Circles.Life vs SIMBA vs StarHub: Why Circles.Life Offers Better Value

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Last updated: Mar 25, 2025

Written by: Circles.Life

13 minutes read

If you're comparing SIM-only plans in Singapore, Circles.Life stands out for its high data allowances, flexible plans, and international roaming benefits. While SIMBA offers cheaper entry plans and StarHub provides traditional telco bundles, Circles.Life delivers the best balance of price, data, and flexibility for most users.

With so many mobile providers in Singapore offering competitive 5G plans, choosing the right one comes down to data allocation, network coverage, pricing, and added perks. Simba, StarHub, and Circles.Life cater to different types of users. In this comparison, we break down how these three providers stack up and which one delivers the best value for your mobile needs.

Circles.Life vs Simba vs StarHub – Key Features Comparison

Mobile plans today offer more than just data. Here’s a comparison of Simba, StarHub, and Circles.Life based on network coverage, data allowances, pricing, flexibility, roaming benefits, and extra perks.

Feature

Circles.Life

Simba

StarHub

Network Coverage

4G / 5G availability

5G availability

5G availability

Data Allowance

400GB

200GB (usable in Singapore & Malaysia)

200GB

Talktime

Unlimited

400 minutes + 200 IDD minutes + 100 Myanmar minutes

1500 minutes

SMS

25 SMS

30 SMS

750 SMS

Plan Cost

$15/month (reverts to $18/month after promo)

$10/month

$32/month

Contract Flexibility

No contract, cancel anytime

No contract

Typically contract-based plans available

Roaming Options

Free 8GB roaming across selected countries with some plans

Malaysia roaming included in data

Paid roaming add-ons available

Additional Perks

• Marketplace with lifestyle vouchers (ride hailing, gaming, beauty, F&B)

• Loyalty programme

• CirclesAI access powered by leading AI models

• Free roaming across selected countries

• Unlimited calls

• Free Caller ID

• Cross-border data usage in Singapore & Malaysia

• Entertainment bundles and add-ons (varies by plan)

Referral Benefit

$15 bill waiver for 3 referrals (3 × $5 off)

$30 bill waiver for 6 referrals (6 × $5 off)

Bill waivers stack with additional referrals

Not commonly offered

Occasionally offered during promotions

Best For

Users who want large data, AI features, and lifestyle perks in one plan

Budget-focused users needing basic data and Malaysia usage

Users who want bundled services and traditional telco plans

Last Updated: 16 March 2026

5G Plans Comparison: Data, Speed & Value

Data Plan

Circles.Life

Simba

StarHub

5G Plan

400GB

$15/month

280GB

$10/month

150GB

$22/month

Network Coverage

True 5G, ~99% coverage

5G availability

5G availability

Data Details

Promo: 400GB for 3 months, reverts to 250GB at $18/month

280GB local data

150GB local data

Roaming

FREE 8GB roaming across 7 countries (Bangladesh, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand)

3GB roaming across 60+ countries

Roaming add-ons available

Calls

Unlimited local calls

Unlimited calls to local mobile numbers

1000 minutes local calls

SMS

Free Caller ID included

30 local SMS + free SMS to SIMBA mobile

500 local & international SMS

Additional Benefits

• Loyalty program

• CirclesAI access powered by OpenAI’s latest models

• Free Caller ID

• Unlimited AI queries

• Exclusive Golden Village movie ticket deals

• 500 local fixed line minutes

• Free IDD + 100 Myanmar minutes

Entertainment bundles available depending on plan

Best For

Users who want large data, roaming, and built-in AI tools

Budget users who want low-cost data and basic roaming

Users who want a traditional telco plan with SMS and call bundles

Available data as of: 16 March 2026

Circles.Life stands out as a well-rounded option, offering generous data, reliable network coverage, flexible no-contract plans, and built-in roaming perks for popular destinations. Other providers may suit more specific needs but come with limitations. Simba offers a lower price point but fewer roaming and feature perks, while StarHub includes entertainment bundles but typically provides smaller data allowances at a higher cost. Overall, Circles.Life delivers strong value for everyday users, balancing data, flexibility, and roaming benefits in one plan.

5G Coverage & Network Performance

When choosing a mobile plan, network reliability and speed are just as important as data allowances. A strong network ensures stable connections for video streaming, video calls, gaming, and everyday browsing without interruptions.

Network reliability plays a major role in the overall experience. Circles.Life operates on Singapore’s established 5G infrastructure, providing consistent connectivity across most urban areas where users spend their time.

Indoor coverage is another key factor, especially in offices, shopping malls, and residential buildings. With widespread 4G and 5G coverage, Circles.Life users can typically maintain strong signal strength indoors, helping reduce dropped calls or slow connections.

In terms of speed performance, 5G enables faster downloads, smoother streaming, and lower latency compared to older networks. Circles.Life’s 5G experience supports high-speed connectivity for data-heavy tasks such as streaming HD videos, cloud apps, and AI-powered tools on mobile devices.

