Best prepaid GSM SIM card in 2023
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About Rob
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.
Rob's Expertise
5G wireless networks, cell phone plans, cell phone deals, MVNOs, internet services, tablets, comparison shopping, money saving, reviewing telecom products & services
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About Amanda
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.
Amanda's Expertise
Writing, editing, proofreading, researching, blogging, collaborating, communicating, CMS, eSIMs, MVNOs, 5G home internet & comparison
Last updated on November 6th, 2023
We compared cheap GSM 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 Unlimited: Best SIM card with free trial
- Boost Mobile 5GB: Best cheap SIM card
- Lycamobile 5GB: Cheap prepaid SIM card
- Mint Mobile 15GB: Best SIM card for iPhones
- Boost Infinite Unlimited: Cheap unlimited SIM card
Table of contents
- Cheapest GSM SIM cards in December
- How to choose the best GSM 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 GSM SIM plans
- SIM cards for international travelers
- Which carriers are GSM?
- GSM SIM card FAQs
- What is a GSM SIM card?
- Which carriers use GSM SIM cards?
- How do I know if my SIM card is GSM?
- Recap: What is the best GSM SIM card?
1. Best SIM card with free trial: 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
- $650 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.
FREE*
$25/mo* FREE 50 Day Trial + $50 Gift Card
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: Boost Mobile 5GB
- AT&T & T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE networks Boost Mobile operates on the AT&T & 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
- 5GB data
- $750 in annual savings Savings are calculated comparing the cost of the Boost Mobile 5GB vs an unlimited data plan from T-Mobile, AT&T or Verizon over the first 12 months.
$5/mo*
$15/mo* $15 for 3 months service
Boost Mobile SIM cards are prepaid SIMs that operate on both the AT&T and T-Mobile networks.
They come with various data allowances ranging from 2GB to unlimited, and if you require multiple SIM cards for your family members, there are discounted rates available that allow for even greater savings. Check out our review about best cheap SIM card plans.
Pros
- AT&T and T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE wireless coverage
- Multi-line discounts for family plans
- Mobile hotspot access
Cons
- No free international calls
- International roaming is limited
- All of Boost Mobile's SIM cards have unlimited talk and text included. They offer unlimited options with up to 30GB of high-speed data for those who use a lot of data.
- They provide a discount on additional lines to save money for families.
- Boost Mobile offers a diverse selection of phones, including the latest models from popular brands such as Apple and Samsung. With 0% financing options over 1-2 years.
- Their international features may not be as comprehensive.
- International roaming options are limited compared to other carriers. In comparison to other carriers, their international roaming options are limited, and making international calls requires an additional add-on.
3. Cheap prepaid SIM card: Lycamobile 5GB
- T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE networks Lycamobile operates on the 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
- 5GB data
- $780 in annual savings Savings are calculated comparing the cost of the Lycamobile 5GB vs an unlimited data plan from T-Mobile, AT&T or Verizon over the first 12 months.
$10/mo
A Lycamobile SIM card is the perfect choice for customers looking to enjoy quality mobile service without paying through the roof, along with great customer support. Powered by T-Mobile, you'll get unlimited talk & text and plenty of data options, up to 40GB of high-speed data, along with free international calling. Check out our review about best prepaid SIM card.
Pros
- T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE network coverage
- Free international calls to 75+ countries
- Excellent score on Trustpilot
Cons
- Extra cost for international roaming
- Doesn’t support eSIM
You have the flexibility to choose from a variety of SIM card options with ample data, allowing you to customize your plan to suit your needs. Whether you make lots of international calls or spend hours browsing social media, Lycamobile provides numerous choices. Moreover, you can enjoy free international calls to over 75 countries worldwide.
Nevertheless, it is important to note a few drawbacks. Although Lycamobile is accessible in numerous countries, it does not provide international roaming packages, which might be disappointing for certain individuals. Moreover, Lycamobile currently does not support eSIM.
4. Best SIM card for iPhones: Mint Mobile 15GB
- T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE networks Mint Mobile operates on the 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
- 15GB data
- $720 in annual savings Savings are calculated comparing the cost of the Mint Mobile 15GB vs an unlimited data plan from T-Mobile, AT&T or Verizon over the first 12 months.
