Best Cheap Phone Carriers

Cheapest phone carriers in 2022

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Cheapest phone carriers

Best cheap prepaid phone carrier

Tello 1GB $10/mo

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Minutes

Unlimited

Texts

Unlimited

Data

1GB

Price

$10/mo

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Tello 1GB plan includes unlimited mins, unlimited texts and 1GB data for only $10 per month. Tello plans offer wireless coverage on the T-Mobile 5G and 4G LTE network. To learn more about why this is one of the best cell phone plans, check out MoneySavingPro's Tello review

Plans

Plan	Data	Price	View plan
Tello Unlimited Talk & Text	0GB	$8	View Plan
Tello 1GB	1GB	$10	View Plan
Tello 2GB	2GB	$14	View Plan
Tello 5GB	5GB	$19	View Plan
Tello 10GB	10GB	$24	View Plan
Tello Unlimited Data	Unlimited	$29	View Plan

Review

5

Pros

• No contract. No bulk buying.

• 24/7 friendly customer support

• 4G LTE/5G nationwide coverage

• Free Hotspot & Wi-Fi Calling

• Free international calls to 60+ countries

Cons

• No roaming

• Coverage in rural areas

Benefits

• Service on the nationwide T-Mobile network

• Money-back guarantee on phones (no refunds on plans)

• Prepaid - no contract, credit check, or activation fee

• Bring your own phone or choose from a modest selection of new or refurbished devices

• Keep your current phone number

• Use of your plan data as a mobile hotspot through your phone is allowed

• Use your minutes to call Canada, China, and Mexico

• Minutes to other countries available as add-on

• 24/7 customer service

Best cheap phone carrier for families

US Mobile 5GB $15/mo

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Minutes

Unlimited

Texts

Unlimited

Data

5GB

Price

$15/moFree Starter Kit with code: MSPUSM

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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

Plans

Plan	Data	Price	View plan
US Mobile Unlimited Talk & Text	0GB	$8	View Plan
US Mobile 1GB	1GB	$12	View Plan
US Mobile 5GB	5GB	$15	View Plan
US Mobile 12GB	12GB	$20	View Plan
US Mobile 18GB	18GB	$25	View Plan
US Mobile 30GB	30GB	$30	View Plan
US Mobile Unlimited Data	Unlimited	$45	View Plan
Free Starter Kit with code: MSPUSM

Review

4.5

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 cheap phone carrier for unlimited data

Mint Mobile Unlimited $30/mo

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Minutes

Unlimited

Texts

Unlimited

Data

Unlimited

Price

$30/mo** Buy 3 Months Get 1 Free

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Mint Mobile Unlimited plan includes unlimited mins, unlimited texts and unlimited data for only $30 per month. Mint Mobile plans offer wireless coverage on the T-Mobile 5G and 4G LTE network. To learn more about why this is one of the best cell phone plans, check out MoneySavingPro's Mint Mobile review

Plans

Plan	Data	Price	View plan
Mint Mobile 4GB	4GB	$15* * Buy 3 Months Get 1 Free	View Plan
Mint Mobile 10GB	10GB	$20* * Buy 3 Months Get 1 Free	View Plan
Mint Mobile 15GB	15GB	$25* * Buy 3 Months Get 1 Free	View Plan
Mint Mobile Unlimited Data	Unlimited	$30* * Buy 3 Months Get 1 Free	View Plan

Review

4.5

Pros

• Offers the latest phones with 0% finance

• Prepay months in bulk for more savings

• Reliable network coverage

• Works with most GSM phones

Cons

• No family plans

• Minimum 3 months

Benefits

• Operates on the nationwide T-Mobile network

• 7-day money-back guarantee

• Prepaid - no contract, credit check, or activation fee

• Bring your phone or buy a Mint Mobile device

• Keep your phone number

• Using your phone as a mobile hotspot is permitted

• Free calling to Canada & Mexico, affordable rates to 160+ other locations

• Flat-rate international roaming available as an add-on feature

• Customer service by phone on weekdays and weekends, 24/7 by virtual chat

Best cheap phone carrier for 5G coverage

Ultra Mobile 2GB $14/mo

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Minutes

Unlimited

Texts

Unlimited

Data

2GB

Price

$14/mo** $168 for 12 Months Service

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Ultra Mobile 2GB plan includes unlimited mins, unlimited texts and 2GB data for only $14 per month. Ultra Mobile plans offer wireless coverage on the T-Mobile 5G and 4G LTE network. To learn more about why this is one of the best cell phone plans, check out MoneySavingPro's Ultra Mobile review

Plans

Plan	Data	Price	View plan
Ultra Mobile 250MB - 12 Mths	0.25GB	$10* * $120 for 12 Months Service	View Plan
Ultra Mobile 2GB - 12 Mths	2GB	$14* * $168 for 12 Months Service	View Plan
Ultra Mobile 3GB - 12 Mths	3GB	$20* * $240 for 12 Months Service	View Plan
Ultra Mobile 6GB - 12 Mths	6GB	$25* * $300 for 12 Months Service	View Plan
Ultra Mobile 15GB - 12 Mths	15GB	$30* * $360 for 12 Months Service	View Plan
Ultra Mobile Unlimited Data - 12 Mths	Unlimited	$40* * $480 for 12 Months Service	View Plan