Best Roaming Plans for Travellers - Circles.Life vs SIMBA vs StarHub

Roaming Plan

Circles.Life

Simba

StarHub

Base Roaming Plan

100GB 5G Plan – $30/month

1GB – $5

DataTravel Asia Pacific

Roaming Coverage

Data access across Singapore + 7 Asian countries (Bangladesh, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand)

ReadyRoam Neighbours: Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand

Asia Pacific roaming packs

Roaming Data Options

8GB roaming included with eligible plans

1GB for $5 4GB for $12

1GB for $6 (3-day validity) 2GB for $16 (30-day validity) 3GB for $20 (30-day validity)

Calls & SMS

300 mins outgoing talktime Free unlimited incoming calls Free local & roaming SMS

Local call bundles available

Depends on roaming add-on

Additional Benefits

• Free Caller ID • Access to CirclesAI powered by OpenAI models • Referral bill waivers • Available directly in Circles.Life app

Europe Data Passport: $65 for 44 European countries (30 days)

DataTravel Global: 2GB $40 (30 days) 3GB $50 (30 days) NewDataTravel Everywhere: 1GB $80 (30 days)

Best For

Frequent travellers who want built-in roaming and high data plans

Budget travellers needing occasional roaming

Users who prefer short-term roaming add-on packs

Available data as of: 16 March 2026

Circles.Life is a strong choice for travellers, with the latest plans including free roaming data across several popular Asian destinations and flexible roaming options for global travel. Other providers offer more limited roaming support. Simba mainly focuses on regional roaming, while StarHub typically requires paid roaming add-ons for international use. Overall, Circles.Life offers the most convenient roaming experience, especially for users who travel to multiple countries.

Why Many Users Prefer Circles.Life

Many users choose Circles.Life because it offers a simple, flexible, and fully digital mobile experience. Unlike traditional telco plans, Circles.Life focuses on giving users more control without long-term commitments.

One of the biggest advantages is no contracts, allowing users to start, change, or cancel their plan without being locked into long agreements. This flexibility makes it easier for users to adjust their mobile plan as their needs change.

Circles.Life is also built around app-based control, meaning most account actions such as upgrading plans, managing roaming, or checking usage can be done directly through the mobile app. This eliminates the need for store visits or complicated customer service processes.

Another key benefit is flexible plan changes. Users can switch plans, add data, or activate roaming features easily, making it convenient for those whose data usage or travel needs vary from month to month.

Finally, Circles.Life offers a digital-first experience, designed for users who prefer managing their services online with fast activation and transparent pricing. This modern approach helps make the overall mobile experience simpler and more convenient compared with many traditional providers.

Which Telco Offers the Best Value Mobile Plan?

When choosing a mobile plan, most users look at four key factors: data allowance, roaming benefits, flexibility, and pricing. The best value plan is one that balances all of these without forcing users into long contracts or expensive add-ons.

Circles.Life stands out as one of the most balanced options, combining large data allowances, flexible no-contract plans, built-in roaming perks, and competitive pricing. This makes it especially appealing for users who want strong everyday value with the freedom to adjust their plan as needed.

  • Best for high data and flexibility: Circles.Life

  • Best for limited regional roaming options: Some budget providers

  • Best for bundled entertainment services: Traditional telcos

Circles.Life vs Simba vs StarHub: Which Is Better?

Choose Circles.Life if:
You want a high-data, no-contract plan with built-in roaming perks and useful extras. Circles.Life offers generous data, free caller ID, and lifestyle perks such as discounted movie tickets and shopping vouchers. It’s a strong option for users who value flexibility, frequent travellers who want roaming convenience, and anyone looking for a well-rounded mobile plan.

Choose Simba if:
You are mainly focused on lower-cost plans with basic features and do not require many additional perks. Simba plans may appeal to users who prioritise price and simple connectivity, particularly for regional usage.

Choose StarHub if:
You prefer a traditional telco plan with bundled entertainment services. StarHub may suit users who value streaming bundles and other add-on services, although these plans often come with higher monthly costs compared to digital-first options.

User Reviews & Feedback

Circles.Life

Circles.Life is praised for its affordable high-data plans, no-contract flexibility, and travel-friendly perks. Users highlight the easy plan management through the app, free roaming perks, and added lifestyle rewards. Some users mention occasional slowdowns during peak hours, but overall, Circles.Life is seen as a great value for those who want more than just data.

Simba

Simba is highly rated for offering the most data at the lowest price. Customers appreciate affordable international roaming, particularly for travel in Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia. However, some users mention inconsistent network coverage indoors.

StarHub

StarHub users appreciate its entertainment bundles, travel-friendly perks, and solid 5G performance. Customers enjoy the lifestyle rewards and streaming services, though some mention that network coverage can be inconsistent compared to Singtel or M1.

Best Plan by Profession or Use – Circles.Life vs Simba vs StarHub

Choosing the right mobile plan depends on how you use your phone. Factors such as data usage, roaming needs, flexibility, and pricing can make a big difference. Circles.Life’s latest plans are designed to cover a wide range of needs with large data allowances, built-in roaming perks, and no-contract flexibility, making it a strong choice for many types of users.

Below is how Circles.Life fits different lifestyles and usage needs.

