CDMA is one of two cellular technologies that help bridge the gap when there's no 4G signal. Verizon (and previously Sprint) currently use the CDMA network.
MVNOs are growing in popularity because they operate on the main US networks to give you the same nationwide coverage but low monthly costs.
We've selected the top MVNO carriers on the CDMA network with a variety to fit all needs and budgets. By switching to a low-cost carrier you'll be able to save up to $600 a year.
We've broken it down further for you below.
| Prepaid CDMA carrier | US Mobile |
| Family CDMA carrier | US Mobile |
| Unlimited CDMA carrier | Visible |
| 2 line CDMA carrier | Red Pocket |
| Kids CDMA carrier | Red Pocket |
| Student CDMA carrier | US Mobile |
Best prepaid CDMA carrier
- Minutes
- Unlimited
- Texts
- Unlimited
- Data
- 5GB
- Price
- $15/mo* Free 10 Day Trial
US Mobile 5GB plan includes unlimited mins, unlimited texts and 5GB data for only $15 per month. US Mobile plans offer wireless coverage on the Verizon & T-Mobile 5G and 4G LTE networks. To learn more about why this is one of the best cell phone plans, check out MoneySavingPro's US Mobile review
Pros
Flexible, no contract plans
24/7 customer service
5G coverage available
Cons
No international calling
Phone selection
Benefits
Coverage on either the T-Mobile or Verizon network
Risk-free trial: Full refund within 14 days or before 1000 talk, text, or MB's is used
Prepaid - no contract, credit check, or activation fee
Bring your own GSM or CDMA phone or choose from a small selection of phones for sale
Keep your own phone number
Mobile hotspot use available as add-on option with unlimited data plans
International roaming plans available with eSIMs
Add-ons available for talk, text, and data, with rollover
24/7 customer support
Best CDMA carrier for families
- Minutes
- Unlimited
- Texts
- Unlimited
- Data
- 12GB
- Price
- $20/mo* Free 10 Day Trial
US Mobile 12GB plan includes unlimited mins, unlimited texts and 12GB data for only $20 per month. US Mobile plans offer wireless coverage on the Verizon & T-Mobile 5G and 4G LTE networks. To learn more about why this is one of the best cell phone plans, check out MoneySavingPro's US Mobile review
Pros
Flexible, no contract plans
24/7 customer service
5G coverage available
Cons
No international calling
Phone selection
Benefits
Coverage on either the T-Mobile or Verizon network
Risk-free trial: Full refund within 14 days or before 1000 talk, text, or MB's is used
Prepaid - no contract, credit check, or activation fee
Bring your own GSM or CDMA phone or choose from a small selection of phones for sale
Keep your own phone number
Mobile hotspot use available as add-on option with unlimited data plans
International roaming plans available with eSIMs
Add-ons available for talk, text, and data, with rollover
24/7 customer support
Best CDMA carrier for unlimited data
- Minutes
- Unlimited
- Texts
- Unlimited
- Data
- Unlimited
- Price
- $30/mo
Visible Unlimited plan includes unlimited mins, unlimited texts and unlimited data for only $30 per month. Visible plans offer wireless coverage on the Verizon 5G and 4G LTE network. To learn more about why this is one of the best cell phone plans, check out MoneySavingPro's Visible review
Pros
Great pricing
Unlimited talk, text, and data
Taxes and fees included in price
Simple plan
User-friendly website
Cons
Only one plan
Data speed is capped at 5 Mbps
Limited phone compatibility
App-based service
Benefits
Coverage provided by its parent company, Verizon Wireless
Prepaid - no contract, credit check, or activation fee
Bring your own compatible device or buy a Visible phone
Keep your phone number
Mobile hotspot/tethering supported
No international use supported
Customer support available by chat 7am to 12am EST weekdays and 10am to 10pm weekends, and by phone by request
Best CDMA carrier for 2 lines
- Minutes
- Unlimited
- Texts
- Unlimited
- Data
- 10GB
- Price
- $30/mo
