Best Cell Phone Service in Houston, TX

Best phone carriers in Houston in 2022

Searching for the best cell phone carrier in Houston 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 Houston 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.

Table of Contents

• Best cell phone coverage in Houston

• Best cell phone plans in Houston

• Best prepaid phone plan in Houston

• Best family phone plan in Houston

• Best unlimited data plan in Houston

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Best cell phone coverage in Houston

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 Houston

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 Houston, 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 prepaid phone plan in Houston

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 4GB	4GB	$19	View Plan
Tello 6GB	6GB	$24	View Plan
Tello 8GB	8GB	$29	View Plan
Tello Unlimited Data	Unlimited	$39	View Plan

Review

5

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 family phone plan in Houston

US Mobile 5GB $15/mo

See Deal

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 unlimited data plan in Houston

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 5G plan in Houston

Ultra Mobile 2GB $14/mo

See Deal

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 individual phone plan in Houston

Good2Go Mobile 3GB $12.50/mo

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Minutes

Unlimited

Texts

Unlimited

Data

3GB

Price

$12.50/mo** 50% Off for 3 Months

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Good2Go Mobile 3GB plan includes unlimited mins, unlimited texts and 3GB data for only $12.50 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 1GB	1GB	$10* * 50% Off for 3 Months	View Plan
Good2Go Mobile Unlimited Talk & Text	0GB	$10	View Plan
Good2Go Mobile 3GB	3GB	$12.50* * 50% Off for 3 Months	View Plan
Good2Go Mobile 6GB	6GB	$17.50* * 50% Off for 3 Months	View Plan
Good2Go Mobile 10GB	10GB	$40	View Plan
Good2Go Mobile 20GB	20GB	$50	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

Best phone plan for kids in Houston

Boost Mobile 2GB $15/mo

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Minutes

Unlimited

Texts

Unlimited

Data

2GB

Price

$15/mo

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Boost Mobile 2GB plan includes unlimited mins, unlimited texts and 2GB data for only $15 per month. Boost 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 Boost Mobile review

Plans

Plan	Data	Price	View plan
Boost Mobile 1GB - 12 Mths	1GB	$8.33* * $100 for 1 year service	View Plan
Boost Mobile 2GB	2GB	$15	View Plan
Boost Mobile 15GB	15GB	$20* * $240 for 1 year service	View Plan
Boost Mobile 5GB	5GB	$25* * $0.99 for 1st Month	View Plan
Boost Mobile Unlimited Data	Unlimited	$50	View Plan

Review

3.5

Pros

• New customers & Online only

• No annual contract

• Free SIM Kit ($9.99 value)

• Free Shipping ($4.99 value)

• Works w/ most Unlocked GSM Phones

Cons

• Coverage in rural areas

Benefits

• Owned by Dish and runs on T-Mobile's nationwide network

• Prepaid service - no contract, credit check, or extra fees

• Bring your own phone (GSM compatible) or choose from a wide selection of new phones

• Mobile hotspot allowance with all plans

• International service and roaming available as add-on packs

• Customer support available by phone - 4am - 8pm PST Monday to Friday, 4am - 7pm weekends

Best unlimited talk & text plan in Houston

Ting 0GB $10/mo

Minutes

Unlimited

Texts

Unlimited

Data

0GB

Price

$10/mo** $5 extra per GB

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Ting 0GB plan includes unlimited mins, unlimited texts and 0GB data for only $10 per month. Ting plans offer wireless coverage on the T-Mobile & Verizon 5G and 4G LTE networks. To learn more about why this is one of the best cell phone plans, check out MoneySavingPro's Ting review

Plans

Plan	Data	Price	View plan
Ting Unlimited Talk & Text	0GB	$10* * $5 extra per GB	View Plan
Ting 1GB	1GB	$15	View Plan
Ting 5GB	5GB	$25	View Plan
Ting 12GB	12GB	$35	View Plan
Ting Unlimited Data	Unlimited	$45	View Plan

Review

4

Pros

• Simple plans for light phone users

• Customer service

• Nationwide LTE and 5G coverage

• Good selection of handsets

Cons

• Not for the data hungry user

Benefits

• Offers coverage on both Verizon and T-Mobile

• Prepaid service - no contract, credit check, or start-up fees

• Bring your GSM or CDMA phone - most devices are compatible - or buy one from Ting

• Keep your current number

• Tethering/mobile hotspot allowed, speeds limited to 3G for GSM tethering

• Use your plan minutes to call 60+ international locations

• International roaming capability (at surcharged rates)

