Find the cheapest cell phone plans in San Diego
Searching for the best cell phone carrier in San Diego doesn't need to be confusing and stressful. At MoneySavingPro we like to make things clear, simple and most importantly save you money.
There's a range of great cell phone carriers in San Diego to choose from and the best will depend on a number of factors.
Keep reading to find out more about selecting the right cell phone carrier for you.
Best cell phone coverage in San Diego
MVNOs (Mobile Virtual Network Operators) are powered by the three major US networks, Verizon, T-Mobile,and AT&T.
Source: Rootmetrics
Best cell phone plans in San Diego
With such a variety of features available, finding the best cell phone plan is personal to you.
MVNOs provide the best value cell phone plans in San Diego, offering the lowest prices suitable for everyone. These low-cost carriers run on the main US networks, but their plans can save you up to $600 a year.
With carriers like Tello, Mint Mobile, and Ting you'll find customizable plans, have access to the same quality coverage, and all of the same features so you can find your perfect fit.
Best cheap phone plan in San Diego
- Minutes
- Unlimited
- Texts
- Unlimited
- Data
- 1GB
- Price
- $10/mo
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.
| Plan | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|
Tello Unlimited Talk & Text | 0GB | $8 |
Tello 1GB | 1GB | $10 |
Tello 2GB | 2GB | $14 |
Tello 5GB | 5GB | $19 |
Tello 10GB | 10GB | $24 |
Tello Unlimited Data | Unlimited | $29 |
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
Best 5G phone plan in San Diego
- Minutes
- Unlimited
- Texts
- Unlimited
- Data
- 4GB
- Price
- $15/mo
Mint Mobile 4GB plan includes unlimited mins, unlimited texts and 4GB data for only $15 per month. Mint Mobile plans offer wireless coverage on the T-Mobile 5G and 4G LTE network.
| Plan | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|
Mint Mobile 4GB | 4GB | $15 |
Mint Mobile 10GB | 10GB | $20 |
Mint Mobile 15GB | 15GB | $25 |
Mint Mobile Unlimited Data | Unlimited | $30 |
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
Best family phone plan in San Diego
- Minutes
- Unlimited
- Texts
- Unlimited
- Data
- 15GB
- Price
- $20/mo* FREE 10-Day Trial
US Mobile 15GB plan includes unlimited mins, unlimited texts and 15GB data for only $20 per month. US Mobile plans offer wireless coverage on the Verizon & T-Mobile 5G and 4G LTE networks.
| Plan | Data | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
US Mobile 500MB | 500MB | $5 | ||
US Mobile Unlimited Talk & Text | 0GB | $8 | ||
US Mobile 2GB | 2GB | $12 | ||
US Mobile 5GB | 5GB | $15 | ||
US Mobile 15GB | 15GB | $20 | ||
US Mobile 25GB | 25GB | $25 | ||
US Mobile Unlimited Data Basic | Unlimited | $35 | ||
US Mobile Unlimited Data Premium | Unlimited | $45 | ||
* FREE 10-Day Trial | ||||
Pros
Flexible, no contract plans
24/7 customer service
5G coverage available
Cons
No international calling
Phone selection
Best unlimited data plan in San Diego
- Minutes
- Unlimited
- Texts
- Unlimited
- Data
- Unlimited
- Price
- $30/mo
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.
| Plan | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|
Mint Mobile 4GB | 4GB | $15 |
Mint Mobile 10GB | 10GB | $20 |
Mint Mobile 15GB | 15GB | $25 |
Mint Mobile Unlimited Data | Unlimited | $30 |
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
Cheap cell phone plans in San Diego
Saving you up to $600 a year, MVNOs offer the best value cell phone plans in California.
These alternative carriers operate on the major US networks, so you'll get the same quality coverage at half the price.
You'll find flexible plans with carriers like Red Pocket, Mint Mobile, US Mobile and many more. Offering all of the same features as a plan with one of the big three, but with no contracts you're free to amend your plan or leave at any time.
