GSM Carriers

Best prepaid GSM carrier

Tello 1GB $10/mo

See DealSave $840/yr

Minutes

Unlimited

Texts

Unlimited

Data

1GB

Price

$10/mo

Powered by:

See DealSave $840/yr

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 5GB	5GB	$19	View Plan
Tello 10GB	10GB	$24	View Plan
Tello Unlimited Data	Unlimited	$29	View Plan

Review

5

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

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 GSM carrier for unlimited data

Mint Mobile Unlimited $15/mo

See DealSave $645/yr

Minutes

Unlimited

Texts

Unlimited

Data

Unlimited

Price

$15/mo** Only $45 for 3 Months Service

Powered by:

See DealSave $645/yr

Mint Mobile Unlimited plan includes unlimited mins, unlimited texts and unlimited data for only $15 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 15GB	15GB	$15* * Only $45 for 3 Months Service	View Plan
Mint Mobile 10GB	10GB	$15* * Only $45 for 3 Months Service	View Plan
Mint Mobile 4GB	4GB	$15* * Only $45 for 3 Months Service	View Plan
Mint Mobile Unlimited Data	Unlimited	$15* * Only $45 for 3 Months Service	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 GSM carrier for seniors

Good2Go Mobile 1GB $15/mo

See DealSave $780/yr

Minutes

Unlimited

Texts

Unlimited

Data

1GB

Price

$15/mo

Powered by:

See DealSave $780/yr

Good2Go Mobile 1GB plan includes unlimited mins, unlimited texts and 1GB data for only $15 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 3GB	3GB	$10* * 50% Off for 3 Months	View Plan
Good2Go Mobile Unlimited Talk & Text	0GB	$10	View Plan
Good2Go Mobile 6GB	6GB	$15* * 50% Off for 3 Months	View Plan
Good2Go Mobile 1GB	1GB	$15	View Plan
Good2Go Mobile 10GB	10GB	$35	View Plan
Good2Go Mobile 20GB	20GB	$45	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 GSM carrier for kids

Red Pocket 500MB $10/mo

See DealSave $840/yr

Minutes

500

Texts

500

Data

500MB

Price

$10/mo

Powered by:

See DealSave $840/yr

Red Pocket 500MB plan includes 500 mins, 500 texts and 500MB data for only $10 per month. Red Pocket plans offer wireless coverage on the AT&T, 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 Red Pocket review

Plans

Plan	Data	Price	View plan
Red Pocket 500MB	500MB	$10	View Plan
Red Pocket 3GB - 12 Mths	3GB	$15* * $180 for 12 Months Service	View Plan
Red Pocket 3GB	3GB	$20	View Plan
Red Pocket 10GB - 12 Mths	10GB	$22.50* * $270 for 12 Months Service	View Plan
Red Pocket 25GB - 12 Mths	25GB	$30* * $360 for 12 Months Service	View Plan
Red Pocket 10GB	10GB	$30	View Plan
Red Pocket 100GB - 12 Mths	100GB	$37.50* * $450 for 12 Months Service	View Plan
Red Pocket 25GB	25GB	$40	View Plan
Red Pocket 100GB	100GB	$50	View Plan

Review

4.5

Pros

• Nationwide coverage

• No contracts

• Latest selection of phones

Cons

• Account dashboard needs work

• No 0% financing options on latest phones

• Customer service

Benefits

• Operates on all four networks - AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, and Verizon

• Prepaid cell phone plans - no contract, credit check, or activation fees

• Bring your own GSM or CDMA device and keep your phone number

• Mobile hotspot/tethering allowed with your plan data

• Free international calling to 70+ countries

• Customer service available in English, Chinese, Filipino, and Spanish via chat or phone

Best GSM carrier for tablet data

US Mobile 2GB $10/mo

See DealSave $840/yr

Minutes

0

Texts

0

Data

2GB

Price

$10/mo* Free 10 Day Trial

Powered by:

See DealSave $840/yr

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 Unlimited Data	Unlimited	$35	View Plan
* Free 10 Day Trial

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

GSM network carriers in 2022

Table of Contents

• GSM carrier benefits

• Best T-Mobile GSM carrier

• Best AT&T GSM carrier

• GSM carrier coverage

• Which carriers are GSM?

