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Cheap phone plans starting at $5/mo: Switch & save $600/year

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Cell phone companies

T-Mobile MVNO plans
starting at $5 /mo
T-Mobile 5G & 4G wireless coverage
Verizon MVNO plans
starting at $5 /mo
Verizon 5G & 4G wireless coverage
AT&T MVNO plans
starting at $5 /mo
AT&T 5G & 4G wireless coverage

Carriers on the T-Mobile network

Cheap phone carriers with T-Mobile wireless coverage

Carriers on the Verizon network

Cheap phone carriers with Verizon wireless coverage

Twigby Twigby (57)
Affinity Cellular Affinity Cellular (17)

Carriers on the AT&T network

Cheap phone carriers with AT&T wireless coverage

Boost Mobile Boost Mobile (142)
Boost Infinite Boost Infinite
Good2Go Mobile Good2Go Mobile (34)
Coverage Checker Find great value plans with the best coverage in your area
Find cheap plans in your area
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How a low-cost carrier compares
    Mint Mobile   T-MobileAT&TVerizon
Network Coverage T-Mobile 4G & 5G T-Mobile 4G & 5GAT&T 4G & 5GVerizon 4G & 5G
Data Limit Unlimited UnlimitedUnlimitedUnlimited
Monthly Price $30/mo $70/mo$75/mo$80/mo
Annual Cost 360/yr $840/yr$900/yr$960/yr
Annual Savings $480/yr
Big savings, no compromises
Nationwide Coverage Powered by the major networks
Bring your own phone Keep your existing phone and number
5G & 4G data speeds Same fast speeds as the big guys
No contracts Flexible and commitment-free
Customize your plan Only pay for what you use
Buy online No need to visit a store
Lady floating over network logos
By
Rob Webber
Rob Webber

Rob Webber

Founder

About Rob

Rob has 15+ years experience running price comparison & review websites that empower consumers to find the cheapest cell phone services, cell phone deals, home phone, and internet providers available. He has been published in Forbes, US News, Entrepreneur, Huffington Post, Inc.

Rob's Expertise

5G wireless networks, cell phone plans, cell phone deals, MVNOs, internet services, tablets, comparison shopping, money saving, reviewing telecom products & services

- Last updated on February 6th, 2023

MoneySavingPro independently researches the products & services to bring you our recommendations. We may earn money when you click our links - disclosure policy.

Thinking about switching cell phone carriers?

Say no to giant cell phone providers who charge you too much for service you don't need. The average smartphone user only goes through 3-5 GB of data per month. Time to stop wasting money and only pay for what you need!

People who switch from the major carriers to a smaller carrier save about $600 a year on their cell phone service.

See how much you could save with our cell phone plan savings calculator.

Best cheap phone carriers

Cell Phone Carriers
Tello SIM card vertical

Tello: Best prepaid cell phone carrier

T-Mobile wireless network coverage

Unlimited mins

Unlimited texts

1GB 4G/5G Data

$10/mo
5
Pros
  • No contract. No bulk buying.

  • 24/7 friendly customer support

  • 4G LTE/5G nationwide coverage

  • Free Hotspot & Wi-Fi Calling

  • Free international calls to 60+ countries

Cons
  • No roaming

  • Coverage in rural areas

Tello 1GB plan includes unlimited mins, unlimited texts and 1GB data for only $10 per month. Tello plans offers wireless coverage on the T-Mobile 5G and 4G LTE network. Read Tello review

Tello plans
  • Tello unlimited talk & text plan: $8/mo

  • Tello 1GB plan: $10/mo

  • Tello 2GB plan: $14/mo

  • Tello 5GB plan: $19/mo

  • Tello 10GB plan: $24/mo

  • Tello unlimited data plan: $29/mo

See Tello phone plans

US Mobile SIM card vertical

US Mobile: Best cell phone carrier for families

Verizon & T-Mobile wireless network coverage

Unlimited mins

Unlimited texts

5GB 4G/5G Data

$15/mo

* 100 Days FREE Trial

4.5
Pros
  • Flexible, no contract plans

  • 24/7 customer service

  • 5G coverage available

Cons
  • No international calling

  • Phone selection

US Mobile 5GB plan includes unlimited mins, unlimited texts and 5GB data for only $15 per month. US Mobile plans offers wireless coverage on the Verizon & T-Mobile 5G and 4G LTE networks. Read US Mobile review