Best cheap T-Mobile plan in San Diego
T-Mobile vs Mint Mobile comparison
Keep your T-Mobile phone, number & coverage: Save $600 per year
| Carrier | Network Coverage | 4G/5G Data | Price | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| T-Mobile | T-Mobile 4G & 5G | Unltd* | $70/mo | $840/yr |
| Mint Mobile | T-Mobile 4G & 5G | 10GB | $20/mo | $240/yr |
| *Don't waste money on unlimited data - Avg. data usage is only 3-5GB | Savings | $50/mo | $600/yr | |
Best cheap Verizon plan in San Diego
Unlimitedmins
Unlimitedtexts
15GB
4G/5G data
$20/mo
Powered by: Verizon
Verizon vs US Mobile comparison
Keep your Verizon phone, number & coverage: Save $720 per year
| Carrier | Network Coverage | 4G/5G Data | Price | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Verizon | Verizon 4G & 5G | Unltd* | $80/mo | $960/yr |
| US Mobile | Verizon 4G & 5G | 15GB | $20/mo | $240/yr |
| *Don't waste money on unlimited data - Avg. data usage is only 3-5GB | Savings | $60/mo | $720/yr | |
Best cheap AT&T plan in San Diego
Unlimitedmins
Unlimitedtexts
5GB
4G/5G data
$5/mo*
$15/mo
Powered by: AT&T
AT&T vs Boost Mobile comparison
Keep your AT&T phone, number & coverage: Save $750 per year
| Carrier | Network Coverage | 4G/5G Data | Price | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AT&T | AT&T 4G & 5G | Unltd* | $75/mo | $900/yr |
| Boost Mobile | AT&T 4G & 5G | 5GB | $15/mo | $150/yr |
| *Don't waste money on unlimited data - Avg. data usage is only 3-5GB | Savings | $60/mo | $750/yr | |
Cheap phone plan features
- 4G LTE & 5G data speeds: MVNOs operate on the big cellular networks, so you pay less without sacrificing speed. As the big networks roll out 5G, more smaller carriers are able to offer 5G coverage too. So you can expect the same high-speed data.
- Unlimited talk & text: It's never been easier to find a new unlimited plan. Pretty much all no contract carriers include unlimited text and calls as standard with plans. Compare cheap talk and text plans with or without data.
- International calls: Keeping in touch with loved ones around the world has never felt more important, making international calling a must-havefeature. Luckily MVNOs offer some of the best international phone plans, including free calling to countries like Canada and Mexico, plus discounted rates or affordable add ons for other countries.
- Multiline discounts: If you're used to your multi-line plan, low-cost carriers have got you. They offer the cheapest family cell phone plans out there. With many, you'll get a multi-line discount for each line addded.
- Wi-Fi calling: If you're stuck for signal, or out of your service area when out and about, you can still make calls using this feature. With this feature calls are made over the internet instead of your cellular connection.
- Tethering/hotspot data: Many low-cost carriers allow you to turn your phone into a hotspot and get another device online. Pick an MVNO with the best mobile hotspot plans and share your mobile hotspot data with other devices.
- HD video streaming: Just like the big guys, some of these alternative carriers offer HD video streaming and some don't. Our articles cover which features do and don't come with a plan.
Cell phone plans types
There's a large selection of plans available from low-cost carriers, and you can expect some great features.
- Prepaid phone plans - Pay upfront for flexible MVNO plans, and only pay for what you need. With no contracts, credit checks or any surprises at the end of the month.
- Unlimited data plans - If unlimited data is important to you, there's plenty of plans available. If you're not sure how much data you need you can estimate your average monthly usage with our free tool.
- Family phone plans - A great way to save money if you need more than one line. Most carriers offer a discount for each additional line added and some providers allow you to customize each plan to suit every family member.
- Senior phone plans - Whether it's a basic plan for emergencies or one with lots of data, there's a variety of affordable senior phone plans.
- Kids phone plans - Customize a plan suitable for your child with parental controls available.
- Data only plans - You'll find plenty of plans to give you access to the internet when you're away from home. With data only plans that are easy to use with a mobile device.