• Extensive customer service hours by phone, chat, or email

Best phone plan for seniors in Houston

Twigby 3GB $10/mo

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Minutes

Unlimited

Texts

Unlimited

Data

3GB

Price

$10/mo** 50% Off for 6 Months

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Twigby 3GB plan includes unlimited mins, unlimited texts and 3GB data for only $10 per month. Twigby plans offer wireless coverage on the Verizon 5G and 4G LTE network. To learn more about why this is one of the best cell phone plans, check out MoneySavingPro's Twigby review

Plans

Plan	Data	Price	View plan
Twigby Unlimited Talk & Text	0GB	$6.50* * 50% Off for 6 Months	View Plan
Twigby 3GB Data	3GB	$10* * 50% Off for 6 Months	View Plan
Twigby 1GB Data	1GB	$9.50* * 50% Off for 6 Months	View Plan
Twigby 5GB Data	5GB	$12.50* * 50% Off for 6 Months	View Plan
Twigby 10GB Data	10GB	$17.50* * 50% Off for 6 Months	View Plan

Review

4.5

Pros

• No hotspot/tethering charges

• International calling and texting

• 4G LTE coverage

• Exclusive deals and discounts as a Twigby customer

Cons

• Limited handset selection

• Not for the data hungry

Benefits

• Runs on both the Verizon and Sprint networks

• 30-day money-back satisfaction guarantee on phones and plans (under 300 minutes, 300 texts, or 300 MB of data used)

• Prepaid - no contracts, credit checks, or activation fees

• Bring your CDMA device or choose from a modest selection of Twigby phones

• Keep your own phone number

• Use your phone and plan data as a mobile hotspot

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

• Free international texting to over 180 countries

• US-based chat support available weekdays 7am to 9pm CST and 10am to 6pm on weekends

Best data only plan in Houston

US Mobile 2GB $10/mo

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Minutes

0

Texts

0

Data

2GB

Price

$10/moFree Starter Kit with code: MSPUSM

Powered by:

See Deal

US Mobile 2GB plan includes 0 mins, 0 texts and 2GB data for only $10 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

Cheap cell phone plans in Houston

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

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 Houston

Mint Mobile 10GB plan* Buy 3 Months Get 1 Free

Unlimitedmins

Unlimitedtexts

10GB

4G/5G data

$20/mo*

$2.00 per GB

See Deal

Powered by: T-Mobile

T-Mobile vs Mint Mobile comparison

Keep your T-Mobile phone, number & coverage: Save $600 per year

Best cheap Verizon plan in Houston

US Mobile 12GB planFree Starter Kit with code: MSPUSM

Unlimitedmins

Unlimitedtexts

12GB

4G/5G data

$20/mo

$1.67 per GB

See Deal

Powered by: Verizon & T-Mobile

Verizon vs US Mobile comparison

Keep your Verizon phone, number & coverage: Save $720 per year

Best cheap AT&T plan in Houston

Good2Go Mobile 6GB plan* 50% Off for 3 Months

Unlimitedmins

Unlimitedtexts

6GB

4G/5G data

$17.50/mo*

$35/mo

$5.83 per GB

See Deal

Powered by: AT&T & T-Mobile

AT&T vs Good2Go Mobile comparison

Keep your AT&T phone, number & coverage: Save $532 per year

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 Houston

How to switch to a cheaper carrier

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 mail.

Cell phone stores in Houston, TX

Houston cell phone carriers FAQs

Who has the best cell phone coverage in Houston?

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

What are the best cell phone carriers in Houston?

The best value carriers in Houston 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 Houston. Use our coverage checker to find the best cell phone service in your area.

What are the best cell phone deals in Houston?

Low-cost carriers offer cheaper deals with plans ranging from $7 - $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 Houston, TX 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 Houston.

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 Texas

Carrier	Best for...	Mins	Texts	Data	Price
Tello	Best prepaid plan	Unlimited	Unlimited	1GB	$10/mo
US Mobile	Best family plan	Unlimited	Unlimited	5GB	$15/mo
Mint Mobile	Best unlimited plan	Unlimited	Unlimited	Unlimited	$30/mo
Ultra Mobile	Best 5G plan	Unlimited	Unlimited	2GB	$14/mo
Good2Go Mobile	Best individual plan	Unlimited	Unlimited	3GB	$25/mo
Boost Mobile	Best kids plan	Unlimited	Unlimited	2GB	$15/mo
Twigby	Best senor plan	Unlimited	Unlimited	3GB	$20/mo
US Mobile	Best data only plan	0	0	2GB	$10/mo

Local phone service by city