Check Carrier CoverageZIP codeSee Deals

GSM carrier benefits

• Same great nationwide coverage: These cell phone carriers operate on the very same networks as the big four carriers.
• Much lower prices: Save up to $600 per year on your cell phone plan. Why are MVNOs so much cheaper? They don't have the huge overhead and advertising costs the big guys do.
• No contracts: Don't get trapped into a two-year agreement. Switch carriers when you decide to with a no contract phone plan.
• Same cell phone service: Just because you're paying less, that doesn't mean you have to scrimp on features. Plans with unlimited everything are easy to find from these prepaid carriers. Usually, a low cost carrier plan comes with unlimited talk and text as standard, high speed data, and even mobile hotspot data features.
• Keep your phone and number: You can bring your own phone and keep your phone number. No need to sign up for pricey device payments.
• Customize your plan: You decide how much data you need. Choose to pay as you go, opt for unlimited or no data, minimal minutes, or unlimited talk text and data. Unlimited data plans come at a much better price with an alternative carrier. Pick the plan options that fit your budget - not the one your carrier thinks you need.
• Great customer support: Smaller mobile providers are known for their attention to their customers. Stop feeling like an anonymous number getting lost in the crowd! Check out our carrier user reviews before switching.

Best T-Mobile GSM carrier

Mint Mobile4GB plan* Only $45 for 3 Months Service

Unlimitedmins

Unlimitedtexts

4GB

4G/5G data

$15/mo*

$3.75 per GB

See Deal

Powered by: T-Mobile

T-Mobile vs Mint Mobile comparison

Keep your T-Mobile phone, number & coverage: Save $660 per year

Best AT&T GSM carrier

Good2Go Mobile3GB plan* 50% Off for 3 Months

Unlimitedmins

Unlimitedtexts

3GB

4G/5G data

$10/mo*

$20/mo

$6.67 per GB

See Deal

Powered by: AT&T & T-Mobile

AT&T vs Good2Go Mobile comparison

Keep your AT&T phone, number & coverage: Save $690 per year

GSM carrier features

• 4G LTE data speeds: Since MVNOs operate on the big four cellular networks you'll pay less without sacrificing speed. More and more are adding 5G coverage all the time so you can expect high-speed data.
• Unlimited talk and text messaging: Finding a new unlimited plan has never been easier. Virtually all small carriers include unlimited text and calls in their plan options. Compare cheap talk and text plans with or without data.
• International calls to Canada and Mexico: International calling is a must for many people. Luckily MVNOs offer some of the best international phone plans, with free calling to certain countries like Canada and Mexico, and discounted rates on others.
• Multiline discounts: Low-cost carriers also offer some of the cheapest family cell phone plans, with multi-line discounts.
• Wi-Fi calling: This feature is handy when you're out of your service area, allowing you to make calls over the internet instead of on your cellular connection.
• Tethering/hotspot data: Many low-cost carriers allow you to use your phone as a hotspot. Pick an MVNO with the best mobile hotspot plans so you can share your mobile hotspot data with other devices.
• HD video streaming: Just like the big guys, some MVNOs offer HD video streaming and some don't. Read the fine print to find the option you want.

Compare GSM carrier plans

GSM carrier coverage

Which prepaid carrier is best for you? That depends on which network has the best coverage in your area.

Whether you go with a GSM carrier (T-Mobile and AT&T) or a CDMA carrier (Verizon) you'll enjoy national coverage, just like with the major carriers.

Network performance ratings

Source: Rootmetrics

Find Cheap Cell Phone Plans in Your AreaZIP codeSee Deals

Which carriers are GSM?

We've included a full list of GSM carriers below:

T-Mobile GSM network list

AT&T GSM network list

What is the GSM network?