Cell phone companies in San Diego
| AT&T MVNOs | Verizon MVNOs | T-Mobile MVNOs |
|---|---|---|
| Red Pocket | US Mobile | Boost Mobile |
| PureTalk | Red Pocket | US Mobile |
| Good2Go Mobile | Twigby | Ultra Mobile |
| H2O Wireless | Affinity Cellular | Tello |
| Straight Talk | Reach Mobile | Red Pocket |
| Tracfone | Spectrum Mobile | Mint Mobile |
| Black Wireless | Page Plus Cellular | Lycamobile |
| Kroger Wireless | Total by Verizon | Consumer Cellular |
| easyGO Wireless | Lively | GoSmart Mobile |
| Unreal Mobile | Walmart Family Mobile | Republic Wireless |
| Optimum Mobile | Ting | Simple Mobile |
| Freedompop | Gen Mobile | |
| Wing | ||
| easyGO Wireless | ||
| Speedtalk Mobile |
How to switch to a cheaper carrier
- 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 mail.
Cell phone stores in San Diego, CA
| Address |
|---|
| T-Mobile - 1014 5th Ave , Suite 100, San Diego, CA 92101 |
| T-Mobile - 120 W Washington St , Suite C, San Diego, CA 92103 |
| T-Mobile - 2990 El Cajon Blvd , San Diego, CA 92104 |
| T-Mobile - 4371 University Ave , Ste 400, San Diego, CA 92105 |
| T-Mobile - 7007 Friars Rd , #877, San Diego, CA 92108 |
| T-Mobile - 2307 Fenton Pkwy , Ste 101c, San Diego, CA 92108 |
| T-Mobile - 1640 Camino Del Rio North , Suite 106, San Diego, CA 92108 |
| T-Mobile - 1096 Garnet Ave , Spc E, San Diego, CA 92109 |
| T-Mobile - 3146 Sports Arena Blvd. , Ste 4, San Diego, CA 92110 |
| T-Mobile - 5504 Balboa Avenue , Ste B, San Diego, CA 92111 |
| T-Mobile - 7608 Linda Vista Rd Ste 120 , Ste B, San Diego, CA 92111 |
| T-Mobile - 1900 Main Street , #113, San Diego, CA 92113 |
| T-Mobile - 255 Marketplace Ave , Ste C2, San Diego, CA 92113 |
| T-Mobile - 336 Euclid Ave Ste 501 , San Diego, CA 92114 |
| T-Mobile - 3428 College Ave , San Diego, CA 92115 |
| T-Mobile - 3089 Clairemont Dr , Ste A, San Diego, CA 92117 |
| T-Mobile - 3952 Clairemont Mesa Blvd , Ste C, San Diego, CA 92117 |
| T-Mobile - 6551 Mission Gorge , San Diego, CA 92120 |
| T-Mobile - 3755 Murphy Canyon Rd , A, San Diego, CA 92123 |
| T-Mobile - 10753 Westview Parkway , C-2, San Diego, CA 92126 |
| T-Mobile - 8155 Mira Mesa Blvd , Ste 2, San Diego, CA 92126 |
| T-Mobile - 16615-b Dove Canyon Road , San Diego, CA 92127 |
| T-Mobile - 11980 Carmel Mountain Rd , Ste 244, San Diego, CA 92128 |
| T-Mobile - 11975 Carmel Mountain Rd , Ste 601-602, San Diego, CA 92128 |
| T-Mobile - 13289 Black Mountain Rd , Ste 1, San Diego, CA 92129 |
| T-Mobile - 9870 Hibert St , Ste D15, San Diego, CA 92131 |
| T-Mobile - 662 Dennery Rd , Ste 101, San Diego, CA 92154 |
| T-Mobile - 4370 Palm Ave , Ste H, San Diego, CA 92154 |
| Address |
|---|
| Verizon - 1248 University Ave., San Diego, CA 92103 |
| Verizon - 980 Camino De La Reina, Spc 3, San Diego, CA 92108 |
| Verizon - 1680 GARNET AVE, SAN DIEGO, CA 92109 |
| Verizon - 3505 Sports Arena Blvd, Suite A, San Diego, CA 92110 |
| Verizon - 7035 Clairemont Mesa Blvd, Suite 401, San Diego, CA 92111 |
| Verizon - 6348 College Grove Way, Ste 107, San Diego, CA 92115 |
| Verizon - 2995 CLAIREMONT DR, SAN DIEGO, CA 92117 |
| Verizon - 4504 Clairemont Mesa Blvd, Ste 102, San Diego, CA 92117 |
| Verizon - 3737 Murphy Canyon Rd, Ste B, San Diego, CA 92123 |