US Mobile plans
  • US Mobile 500MB plan: $5/mo

  • US Mobile unlimited talk & text plan: $8/mo

  • US Mobile 2GB plan: $12/mo

  • US Mobile 5GB plan: $15/mo

  • US Mobile 15GB plan: $20/mo

  • US Mobile 25GB plan: $25/mo

  • US Mobile unlimited data plan: $35/mo

  • US Mobile unlimited data plan: $45/mo

See US Mobile phone plans

Mint Mobile SIM card vertical

Mint Mobile: Best cell phone carrier for unlimited

T-Mobile wireless network coverage

Unlimited mins

Unlimited texts

Unlimited 4G/5G Data

$30/mo*

* Only $90 for 3 Months

4.5
Pros
  • Offers the latest phones with 0% finance

  • Prepay months in bulk for more savings

  • Reliable network coverage

  • Works with most GSM phones

Cons
  • No family plans

  • Minimum 3 months

Mint Mobile Unlimited plan includes unlimited mins, unlimited texts and unlimited data for only $30 per month. Mint Mobile plans offers wireless coverage on the T-Mobile 5G and 4G LTE network. Read Mint Mobile review

Mint Mobile plans
  • Mint Mobile 5GB plan: $15/mo

  • Mint Mobile 15GB plan: $20/mo

  • Mint Mobile 20GB plan: $25/mo

  • Mint Mobile unlimited data plan: $30/mo

See Mint Mobile phone plans

Boost Mobile SIM card vertical

Boost Mobile: Best cell phone carrier for 5G

AT&T & T-Mobile wireless network coverage

Unlimited mins

Unlimited texts

5GB 4G/5G Data

$5/mo*

* $15 for 3 months service

4.5
Pros
  • Nationwide coverage on AT&T & T-Mobile

  • 5G & 4G LTE data speeds

  • Buy online and no credit checks

  • Bring your own phone

  • Cheapest unlimited data plan

Cons
  • No data only plans

Boost Mobile 5GB plan includes unlimited mins, unlimited texts and 5GB data for only $5 per month. Boost Mobile plans offers wireless coverage on the AT&T & T-Mobile 5G and 4G LTE networks. Read Boost Mobile review

Boost Mobile plans
  • Boost Mobile 5GB plan: $5/mo

  • Boost Mobile 1GB plan: $8/mo

  • Boost Mobile 2GB plan: $10/mo

  • Boost Mobile unlimited data plan: $12.50/mo

  • Boost Mobile 15GB plan: $20/mo

See Boost Mobile phone plans

Twigby SIM card vertical

Twigby: Best cell phone carrier for talk & text

Verizon wireless network coverage

Unlimited mins

Unlimited texts

0GB 4G/5G Data

$5/mo*

* $10 Credit with Promo Code: MSP

4.5
Pros
  • 5G & 4G LTE coverage on Verizon network

  • No hotspot charges

  • International calling and texting

  • 30 day money back guarantee

  • Great new customer discounts

Cons
  • Limited cell phone selection

Twigby 0GB plan includes unlimited mins, unlimited texts and 0GB data for only $5 per month. Twigby plans offers wireless coverage on the Verizon 5G and 4G LTE network. Read Twigby review

Twigby plans
  • Twigby 1GB plan: $5/mo

  • Twigby unlimited talk & text plan: $5/mo

  • Twigby 4GB plan: $10/mo

  • Twigby 7GB plan: $15/mo

  • Twigby 10GB plan: $20/mo

  • Twigby unlimited data plan: $30/mo

See Twigby phone plans

Reach Mobile SIM card vertical

Reach Mobile: Best cell phone carrier for seniors

T-Mobile wireless network coverage

Unlimited mins

Unlimited texts

2GB 4G/5G Data

$10/mo*
currently unavailable

* $10 Off for 3 Months

4
Pros
  • 5G coverage available

  • 24/7 live customer support with helpful humans

  • No contract, no bulk-order commitment

  • Hotspot enabled

  • A socially conscious provider who gives back

Cons
  • Small selection of handsets

Reach Mobile 2GB plan includes unlimited mins, unlimited texts and 2GB data for only $10 per month. Reach Mobile plans offers wireless coverage on the T-Mobile 5G and 4G LTE network. Read Reach Mobile review

