Best prepaid CDMA SIM card in 2023
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Amanda has 20+ years of experience as an educator. Her teaching career, paired with her love for research and technology, has led her to MoneySavingPro. Her personal experience with eSIMs and MVNOs after switching her entire family away from big wireless in the last few years has taught her the ins and outs of the industry. And saved her hundreds per month.
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Last updated on November 12th, 2023
We compared cheap CDMA SIM card plans with 5G & 4G LTE coverage: Cut your phone bill by $600/yr.
We helped over 2 million users compare cell phone plans in 2022
We've reviewed 30 carriers & compared over 120 phone plans
Over 15 years of experience helping people save money on their phone bills
Top plans list
- US Mobile 30GB: Best SIM card with free trial
- Twigby 2GB: Best cheap SIM card
- Twigby 5GB: Cheap prepaid SIM card
- US Mobile 12GB: Best SIM card for iPhones
- US Mobile Unlimited: Cheap unlimited SIM card
Table of contents
- Cheapest CDMA SIM cards in December
- How to choose the best pay as you go SIM plan
- Which network do you prefer?
- How much data do you need?
- Is mobile hotspot data included?
- What's the monthly cost?
- How many lines do you need?
- Can I bring my own phone or buy a new device?
- Are there any promotions?
- Are there any perks?
- What international travel features are available?
- Do they have parental controls?
- What are the SIM card sizes?
- Find the best prepaid phone service in your area
- Compare the cheapest CDMA SIM plans
- SIM cards for international travelers
- Which carriers are CDMA?
- CDMA SIM card FAQs
- What is CDMA?
- Does my CDMA phone need a SIM card?
- Recap: What is the best CDMA SIM card?
1. Best SIM card with free trial: US Mobile 30GB
- Verizon & T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE networks US Mobile operates on the Verizon & T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE networks. This allows you to receive the same wireless coverage but at a fraction of the cost.
- Unlimited talk and text
- 30GB data
- $350 in annual savings Savings are calculated comparing the cost of the US Mobile 30GB vs an unlimited data plan from T-Mobile, AT&T or Verizon over the first 12 months.
FREE*
$50/mo*30 Day FREE Trial
US Mobile SIM cards provide budget-friendly SIMs that are powered by the Verizon and T-Mobile networks, accompanied by excellent customer support and customizable features.
You have the ability to create personalized SIM card plans that cater to your specific requirements, including unlimited talk and text, as well as international roaming capabilities. Additionally, they do not impose restrictive long-term contracts, granting you the flexibility to switch or modify your SIM card plan at any time. Check out our review about best free SIM card.
Pros
- T-Mobile and Verizon 5G & 4G LTE network coverage
- Multi-line discounts for family plans
- Free trial available
- Excellent score on Trustpilot
- TV, music, & gaming subscription perks on unlimited plans
Cons
- International calling is an extra cost
- International roaming is an extra cost
- Mobile hotspot allowance only available on unlimited plans
- US Mobile offers a unique customer service approach with 24/7 support via phone or online chat.
- Test out their service with a free trial.
- Family plans offer significant savings on cell phone bills with multi-line discounts available.
- Their international coverage has drawbacks. Add-on packages for roaming can be costly, and international calling rates may be higher than other carriers.
- Streaming service perks are available with unlimited SIM card plans of at least three lines, with perks including Disney Plus bundle with Hulu and ESPN, HBO Max, Apple TV, Spotify Family, PlayStation Plus, and more.
- Perks are available to new or existing US Mobile customers, and the subscription cost must be paid by the customer and verified every three months. The cost will be credited to the account via Autopay for up to a maximum of 12 months.
2. Best cheap SIM card: Twigby 2GB
- Verizon 5G & 4G LTE networks Twigby operates on the Verizon 5G & 4G LTE networks. This allows you to receive the same wireless coverage but at a fraction of the cost.
- Unlimited talk and text
- 2GB data
- $750 in annual savings Savings are calculated comparing the cost of the Twigby 2GB vs an unlimited data plan from T-Mobile, AT&T or Verizon over the first 12 months.
$5/mo*
$15/mo* Only $5/mo for First 3 Months
With a Twigby SIM card, you have the choice to personalize your SIM card plan and only pay for the services you require. They offer a selection of budget-friendly SIM cards without any contracts, all of which operate on Verizon's network.
This ensures that you can enjoy both quality and flexibility. Additionally, if you have family or friends overseas, Twigby provides free international calls to 80 countries. Check out our review about best cheap SIM card plans.
Pros
- Verizon 5G & 4G LTE network coverage
- Free international calls to 80+ countries
- Free mobile hotspot access
- Excellent score on Trustpilot
Cons
- No multi-line discounts
- No International roaming
- No eSIM support
- Offering a selection of customizable SIM card plans, there are a range of data options, so there's something for everyone.
- As Twigby is 100% online based, you can purchase your SIM card from the comfort of your own home, and it'll be mailed straight to you.
- Unlike other MVNOs, unfortunately, Twigby doesn't offer multi-line discounts, so if you're looking for more than one line, they may not be the low-cost carrier for you.
