Starhub vs. Circles.Life Who Has the Best Roaming Plan?

Choosing a roaming plan today means balancing flexibility, affordability, and seamless international connectivity. With travel becoming more integral to modern life—whether for work, vacation, or study—users demand more than just a basic data package. They want real value, strong network coverage, and the ability to stay connected no matter where they go. In Singapore, two of the most well-known providers—StarHub and Circles.Life—offer roaming-enabled SIM-only plans. But which one gives you more?

StarHub’s SIM-only roaming plan comes in at S$32/month and includes 200GB of local data, 1,500 talktime minutes, 750 SMS, and 2GB of roaming data valid across five countries: Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Taiwan, and South Korea. In contrast, Circles.Life offers flexible SIM-only plans with up to 1TB of data, more extensive roaming options (up to 10GB across seven countries), and perks like unlimited incoming calls, unlimited data rollover, and no contracts.

In this guide, we’ll take a close look at the two providers across several categories—roaming data, talktime, pricing, international usability, and overall user experience—so you can decide which plan works best for your needs.

Key Differences of the Roaming Plan

When comparing roaming plans, it’s essential to look beyond the local data cap. While StarHub’s 200GB plan is impressive for local users, roaming users will quickly find limitations in the included 2GB roaming cap. This data is usable only in five destinations, which restricts flexibility for travelers with more diverse itineraries. For S$32/month, users get reliable 5G coverage, extensive local call minutes, and a strong domestic network—but the international support feels more like a starter pack than a full-fledged roaming solution.

In contrast, Circles.Life’s plans focus on scalability and real-world travel needs. Starting from S$15/month, Circles.Life offers roaming data allocations ranging from 8GB to 10GB, with support for travel in seven or more countries including key destinations like China, Hong Kong, Australia, and the Philippines—places not covered under StarHub’s plan. Circles.Life also includes features like unlimited data rollover, unlimited incoming calls abroad, and perks such as discounted movie tickets and app-based plan control. The flexibility to adapt your plan anytime via a simple app makes Circles.Life the better choice for users who want control and consistency, especially when traveling internationally.

Data Roaming Plans: StarHub vs. Circles.Life

StarHub data roaming offers 2GB/month across five countries. It’s usable for light usage like messaging, map navigation, or email access. However, frequent travelers or remote workers may find this restrictive.

In contrast, Circles.Life includes up to 10GB of international roaming data across more countries, ideal for users who need to upload files, attend video calls, stream media, or hotspot their laptop. This makes Circles.Life a more travel-friendly and data-adequate solution.

Verdict: Circles.Life wins for travelers who need consistent access to data in multiple countries without buying additional roaming packs.

Talktime Roaming Plans: StarHub vs. Circles.Life

StarHub includes 1,500 local minutes and 750 SMS, which may benefit users calling within Singapore. However, there’s no dedicated support for call features while roaming, and additional charges apply for roaming voice services.

Circles.Life, on the other hand, includes unlimited incoming calls while overseas and 300 outgoing local minutes, making it far more flexible for professionals and remote users who need to stay in touch while abroad.

Verdict: Circles.Life’s talktime offering is more practical for travelers who need to make and receive calls abroad without incurring high roaming charges.

Cheapest Roaming Plans: StarHub vs. Circles.Life

StarHub’s base roaming plan provides 2GB for S$32. Circles.Life offers significantly more data—at 8GB—for just S$15, with wider roaming coverage. Even Circles’ mid-tier plans provide more for less.

Verdict: Circles.Life offers more roaming value at nearly half the price of StarHub’s package, making it the obvious winner for budget-conscious users.

Best Roaming Plans by User Type

Verdict: Circles.Life delivers a more versatile plan that adapts to different user types—especially digital natives, remote workers, and high-data users.

Roaming Countries: StarHub vs. Circles.Life

Circles.Life provides roaming access to more countries in Asia-Pacific, including places not covered under StarHub roaming, making it more flexible for regional and international travel.

Customer Reviews & Reddit Discussions

On platforms like Reddit, customers highlight StarHub’s reliable local service and strong 5G speeds, but concerns about roaming charges, lack of plan flexibility, and limited international coverage are common. One frequent point of feedback is that StarHub data roaming works well in Malaysia but feels overpriced and restrictive for broader travel needs.

Circles.Life receives praise for its ease of use, especially the intuitive app, and users often mention that they switched to Circles.Life after experiencing unexpected charges or limitations with other telcos. The support for up to 10GB roaming, combined with stable international connectivity and simple plan adjustments, makes Circles.Life a frequent favorite among remote workers and digital nomads. “Switched to Circles.Life—more roaming data, better app, and cheaper.”

Who Should Choose Circles.Life?

