The cheapest phone companies in June
Cheap cell phone companies benefits
Here's how much of a no-brainer it is.
National coverage from big US networks
Fast 4G LTE data speeds
Keep your existing phone and number
Customize your plan to your data usage
Simple online signup, switching is seamless
No big monthly bills
No unnecessary phone upgrades to tie you down
No annoying commission-hungry salespeople
No hidden fees or confusing contracts
No overpaying for unlimited data you don't need
Cell phone company plan comparison
Carrier | Network | Minutes | Texts | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
T-Mobile | Unltd | Unltd | 1GB | $7.50** 25% Off for 6 Months | |
Verizon | Unltd | Unltd | 3GB | $15** 50% Off for 3 Months | |
T-Mobile & Verizon | Unltd | Unltd | Unltd | $25** $20 Off for 3 Months | |
T-Mobile | Unltd | Unltd | 10GB | $20** $60 for 3 Months Service | |
Verizon & Sprint | 300 | Unltd | 1GB | $7.50** 50% Off for 6 Months |
Cell phone company plan features
4G LTE data speeds: Since MVNOs operate on the big four cellular networks you'll pay less without sacrificing speed. More and more are adding 5G coverage all the time so you can expect high-speed data.
Unlimited talk and text messaging: Finding a new unlimited plan has never been easier. Virtually all small carriers include unlimited text and calls in their plan options. Compare cheap talk and text plans with or without data.
International calls to Canada and Mexico: International calling is a must for many people. Luckily MVNOs offer some of the best international phone plans, with free calling to certain countries like Canada and Mexico, and discounted rates on others.
Multiline discounts: Low-cost carriers also offer some of the cheapest family cell phone plans, with multiline discounts.
Wi-Fi calling: This feature is handy when you're out of your service area, allowing you to make calls over the internet instead of on your cellular connection.
Tethering/hotspot data: Many low-cost carriers allow you to use your phone as a hotspot. Pick an MVNO with the best mobile hotspot plans so you can share your mobile hotspot data with other devices.
HD video streaming: Just like the big guys, some MVNOs offer HD video streaming and some don't. Read the fine print to find the option you want.
Best cell phone company 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 | |
Best cell phone company 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 | |
Best cell phone company powered by T-Mobile
T-Mobile vs Mint Mobile Plan Comparison
Keep your T-Mobile phone, number & coverage: Save $540 per year
Carrier | Network Coverage | 4G LTE Data | Price | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| T-Mobile 4G LTE | Unltd* | $60/mo | $720/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 | $45/mo | $540/yr | |
Phone company 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
Cell phone company customer ratings
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 |
Switching cell phone companies
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.
Cell phone companies list
Best cell phone deals
So what if you do want to upgrade your phone? It's all good - with a prepaid carrier you can save a ton of money by choosing one of a couple of great money-saving options:
Buy a new phone from the carrier: More and more MVNOs are offering a selection of affordable phones. Some even give you the choice of making device payments instead of paying all at once. We've gathered the best cell phone deals for you to compare all in one place.
Buy a refurbished cell phone: If you'd rather own your phone outright, compare refurbished phone deals to save over 50% on top models in great condition.
Compare cheap cell phone prices
Phone | AT&T | Verizon | T-Mobile | Unlocked | $349 | $599 | $599 | $349 | $649 | $899 | $899 | $649 | $749 | $999 | $999 | $749 | $579 | $829 | $829 | $579 | $479 | $729 | $729 | $479 | $749 | $999 | $999 | $749 | $849 | $1,099 | $1,099 | $849 | $149 | $399 | $359 | $149 | - | $499 | $499 | $499 |
|---|
Things to know before switching
How much data, voice and text messages do you need? Keep track of what you use for one month, then tailor a plan to your needs. Low-cost carrier plans give you more flexibility. If you need more or less of anything, change your plan.
Are you bringing your own phone? If you are, check which carriers are compatible in the table below.
Are you looking for a new phone and sim deal? Find out which low-cost carrier gives you the best phone coverage in your area. Then, browse their new handset plans.
Cell phone companies FAQs
Which carrier has the best coverage in my area?
You can check cell phone provider coverage where you live with our ZIP code checker.
Who has the best cell phone customer service?
US Mobile consistently gets top reviews for its service and plans. Find out what customers are saying with US Mobile user reviews.
Who is the best cell phone carrier?
The best cell phone carrier will depend on the features you're looking for and getting value for money. Find a range of plans from the top low-cost carriers.
Who has the best unlimited data plan?
Mint Mobile's unlimited data plan costs only $30 per month. Mint Mobile is powered by T-Mobile's 4G LTE & 5G network.
Recap
Paying over $80 a month for a cell phone plan that doesn't give you what you need doesn't make sense. Dodge the rising costs of cell phone plans from the big four carriers.
There are so many low-cost carriers emerging in the wireless industry. Offering cheap cell phone plans, they can save you hundreds of dollars each year.
Don't sacrifice cellular coverage you know and trust. Find out which of the big networks offer the best phone coverage in your area, and find the best low-cost carrier for you. Bring your own phone to save even more and check user reviews before you signup to get the best switching experience.
Each low-cost carrier is tailored toward specific needs and there's a great range out there. Some feature prepaid options, others focus on unlimited data.
There are build your own plans and even plans which offer insurance policies. Finding that next great plan has never been easier.
Carrier | Best for... | Mins | Texts | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Tello | Prepaid | Unlimited | Unlimited | 1GB | $10/mo |
 Mint Mobile | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | $30/mo |
 Reach Mobile | Family | Unlimited | Unlimited | 3GB | $30/mo |
 Boost Mobile | 5G | Unlimited | Unlimited | 1GB | $10/mo |
 Ting | Talk & Text | Unlimited | Unlimited | 0GB | $10/mo |
 Twigby | Seniors | 300 | Unlimited | 1GB | $16/mo |
 Red Pocket | Kids | Unlimited | Unlimited | 1GB | $10/mo |
 Pure Talk | Individuals | Unlimited | Unlimited | 4GB | $25/mo |
 US Mobile | Data only | 0 | 0 | 2GB | $10/mo |