Reach Mobile plans
  • Reach Mobile 2GB plan: $10/mo

  • Reach Mobile 5GB plan: $20/mo

  • Reach Mobile 10GB plan: $25/mo

  • Reach Mobile 15GB plan: $30/mo

  • Reach Mobile unlimited data plan: $35/mo

See Reach Mobile phone plans

PureTalk SIM card vertical

PureTalk: Best cell phone carrier for kids

AT&T wireless network coverage

Unlimited mins

Unlimited texts

2GB 4G/5G Data

$15/mo*
currently unavailable

* 25% Off for 3 Months

3.5
Pros
  • 5G & 4G LTE coverage

  • 30-day risk-free guarantee

  • Multi-line discounts

  • 0% finance for new phones

  • US-based customer service

  • Supports eSIM

Cons
  • There are cheaper plans out there

  • May slow speeds at busy times

PureTalk 2GB plan includes unlimited mins, unlimited texts and 2GB data for only $15 per month. PureTalk plans offers wireless coverage on the AT&T 5G and 4G LTE network. Read PureTalk review

PureTalk plans
  • PureTalk 2GB plan: $15/mo

  • PureTalk 4GB plan: $19/mo

  • PureTalk 6GB plan: $22/mo

  • PureTalk 10GB plan: $26/mo

  • PureTalk 20GB plan: $34/mo

  • PureTalk unlimited data plan: $42/mo

See PureTalk phone plans

Good2Go Mobile SIM card vertical

Good2Go Mobile: Best cell phone carrier for one

AT&T & T-Mobile wireless network coverage

Unlimited mins

Unlimited texts

6GB 4G/5G Data

$25/mo*

* Double data promotion

3
Pros
  • 4G LTE coverage

  • No contract

  • No credit checks

Cons
  • No unlimited data options

  • No app interface

Good2Go Mobile 6GB plan includes unlimited mins, unlimited texts and 6GB data for only $25 per month. Good2Go Mobile plans offers wireless coverage on the AT&T & T-Mobile 5G and 4G LTE networks. Read Good2Go Mobile review

Good2Go Mobile plans
  • Good2Go Mobile unlimited talk & text plan: $10/mo

  • Good2Go Mobile 1GB plan: $15/mo

  • Good2Go Mobile 4GB plan: $20/mo

  • Good2Go Mobile 6GB plan: $25/mo

  • Good2Go Mobile 12GB plan: $30/mo

  • Good2Go Mobile 20GB plan: $45/mo

See Good2Go Mobile phone plans

Cheapest cell phone carriers

Carrier

Network

Data

Price

Tello SIM card - Horizontal Tello

T-Mobile

1GB

$10/mo

US Mobile SIM card - Horizontal US Mobile

Verizon & T-Mobile

2GB

$12/mo

Boost Mobile SIM card - Horizontal Boost Mobile

AT&T & T-Mobile

5GB

$15/mo

Mint Mobile SIM card - Horizontal Mint Mobile

T-Mobile

15GB

$20/mo

Boost Infinite SIM card - Horizontal Boost Infinite

AT&T & T-Mobile

Unltd

$25/mo

T-Mobile vs Mint Mobile comparison

Keep your T-Mobile phone, number & coverage: Save $600 per year

Carrier

Network Coverage

4G/5G Data

Price

Annual Cost

T-Mobile

T-Mobile 4G & 5G

Unltd*

$70/mo

$840/yr

Mint Mobile

T-Mobile 4G & 5G

15GB

$20/mo

$240/yr

*Don't waste money on unlimited data - Avg. data usage is only 3-5GB

Savings

$50/mo

$600/yr

Cheap cell phone carrier benefits

Smaller carriers - called MVNOs (mobile virtual network operators) - offer some surprising advantages over the big guys:

  • Same nationwide coverage: Smaller cell phone carriers run on the big wireless networks. That means you get the same reliable coverage you're used to.

