The 10 Best MVNOs in December 2023

We compared the best MVNOs to find the cheapest cell phone plans: Cut your phone bill by $600/yr.

1. Best MVNO with free trial: US Mobile Unlimited

US Mobile logo
  • Verizon & T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE networks
  • Unlimited talk and text
  • Unlimited data
  • $650 in annual savings

FREE*

$25/mo
See at US Mobile

* FREE 50 Day Trial + $50 Gift Card

4.5 Read our US Mobile review

2. Best cheap MVNO: Tello 1GB

Tello logo
  • T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE networks
  • Unlimited talk and text
  • 1GB data
  • $784 in annual savings

$6/mo*

$10/mo
See at Tello

* Only $6 for first month

5 Read our Tello review

3. Best eSIM MVNO: Mint Mobile 5GB

Mint Mobile logo
  • T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE networks
  • Unlimited talk and text
  • 5GB data
  • $765 in annual savings

$7.50/mo*

$15/mo
See at Mint Mobile

* 50% Off - $45 for 6 Mths Service

4.5 Read our Mint Mobile review

4. Best MVNO for families: Mint Mobile 15GB

Mint Mobile logo
  • T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE networks
  • Unlimited talk and text
  • 15GB data
  • $720 in annual savings

$10/mo*

$20/mo
See at Mint Mobile

* 50% Off - $60 for 6 Mths Service

4.5 Read our Mint Mobile review

5. Best MVNO for unlimited data: Boost Mobile Unlimited

Boost Mobile logo
  • AT&T & T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE networks
  • Unlimited talk and text
  • Unlimited data
  • $612.50 in annual savings

$12.50/mo*

$25/mo
See at Boost Mobile

* 50% Off First Month

4.5 Read our Boost Mobile review

6. Best prepaid MVNO: Ultra Mobile 3GB

Ultra Mobile logo
  • T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE networks
  • Unlimited talk and text
  • 3GB data
  • $699 in annual savings

$10/mo*

$19/mo
See at Ultra Mobile

* Only $30 for 3 Months Service

3.5 Read our Ultra Mobile review

7. Best T-Mobile MVNO: Mint Mobile Unlimited

Mint Mobile logo
  • T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE networks
  • Unlimited talk and text
  • Unlimited data
  • $630 in annual savings

$15/mo*

$30/mo
See at Mint Mobile

* 50% Off - $90 for 6 Mths Service

4.5 Read our Mint Mobile review

8. Best AT&T MVNO: Boost Infinite Unlimited

Boost Infinite logo
  • AT&T & T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE networks
  • Unlimited talk and text
  • Unlimited data
  • $600 in annual savings

$25/mo*

See at Boost Infinite

* $25/mo Forever

4.5 Read our Boost Infinite review

9. Best Verizon MVNO: Twigby 5GB

Twigby logo
  • Verizon 5G & 4G LTE networks
  • Unlimited talk and text
  • 5GB data
  • $690 in annual savings

$10/mo*

$20/mo
See at Twigby

* Only $10/mo for First 3 Months

4.5 Read our Twigby review

10. Best eSIM plan: Boost Mobile 5GB

Boost Mobile logo
  • AT&T & T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE networks
  • Unlimited talk and text
  • 5GB data
  • $750 in annual savings

$5/mo*

$15/mo
See at Boost Mobile

* $15 for 3 months service

4.5 Read our Boost Mobile review

The cheapest MVNO plans: Starting at $5 per month

Cell phone plans today from the big wireless companies are very expensive, but with the best MVNOs, you can save up to $600 per year without sacrificing wireless coverage.

An MVNO is a low-cost carrier powered by the same Verizon, T-Mobile, and AT&T network, offering customized phone plans for as little as $5 per month. MVNO carriers offer plans significantly cheaper than the cell phone plans offered by the big three.

There's also the option to purchase a new phone through these carriers at affordable prices.

