles Life | GOMO | |
|---|---|---|
| Promo Code | NA | PARTY40 |
| Data | Unlimited | 40GB |
| SMS | 25 SMS | 400 SMS |
| Call Minutes | Unlimited | 400 minutes |
| Cost | $18/month | $20/month |
| Promotion Lasts For | 3 months | 12 months |
GOMO also has a plan that offers you $30 for:
- 50GB
- 500 call minutes
- 500 SMS
- Free 6 months of Viu premium
If you sign up for this promotion, you get to pay $30/month for this plan for life.
However, this promotion is on a limited time basis, and may it may no longer be around by the time you’re reading this.
100GB plans
Circles Life also offers a 100GB/month plan:
| Data | 100GB with 4G Rollover |
| SMS | 25 SMS |
| Call Minutes | 100 minutes |
| Cost | $38/month (Existing) or $48/month (New) |
The rollover feature is only available for the 100GB Unlimited plan. All unused data will carry over to the next month, up to 300GB.
If you are a heavy data user, then this plan is something you can consider!
Singtel’s SIM-Only 40GB plan starts at $35/month, which is not as worth it as Circles Life’s 100GB plan.
You are also able to order an eSIM for this plan as well.
Verdict
GOMO mainly has a basic plan ($20/month), and the other plans that you can have depends on the current promotions.
Meanwhile, Circles Life has 3 different plans you can choose from:
- 5GB
- 20GB
- 100GB with Rollover
Depending on your usage, Circles Life provides more flexibility on the type of plan that you can purchase.
Add-ons
On top of the basic plans that you can purchase, you can purchase some add-ons to your plans, depending on your needs.
Here are some common add-ons that you can purchase from both telcos:
| Circles Life | GOMO | |
|---|---|---|
| Roam | $12/month (3GB/month across 14 APAC countries and USA) | Depends on Country, $10/GB for 10 destinations |
| IDD Calls | $10/month (Up to 150 minutes across 15 countries) | $0.05 – $0.60/minute, depending on country |
| Outgoing and Incoming calls | $8/month (Unlimited outgoing) and $2/month (Unlimited incoming) | $5/month (Additional 500 minutes) |
Circles Life charges these add-ons on a monthly basis, while GOMO is slightly more flexible.
You can add-on a dual SIM too for Circles Life
On Circles Life, you are able to add on an extra SIM card to your 20GB or 100GB plan.
For both plans, you will need to pay an additional $14/month.
Mobile app
Both of these telcos have a mobile app that you can download.
These apps will help you to manage your plan and purchase any add-ons if needed.
Porting of phone number
You are able to transfer your existing phone number to either plan.
You’ll need to have a postpaid number that comes from another telco plan.
Moreover, you’ll need to make sure that you do not terminate your number with your current telco.
If you do so, then either of these telcos will be unable to transfer your number over!
Your number will be automatically terminated with your previous telco once the porting is completed.
It is possible for you to port your Singtel prepaid number with GOMO. However, you’ll need to convert your plan to a postpaid plan first.
Cancellation
Both plans are very flexible, and you can cancel them any time. This is because they are different from the contract plans that you can have with the original telcos.
These plans are similar to the monthly subscriptions that you pay for, such as Disney+.
This means that if you are unhappy with either service, you are able to switch to another telco! However, the process may be slightly troublesome, so that’s something you may want to take note of.
Verdict
Which telco should you choose between Circles Life and GOMO?
Choose Circles Life for greater flexibility
Circles Life provides a wider variety of plans that can cater to your different data needs.
Depending on the amount of data you consume, you can choose from the following plans:
| Data | Price |
|---|---|
| 5GB | $10/month |
| 20GB | $18/month |
| 100GB with Rollover | $38/month |
If you wish to get a new number with Circles Life, you’ll need to pay an additional $10/month. However, this does not apply to the 5GB plan.
Moreover, you are also able to add on a second SIM for $14/month.
With so many different options, Circles Life may help to cater to your specific needs better.
Choose GOMO if you want a fuss-free plan
GOMO only offers you a 20GB plan for $20/month. This is slightly more expensive than Circles Life, but it gives you extra talktime and SMSes.
It does have a 50GB plan for $30/month, but it is only open for a limited time.
If you want more talktime and SMSes but do not want to pay the extra add-ons for Circles Life, then GOMO will be better for you.
Conclusion
Both telcos offer you a flexible way to pay for your mobile data plans.
Circles Life has more flexibility, while GOMO offers you slightly more value in their 20GB plan with more talktime and SMSes.
Ultimately, the plan that you choose should really depend on your needs!
Do you like the content on this blog?
To receive the latest updates from my blog and personal finance in general, you can follow me on my Telegram channels (Personal Finance or Crypto) and Facebook.
Are you passionate about personal finance and want to earn some flexible income?