- They also don't provide international roaming, so using your phone abroad could end up with a high monthly bill.
3. Cheap prepaid SIM card: Twigby 5GB
- Verizon 5G & 4G LTE networks Twigby operates on the Verizon 5G & 4G LTE networks. This allows you to receive the same wireless coverage but at a fraction of the cost.
- Unlimited talk and text
- 5GB data
- $690 in annual savings Savings are calculated comparing the cost of the Twigby 5GB vs an unlimited data plan from T-Mobile, AT&T or Verizon over the first 12 months.
$10/mo*
$20/mo* Only $10/mo for First 3 Months
With a Twigby SIM card, you have the choice to personalize your SIM card plan and only pay for the services you require. They offer a selection of budget-friendly SIM cards without any contracts, all of which operate on Verizon's network.
This ensures that you can enjoy both quality and flexibility. Additionally, if you have family or friends overseas, Twigby provides free international calls to 80 countries. Check out our review about best prepaid SIM card.
Pros
- Verizon 5G & 4G LTE network coverage
- Free international calls to 80+ countries
- Free mobile hotspot access
- Excellent score on Trustpilot
Cons
- No multi-line discounts
- No International roaming
- No eSIM support
4. Best SIM card for iPhones: US Mobile 12GB
- Verizon & T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE networks US Mobile operates on the Verizon & T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE networks. This allows you to receive the same wireless coverage but at a fraction of the cost.
- Unlimited talk and text
- 12GB data
- $600 in annual savings Savings are calculated comparing the cost of the US Mobile 12GB vs an unlimited data plan from T-Mobile, AT&T or Verizon over the first 12 months.
$25/mo*
*30 Day FREE Trial
US Mobile SIM cards provide budget-friendly SIMs that are powered by the Verizon and T-Mobile networks, accompanied by excellent customer support and customizable features.
You have the ability to create personalized SIM card plans that cater to your specific requirements, including unlimited talk and text, as well as international roaming capabilities. Additionally, they do not impose restrictive long-term contracts, granting you the flexibility to switch or modify your SIM card plan at any time. Check out our review about best prepaid SIM card for iphones.
Pros
- T-Mobile and Verizon 5G & 4G LTE network coverage
- Multi-line discounts for family plans
- Free trial available
- Excellent score on Trustpilot
- TV, music, & gaming subscription perks on unlimited plans
Cons
- International calling is an extra cost
- International roaming is an extra cost
- Mobile hotspot allowance only available on unlimited plans
5. Cheap unlimited SIM card: US Mobile Unlimited
- Verizon & T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE networks US Mobile operates on the Verizon & T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE networks. This allows you to receive the same wireless coverage but at a fraction of the cost.
- Unlimited talk and text
- Unlimited data
- $420 in annual savings Savings are calculated comparing the cost of the US Mobile Unlimited vs an unlimited data plan from T-Mobile, AT&T or Verizon over the first 12 months.
$40/mo*
*30 Day FREE Trial
US Mobile SIM cards provide budget-friendly SIMs that are powered by the Verizon and T-Mobile networks, accompanied by excellent customer support and customizable features.
You have the ability to create personalized SIM card plans that cater to your specific requirements, including unlimited talk and text, as well as international roaming capabilities. Additionally, they do not impose restrictive long-term contracts, granting you the flexibility to switch or modify your SIM card plan at any time. Check out our review about best prepaid SIM card for unlimited data.
Pros
- T-Mobile and Verizon 5G & 4G LTE network coverage
- Multi-line discounts for family plans
- Free trial available
- Excellent score on Trustpilot
- TV, music, & gaming subscription perks on unlimited plans
Cons
- International calling is an extra cost
- International roaming is an extra cost
- Mobile hotspot allowance only available on unlimited plans
Cheapest CDMA SIM cards in December
At MoneySavingPro our priority is to save you money, and to make finding the best CDMA SIM card easy for you.
CDMA - Code Division Multiple Access, is a technology used for cell phone service in the US and the main network using CDMA is Verizon.
Verizon is known for its expensive plans, but with Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) that's not something you have to worry about. With a Verizon MVNO you'll have access to the same nationwide coverage, but their plans start at around $15 a month.
To find out more check out the CDMA SIM card plans we've compared for you below.
How to choose the best pay as you go SIM plan
Which network do you prefer?
Low-cost carriers are powered by the same 5G and 4G LTE networks as the big 3. According to a 5G Experience Report (2023) by Opensignal, T-Mobile has the most extensive 5G coverage in the United States. If you have a preference for a specific network, you can find an MVNO that operates on that network. To discover the best cell phone service in your area, make sure to use our coverage checker.
How much data do you need?
Do you really need a prepaid SIM card for unlimited data? The big 3 wireless companies want you to believe so, but in reality, the average monthly cellular data consumption is around 10GB. Because if you spend most of your time at home or work on Wi-Fi, it's likely your cellular data usage will be much lower. You can pick a plan with enough data to fit your needs with cheap cell phone providers, meaning if you use less, you can pay less. But if you do choose an unlimited data SIM card, be aware that high-speed data is normally capped.