Frequent Travelers

Circles.Life – 5G Plan with Built-In Roaming (Best overall for travel)
Circles.Life is a strong choice for frequent travelers thanks to free roaming data across several Asian destinations and flexible roaming add-ons for global travel. With high data allowances and reliable 5G coverage, users can stay connected abroad without constantly purchasing roaming passes. Some providers offer roaming focused on nearby regions, but these options are typically limited to a small number of destinations or require additional roaming packs for broader travel.

Heavy Data Users / Streamers

Circles.Life – High Data 5G Plan (Best for streaming and gaming)
Circles.Life offers one of the largest data allowances available in Singapore, making it ideal for users who frequently stream videos, play online games, or use data-heavy apps. The high monthly data limit, combined with fast 5G speeds and no contracts, makes it a practical option for heavy data users. Some budget-focused providers may offer very high data allocations but often with fewer perks such as roaming benefits or lifestyle rewards.

Business Professionals

Circles.Life – High Data Plan with Unlimited Calls (Best for work flexibility)
For professionals who rely on their phones for daily communication, Circles.Life provides large data limits, unlimited calls, and built-in roaming perks. The contract-free structure also allows users to adjust plans easily as work needs change, making it a flexible option for business users who travel or work across different locations. Traditional telcos may offer additional add-on services, but these often come with higher costs or longer-term commitments.

Students

Circles.Life – High Data No-Contract Plan (Best for flexibility and value)
Students benefit from Circles.Life’s affordable high-data plans and contract-free flexibility. With generous data allowances, app-based plan management, and perks like free Caller ID and loyalty rewards, students can easily manage their usage for streaming, social media, and online classes. Some lower-cost plans may provide basic connectivity, but they typically offer fewer additional features or lifestyle perks.

Remote Workers

Circles.Life – High Data 5G Plan (Best for productivity on the go)
Remote workers often rely on stable connectivity for video calls, cloud apps, and constant internet access. Circles.Life’s large data allowances, strong 5G speeds, and roaming perks make it well suited for professionals who work from home, cafes, or while travelling. Other providers may focus primarily on price or bundled services, but Circles.Life balances data capacity, flexibility, and connectivity, which are key for remote productivity.

Overall, Circles.Life stands out as a well-rounded mobile option, offering strong data value, built-in roaming perks, flexible no-contract plans, and digital-first convenience that suits a wide range of users.

How to Transfer or Port Your Number to Circles.Life

Switching to Circles.Life is simple, and you can keep your existing number without any hassle. Follow these steps to successfully transfer your number:

Step-by-Step Guide to Port Your Number:

  1. Receive Your SIM Card:
    Once your Circles.Life SIM card arrives, you can start the porting process through a mobile browser. (This applies to both individual users and the Primary SIM holder under the Family Plan.)

  2. For Family Plan Users (Sub-SIMs):

    • If you’re a Sub-SIM user, you’ll first receive a Circles.Life assigned number sent to the Primary SIM’s registered email once activated.

    • After receiving the assigned number, follow these steps:

      • Download the Circles.Life app (ensure you use a mobile phone for this step).

      • Log in using the assigned number.

      • Navigate to Profile → Account → Port-in Number.

      • Enter your existing number’s details from your previous telco and complete the porting request.

Important Things to Know Before Porting Your Number:

  • DO NOT terminate your existing number with your current telco before the transfer. Circles.Life can’t process the port if your number is already canceled.

  • Your current telco account will be automatically terminated once the transfer to Circles.Life is complete.

  • No termination fees apply if your existing telco contract has already ended. If you’re unsure about your contract status, it’s a good idea to check with your current provider before initiating the port.

  • Changed your mind? If you initially chose a new Circles.Life number but later decide to port your existing number, you can do so directly through the Circles.Life app.

  • Note: You cannot port in more than once within the same month.

Pro Tip: The entire process is designed to be smooth, but it’s always best to keep your current SIM active until you get confirmation that the transfer is complete.

When comparing mobile plans in Singapore, Circles.Life stands out as one of the most balanced and value-driven options available today. The latest plans combine large data allowances, reliable 5G connectivity, built-in roaming perks, and flexible no-contract plans, giving users more control and convenience in a single package. With additional benefits such as free Caller ID, lifestyle rewards, and app-based plan management, Circles.Life offers a modern, digital-first mobile experience that suits everyday users, frequent travellers, students, and professionals alike.

Other providers may appeal to more specific needs, such as lower entry pricing or bundled entertainment services. However, these options often come with smaller data allowances, limited roaming benefits, or additional add-ons.

Overall, Circles.Life delivers strong value across the key factors that matter most: data, flexibility, roaming, and pricing, making it a compelling choice for users who want a reliable and feature-rich mobile plan.

👉 Ready to make the switch? Explore the latest plans and offers from Circles.Life today.

💡 Did You Know?

Circles.Life subscribers enjoy discounted movie tickets at Golden Village Cinemas for just $10 per ticket on any day of the week.

#askus sticker

All you need to know about 5G

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ABOUT THE ARTICLE

Published 2025/03/25

Written by Circles.Life

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