Red Pocket 10GB plan includes unlimited mins, unlimited texts and 10GB data for only $30 per month. Red Pocket plans offer wireless coverage on the AT&T & Verizon 5G and 4G LTE networks. To learn more about why this is one of the best cell phone plans, check out MoneySavingPro's Red Pocket review
| Plan | Data | Price | View plan |
|---|---|---|---|
Red Pocket 500MB | 500MB | $10 | View Plan |
Red Pocket 3GB - 12 Mths | 3GB | $15* * $180 for 12 Months Service | View Plan |
3GB | $20 | View Plan | |
Red Pocket 10GB - 12 Mths | 10GB | $22* * $270 for 12 Months Service | View Plan |
Red Pocket 25GB - 12 Mths | 25GB | $30* * $360 for 12 Months Service | View Plan |
10GB | $30 | View Plan | |
Red Pocket 50GB - 12 Mths | 50GB | $37* * $450 for 12 Months Service | View Plan |
25GB | $40 | View Plan | |
50GB | $50 | View Plan |
Pros
Nationwide coverage
No contracts
Latest selection of phones
Cons
Account dashboard needs work
No 0% financing options on latest phones
Customer service
Benefits
Operates on all four networks - AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, and Verizon
Prepaid cell phone plans - no contract, credit check, or activation fees
Bring your own GSM or CDMA device and keep your phone number
Mobile hotspot/tethering allowed with your plan data
Free international calling to 70+ countries
Customer service available in English, Chinese, Filipino, and Spanish via chat or phone
Best CDMA carrier for kids
- Minutes
- Unlimited
- Texts
- Unlimited
- Data
- 3GB
- Price
- $20/mo
Red Pocket 3GB plan includes unlimited mins, unlimited texts and 3GB data for only $20 per month. Red Pocket plans offer wireless coverage on the AT&T & Verizon 5G and 4G LTE networks. To learn more about why this is one of the best cell phone plans, check out MoneySavingPro's Red Pocket review
| Plan | Data | Price | View plan |
|---|---|---|---|
Red Pocket 500MB | 500MB | $10 | View Plan |
Red Pocket 3GB - 12 Mths | 3GB | $15* * $180 for 12 Months Service | View Plan |
3GB | $20 | View Plan | |
Red Pocket 10GB - 12 Mths | 10GB | $22* * $270 for 12 Months Service | View Plan |
Red Pocket 25GB - 12 Mths | 25GB | $30* * $360 for 12 Months Service | View Plan |
10GB | $30 | View Plan | |
Red Pocket 50GB - 12 Mths | 50GB | $37* * $450 for 12 Months Service | View Plan |
25GB | $40 | View Plan | |
50GB | $50 | View Plan |
Pros
Nationwide coverage
No contracts
Latest selection of phones
Cons
Account dashboard needs work
No 0% financing options on latest phones
Customer service
Benefits
Operates on all four networks - AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, and Verizon
Prepaid cell phone plans - no contract, credit check, or activation fees
Bring your own GSM or CDMA device and keep your phone number
Mobile hotspot/tethering allowed with your plan data
Free international calling to 70+ countries
Customer service available in English, Chinese, Filipino, and Spanish via chat or phone
Best CDMA carrier for students
- Minutes
- Unlimited
- Texts
- Unlimited
- Data
- 18GB
- Price
- $25/mo* Free 10 Day Trial
US Mobile 18GB plan includes unlimited mins, unlimited texts and 18GB data for only $25 per month. US Mobile plans offer wireless coverage on the Verizon & T-Mobile 5G and 4G LTE networks. To learn more about why this is one of the best cell phone plans, check out MoneySavingPro's US Mobile review
Pros
Flexible, no contract plans
24/7 customer service
5G coverage available
Cons
No international calling
Phone selection
Benefits
Coverage on either the T-Mobile or Verizon network
Risk-free trial: Full refund within 14 days or before 1000 talk, text, or MB's is used
Prepaid - no contract, credit check, or activation fee
Bring your own GSM or CDMA phone or choose from a small selection of phones for sale
Keep your own phone number
Mobile hotspot use available as add-on option with unlimited data plans
International roaming plans available with eSIMs
Add-ons available for talk, text, and data, with rollover
24/7 customer support
Best CDMA network carriers
CDMA carrier benefits
- Same great nationwide coverage: These cell phone carriers operate on the very same networks as the big three carriers.