Is mobile hotspot data included?
Many MVNOs permit the usage of hotspot data. However, they impose restrictions on the quantity of data that can be used through tethering. The specific limit varies depending on the carrier and plan that you select. Additionally, some low-cost carriers provide exclusive data only SIM cards designed specifically for iPads, tablets, and mobile hotspots.
What's the monthly cost?
While an unlimited data SIM card with the big 3 wireless costs around $75-90 per month, the best MVNOs offer budget-friendly SIM cards, ranging from $5-35 per month without compromising coverage or data speeds. Watch out for hidden fees & taxes; some providers include these in the price, and others, such as Verizon and AT&T, don't.
How many lines do you need?
With big wireless, you only get the low advertised price if you buy four lines. With low-cost carriers, the price you see is what you pay, even for one line. Some MVNOs also offer further discounts for multi-line plans.
Can I bring my own phone or buy a new device?
While big wireless prioritizes keeping their customers in a perpetual cycle of phone upgrades, MVNOs advocate for bringing your own device. This empowers you to regain control and only switch phones when it's convenient for you. In the event that you do decide to buy a new phone, most MVNOs provide the option for 0% financing spread across 1-2 years.
Are there any promotions?
Promotions from big wireless can seem great at first. But once you read the fine print, it often leads to buying things you don't need and committing to 3-year phone contracts. Most MVNOs offer short-term introductory discounts for new customers, and their pricing is much clearer.
Are there any perks?
The big 3 wireless plans normally come with "complimentary" TV subscriptions, but these often become paid subscriptions that are automatically included on your bill after a few months. Although some budget-friendly carriers like US Mobile do provide plan choices with free subscription services, we generally advise keeping these subscriptions separate to avoid paying for unnecessary months of service.
What international travel features are available?
Most MVNOs offer free international calls to many countries. But when you're traveling abroad, there are different features you'll need, for example, roaming. If this is important to you, you can find a variety of carriers offering SIM cards for international travel.
Do they have parental controls?
Many MVNO carriers offer parental control features that enable parents to monitor their children's phone usage and data consumption. With parental controls, you can set data limits, restrict access to certain apps or websites, and even track your child's location. Some AT&T MVNOs offer these features as part of their standard plans, or you'll find this feature on your cell phone.
What are the SIM card sizes?
The SIM card you need will depend on your device. Most smart devices now use a nano-SIM or eSIM, but some older devices may need a micro-SIM or a standard SIM.
Check out our comparison of the best prepaid SIM cards to ensure you find the best deal.
Find the best prepaid phone service in your area
Compare the cheapest CDMA SIM plans
| Carrier | Network | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| US Mobile 30GB SIM card | Verizon & T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage | 30GB | $0/mo $50/mo |
| Twigby 2GB SIM card | Verizon 5G/4G Coverage | 2GB | $5/mo $15/mo |
| Twigby 5GB SIM card | Verizon 5G/4G Coverage | 5GB | $10/mo $20/mo |
| US Mobile 12GB SIM card | Verizon & T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage | 12GB | $25/mo |
| US Mobile Unlimited SIM card | Verizon & T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage | Unltd | $40/mo |
SIM cards for international travelers
In the quest for affordable and flexible communication, especially when traveling, prepaid SIM cards have become a pivotal part of helping to stay connected. For travelers jetting from the USA to Europe and other various countries, the GSM technology underlying most prepaid SIM cards ensures phone compatibility, catering to both iPhone, Android, and other smartphones.
Whether you're looking to buy a new SIM card on arrival or opt for a travel SIM card, either is a great option. Also, if your phone is compatible, an eSIM can make this process even easier.
However, your current carrier may offer international plans, but they usually come with a hefty price tag. The best option can be getting a local SIM card, which presents a cost-effective option, often providing a substantial GB of data, free mobile hotspot data, and local call minutes, which are invaluable for internet access to navigate via Google Maps or stay connected through WhatsApp and Skype.
A new SIM card can offer an ideal plan tailored for each destination and guarantee the best rates.
Which carriers are CDMA?
Check out the CDMA carriers list to see all the MVNOs powered by the Verizon network.
You'll be sent a CDMA SIM card kit in the post from your new carrier that you can pop into your phone with simple activation instructions. If you're not sure if your phone is compatible, make sure to check the carrier's site before signing up.
CDMA SIM card FAQs
CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access) is a network technology that Verizon and Sprint use. It's used mainly in the US, unlike the GSM network which is used worldwide.
All modern CDMA phones have a SIM card to enable the use of the 4G LTE network.
Recap: What is the best CDMA SIM card?
Low-cost carriers offer plans that could save you up to $600 per year.
Finding the best CDMA SIM card can come down to a number of factors, including how much you want to spend, and what features you're looking for.
The great thing about MVNOs is they make it easy to bring your own phone. As long as it's unlocked and compatible with the CDMA network, you'll be up and running within a few days.
