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With such a choice of cell phone providers, finding the best value doesn't have to mean expensive.
If you've not heard of MVNOs, you're not alone. Over the last few years they've been growing in popularity due to their low-cost plans.
However low-cost doesn't mean sacrifice, as they're powered by the main US networks, giving you access to the same nationwide coverage you're used to.
We've broken it down below to help you save up to $600 a year on your cell phone bill.
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
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
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
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
At MoneySavingPro we love Mobile Virtual Network Operators, or MVNOs. While the big three want you to spend money, MVNOs help you save it.
You get to stay on the same network you love and there are no contracts. So if you're not happy you can just leave, with no hefty early termination fee. Pay for what you need and tailor a plan to suit you.
Here's why we think it's a no-brainer:
Same great coverage: These cell phone carriers are powered by the same networks as the four telecom giants.
Much lower prices: Without the massive overheads and advertising costs an MVNO cell phone plan can save you up to $600 a year.
No contracts: No lengthy tie-ins. Providing a no-contract phone plan you can switch anytime you want.
Keep your phone and number: No need for unnecessary upgrades. You can bring your own phone and keep your number.
Customize your plan: Your plan, your terms. Pick how much data you need. Choose from no data to unlimited data plans.
Great customer support: Smaller mobile providers are known for their attention to customer service. Before switching check out what other money savers have to say with their user reviews.
Concerned that low-cost carriers won't have good customer service? Don't be, on average MVNOs score much higher customer ratings than the big networks as you'll see in the comparison chart below:
CARRIER
TRUSTPILOT USER RATING
MONTHLY PRICE
COVERAGE
US Mobile
4.7
$10-35
Verizon 5G & 4G LTE
Tello
4.4
$10-29
T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE
Red Pocket Mobile
4.2
$10-50
AT&T 5G & 4G LTE
T-Mobile
1.5
$70-90
T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE
AT&T
1.3
$75-90
AT&T 5G & 4G LTE
Verizon
1.2
$80-90
Verizon 5G & 4G LTE
Cell phone company features
4G LTE & 5G data speeds: Since MVNOs operate on the big three 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.
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.
Switch to a cheap cell phone company
It's never been easier to switch. Let's break it down.
Customize your plan. Whether you're looking for a truly unlimited plan, or in the market for something more basic, choose a plan to suit your cell phone needs.
Prepare to make the switch. Make sure your old bills are paid up and your phone is unlocked. If you're getting a new device, transferring data from one to another is simple. Even if you're going from an iPhone to Android, and vice versa.
Set up your new plan. Keep your current carrier account open until your number has ported over. Once you're sure your new plan is up and running, cancel your old account. If you've got a new device with your Tello plan, it should be ready to use when it arrives. If you're bringing your own phone then you'll need to follow the instructions with the new SIM card kit that Tello will send to you in the post.
Cell phone plans from MVNOs start from $10. Prices can vary depending on the provider and what features you need.
Which phone companies offer the cheapest plans?
The best value deal depends on your budget and what you need from your cell phone plan. You can find low-cost carriers with plans starting from $10.
Recap
MVNOs make it easier to find the best cell phone provider for your needs. With a range of customizable plans at affordable prices, there's something for everyone.
You can choose a low-cost carrier on your current network or if you're looking to change you can find out the best cell phone coverage in your area by using your ZIP code.
Choose the features you want, unlimited data, international calling, mobile hotspots, and more to find the perfect cell phone plan for you.
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.
