The Best Cell Phone Service in Chicago, IL

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Searching for the best cell phone service in Chicago, IL 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 value cell phone carriers in Chicago 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.

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Compare cell phone coverage in Chicago, IL

MVNOs (Mobile Virtual Network Operators) are powered by the three major US networks, Verizon, T-Mobile, and AT&T so you get the same cell phone coverage that you're used to just at a fraction of the cost.

Source: Rootmetrics Illinois RootScore report

Cheap cell phone plans in Chicago

Saving you up to $600 a year, MVNOs offer the best value cell phone plans in Chicago.

These alternative carriers operate on major US networks, so you'll get the same quality coverage at half the price.

You'll find flexible plans with carriers like Boost Mobile, Mint Mobile, US Mobile, Tello, and many more. All offer all of the same features as the big three, but with no contract phone plans, you're free to amend your plan or leave at any time.

The best phone carrier on T-Mobile

Compare T-Mobile unlimited data plans

Plan	Data	Monthly Price	Annual Cost
T-Mobile Magenta	Unlimited	$70	$840
T-Mobile Magenta Max	Unlimited	$85	$1,020

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

Check out our review of the best T-Mobile MVNOs

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The best phone carrier on AT&T

Compare AT&T unlimited data plans

Plan	Data	Monthly Price	Annual Cost
AT&T Unlimited Extra	Unlimited	$75	$900
AT&T Unlimited Elite	Unlimited	$85	$1,020

AT&T vs Boost Mobile comparison

Keep your AT&T phone, number & coverage: Save $720 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	$180/yr
*Don't waste money on unlimited data - Avg. data usage is only 3-5GB		Savings	$60/mo	$720/yr

Check out our review of the best AT&T MVNOs

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The best phone carrier on Verizon

Compare Verizon unlimited data plans

Plan	Data	Monthly Price	Annual Cost
Verizon Play More Unlimited	Unlimited	$80	$960
Verizon Do More Unlimited	Unlimited	$80	$960
Verizon Get More Unlimited	Unlimited	$90	$1,080

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

Check out our review of the best Verizon MVNOs

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How to pick the best cell phone provider

• 4G LTE & 5G data speeds: MVNOs operate on big cellular networks, so you pay less without sacrificing speed. As the big networks roll out 5G, smaller carriers are able to offer 5G coverage too. So you can expect the same high-speed data.

• Unlimited talk & text: It has never been easier to find a cheap unlimited talk and text plan. Pretty much all prepaid phone carriers include unlimited text and calling as standard with plans.

• International calls: Keeping in touch with loved ones around the world has never felt more important, making international calling a must-have feature. 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, cheap cell phone providers have got you. They offer the best value family cell phone plans, with many you'll get a multi-line discount for each line added.

• Bring your own phone: To save even more you can bring your own phone and just insert a new prepaid SIM card.

• eSIM: Most carriers now support eSIM, which means you can switch immediately without having to wait for a SIM card to arrive in the mail.

• Wi-Fi calling: If you're stuck for a signal, or out of your wireless 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 offers: Almost all the smaller carriers offer a selection of cell phone deals, most with financing options.

Carrier customer service comparison

What type of phone plan is best for you?

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 are 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.

• Phone plans for seniors - Whether it's a basic plan for emergencies or one with lots of data, there's a variety of affordable senior phone plans.

• Phone plans for kids - Customize a plan suitable for your child with parental controls available.

• Phone plans for students - Some carriers, like US Mobile offer further discounts to students.

• 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.

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How we picked the best cell phone plans in Chicago, IL

MoneySavingPro reviewed the best value cell phone plans available in Chicago, IL and ranked them based on various factors.

The most important factor we considered was the price of each plan in comparison to other similar plans available in the market. We also evaluated data limits, network coverage, perks, customer feedback, and overall service quality.

We regularly monitor the market to keep track of new products and plan changes offered by carriers. This list is updated at least once a month, or more frequently as necessary.

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Full list of cell phone carriers available in Chicago, IL

T-Mobile MVNOs	Verizon MVNOs	AT&T MVNOs
Boost Mobile	US Mobile	Red Pocket
US Mobile	Red Pocket	Good2Go Mobile
Ultra Mobile	Affinity Cellular	PureTalk
Tello	Reach Mobile	H2O Wireless
Red Pocket	Spectrum Mobile	Straight Talk
Mint Mobile	Net10 Wireless	FreeUP Mobile
Consumer Cellular	Ting	Kroger Wireless
Republic Wireless		Optimum Mobile
Simple Mobile
Lycamobile
Gen Mobile

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Chicago cell phone carriers FAQs

Who has the best cell phone coverage in Chicago, IL?

The Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile networks all provide excellent cell phone coverage in Chicago. Low-cost carriers such as Mint Mobile, Boost Mobile and Tello offer the best value plans.

What are the best cell phone carriers in Chicago, IL?

The best value carriers in Chicago are offered by MVNOs, such as Boost Mobile, US Mobile, Mint Mobile and Tello. They have prepaid cell phone phone plans ranging from $5-35 per month.

Which cell phone carrier has the best coverage in my area?

Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile all offer great cell phone coverage in Chicago. Use our coverage checker to find the best cell phone service in your area.

What are the best cell phone deals in Chicago?

ow-cost carriers offer cheaper deals with plans ranging from just $5-35 per month. The prices vary depending on your choice of features including set data limit, international calling, and additional lines.

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Recap: What is the best phone service in Chicago, IL?

With such a variety of features available, finding the best value cell phone plan is personal to you.

MVNOs provide the cheapest cell phone plans in Chicago, 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 US Mobile, Mint Mobile, Tello, and Boost Mobile 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.

• Tello: Best cheap phone plan in Chicago
• Mint Mobile: Best 5G phone plan in Chicago
• US Mobile: Best family phone plan in Chicago
• Mint Mobile: Best unlimited data plan in Chicago