  • Cheaper prices: Save up to $600 a year on your cell phone plan with an MVNO. These smaller carriers have lower overhead costs than the big guys and pass the savings on to you.

  • Bring your phone and your number: With an alternative provider you can bring your own phone and keep your phone number. Compare cell phone deals or buy new from some carriers.

  • Custom cell phone plans: Smaller carriers tend to be more flexible, giving you plenty of customizable options. Choose as little or as much as you want, including unlimited data plans.

  • No-contract plans: Kiss the commitment goodbye. MVNOs sell no-contract cell phone plans. No early termination fees or overage charges.

  • Better customer service: Switching to a small carrier can be a great way to get more personalized customer support. Check out our carrier user reviews to see which ones have the best reputations.


Cell phone carriers near me

Switch & Save $600 per year
Find Cheap Cell Phone Plans in Your Area

Choosing a wireless carrier means getting the right fit for your budget and data needs. But you also want to find the best coverage in your area.

For GSM carriers you'll want to check out the AT&T coverage map and the T-Mobile coverage map. For CDMA carriers look at the Verizon coverage map.

It's helpful to keep in mind that since T-Mobile just merged with Sprint their coverage will basically be the same pretty soon.

Wondering about the rapidly-spreading 5G coverage? Us too. So we're keeping an eye on 5G phone plans being rolled out by MVNOs so that you can easily find the fastest carrier in your area.

Which prepaid carrier is best for you? That depends on which network has the best coverage in your area.

Whether you go with a GSM carrier (T-Mobile and AT&T) or a CDMA carrier (Verizon) you'll enjoy national coverage, just like with the major carriers.

Network performance ratings

NETWORK

OVERALL

RELIABILITY

SPEED

DATA

CALL

Verizon Coverage

95

96

94

96

94

AT&T Coverage

94

94

95

96

92

T-Mobile Coverage

86

88

82

89

82

Source: Rootmetrics


Phone carrier customer service

Concerned that low-cost carriers won't have good customer service? Don't be, on average MVNOs score much higher customer ratings than the big networks as you'll see in the comparison chart below:

CARRIER

TRUSTPILOT USER RATING

Reach Mobile

4.9

Tello

4.6

US Mobile

4.6

T-Mobile

1.5

Verizon

1.3

AT&T

1.2


Best MVNOs

Check out this summary of our favorite MVNOs to find the best cell phone service provider for you.

  • Mint Mobile: Save more by purchasing service 3-12 months at a time. Mint is a T-Mobile MVNO.

  • Red Pocket: Red Pocket is unique because it runs on all four of the major wireless networks. It's also a standout because you get free calling to over 80 countries.

  • Boost Mobile: Boost runs on the T-Mobile network. They don't sell the cheapest phone plans in the world but they do offer some cool perks like multi-line discounts and international calling.

  • Tello: This T-Mobile MVNO specializes in flexibility. Customize your cell phone plan with just the right amount of talk and text plus data.

  • Twigby: Twigby is a CDMA carrier operating on the Verizon network. This MVNO has built a reputation out of offering some of the best phone plans for seniors.

  • Ultra Mobile: This is another carrier that saves you money by selling plans in bulk. The difference is that you also have the choice to buy one month at a time. Ultra Mobile operates on the T-Mobile network.

  • US Mobile: Pick from T-Mobile or Verizon, with a wide range of build-your-own-plan choices. US Mobile also stands out from the crowd with their international roaming option.

  • PureTalk: PureTalk runs on the AT&T network. It has great international calling options and also offers discounts on multiple lines.

  • Unreal Mobile: Unreal is a T-Mobile MVNO. This carrier also sells phone service in bulk (multiple months at a time) for deeper discounts.

  • Good2Go Mobile: This AT&T MVNO works best for low to moderate data users. You can also add on international phone calls if you want.

  • Reach Mobile: This Verizon MVNO has some solid options for everyone from light to heavy data users.

Carrier plan types

We know that one of your main concerns with choosing a wireless carrier is what kinds of cell phone plans they offer.