GSM - or Global System for Mobile Communications - is a mobile network that is used worldwide, unlike CDMA which is used mainly in the US. It is the most popular cell phone technology and it is much easier to swap between phones on GSM networks as your information is stored on a SIM card.

Since it started GSM has evolved much faster than CDMA and 4G LTE is a GSM standard which means that both Verizon and Sprint are now using GSM technology on their previous CDMA phones. GSM, along with CDMA, is the technology that fills the gap when your 4G signal drops.

What is a GSM SIM card?

A SIM (subscriber identity module) card is what is provided to you by your carrier when you sign up to one of their plans. It has a unique identification number and holds your phone information, like your contacts and personal data.

The GSM SIM card makes it easy to switch between phones as you can just take it out from one phone and pop it into your new phone. Some older devices may still be locked to your current provider, so you will need to make sure they are unlocked before changing over.

When it comes to the SIM cards there are three types of SIM - standard SIM, micro SIM and Nano SIM. The type of SIM card you will need depends on your phone but the most common is the Nano SIM.

Which is better CDMA or GSM?

This can still be a confusing topic for consumers and it's really more a personal preference when it comes to CDMA and GSM.

It's easier to swap phones with a GSM phone as the information is stored on a SIM card and GSM carriers do not have as much control over the phone used. With CDMA you need the permission of your carrier.

Whether you have a CDMA phone or a GSM phone you can find the best low-cost carriers for both networks.

Best GSM unlocked phones

GSM unlocked phone benefits

• Save 50% or more off retail: Get flagship smartphones in excellent condition for hundreds less than new.
• It's great value for your dollar: New phone models usually only get minor upgrades from year to year so hold onto your money and still get all the best features.
• Retain your freedom: Buying your phone outright means you can decide when to leave your carrier for a cheaper cell phone plan.

What does GSM unlocked mean?

Most carriers want to keep you as a customer, so often you'll find your device is locked to the carrier you originally signed up with so you can't just pop your SIM card into a phone with another network. If your device is locked, don't panic you still have options!

If your phone is locked you may be able to unlock it once it has been fully paid off or you can still save money with one of AT&T or T-Mobile's MVNOs.

Some carriers, however, do provide unlocked phones and if your phone is only a few years old then it is likely to be unlocked as most new phones use both the GSM and CDMA network.

With an unlocked phone, you can find the best cell phone plan for your budget and not worry about the fuss of switching carriers.

GSM carriers FAQs

Recap

There's a wide variety of cell phone plans available on the GSM network with carriers like Mint Mobile, PureTalk, and Red Pocket Mobile, to name just a few,that can save you money.

If you're looking to bring your own phone, as long as it's compatible you can easily switch between carriers.

If you've got a CDMA phone without a SIM card slot there are plenty of low cost options to upgrade your handset with most MVNOs offering 0% finance plans over two years.

If you want to check your phone is compatible you can use our IMEI code checker.

MoneySavingPro methodology

We're here to bring transparency to telecoms, putting power back in your hands. This guides everything we do.

• We've got high standards. We use our industry expertise to find carriers that reach these standards. We all deserve the best value for money, choice and customer experience.
• We care about accuracy. MoneySavingPro is run by cell phone geeks and money saving obsessives. Our content team researches everything thoroughly so that information you read here will give you the whole picture. Everything we do is backed up by the data.
• We keep things simple. It's our job to break down what you need to know, so you can make informed choices.

Carrier	Best for...	Mins	Texts	Data	Price
Tello	Best prepaid plan	Unlimited	Unlimited	1GB	$10/mo
Mint Mobile	Best unlimited plan	Unlimited	Unlimited	Unlimited	$30/mo
Good2Go Mobile	Best senior plan	Unlimited	Unlimited	1GB	$15/mo
Red Pocket	Best kids plan	500	500	500MB	$10/mo
US Mobile	Best data plan	0	0	2GB	$10/mo