$10/mo*
$20/mo* 50% Off - $60 for 6 Mths Service
Mint Mobile SIM cards are prepaid SIMs on the T-Mobile network, allowing customers to benefit from excellent service at a more affordable price. They offer various data packages, including an unlimited SIM card plan with up to 40GB of high-speed data and unlimited talk and text for all SIM cards.
Mint Mobile's clear communication highlights how customers can achieve greater savings by committing to longer-term plans. Check out our review about best prepaid SIM card for iphones.
Pros
- T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE network coverage
- Free calls to Mexico and Canada
- Free mobile hotspot with all SIM cards
Cons
- No international roaming
- Limited customer service
- 3-month minimum sign-up
- Mint Mobile offers mobile hotspot access with all SIM cards with a 10GB hotspot data limit on the unlimited plan.
- To sign up for Mint Mobile, you need to commit to a minimum of 3 months upfront. After the initial three months, you can choose from a 3, 6, or 12-month pricing structure.
- They offer a 7-day money-back guarantee with no questions asked.
- You can bring your own device, so there's no need to upgrade to an expensive iPhone. But they also offer options for new smartphones, including iPhones, Samsung, Google Pixel, and more.
- Download the Mint Mobile app to easily track your usage and manage multiple SIM card plans.
- One drawback is that international roaming and calls to countries outside of Canada and Mexico come at an additional cost.
5. Cheap unlimited SIM card: Boost Infinite Unlimited
- AT&T & T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE networks Boost Infinite operates on the AT&T & 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
- $600 in annual savings Savings are calculated comparing the cost of the Boost Infinite Unlimited vs an unlimited data plan from T-Mobile, AT&T or Verizon over the first 12 months.
$25/mo*
* $25/mo Forever
The Boost Infinite SIM card - a single plan with a fixed price. Boost Infinite ensures simplicity by operating on the AT&T and T-Mobile networks. For just $25, you can experience 5G on one of the major networks through their unlimited SIM card plan (with high-speed data capped at 30GB). Check out our review about best prepaid SIM card for unlimited data.
Pros
- AT&T and T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE wireless coverage
- Unlimited SIM card plan (capped at 30GB high-speed data)
- Set price of $25 per month forever
Cons
- No multi-line discounts
- International add-ons available
- For just $25, enjoy unlimited talk, text, and data (up to 30GB of high-speed data).
- There are no surprise charges or hidden fees, only taxes.
- Flexibility to switch plans at any time with no contract.
- Option to add additional features for an extra fee, including roaming in Mexico and Canada (up to 1GB), unlimited international calls to over 80 countries, and text messages to more than 200 countries.
- No additional discounts are available for families looking to join; the cost remains at $25 per person per month.
Cheapest GSM SIM cards in December
How to choose the best GSM 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 GSM SIM plans
| Carrier | Network | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| US Mobile Unlimited SIM card | Verizon & T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage | Unltd | $0/mo $25/mo |
| Tello 1GB SIM card | T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage | 1GB | $6/mo $10/mo |
| Mint Mobile 5GB SIM card | T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage | 5GB | $7.50/mo $15/mo |
| Mint Mobile 15GB SIM card | T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage | 15GB | $10/mo $20/mo |
| Boost Mobile Unlimited SIM card | AT&T & T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage | Unltd | $12.50/mo $25/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 GSM?
Check out the GSM carriers list to see all the MNVOs powered by AT&T or T-Mobile.
You'll be sent your GSM SIM card kit in the post with simple activation instructions to help you get started. If you're looking to bring your own phone, check on the carrier's website to make sure your phone is compatible.
GSM SIM card FAQs
GSM means Global System for Mobile Communications. All GSM phones have SIM card slots for storing phone information.
AT&T and T-Mobile use the GSM network. So any MVNOs running on these networks are GSM compatible.
If your current provider is AT&T or T-Mobile then your SIM card will be a GSM SIM card.
Recap: What is the best GSM SIM card?
Saving money on your cell phone bill is easy with low-cost carriers. And with a great selection of plans, there's something for everyone.
GSM MVNOs make it easy for you to bring your own phone as long as it's compatible. If you're not sure your phone is compatible, you can find out with our IMEI checker.