Smaller carriers give you boatloads of options designed to meet your needs while saving you money.

  • Prepaid phone plans - Say goodbye to overage charges with prepaid cell phone companies. MVNOs sell no-contract plans at prices that make you want to stay. Check out our prepaid phone plan comparison to see which carrier works best for you.

  • Unlimited data plans - It's true that most people don't really need an unlimited phone plan. Are you one of those people who does plow through a ton of data? Compare unlimited data plans from low-cost carriers. If you're not sure what you need just use our data usage calculator to figure it out in seconds.

  • Family phone plans - Looking for a carrier that can cover the whole fam? Compare the cheapest family phone plans and get a deal on service for everyone.

  • Bring your own phone plans - Bring your own phone plans make it easy to switch carriers without having to commit to two years of phone payments.

  • Individual phone plans - Unlike the big guys, MVNOs don't penalize you with high prices when you only need one line. Find the best phone plans for individuals from the cheapest carriers out there.

  • Talk & text only plans - If you don't need data, an unlimited talk and text only plan will save you even more money.

  • Tablet data plans - MVNOs also have you covered with cheap data plans for tablets and iPad.

  • Kid phone plans - Design just the right plan for your little ones with the best phone plans for kids.

  • Senior phone plans - Small carriers are experts at meeting the needs of customers of all ages. Compare cheap cell phone plans for seniors now.


Cell phone carrier features

You might be concerned that smaller carriers don't offer all your must-have features. Rest assured these wireless providers give you the same set of attractive options as their overpriced counterparts.

  • 4G LTE & 5G networks: MVNOs use the same four wireless networks as the big carriers. You can expect reliability as well as great data speeds.

  • Unlimited talk and text: Cheap talk and text only plans that come with no data.

  • International calls to Canada and Mexico: Enjoy great rates on those calls to long-distance friends and family. Check out the best international calling plans to get discounts on tons of countries.

  • Multiline discounts: Get a stellar deal on family cell phone plans by taking advantage of multi-line discounts from smaller carriers.

  • Wi-Fi calling: Few things are more annoying than calls dropping when you're in an area with weak signal. Wi-fi calling lets you connect over the internet instead.

  • Tethering and hotspot data: Love to share your high-speed data with your other devices? No problem even with alternative carriers. Check out the best mobile hotspot plans.

  • HD video streaming: Some low-cost carriers offer HD video streaming. That's something not even all of the big guys give you.

Bring your own phone

Our goal is to help you save as much money as possible on your wireless service. Keeping your current cell phone helps you put more money back in your pocket.

Since smaller carriers let you bring your own phone, switching is simple. Get a prepaid SIM card kit from your new carrier, pop it in and you're ready to go (make sure you unlock your cell phone first!).

Don't forget, you can keep your phone number too. Just make sure you get switched over to your new carrier before canceling your old wireless plan so you don't lose your number!


Cell hone carriers list

T-Mobile MVNOs

Verizon MVNOs

AT&T MVNOs

Boost Mobile

US Mobile

Red Pocket

US Mobile

Red Pocket

Good2Go Mobile

Ultra Mobile

Twigby

PureTalk

Tello

Affinity Cellular

H2O Wireless

Red Pocket

Reach Mobile

Straight Talk

Mint Mobile

Spectrum Mobile

Tracfone

Consumer Cellular

Total by Verizon

Kroger Wireless

Republic Wireless

Ting

Optimum Mobile

Simple Mobile

Lycamobile

Gen Mobile


Cell phone carriers FAQs

What is the cheapest phone carrier?

MVNOs offer great value prepaid cell phone plans. Saving you money on your monthly bill, while receiving the same quality coverage as they piggyback on the big US networks.

What is the best phone carrier?

The best carrier provides you with what you need from a cell phone plan and good coverage in your area. MVNOs offer a selection of plans suitable for everyone.


Recap

From basic plans to all the bells and whistles, smaller carriers are the savvy way to save tons without sacrificing quality or network coverage.

Have more questions, like how to decide between a CDMA and GSM cell phone company or what exactly is 4G?

We've got more answers in our comprehensive collection of wireless carrier guides.