Founder
About Rob
Rob has 15+ years experience running price comparison & review websites that empower consumers to find the cheapest cell phone services, cell phone deals, home phone, and internet providers available. He has been published in Forbes, US News, Entrepreneur, Huffington Post, Inc.
Rob's Expertise
5G wireless networks, cell phone plans, cell phone deals, MVNOs, internet services, tablets, comparison shopping, money saving, reviewing telecom products & services
MoneySavingPro independently researches the products & services to bring you our recommendations. We may earn money when you click our links - disclosure policy.
Searching for the best cell phone service in Houston, TX 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 Houston 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.
The best cell phone coverage in Houston in 2023
Tello: Best cheap phone plan in Houston
Mint Mobile: Best 5G phone plan in Houston
US Mobile: Best family phone plan in Houston
Mint Mobile: Best unlimited data plan in Houston
Tello: Best cheap phone plan in Houston
T-Mobile wireless network coverage
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
No roaming
Coverage in rural areas
Tello 1GB plan includes unlimited mins, unlimited texts and 1GB data for only $10 per month. Tello plans offers wireless coverage on the T-Mobile 5G and 4G LTE network. Read Tello review
Tello unlimited talk & text plan: $8/mo
Tello 1GB plan: $10/mo
Tello 2GB plan: $14/mo
Tello 5GB plan: $19/mo
Tello 10GB plan: $24/mo
Tello unlimited data plan: $29/mo
Mint Mobile: Best 5G phone plan in Houston
T-Mobile wireless network coverage
* Only $45 for 3 Months
Offers the latest phones with 0% finance
Prepay months in bulk for more savings
Reliable network coverage
Works with most GSM phones
No family plans
Minimum 3 months
Mint Mobile 5GB plan includes unlimited mins, unlimited texts and 5GB data for only $15 per month. Mint Mobile plans offers wireless coverage on the T-Mobile 5G and 4G LTE network. Read Mint Mobile review
Mint Mobile 5GB plan: $15/mo
Mint Mobile 15GB plan: $20/mo
Mint Mobile 20GB plan: $25/mo
Mint Mobile unlimited data plan: $30/mo
US Mobile: Best family phone plan in Houston
Verizon & T-Mobile wireless network coverage
* 100 Days FREE Trial
Flexible, no contract plans
24/7 customer service
5G coverage available
No international calling
Phone selection
US Mobile 15GB plan includes unlimited mins, unlimited texts and 15GB data for only $20 per month. US Mobile plans offers wireless coverage on the Verizon & T-Mobile 5G and 4G LTE networks. Read US Mobile review
US Mobile 500MB plan: $5/mo
US Mobile unlimited talk & text plan: $8/mo
US Mobile 2GB plan: $12/mo
US Mobile 5GB plan: $15/mo
US Mobile 15GB plan: $20/mo
US Mobile 25GB plan: $25/mo
US Mobile unlimited data plan: $35/mo
US Mobile unlimited data plan: $45/mo
Mint Mobile: Best unlimited data plan in Houston
T-Mobile wireless network coverage
* Only $90 for 3 Months
Compare cell phone coverage in Houston, TX
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 Texas RootScore report
Cheap cell phone plans in Houston
Saving you up to $600 a year, MVNOs offer the best value cell phone plans in Houston.
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
Unlimited mins
Unlimited texts
15GB
4G/5G data
$20 /mo*
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 |
15GB |
$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
The best phone carrier on AT&T
Unlimited mins
Unlimited texts
5GB
4G/5G data
$5 /mo*
$15/mo
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 $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 |
|
Check out our review of the best AT&T MVNOs
The best phone carrier on Verizon
Unlimited mins
Unlimited texts
15GB
4G/5G data
$20 /mo
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
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
CARRIER |
TRUSTPILOT USER RATING |
|---|---|
4.9 |
|
4.5 |
|
4.8 |
|
1.4 |
|
1.2 |
|
1.3 |
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.
How we picked the best cell phone plans in Houston, TX
MoneySavingPro reviewed the best value cell phone plans available in Houston, TX 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.
Full list of cell phone carriers available in Houston, TX
Boost Mobile | US Mobile | Red Pocket |
US Mobile | Red Pocket | Good2Go Mobile |
Ultra Mobile | Twigby | PureTalk |
Tello | Affinity Cellular | H2O Wireless |
Red Pocket | Reach Mobile | Straight Talk |
Mint Mobile | Spectrum Mobile | Tracfone |
Consumer Cellular | Total by Verizon | Kroger Wireless |
Republic Wireless | Ting | Optimum Mobile |
Simple Mobile | ||
Lycamobile | ||
Gen Mobile |
Cell phone stores in Houston, TX
See nearby carriers.
T-Mobile stores in Houston, TX
Verizon stores in Houston, TX
AT&T stores in Houston, TX
Houston cell phone carriers FAQs
Who has the best cell phone coverage in Houston, TX?
The Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile networks all provide excellent cell phone coverage in Houston. Low-cost carriers such as Mint Mobile, Boost Mobile and Tello offer the best value plans.
What are the best cell phone carriers in Houston, TX?
The best value carriers in Houston 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 Houston. Use our coverage checker to find the best cell phone service in your area.What are the best cell phone deals in Houston?
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.
Recap: What is the best phone service in Houston, TX?
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 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 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 Houston
- Mint Mobile: Best 5G phone plan in Houston
- US Mobile: Best family phone plan in Houston
- Mint Mobile: Best unlimited data plan in Houston
