The best cheap prepaid phone carriers in September
Cheap prepaid phone carrier benefits
Low-cost carriers, also known as MVNOs, are a great way to save with a network you already trust. But at half the price.
Jumping on the networks of the four big guys - Verizon, Sprint, AT&T, and T-Mobile - you can expect good coverage. But it doesn't come with the hefty price tag. With these low-cost carriers there is no contract, which means no commitment and the flexibility to leave if you're unhappy.
Here's why we think it's a no-brainer:
Nationwide coverage from the four major networks
No expensive monthly bills
No contracts
Tailor the plan to your needs - no more paying for what you don't use
Hassle free to switch - bring your phone and keep your number
Fast 4G LTE and 5G data speeds
Best cheap prepaid T-Mobile carrier
Unlimitedmins
Unlimitedtexts
4 GB
4G data
$15*
per month
Powered by: T-Mobile
T-Mobile vs Mint Mobile Plan Comparison
Keep your T-Mobile phone, number & coverage: Save $660 per year
Carrier | Network Coverage | 4G LTE Data | Price | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| T-Mobile 4G LTE | Unltd* | $70/mo | $840/yr | |
| T-Mobile 4G LTE | 4GB | $15/mo | $180/yr | |
| *Don't waste money on unlimited data - Avg. data usage is only 3-5GB | Savings | $55/mo | $660/yr | |
Compare: best cheap T-Mobile prepaid plans
Best cheap AT&T prepaid carrier
Unlimitedmins
Unlimitedtexts
4 GB
4G data
$18.75*
per month
$25/mo
Powered by: AT&T
AT&T vs Pure Talk Plan Comparison
Keep your AT&T phone, number & coverage: Save $619 per year
Carrier | Network Coverage | 4G LTE Data | Price | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AT&T 4G LTE | Unltd* | $75/mo | $900/yr | |
| AT&T 4G LTE | 4GB | $25/mo | $281/yr | |
| *Don't waste money on unlimited data - Avg. data usage is only 3-5GB | Savings | $50/mo | $619/yr | |
Compare: best cheap AT&T prepaid plans
Best cheap Verizon prepaid carrier
Unlimitedmins
Unlimitedtexts
3 GB
4G data
$15*
per month
$30/mo
Powered by: Verizon
Verizon vs Reach Mobile Plan Comparison
Keep your Verizon phone, number & coverage: Save $645 per year
Carrier | Network Coverage | 4G LTE Data | Price | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Verizon 4G LTE | Unltd* | $80/mo | $960/yr | |
| Verizon 4G LTE | 3GB | $30/mo | $315/yr | |
| *Don't waste money on unlimited data - Avg. data usage is only 3-5GB | Savings | $50/mo | $645/yr | |
Compare: best cheap Verizon prepaid plans
Compare cheap prepaid phone carrier plans
Carrier | Network | Minutes | Texts | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
T-Mobile | Unltd | Unltd | 2GB | $11** Extra 20% Off with code: MSP20 | |
T-Mobile | Unltd | Unltd | 4GB | $15** $45 for 3 Months Service | |
Verizon & T-Mobile | Unltd | Unltd | 12GB | $20Free Starter Kit with code: MSPUSM | |
T-Mobile | Unltd | Unltd | Unltd | $29.30** 25% Off for 6 Months | |
AT&T & T-Mobile | Unltd | Unltd | 1GB | $7.50** 50% Off for 3 Months |
Carrier coverage comparison
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
95 | 96 | 94 | 96 | 94 | |
94 | 94 | 95 | 96 | 92 | |
86 | 88 | 82 | 89 | 82 |
Source: Rootmetrics
Prepaid carrier customer service comparison
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 |
|---|---|
4.9 | |
4.6 | |
4.6 | |
1.5 | |
1.3 | |
1.2 |
How to switch to a cheaper phone carrier
It's never been easier to switch. Let's break it down.
Customize your plan. Whether you're looking for a truly unlimited plan, or in the market for something more basic, choose a plan to suit your cell phone needs.
Prepare to make the switch. Make sure your old bills are paid up and your phone is unlocked. If you're getting a new device, transferring data from one to another is simple. Even if you're going from an iPhone to Android, and vice versa.
Set up your new plan. Keep your current carrier account open until your number has ported over. Once you're sure your new plan is up and running, cancel your old account. If you've got a new device with your Tello plan, it should be ready to use when it arrives. If you're bringing your own phone then you'll need to follow the instructions with the new SIM card kit that Tello will send to you in the post.
Cheap prepaid phone carriers list
Best prepaid cell phone deals
Model | Condition | Memory | Compatibility | Price | New | 128GB | AT&T | $549 | New | 64GB | AT&T | $599 | New | 64GB | AT&T | $699 | New | 128GB | AT&T | $779 | New | 64GB | T-Mobile | $729 | New | 128GB | Verizon | $999 | New | 128GB | T-Mobile | $1,099 | New | 64GB | T-Mobile | $399 | New | 128GB | T-Mobile | $549 |
|---|
Prepaid phone carriers FAQs
Who has the best-prepaid cell phone service?
Low-cost carriers provide the best value for money with a prepaid cell phone plan.
Which phone carrier is cheapest?
The cheapest low-cost carrier is Tello with basic plans starting from $8.
What is the cheapest cell phone plan for one person?
There's a variety of MVNOs that offer cheap prepaid cell phone plans. No commitment, and save hundreds on your phone bill.
Recap
There's some great deals to be had with prepaid cell phone carriers, with customizable plans and a selection of features to suit you.
With access to the same quality coverage, if you love your current network you can choose a plan with their MVNO or check out the best cell phone coverage in your area with your ZIP code.
Prepaid cell phone carriers encourage you to bring your own phone, which can save you even more money. But if you're in the market for a new handset most carriers offer a selection with 0% finance over two years.
Carrier | Best for... | Mins | Texts | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Tello | Best prepaid carrier | Unlimited | Unlimited | 1GB | $10/mo |
 Mint Mobile | Best unlimited carrier | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | $30/mo |
 Red Pocket | Best carrier for kids | 500 | 500 | 0.5GB | $10/mo |