- Much lower prices: Save up to $600 per year on your cell phone plan. Why are MVNOs so much cheaper? They don't have the huge overhead and advertising costs the big guys do.
- No contracts: Don't get trapped into a two-year agreement. Switch carriers when you decide to with a no contract phone plan.
- Same cell phone service: Just because you're paying less, that doesn't mean you have to scrimp on features. Plans with unlimited everything are easy to find from these prepaid carriers. Usually, a low-cost carrier plan comes with unlimited talk and text as standard, high-speed data, and even mobile hotspot data features.
- Keep your phone and number: You can bring your own phone and keep your phone number. No need to sign up for pricey device payments.
- Customize your plan: You decide how much data you need. Choose to pay as you go, opt for unlimited or no data, minimal minutes, or unlimited talk text and data. Unlimited data plans come at a much better price with an alternative carrier. Pick the plan options that fit your budget - not the one your carrier thinks you need.
- Great customer support: Smaller mobile providers are known for their attention to their customers. Stop feeling like an anonymous number getting lost in the crowd! Check out our carrier user reviews before switching.
CDMA carrier features
- 4G LTE and 5G data speeds: Since MVNOs operate on the big three 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 multi-line 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 CDMA carrier plans
| Carrier | Data | Network | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| US Mobile 5GB plan | 5GB | Verizon & T-Mobile | $15* Free 10 Day Trial |
| US Mobile 18GB plan | 18GB | Verizon & T-Mobile | $25* Free 10 Day Trial |
| Visible unlimited data plan | Unltd | Verizon | $30 |
| Red Pocket 50GB plan | 50GB | AT&T & Verizon | $50 |
| US Mobile 12GB plan | 12GB | Verizon & T-Mobile | $20* Free 10 Day Trial |
CDMA network coverage
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
CDMA network carriers list
| Carrier | Network(s) |
|---|---|
| Boom! Mobile | Verizon & T-Mobile |
| CREDO Mobile | Verizon |
| Lively | Verizon |
| Net10 Wireless | Verizon |
| Page Plus Cellular | Verizon |
| Red Pocket | AT&T, T-Mobile & Verizon |
| Spectrum Mobile | Verizon |
| Straight Talk | T-Mobile, AT&T & Verizon |
| Ting | T-Mobile & Verizon |
| Total Wireless | Verizon |
| Tracfone | Verizon, AT&T & T-Mobile |
| Twigby | Verizon |
| US Mobile | Verizon & T-Mobile |
| Visible | Verizon |
| Xfinity Mobile | Verizon |
| Wing | AT&T, Verizon & T-Mobile |
| Affinity Cellular | Verizon |
| Selectel Wireless | Verizon |
What is the CDMA network?
CDMA - Code Division Multiple Access - is used mainly across the US. This is one of the main differences between CDMA and GSM, as GSM is a technology used worldwide.
Both technologies fill in the gap when 4G is not available, to make sure you still have coverage.
Which is better CDMA or GSM?
This can still be a confusing topic for consumers and it's really more a personal preference when it comes to CDMA and GSM.
It's easier to swap phones with a GSM phone as the information is stored on a SIM card and GSM carriers do not have as much control over the phone used. With CDMA you need the permission of your carrier.
Whether you have a CDMA phone or a GSM phone you can find the best low-cost carriers for both networks.
