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Finding a cheap prepaid phone plan has never been easier. MVNOs are emerging as the cheapest prepaid phone companies, offering affordable plans without sacrifices.
If you've not heard of these alternative carriers such as Mint Mobile, Tello, and US Mobile to name a few, you're not alone. However, by running on the three main networks they offer you the same nationwide coverage but without the expensive price tag.
We've selected some of the best deals below where you could 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
Low-cost carriers, also known as MVNOs, are a great way to save with a network you already trust. But at half the price.
Jumping on the networks of the big guys - Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile - you can expect good coverage. But it doesn't come with the hefty price tag. With these low-cost carriers, there is no contract, which means no commitment and the flexibility to leave if you're unhappy.
Here's why we think it's a no-brainer:
Nationwide coverage from the four major networks
No expensive monthly bills
No contracts
Tailor the plan to your needs - no more paying for what you don't use
Hassle-free to switch - bring your phone and keep your number
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
How to switch to a prepaid 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.
A prepaid plan with an MVNO can provide the best value for money. Prices vary depending on what you need from your plan.
Which phone companies have the cheapest prepaid unlimited plans?
Mint Mobile provides an unlimited everything plan, including data for $30 a month.
Recap
MVNOs provide great value when it comes to prepaid cell phone plans and the best thing is there's no contract. So if your needs change you can amend your plan or change carriers.
Prepaid phone companies encourage you to bring your own phone to save even more money. However, if you're looking to get a new handset most MVNOs to offer a selection available on a 0% finance plan over two years.
Powered by the major US networks you can stick with the coverage you love or check the best cell phone coverage in your area using your ZIP code.
