Cheapest phone companies in 2021
Looking to save money on your cell phone bill? Cheap often means sacrificing, but not with MVNOs - Mobile Virtual Network Operators.
MVNOs run on the networks of the big four - Verizon, Sprint, T-Mobile, and AT&T - so you can take your pick from the best cell phone carriers still using your favorite network.
We've put together some of our most loved deals for money savers. Whether you're looking for the first plan for your kid, cheap unlimited data plans or the best coverage. You'll find plenty of options below.
Cheap cell phone companies benefits
At MoneySavingPro we love MVNOs. These alternative carriers let you stay on a network you love, but at half the cost.
There's no contracts which means no early termination fees. If you're not happy you can cancel and move on.
Here's how much of a no-brainer it is:
4G LTE data speeds: since MVNOs operate on the big four cellular networks you'll pay less without sacrificing speed.
Unlimited talk and text messaging: most carriers include this in their plans. Compare cheap talk and text plans with or without data.
International calls to Canada and Mexico: being able to stay in touch with loved ones internationally is a must. MVNOs provide some of the best international phone plans.
Multiline discounts: most low-cost carriers provide multiline discounts for family plans.
Customize your plan: tailor a plan to suit your needs, so no more paying for what you don't use.
Hassle free switching: Keep your phone and number with a simple online signup
No hidden fees or baffling contracts: If you're not happy with your carrier you can cancel at any time.
Carrier | Network | Minutes | Texts | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
T-Mobile | Unltd | Unltd | 1GB | $7.50** 25% Off for 6 Months | |
AT&T | Unltd | Unltd | 2GB | $15** 25% 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 | |
AT&T | Unltd | Unltd | 6GB | $22.50** 25% Off for 3 Months |
Best cheap AT&T cell phone companies
Unlimitedmins
Unlimitedtexts
6 GB
4G data
$22.50*
per month
$30/mo
Powered by: AT&T
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 4G LTE | Unltd* | $75/mo | $900/yr | |
| 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 | |
See more deals with cheap AT&T cell phone companies
Best cheap Verizon cell phone companies
Unlimitedmins
Unlimitedtexts
8 GB
4G data
$23*
per month
$45/mo
Powered by: Verizon
Verizon vs Reach Mobile Plan Comparison
Keep your Verizon phone, number & coverage: Save $486 per year
Carrier | Network Coverage | 4G LTE Data | Price | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Verizon 4G LTE | Unltd* | $80/mo | $960/yr | |
| Verizon 4G LTE | 8GB | $45/mo | $474/yr | |
| *Don't waste money on unlimited data - Avg. data usage is only 3-5GB | Savings | $35/mo | $486/yr | |
See more deals with cheap Verizon cell phone companies
Best cheap T-Mobile cell phone companies
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 $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 | |
See more deals with cheap T-Mobile cell phone companies
Best cheap Sprint cell phone companies
Unlimitedmins
Unlimitedtexts
4 GB
4G data
$14.30*
per month
$19/mo
Powered by: T-Mobile
Sprint vs Tello Plan Comparison
Keep your Sprint phone, number & coverage: Save $640 per year
Carrier | Network Coverage | 4G LTE Data | Price | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sprint 4G LTE | Unltd* | $70/mo | $840/yr | |
| Sprint 4G LTE | 4GB | $19/mo | $200/yr | |
| *Don't waste money on unlimited data - Avg. data usage is only 3-5GB | Savings | $51/mo | $640/yr | |
See more deals with cheap Sprint cell phone companies
Do you really need unlimited data?
We don't really believe you need unlimited data. On average we use between 3 to 5GB data each month. So why spend those hard earned dollars on something you don't need.
If you do a lot of HD video streaming or music streaming then the benefits of unlimited data may be worth it. You could also check your average data usage and opt for a higher set data plan that could save you money and give you the amount of data you need.
Best cheap cell phone companies
Unlimitedmins
Unlimitedtexts
1 GB
4G data
$7.50*
per month
$10/mo
Powered by: T-Mobile
Tello like to save their customers money and they certainly do that with their plans. They hook onto the Sprint network and you can rest assured you won't get any unwanted surprises with your cell bill from Tello.
Cheap cell phone companies for unlimited data
Unlimitedmins
Unlimitedtexts
Unlimited
4G data
$41.25*
per month
$55/mo
Powered by: AT&T
We're not the biggest fans of unlimited data plans, but we know sometimes you'd be stuck without it. That's where PureTalk comes in. PureTalk's plan is a popular choice. So if you find yourself really needing unlimited data, this alternative carrier uses AT&T for their plans.
