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.
MoneySavingPro independently researches the products & services to bring you our recommendations. We may earn money when you click our links - disclosure policy.
Looking for a new phone, but on a tight budget?
We've got your back. Find your next cell phone plan from the best low-cost providers out there.
There are over 50 cell phone carriers in the United States. Known as MVNOs, these alternative carriers are powered by one or more of the big three networks.
You can stay on the same network, plus get greater flexibility. Everything you need comes at a much better price with a low-cost carrier.
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
US Mobile 2GB plan includes unlimited mins, unlimited texts and 2GB data for only $12 per month. US Mobile plans offers wireless coverage on the Verizon & T-Mobile 5G and 4G LTE networks. Read US Mobile review
Boost Mobile 5GB plan includes unlimited mins, unlimited texts and 5GB data for only $5 per month. Boost Mobile plans offers wireless coverage on the AT&T & T-Mobile 5G and 4G LTE networks. Read Boost Mobile review
Mint Mobile 15GB plan includes unlimited mins, unlimited texts and 15GB data for only $20 per month. Mint Mobile plans offers wireless coverage on the T-Mobile 5G and 4G LTE network. Read Mint Mobile review
Boost Infinite Unlimited plan includes unlimited mins, unlimited texts and unlimited data for only $25 per month. Boost Infinite plans offers wireless coverage on the AT&T & T-Mobile 5G and 4G LTE networks. Read Boost Infinite review
Same great nationwide coverage: These cell phone carriers operate on the very same networks as the big three 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.
Same cell phone service: Just because you're paying less 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!
4G LTE & 5G data speeds: You'll pay less without sacrificing speed since MVNOs operate on the big three cellular networks. More and more are adding 5G coverage all the time so that 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 calling 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: Like the big guys, some MVNOs offer HD video streaming, while others don't.
Unlimited plans: Looking for unlimited talk text and data? Alternative carriers have got you covered. Data-hungry users looking for unlimited plus plans can save serious money by switching to one of the cheapest unlimited data plans.
Family plans: Need four lines or more? Many MVNOs offer group plans. Compare the cheapest family phone plans so you can pick and choose what each family member needs.
Bring your own phone plans: BYOP plans are the norm with smaller carriers. Compare cell phone prices and get a great deal to go with your cheap cell phone plan!
Single-line plans: Stop paying a premium rate just because you only need one line. Find the best phone plans for individuals.
Talk and text plans: Don't need data? No problem - compare cheap talk and text plans. Bonus, you'll save a ton of money if you're not paying for data!
Tablet data plans: Find the cheapest data plan for your tablet or iPad.
Kids phone plans: MVNOs offer the best phone plans for kids because you can tailor them to exactly what you want your child to have.
Senior phone plans: Senior citizens often have different cell phone needs. Compare cheap cell phone plans for seniors for the perfect fit.
To ensure you get the best phone deal, compare cell phone plans from multiple low-cost carriers side by side.
How we picked the best phone carriers
MoneySavingPro reviewed the best cell phone carriers available 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.
Cell phone carriers FAQs
Which carrier has the best coverage in my area?
You can check cell phone provider coverage where you live with our ZIP code checker.
Which phone carrier has the best customer service?
US Mobile consistently gets top reviews for its service and plans. Find out what customers are saying with US Mobile user reviews.
What is the best cell phone carrier?
The best cell phone carrier will depend on the features you're looking for and getting value for money. Find a range of plans from the top low-cost carriers.
Recap: What is the best cell phone company?
Paying over $80 a month for a cell phone plan that doesn't give you what you need doesn't make sense. Dodge the rising costs of cell phone plans from the big three carriers.
There are so many low-cost carriers emerging in the wireless industry. Offering cheap cell phone plans, they can save you hundreds of dollars each year.
Don't sacrifice the wireless coverage you know and trust. Find out which of the big networks offer the best phone coverage in your area, and find the best low-cost carrier for you. Bring your phone to save even more, and check user reviews before signing up for the best switching experience.
Each low-cost carrier is tailored toward specific needs, and a great range exists. Some feature prepaid options, others focus on unlimited data.
