Best cell phone service in 2021
Looking for a new phone, but on a tight budget?
We've got your back. Find your next cell phone plan from the best low-cost providers out there.
There are over 50 cell phone carriers in the United States. Known as MVNOs, these alternative carriers are powered by one or more of the big four networks.
You can stay on the same network, plus get greater flexibility. Everything you need comes at a much better price with a low-cost carrier.
Cell phone provider comparison
| Carrier | Network Coverage | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tello | T-Mobile | 1GB | $10 |
| Reach Mobile | Verizon | 3GB | $15** $15 Off for 3 Months |
| Pure Talk | AT&T | 4GB | $18.75** 25% Off for 3 Months |
| Ting | T-Mobile | 5GB | $25 |
| Twigby | Verizon | 3GB | $10** 50% Off for 6 Months |
Low-cost cell phone provider 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
Best AT&T cell phone provider
AT&T vs Pure Talk Plan Comparison
Keep your AT&T phone, number & coverage: Save $562 per year
| Carrier | Network Coverage | 4G LTE Data | Price | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AT&T | AT&T 4G LTE | Unltd* | $75/mo | $900/yr |
| Pure Talk | AT&T 4G LTE | 6GB | $30/mo | $338/yr |
| *Don't waste money on unlimited data - Avg. data usage is only 3-5GB | Savings | $45/mo | $562/yr | |
Best Verizon cell phone provider
Verizon vs Reach Mobile Plan Comparison
Keep your Verizon phone, number & coverage: Save $465 per year
| Carrier | Network Coverage | 4G LTE Data | Price | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Verizon | Verizon 4G LTE | Unltd* | $80/mo | $960/yr |
| Reach Mobile | Verizon 4G LTE | 8GB | $45/mo | $495/yr |
| *Don't waste money on unlimited data - Avg. data usage is only 3-5GB | Savings | $35/mo | $465/yr | |
Best T-Mobile cell phone provider
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 | T-Mobile 4G LTE | Unltd* | $70/mo | $840/yr |
| Mint Mobile | T-Mobile 4G LTE | 3GB | $15/mo | $180/yr |
| *Don't waste money on unlimited data - Avg. data usage is only 3-5GB | Savings | $55/mo | $660/yr | |
Best Sprint cell phone provider
Sprint vs Tello Plan Comparison
Keep your Sprint phone, number & coverage: Save $492 per year
| Carrier | Network Coverage | 4G LTE Data | Price | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sprint | Sprint 4G LTE | Unltd* | $60/mo | $720/yr |
| Tello | Sprint 4G LTE | 4GB | $19/mo | $228/yr |
| *Don't waste money on unlimited data - Avg. data usage is only 3-5GB | Savings | $41/mo | $492/yr | |
Do you really need unlimited data?
An upside to being bored in the house? Serious cash savings.
Our research shows most of us only use 3 to 5GB of data each month. This number goes down the more time we spend at home.
Something we're kinda getting used to these days.
We get it, running out of data is a pain. We'll do almost anything to avoid it. But if you're not using it, why pay a premium?
Think back to when cable was king. We paid for countless channels but watched a handful. Then, streaming services like Netflix were born. Money savers everywhere switched to more flexible, affordable options.
That's exactly what's happening to the telecoms industry. And it's about time, right?
Big telecoms corporations want you to spend money. We want to help you save it.
They're happy charging big bucks for unlimited data plans their customers don't use. We want to show you how to switch to a cheaper set plan, that suits your data needs.
Calculate your data usage and then tailor a plan to your needs. If you find you need more, most plans will let you can add more or you can switch to a different carrier. The low-cost carriers we recommend are flexible (another reason we love them.)
Best cheap cell phone provider
Avoid an unpleasant bill-shaped surprise at the end of the month with a prepaid plan. Pay in advance for a set amount of talk, text and data. This type of plan is ideal if you know how much you use your cell each month. Tello operate on the Sprint network and describe their plans as crazy affordable. We absolutely agree.
Best cell phone provider for unlimited data
You might have noticed we're not huge fans of unlimited data plans. But if you've calculated your usage and found you'd be completely stuck without it, PureTalk's plan is the best out there. Their unlimited coverage is powered by AT&T. You can also bring your own phone if you want, or find great deals on the latest handsets.
Best cell phone provider for unlimited talk and text only
Basic phone plans are ideal if you want a phone that functions well, without any of the distracting stuff. It makes them a popular first phone plan for kids. Good2Go Mobile has this ultra-dependable and cheap plan for unlimited talk and text.
Best cell phone provider for hotspot & tablet data
Take the stress out of unreliable home Wi-Fi and stay connected when you're out and about. With a mobile hotspot plan you can tether internet from one device to another. We like this budget friendly plan from Tello.
Best cell phone provider for coverage
Red Pocket phone plans are great for coverage because they are powered by all major networks. Piggybacking off the telecoms giants like Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile - they offer the same great service at a fraction of the cost.
Best cell phone provider for customer service
We're a picky lot. We only like showing you low-cost carriers that get good customer ratings. It was tough choosing a favorite.
US Mobile user reviews are consistently positive from money savers.
Best cell phone provider for individuals
We love the comedian cell phone experts over at Mint Mobile. They're one of the best low-cost carriers out there for extremely cheap cell phone plans. They offer great value plans for one line when you buy multiple months at a time.
Best cell phone provider for family plans
Family phone plans offer discounts on multiple lines for you and your loved ones. Make sure you've got unlimited text and talk so you can dodge unwanted fees.
To get a good value plan for the whole family you'll need to know how much data you're all using. Calculate your data usage and then tailor the plan to your family's needs. With great customer service, and super flexible options we like Reach Mobile's family plan.
Best cell phone provider for seniors
Twigby's simple and cheap, no frills plans for seniors get our vote. You or your loved one won't have to worry about paying for snazzy stuff that's not getting used.
Best cell phone provider for kids
If you're in the market a cell phone plan for your kid, Red Pocket's are a reliable option. This award winning carrier offers smaller set-data plans. Keep track of how much data is being used each month. Check your coverage on their network, powered by all four big telecoms companies.
Bring your own phone to save even more
You don't have to switch your phone to get a good deal. Try these money-saving options:
- Bring your own phone
- Buy a refurbished smartphone
- Sell your old phone
- Compare offers for the best deals
Check which low-cost carriers are compatible with your current phone and provider.
List of cell phone providers
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.
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.
