Best cell phone providers in San Diego in 2021
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.
| NETWORK | ROOTMETRICS | OPENSIGNAL | OOKLA |
|---|---|---|---|
| Verizon network | 95 | 9.8 | 74% |
| AT&T network | 93 | 9.5 | 80% |
| T-Mobile network | 87 | 88 | 79% |
Sources: RootMetrics, OpenSignal, and Ookla.
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 T-Mobile plan in San Diego
Tello
- Minutes
- Unlimited
- Texts
- Unlimited
- Data
- 1 GB
- Price
- $10/mo
| Plan | Minutes | Texts | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Unlimited | Unlimited | 0GB | $8 | |
Unlimited | Unlimited | 1GB | $10 | |
Unlimited | Unlimited | 2GB | $14 | |
Unlimited | Unlimited | 4GB | $19 | |
Unlimited | Unlimited | 6GB | $24 | |
Unlimited | Unlimited | 8GB | $29 | |
Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | $39 |
Pros
24/7 customer support
No contracts
Budget friendly family plans
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 Verizon plan in San Diego
US Mobile
- Minutes
- Unlimited
- Texts
- Unlimited
- Data
- 1 GB
- Price
- $12/moFree Starter Kit with code: MSPUSM
| Plan | Minutes | Texts | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Unlimited | Unlimited | 0GB | $8 | |
Unlimited | Unlimited | 1GB | $12 | |
Unlimited | Unlimited | 5GB | $15 | |
Unlimited | Unlimited | 12GB | $20 | |
Unlimited | Unlimited | 18GB | $25 | |
Unlimited | Unlimited | 30GB | $30 | |
Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | $45 | |
Free Starter Kit with code: MSPUSM | ||||
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 AT&T plan in San Diego
Good2Go Mobile
- Minutes
- Unlimited
- Texts
- Unlimited
- Data
- 1 GB
- Price
- $7.50/mo** 50% Off for 3 Months
| Plan | Minutes | Texts | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Unlimited | Unlimited | 1GB | $7.50* * 50% Off for 3 Months | |
Unlimited | Unlimited | 3GB | $10* * 50% Off for 3 Months | |
Unlimited | Unlimited | 0GB | $10 | |
Unlimited | Unlimited | 6GB | $15* * 50% Off for 3 Months | |
Unlimited | Unlimited | 10GB | $35 | |
Unlimited | Unlimited | 20GB | $45 |
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 cell phone service benefits
It's not just about saving money with MVNOs, they offer a number of other benefits including;
- Lower cost: without the expensive overheads of physical stores and sales staff, these low cost providers can pass on the savings to you.
- No commitment: there's no contracts, credit checks or early termination fees, so if your plan doesn't work for you anymore you can cancel or amend it.
- Keep your phone: if you don't want to upgrade to the latest handset the good news is MVNOs make it easy for you to bring your own phone and keep your number.
- Same coverage: running on one of the major US networks, you'll have access to the same nationwide coverage.
- Customizable plans: pay only for what you use with these low cost carriers. Their flexible plans give you the chance to customize it with the features you need.
Phone plans available in San Diego
You'll find everything you're used to from an expensive carrier and more, with a wide variety of flexible plans from MVNOs.
Prepaid phone plans
No contracts, credit checks or risk of overage charges at the end of the month. With MVNOs you pay up front for the service that you choose.
Unlimited data plans
For the heavy data user unlimited plans are cheaper with MVNOs. If you're not sure how much data you really need, you can use our free tool to estimate your data usage.
Family phone plans
Some carriers offer a further discount for each additional line added and some allow you to customize each individual plan to suit every family member.
Data only plans
You'll find plenty of data only plans with these low cost carriers. Giving you access to the internet on your wireless device even when you don't have WiFi.
Kids phone plans
Tailor a plan for your kid's first phone with the best phone plans for kids.
Senior phone plans
There's a range of cheap cell phone plans for seniors to choose from. Whether it's a basic plan for emergencies, or one with plenty of data. You'll find the perfect fit.
Compare San Diego cell phone providers
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.
Local phone service
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, Pure Talk, and Ting 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 Ting. They have prepaid cell phone phone plans ranging from $8 - $45.
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 $8 - $50. 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.
California Emergency Broadband Benefit providers
| Carrier | Offering Devices | Phone Number |
|---|---|---|
| Access Wireless | No | (866) 594-3644 |
| Airvoice Wireless | Yes | (877) 247-7799 |
| Boost Mobile | No | (866) 402-7366 |
| enTouch Wireless | Yes | (866) 488-8719 |
| Gen Mobile | Yes | (833) 528-1380 |
| Life Wireless | No | (888) 543-3620 |
| Metro by T-Mobile | Yes | (800) 937-8997 |
| Ready Wireless | No | (319) 294-6080 |
| Red Pocket | Yes | (888) 993-3888 |
| SafeLink | Yes | (833) 343-8322 |
| StandUp Wireless | Yes | (800) 544-4441 |
| Ultra Mobile | No | (888) 777-0446 |
| Ultra Mobile | No | (800) 416-3003 |
| US Cellular | No | (888) 944-9400 |
| Verizon | No | (800) 922-0204 |
Deal of the Month: Ting - Unlimited Data for $25/mo