CDMA unlocked phones
| Phone | Carrier | Network | Monthly Price | Total Cost | Samsung Galaxy A03s Verizon | Visible | Verizon 5G/4G LTE | $13/mo for 12 mths | $160 | Samsung Galaxy A13 Verizon | Visible | Verizon 5G/4G LTE | $16/mo for 12 mths | $192 | Apple iPhone SE Verizon | Visible | Verizon 5G/4G LTE | $18/mo for 24 mths | $429 | Samsung Galaxy A53 Verizon | Visible | Verizon 5G/4G LTE | $19/mo for 24 mths | $449 | Apple iPhone 12 mini 64GB Verizon | Visible | Verizon 5G/4G LTE | $21/mo for 24 mths | $499 | Apple iPhone 12 64GB Verizon | Visible | Verizon 5G/4G LTE | $25/mo for 24 mths | $599 | Apple iPhone 13 mini 128GB Verizon | Visible | Verizon 5G/4G LTE | $25/mo for 24 mths | $599 | Samsung Galaxy S22+ Verizon | Visible | Verizon 5G/4G LTE | $28/mo for 36 mths | $1,008 | Apple iPhone 13 128GB Verizon | Visible | Verizon 5G/4G LTE | $29/mo for 24 mths | $699 | Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max 128GB Verizon | Visible | Verizon 5G/4G LTE | $31/mo for 36 mths | $1,099 | Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra Verizon | Visible | Verizon 5G/4G LTE | $33/mo for 36 mths | $1,200 | Samsung Galaxy S22 Verizon | Visible | Verizon 5G/4G LTE | $34/mo for 24 mths | $816 | Apple iPhone 14 128GB Verizon | Visible | Verizon 5G/4G LTE | $35/mo for 24 mths | $829 | Apple iPhone 13 Pro 128GB Verizon | Visible | Verizon 5G/4G LTE | $37/mo for 24 mths | $884 | Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max 128GB Verizon | Visible | Verizon 5G/4G LTE | $41/mo for 24 mths | $980 | Apple iPhone 14 Pro 128GB Verizon | Visible | Verizon 5G/4G LTE | $42/mo for 24 mths | $999 | Samsung Galaxy S21 FE Verizon | US Mobile | Verizon 5G/4G LTE | $48/mo for 12 mths | $575 |
|---|
- Save 50% or more off retail: Get flagship smartphones in excellent condition for hundreds less than new.
- It's great value for your dollar: New phone models usually only get minor upgrades from year to year. Keep your money, but get all the best features.
- Retain your freedom: Buying your phone outright means you decide when to leave your carrier to find a cheaper cell phone plan.
What does CDMA unlocked mean?
A CDMA unlocked phone means that you are free to choose a cell phone plan from any provider that uses the CDMA network. There are some great budget-friendly bring your own phone plans available or you can choose from a range of MVNO's
Newer CDMA phones tend to be unlocked, due to also using GSM technology. So if you have a phone that is only a few years old it is likely to be unlocked giving you the chance to find a better cell phone plan.
CDMA carriers FAQs
Is Verizon CDMA?
Verizon operates on the CDMA network - Verizon unlocked phones may only work with CDMA carriers.
Is T-Mobile CDMA?
T-Mobile operates on the GSM network - T-Mobile unlocked phones should work with CDMA carriers.
Is AT&T CDMA?
AT&T operates on the GSM network - AT&T unlocked phones should work with CDMA carriers
Recap
Verizon runs on the CDMA network and switching to a Verizon MVNO can cut your monthly cell phone bills in half.
Bridging the gap when 4G is not available, CDMA is mainly used in the US. Although old CDMA phones had no SIM card, ones made in the last few years do and most are compatible with the GSM network.
If you're looking to bring your own phone you can check if your handset is compatible with our IMEI checker.
MoneySavingPro methodology
We're here to bring transparency to telecoms, putting power back in your hands. This guides everything we do.
- We've got high standards. We use our industry expertise to find carriers that reach these standards. We all deserve the best value for money, choice and customer experience.
- We care about accuracy. MoneySavingPro is run by cell phone geeks and money saving obsessives. Our content team researches everything thoroughly so that information you read here will give you the whole picture. Everything we do is backed up by the data.
- We keep things simple. It's our job to break down what you need to know, so you can make informed choices.
| Carrier | Best for... | Mins | Texts | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 US Mobile | Prepaid CDMA carrier | Unlimited | Unlimited | 5GB | $15/mo |
| US Mobile | Family CDMA carrier | Unlimited | Unlimited | 12GB | $20/mo |
 Visible | Unlimited CDMA carrier | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | $30/mo |
 Red Pocket | 2 line CDMA carrier | Unlimited | Unlimited | 10GB | $30/mo |
| Red Pocket | Kids CDMA carrier | Unlimited | Unlimited | 3GB | $20/mo |
| US Mobile | Student CDMA carrier | Unlimited | Unlimited | 18GB | $25/mo |