Review

3.5

Pros

• Simple account dashboard

• Unlimited international talk and text

• Nationwide coverage

Cons

• Customer service

Benefits

• Coverage provided on the nationwide T-Mobile network

• Prepaid service - no contract, credit check, or activation fee

• Bring your own compatible GSM phone or buy one from Ultra Mobile

• Mobile hotspot use supported

• Unlimited global texting and unlimited calling to 80+ countries

• International roaming credits available in $5, $10, or $20 denominations

• International plan tier comes with uTalk - a feature that gives you up to 1250 bonus minutes to your choice of 39 additional destinations

• Customer service available by phone, email, and chat from 6am to 6pm every day

Best cheap phone carrier for kid plans

Red Pocket 500MB $10/mo

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Minutes

500

Texts

500

Data

500MB

Price

$10/mo

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Red Pocket 500MB plan includes 500 mins, 500 texts and 500MB data for only $10 per month. Red Pocket plans offer wireless coverage on the AT&T, 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 Red Pocket review

Plans

Plan	Data	Price	View plan
Red Pocket 500MB	0.50GB	$10	View Plan
Red Pocket 3GB - 12 Mths	3GB	$15* * $180 for 12 Months Service	View Plan
Red Pocket 3GB	3GB	$20	View Plan
Red Pocket 10GB - 12 Mths	10GB	$22.50* * $270 for 12 Months Service	View Plan
Red Pocket 25GB - 12 Mths	25GB	$30* * $360 for 12 Months Service	View Plan
Red Pocket 10GB	10GB	$30	View Plan
Red Pocket 100GB - 12 Mths	100GB	$37.50* * $450 for 12 Months Service	View Plan
Red Pocket 25GB	25GB	$40	View Plan
Red Pocket 100GB	100GB	$50	View Plan

Review

4.5

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 cheap phone carrier for individuals

Good2Go Mobile 3GB $10/mo

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Minutes

Unlimited

Texts

Unlimited

Data

3GB

Price

$10/mo** 50% Off for 3 Months

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Good2Go Mobile 3GB plan includes unlimited mins, unlimited texts and 3GB data for only $10 per month. Good2Go Mobile plans offer wireless coverage on the AT&T & 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 Good2Go Mobile review

Plans

Plan	Data	Price	View plan
Good2Go Mobile 3GB	3GB	$10* * 50% Off for 3 Months	View Plan
Good2Go Mobile Unlimited Talk & Text	0GB	$10	View Plan
Good2Go Mobile 6GB	6GB	$15* * 50% Off for 3 Months	View Plan
Good2Go Mobile 1GB	1GB	$15	View Plan
Good2Go Mobile 10GB	10GB	$35	View Plan
Good2Go Mobile 20GB	20GB	$45	View Plan

Review

4

Pros

• 4G LTE coverage

• No contract

• No credit checks

Cons

• No unlimited data options

• No app interface

Benefits

• Coverage on the nationwide AT&T & T-Mobile networks

• Prepaid cell phone plans - no contract, credit check, or activation fee

• Bring your own phone or buy a Good2Go Mobile phone

• Mobile hotspot/tethering not supported

• International calling to over 60 countries available as affordable plan add-on; calling to other countries via add-on calling card

• Customer service available by phone 7am - 1am EST every day

Cheap carrier benefits

• Same great nationwide coverage: These cell phone carriers operate on the very same networks as the big four 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.

Best cheap carrier on T-Mobile

Mint Mobile 4GB plan* Buy 3 Months Get 1 Free

Unlimitedmins

Unlimitedtexts

4GB

4G/5G data

$15/mo*

$3.75 per GB

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Powered by: T-Mobile

T-Mobile vs Mint Mobile comparison

Keep your T-Mobile phone, number & coverage: Save $660 per year

Compare: cheapest T-Mobile carrier plans

Best cheap carrier on Verizon

US Mobile 5GB planFree Starter Kit with code: MSPUSM

Unlimitedmins

Unlimitedtexts

5GB

4G/5G data

$15/mo

$3.00 per GB

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Powered by: Verizon & T-Mobile

Verizon vs US Mobile comparison

Keep your Verizon phone, number & coverage: Save $780 per year

Compare: cheapest Verizon carrier plans

Best cheap carrier on AT&T

Good2Go Mobile 3GB plan* 50% Off for 3 Months

Unlimitedmins

Unlimitedtexts

3GB

4G/5G data

$10/mo*

$20/mo

$6.67 per GB

See Deal

Powered by: AT&T & T-Mobile

AT&T vs Good2Go Mobile comparison

Keep your AT&T phone, number & coverage: Save $690 per year

Compare: cheapest AT&T carrier plans

Cheap carrier plan features

• 4G LTE & 5G 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 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 cheap phone carrier plans

Cheap carrier 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

Source: Rootmetrics

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Cheap carrier customer service

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:

Switch to a cheap carrier

It's never been easier to switch. Let's break it down.

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.

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