| Verizon - 10754 Westview Pkwy, Ste 102, San Diego, CA 92126 |
| Verizon - 11890 Carmel Mountain Rd, San Diego, CA 92128 |
| Verizon - 3860 VALLEY CENTER DR., Ste 405, SAN DIEGO, CA 92130 |
| Verizon - 1555 PALM AVE, Ste A1, SAN DIEGO, CA 92154 |
| Address |
|---|
| AT&T - 252 Broadway, A-107, San Diego, CA 92101 |
| AT&T - 1060 University, A-107, San Diego, CA 92103 |
| AT&T - 3223 University Ave, A-107, San Diego, CA 92104 |
| AT&T - 5658 Mission Center Road, Suite 301, San Diego, CA 92108 |
| AT&T - 2011 Camino Del Este North, Suite 301, San Diego, CA 92108 |
| AT&T - 1975 Garnet Avenue, Suite D, San Diego, CA 92109 |
| AT&T - 3361 Rosecrans, Suite 9B, San Diego, CA 92110 |
| AT&T - 255 Marketplace Ave, Ste C5, San Diego, CA 92113 |
| AT&T - 3998A Clairemont Mesa Blvd, Ste 101A, San Diego, CA 92117 |
| AT&T - 5252 Balboa Ave, Ste 101A, San Diego, CA 92117 |
| AT&T - 4311 La Jolla Village Dr, Ste M2230, San Diego, CA 92122 |
| AT&T - 3655 Murphy Canyon Road, Suite 301, San Diego, CA 92123 |
| AT&T - 8225 Mira Mesa Blvd, Ste M2230, San Diego, CA 92126 |
| AT&T - 11954 Carmel Mountain Road, Suite 102, San Diego, CA 92128 |
| AT&T - 3435 Del Mar Heights Rd, Suite D-2, San Diego, CA 92130 |
| AT&T - 685 Saturn Blvd, Suite B-2, San Diego, CA 92154 |
| AT&T - 940 Dennery Rd, Suite 104, San Diego, CA 92154 |
| AT&T - 4509 Camino De La Plaza, Suite 370, San Diego, CA 92173 |
San Diego cell phone carriers FAQs
Who has the best cell phone coverage in San Diego?
The Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile networks all provide excellent cell phone coverage in San Diego. Low-cost carriers such as Mint Mobile, Tello and PureTalk offer the best value plans.
What are the best cell phone carriers in San Diego?
The best value carriers in San Diego are offered by MVNOs, such as Mint Mobile, Tello and PureTalk. They have prepaid cell phone phone plans ranging from $8 - $55.
Which cell phone carrier has the best coverage in my area?
Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile all offer great cell phone coverage in San Diego. Use our coverage checker to find the best cell phone service in your area.
What are the best cell phone deals in San Diego?
Low-cost carriers offer cheaper deals with plans ranging from $5 - $59. The prices vary depending on your choice of features including set data limit, international calling, and additional lines.
Recap
The best cell phone carrier in San Diego, CA doesn't have to come with a high ticket price.
Depending on what you want from your cell phone plan and your budget, you'll find affordable plans from a wide range of MVNOs in San Diego.
With a great selection of data limits and features including, international calling, mobile hotspot, and multiline discounts there's something for everyone.
Best cell phone services in California
| Carrier | Best for... | Mins | Texts | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Tello | Best cheap plan | Unlimited | Unlimited | 1GB | $10/mo |
 Mint Mobile | Best 5G plan | Unlimited | Unlimited | 4GB | $15/mo |
 US Mobile | Best family plan | Unlimited | Unlimited | 15GB | $20/mo |
| Mint Mobile | Best unlimited plan | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | $30/mo |