Of course, MVNOs do vary, and the best will be different for everyone. Here at MoneySavingPro, we've done the work for you by researching and putting together the best MVNOs for you to compare.

The 10 Best MVNOs

How to choose the best MVNO plan

What network coverage do you prefer?

Network access is a key consideration wherever you live, but especially in rural areas. Luckily, low-cost carriers operate on the same 5G & 4G LTE networks as major carriers. T-Mobile scores the highest for 5G coverage, according to an Opensignal 5G Experience Report (2023). If there is a particular network you prefer, choose an MVNO that operates on that network. Use our coverage checker to find the best cell phone service in your area.

How much data do you need?

Do you really need an unlimited data plan? The big wireless companies want you to believe so, but in reality, the average monthly cellular data consumption is around 10GB. However, if you spend most of your time at home or work on Wi-Fi, it's likely your cellular data usage will be much lower. You can choose a data plan tailored to your needs with cheap cell phone providers, meaning you can pay less if you use less. But if you do choose an unlimited data plan, be aware that high-speed data is normally capped.

Is hotspot data included?

Most carriers allow hotspot data usage but limit the amount of data that can be used via tethering. The limit depends on the carrier and plan you choose. Some carriers also offer data only plans so you can access the internet on mobile devices like iPads, tablets, and mobile hotspots when Wi-Fi's not available.

What's the monthly price?

While big wireless unlimited plans cost around $75-90 per month, the best MVNOs offer budget-friendly plans, ranging from $5-35 per month without sacrificing wireless coverage and data speeds. Watch out for hidden fees & taxes; some carriers include these in the price, and others, such as Verizon and AT&T, don't.

How many lines do you need?

With big wireless, you only get the advertised price if you buy four lines. With MVNOs, the price you see is the price you pay, even for one line. Many low-cost carriers now offer further discounts for multi-line plans.

Can I bring my own phone or buy a new device?

While the big three love keeping their customers locked into a constant phone upgrade cycle, MVNOs encourage you to bring your own phone. This means you take back control and only change your phone when it suits you. If you do want to purchase a new phone, many MVNOs offer an affordable and easy way with 0% financing over 1-2 years.

Are there any deals or promotions?

Big wireless promotions can seem good at a glance. But once you read the small print, it often leads to buying things you don't need and committing to 3-year phone contracts. Many MVNOs offer short-term introductory promotional pricing for new customers, and their pricing is much more transparent.

What perks or add ons can I expect?

Most big wireless plans include "free" TV subscriptions. Initially, these seem like a great deal. However, these usually turn into a paid subscription that is automatically added to your bill a few months down the line. A few low-cost carriers, such as US Mobile, do offer plan options with free subscription services, but we generally recommend keeping these subscriptions separate so you don't end up paying for things you don't need.

Is international calling included?

Most MVNOs offer free international calls to many countries. If this is important to you, make sure to choose a carrier that includes this.

Are there parental controls?

Some Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) provide parental controls that allow parents to monitor their children's cell phone usage and data consumption. By using these features, you have the ability to establish limits on data usage, limit access to specific apps or websites, and even keep track of your child's whereabouts. These capabilities are accessible either through subscription plans or can be adjusted in the settings of your mobile device.

Check out our cell phone plan comparison to ensure you find the best deal.


The best T-Mobile MVNO

Mint Mobile unlimited data plan
  • T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE network
  • Unlimited talk and text
  • Unlimited data
$15/mo*
* 50% Off - $90 for 6 Mths Service
See at Mint Mobile

Check out our review of the best T-Mobile MVNOs


The best AT&T MVNO

Boost Mobile unlimited data plan
  • AT&T & T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE networks
  • Unlimited talk and text
  • Unlimited data
$12.50/mo*
* 50% Off First Month
See at Boost Mobile

AT&T vs Boost Mobile comparison

Keep your AT&T phone, number & coverage: Save $612 per year

Carrier Network Coverage 4G/5G Data Price Annual Cost
AT&T AT&T 4G & 5G Unlimited $75/mo $900/yr
Boost Mobile AT&T 4G & 5G Unlimited $25/mo $288/yr
Savings $50/mo $612/yr