Cheap cell phone companies for talk and text only
Unlimitedmins
Unlimitedtexts
0 GB
4G data
$10
per month
Powered by: AT&T & T-Mobile
Looking for a basic plan without all the bells and whistles? Good2Go Mobile has some great options.
Cheap cell phone companies for hotspot and tablet data
0mins
0texts
4 GB
4G data
$11.30*
per month
$15/mo
Powered by: T-Mobile
If you rely on a stable and secure Wi-Fi connection when you're out and about then a mobile hotspot plan could be just what you need. Providing you internet access when away from home. We love this plan from Tello.
Cheap cell phone companies for coverage
Unlimitedmins
Unlimitedtexts
3 GB
4G data
$20
per month
Powered by: AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile & Sprint
Hooking on to all four major telecom networks, Red Pocket Mobile is the one when it comes to coverage.
Cheap cell phone companies for customer service
Unlimitedmins
Unlimitedtexts
5 GB
4G data
$15
per month
Powered by: Verizon & T-Mobile
We know how important customer service is, so we take our job seriously when it comes to choosing the best. We couldn't ignore the continually dazzling reviews for US Mobile.
Check out US Mobile reviews and see what their customers are saying.
Cheap cell phone companies for individuals
Unlimitedmins
Unlimitedtexts
4 GB
4G data
$15*
per month
Powered by: T-Mobile
For great value single line plans, Mint Mobile stands out as one of the best in the business. They have affordable plans and you get more bang for your buck if you bundle your plan for 3, 6, or 12 months.
Cheap cell phone companies for your family
Unlimitedmins
Unlimitedtexts
8 GB
4G data
$23*
per month
$45/mo
Powered by: Verizon
With Reach Mobile you can expect reliable and flexible plans that suit the whole family. To get the best deal make sure to check everyone's usage. Unlimited text and talk are a top option for no unexpected expenses on your bill.
Cheap cell phone companies for seniors
Unlimitedmins
Unlimitedtexts
3 GB
4G data
$10*
per month
$20/mo
Powered by: Verizon & Sprint
Being a senior doesn't mean tech phobe. If you're looking for something more, compare less basic plans with the cheapest cell phone service. If you want a simple plan without all the glitz and glamour Twigby is a great option. Powered by Verizon and Sprint you've got good coverage and affordable prices.
Cheap cell phone companies for kids
Unlimitedmins
Unlimitedtexts
0.5 GB
4G data
$10
per month
Powered by: AT&T, Verizon & T-Mobile
Red Pocket are a solid option for your kid's first cell phone plan. You can keep track of their usage and shape a plan to suit them. They offer set data plans so you can make sure they're not watching YouTube all night long.
Things to figure out before you switch
How much voice, text, and data do you really need? The best way to save money is to track your cell phone usage. Low-cost carriers give you the flexibility to be able to tailor a plan to your needs. So you really only pay for what you need.
New phone or bring your own? Most online carriers encourage you to bring your own phone. Switching is hassle free and you get to keep your number. If you're looking for a new phone you can check out their latest handsets with 0% finance over two years.
How long is the contract? There's no contract. You have full control of a cheap online carrier plan. No contract, no activation costs and if you want to leave there are no early termination fees.
Does the carrier have good service? If you're not sure which network is best for your area you can use our coverage map to find out.
Cheap cell phone companies list
Verizon MVNOs | Sprint MVNOs | T-Mobile MVNOs | AT&T MVNOs |
Cheap cell phone companies FAQs
Who is the largest cell phone carrier in the US?
Verizon is the largest cell phone carrier in the US, with T-Mobile close behind. Since the Sprint and T-Mobile merger, they have just overtaken AT&T for second place.
What is the cheapest cell phone company?
Tello and Twigby offer cheap cell phone plans starting from around $8 a month.
Which phone company has the cheapest unlimited plan?
For an unlimited data plan with a low-cost carrier, Mint Mobile offers a plan starting from $30.
What is the cheapest service provider?
MVNOs operate on the main telecom networks but offer low-cost plans starting from around $10.
Recap
Stay clear of rising cell phone costs by comparing plans with the best cell phone companies. Check out our MVNO list which includes all of the prepaid cell phone service plans from the rising stars of the telecoms industry. Here to shake things up.
Saving you hundreds of dollars a year, without the sacrifice. Finding a cheap cell phone service has never been so simple.
Deal of the Month: Tello - 25% off for 6 months