GSM is one of two cellular technologies that help bridge the gap when there's no 4G signal. AT&T and T-Mobile are the two main networks, along with their MVNO's (Mobile Virtual Network Operators) that run on the GSM network.
MVNOs have started growing in popularity along with a wide range of options whatever your needs and budget. And because they're powered by the main networks you don't have to sacrifice quality coverage.
If your phone is on the CDMA network or unlocked, you can still save money on the best MVNO plans.
We've broken it down further for you below.
Best prepaid plan | Tello |
Best unlimited plan | Mint Mobile |
Best senior plan | Good2Go Mobile |
Best kids plan | Red Pocket |
Best data plan | US Mobile |
Best prepaid GSM carrier
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
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 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
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 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
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 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
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 |
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 |
10GB | $30 | View Plan | |
Red Pocket 100GB - 12 Mths | 100GB | $37.50* * $450 for 12 Months Service | View Plan |
25GB | $40 | View Plan | |
100GB | $50 | View Plan |
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 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
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
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
Unlimitedmins
Unlimitedtexts
4GB
4G/5G data
$15/mo*
$3.75 per GB
Powered by: T-Mobile
T-Mobile vs Mint Mobile comparison
Keep your T-Mobile phone, number & coverage: Save $660 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 | 4GB | $15/mo | $180/yr |
*Don't waste money on unlimited data - Avg. data usage is only 3-5GB | Savings | $55/mo | $660/yr |
Best AT&T GSM carrier
Unlimitedmins
Unlimitedtexts
3GB
4G/5G data
$10/mo*
$20/mo
$6.67 per GB
Powered by: AT&T & T-Mobile
AT&T vs Good2Go Mobile comparison
Keep your AT&T phone, number & coverage: Save $690 per year
Carrier | Network Coverage | 4G/5G Data | Price | Annual Cost |
---|---|---|---|---|
AT&T | AT&T 4G & 5G | Unltd* | $75/mo | $900/yr |
Good2Go Mobile | AT&T 4G & 5G | 3GB | $20/mo | $210/yr |
*Don't waste money on unlimited data - Avg. data usage is only 3-5GB | Savings | $55/mo | $690/yr |
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
Carrier | Network | Minutes | Texts | Data | Price |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Tello | T-Mobile | Unltd | Unltd | 1GB | $10 |
Mint Mobile | T-Mobile | Unltd | Unltd | 4GB | $15** Only $45 for 3 Months Service |
US Mobile | Verizon & T-Mobile | Unltd | Unltd | 12GB | $20* Free 10 Day Trial |
Mint Mobile | T-Mobile | Unltd | Unltd | 15GB | $15** Only $45 for 3 Months Service |
Tello | T-Mobile | Unltd | Unltd | Unltd | $29 |
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
NETWORK | OVERALL | RELIABILITY | SPEED | DATA | CALL |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Verizon Coverage | 95 | 96 | 94 | 96 | 94 |
AT&T Coverage | 94 | 94 | 95 | 96 | 92 |
T-Mobile Coverage | 86 | 88 | 82 | 89 | 82 |
Source: Rootmetrics
Which carriers are GSM?
We've included a full list of GSM carriers below:
T-Mobile GSM network list
Carrier | Network(s) |
---|---|
Boost Mobile | AT&T & T-Mobile |
Boom! Mobile | Verizon & T-Mobile |
Consumer Cellular | T-Mobile |
FreeUP Mobile | T-Mobile |
Metro by T-Mobile | T-Mobile |
Mint Mobile | T-Mobile |
Red Pocket | AT&T, T-Mobile & Verizon |
Republic Wireless | T-Mobile |
Simple Mobile | T-Mobile |
Straight Talk | T-Mobile, AT&T & Verizon |
Tello | T-Mobile |
Ting | T-Mobile & Verizon |
Tracfone | Verizon, AT&T & T-Mobile |
Ultra Mobile | T-Mobile |
Unreal Mobile | AT&T & T-Mobile |
US Mobile | Verizon & T-Mobile |
Gen Mobile | T-Mobile |
Wing | AT&T, Verizon & T-Mobile |
Good2Go Mobile | AT&T & T-Mobile |
Hello Mobile | T-Mobile |
GoSmart Mobile | T-Mobile |
Reach Mobile | T-Mobile |
Lycamobile | T-Mobile |
Walmart Family Mobile | T-Mobile |
Speedtalk Mobile | T-Mobile |
AT&T GSM network list
Carrier | Network(s) |
---|---|
Boost Mobile | AT&T & T-Mobile |
Cricket Wireless | AT&T |
Freedompop | AT&T |
H2O Wireless | AT&T |
PureTalk | AT&T |
Red Pocket | AT&T, T-Mobile & Verizon |
Straight Talk | T-Mobile, AT&T & Verizon |
Tracfone | Verizon, AT&T & T-Mobile |
Unreal Mobile | AT&T & T-Mobile |
Wing | AT&T, Verizon & T-Mobile |
Good2Go Mobile | AT&T & T-Mobile |
Black Wireless | AT&T |
easyGO Wireless | AT&T |
Airvoice Wireless | AT&T |
Optimum Mobile | AT&T |
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
Phone | Storage | Network | Condition | Price | Apple iPhone SE | 64GB | AT&T | New | $429 | Apple iPhone 11 | 64GB | AT&T | New | $499 | Apple iPhone 12 | 64GB | AT&T | New | $729 | Apple iPhone 13 mini | 128GB | AT&T | New | $729 | Apple iPhone 12 mini | 256GB | AT&T | New | $779 | Apple iPhone 13 | 128GB | AT&T | New | $829 | Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max | 128GB | AT&T | New | $999 | Apple iPhone 12 Pro | 256GB | AT&T | New | $999 | Apple iPhone 13 Pro | 128GB | AT&T | New | $999 | Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max | 128GB | AT&T | New | $1,099 |
---|
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
Is AT&T GSM?
AT&T operates on the GSM network. AT&T unlocked phones should work with GSM carriers.
Is T-Mobile GSM?
T-Mobile operates on the GSM network. T-Mobile unlocked phones should work with GSM carriers.
Is Verizon GSM?
Verizon operates on the CDMA network. Verizon unlocked phones may only work with CDMA carriers.
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 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | Best prepaid plan | Unlimited | Unlimited | 1GB | $10/mo |
![]() | Best unlimited plan | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | $30/mo |
![]() | Best senior plan | Unlimited | Unlimited | 1GB | $15/mo |
![]() | Best kids plan | 500 | 500 | 500MB | $10/mo |
![]() | Best data plan | 0 | 0 | 2GB | $10/mo |