Circles.Life is the perfect choice for users who expect more from their mobile provider—especially those who lead globally connected lives. Whether you're a frequent traveler, a professional who works remotely, a student attending international programs, or simply someone who wants their phone plan to be as flexible as their schedule, Circles.Life delivers an unmatched combination of freedom, value, and digital convenience.

Unlike traditional telcos that still rely on fixed roaming packs or restrictive contract terms, Circles.Life takes a digital-first, user-centric approach. All plans are contract-free, giving users full control to upgrade, downgrade, or cancel anytime, based on their needs. You don’t have to call customer service or walk into a store—everything from activation to usage tracking is managed through an intuitive mobile app that puts the power back in your hands.

Circles.Life is made for users who:

• Travel frequently and require data in more than five countries, without switching SIMs.

• Rely on high-speed data for gaming, streaming, video conferencing, or cloud-based work while abroad.

• Prefer unlimited incoming calls and don’t want to be caught off guard by international voice charges.

• Need flexible, contract-free plans that can be customized month-to-month.

• Value a seamless digital experience, where everything from roaming activation to usage tracking is managed via app.

If your lifestyle extends beyond Singapore's borders, or if you simply want a plan that gives you more control, value, and transparency, Circles.Life is built for you. It bridges the gap between affordability and premium functionality, delivering a roaming experience that fits seamlessly into the way you already live, work, and travel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which plan offers better value for money?

While StarHub includes more local call minutes and SMS, Circles.Life provides better overall value—especially for international users. With more roaming data, wider country access, and lower monthly costs, Circles.Life lets you do more with your plan. If you factor in perks like unlimited incoming calls, data rollover, and lifestyle benefits, it becomes clear that Circles.Life offers more benefits per dollar, particularly for users who travel or consume lots of data.

How does the network coverage compare?

Both providers offer strong 5G coverage in Singapore, but Circles.Life edges out StarHub when it comes to roaming performance. StarHub limits roaming access to five countries, while Circles.Life includes seven or more destinations, covering high-demand travel locations like Australia, China, and the Philippines, which StarHub does not support. This broader international reach makes Circles.Life the more reliable option for users with frequent or varied travel needs.

Is there a contract requirement?

No. Both Circles.Life and StarHub offer SIM-only, no-contract plans, giving users freedom and flexibility. However, Circles.Life allows more granular customization through its app, including roaming activation, plan adjustments, and data tracking—all in real time. StarHub’s plans tend to rely on traditional telco models that may require manual support or additional fees for changes. With Circles.Life, freedom really means freedom, and you can tailor your plan without hassle.

Which plan is better for streaming or gaming while traveling?

For high-bandwidth activities like Netflix, YouTube, Twitch, or online gaming, Circles.Life is the clear winner. Its larger roaming data caps (up to 10GB) and stronger international 5G coverage support smoother streaming and lower-latency gameplay. StarHub’s 2GB roaming limit can be used up quickly with just a few hours of video, leaving users scrambling for Wi-Fi or facing additional roaming charges. Circles.Life ensures you have enough bandwidth to stay entertained and productive wherever you are.

What do users say online about both providers?

Online forums like Reddit and Seedly highlight StarHub’s consistent local performance but frequently point out limited roaming coverage and add-on costs. Users appreciate StarHub for its simplicity, but many note that it's not optimized for international use. Circles.Life, in contrast, receives praise for its transparent pricing, better roaming support, and user-friendly app. Travelers, in particular, value how Circles.Life’s plans work seamlessly across countries, offering true mobility without surprises. Many mention switching to Circles.Life after facing high StarHub roaming charges, especially in destinations not covered by default.

Final Verdict

While StarHub’s SIM-only plan provides a solid foundation for local users—especially with its generous 200GB data cap and ample call and SMS allowances—it ultimately falls short when evaluated through the lens of global mobility. With just 2GB of roaming data included and access restricted to only five regional countries, it may suffice for those who occasionally hop across the border to Malaysia or Thailand, but it lacks the flexibility and scalability that modern, travel-oriented users need. The absence of broader international roaming support, combined with additional charges for extended use abroad, makes it a less-than-ideal fit for today’s global consumer.

Circles.Life, on the other hand, delivers a more complete roaming experience. With up to 10GB of roaming data, unlimited incoming calls abroad, support across 7 countries, and a contract-free structure, it’s built for users who demand more freedom and functionality. Whether you’re working remotely, studying overseas, or just traveling often, Circles.Life lets you stay connected longer, manage everything through its app, and avoid the hidden costs often tied to traditional telco plans. What truly sets Circles.Life apart is not just the data or price point, but the entire mobile experience—from app-based plan control and data rollover to loyalty perks and real-time roaming management. It’s more than a SIM-only plan; it’s a lifestyle enabler. If you're seeking a smart, scalable, and traveler-friendly roaming plan, Circles.Life is the clear choice to roam better, spend smarter, and live more connected—wherever the world takes you.