Check out our review of the best AT&T MVNOs


The best Verizon MVNO

US Mobile unlimited data plan
  • Verizon & T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE networks
  • Unlimited talk and text
  • Unlimited data
$0/mo*
* FREE 50 Day Trial + $50 Gift Card
See at US Mobile

Verizon vs US Mobile comparison

Keep your Verizon phone, number & coverage: Save $650 per year

Carrier Network Coverage 4G/5G Data Price Annual Cost
Verizon Verizon 4G & 5G Unlimited $75/mo $900/yr
US Mobile Verizon 4G & 5G Unlimited $25/mo $250/yr
Savings $50/mo $650/yr

Check out our review of the best Verizon MVNOs


Find the best cell phone service in your area

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Find Cheap Cell Phone Plans in Your Area

Compare the cheapest MVNO plans

Carrier Network Data Price
US Mobile unlimited data plan Verizon & T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage Unltd $0/mo $25/mo
Tello 1GB plan T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage 1GB $6/mo $10/mo
Mint Mobile 5GB plan T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage 5GB $7.50/mo $15/mo
Mint Mobile 15GB plan T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage 15GB $10/mo $20/mo
Boost Mobile unlimited data plan AT&T & T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage Unltd $12.50/mo $25/mo

To ensure you get the best phone deal, compare cell phone plans from multiple cheap cell phone providers side by side.


MVNO list

T-Mobile MVNOsVerizon MVNOsAT&T MVNOs
Boost MobileRed PocketBoost Mobile
Mint MobileTwigbyRed Pocket
Red PocketUS MobileGood2Go Mobile
TelloAffinity CellularBoost Infinite
Ultra MobileSpectrum MobileTracfone
US MobileStraight TalkOptimum Mobile
Good2Go MobileTotal by Verizon
Boost InfiniteTracfone
LycamobileVisible
Kroger WirelessXfinity Mobile
WOW! MobileCox Mobile
Gotalk WirelessMobileX

MVNO carriers FAQs


Recap: What is the best MVNO?

Phone plans from Verizon, T-Mobile, and AT&T can be wallet-draining. You could easily be paying over $70-90 per month, and more, if you add the additional monthly cost of a new phone.

To avoid paying such high bills, switching to a cheap MVNO like Tello, Mint Mobile, or US Mobile can save you hundreds of dollars each year.

On average, most people use around 5GB of data per month, so you can save even more by avoiding unlimited data plans and choosing a cheap cell phone plan customized to your needs.

Phone plan guides

MoneySavingPro methodology

MoneySavingPro is dedicated to analyzing and comparing hundreds of cell phone plans from over 30 carriers to help you find the best value plan based on your individual needs without sacrificing service coverage.

Contrary to what the big 3 wireless companies would like you to believe - one size certainly does not fit all. Our goal is to help you save money by providing affordable alternatives to the expensive unlimited plans from Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile.

With over 15 years of experience working within the telecommunications industry, we believe that big wireless plans offer limited choice with pricing and fees that lack transparency, often resulting in ever-increasing phone bills and long phone contracts for many of their customers. This is why you won't find recommendations for any of the big 3 wireless companies on MoneySavingPro - even though this actually costs us money.

The carriers we do recommend have been researched and evaluated based on price, coverage, data limits, customer service, and additional features. Our goal is to provide a comprehensive view that balances cost and value, helping you find a plan that fits your needs and budget.

We did consider these other alternatives: Cricket Wireless, Total by Verizon, Xfinity Mobile, Spectrum Mobile, Straight Talk, Tracfone, Metro by T-Mobile, Visible, Google Fi, and Consumer Cellular, but we discounted them because we still don't consider these to be good value for money.

We regularly update our comparisons. Updating cell phone plans weekly and our content monthly to ensure we are showing the latest and most accurate information.

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