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A tight budget can make it important to find the cheapest MVNO plans that are suitable for your needs as well as your costs.
If you've not heard of MVNOs, you're not alone. Mobile Virtual Network Operators are powered by the same main US networks; Verizon, T-Mobile, and AT&T but have a range of phone plans available starting at around $10 per month.
We can help you find the cheapest MVNO plans, and we've broken down the best deals with all low-cost carriers, keep scrolling to find out more.
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
Twigby 4GB plan includes unlimited mins, unlimited texts and 4GB data for only $10 per month. Twigby plans offers wireless coverage on the Verizon 5G and 4G LTE network. Read Twigby review
US Mobile 5GB plan includes unlimited mins, unlimited texts and 5GB data for only $15 per month. US Mobile plans offers wireless coverage on the Verizon & T-Mobile 5G and 4G LTE networks. Read US Mobile review
Mint Mobile 15GB plan includes unlimited mins, unlimited texts and 15GB 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
Boost Mobile Unlimited plan includes unlimited mins, unlimited texts and unlimited data for only $12.50 per month. Boost Mobile plans offers wireless coverage on the AT&T & T-Mobile 5G and 4G LTE networks. Read Boost Mobile review
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:
4G LTE & 5G data speeds:MVNOs operate on big cellular networks, so you pay less without sacrificing speed. As the big networks roll out 5G, smaller carriers are able to offer 5G coverage too. So you can expect the same high-speed data.
Unlimited talk and text messaging: It's never been easier to find a new unlimited plan. Pretty much all no-contract carriers include unlimited text and calling as standard with plans. Compare unlimited talk and text plans with or without data.
International calls to Canada and Mexico: Keeping in touch with loved ones around the world has never felt more important, making international calling a must-have feature. Luckily MVNOs offer some of the best international phone plans, including free calling to countries like Canada and Mexico, plus discounted rates or affordable add-ons for other countries.
Multiline discounts: If you're used to your multi-line plan, low-cost carriers have got you. They offer the best family phone plans out there. With many, you'll get a multi-line discount for each line added.
Wi-Fi calling: If you're stuck for a signal, or out of your service area when out and about, you can still make calls using this feature. With this feature, calls are made over the internet instead of your cellular connection.
Tethering/hotspot data: Many low-cost carriers allow you to turn your phone into a hotspot and get another device online. Pick an MVNO with the best mobile hotspot plans and share your mobile hotspot data with other devices.
HD video streaming: Just like the big guys, some of these alternative carriers offer HD video streaming and some don't. Our articles cover which features do and don't come with a plan.
MVNO plan types
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.
Basic plans: If you (or a loved one) only use a cell phone to make a few calls, send a couple of messages, and rarely go online then you can opt for a simply prepaid plan. You get basic cell phone functions, an allowance for minutes of talk, and usually around 2GB of data at a great price. Once you run out of your data allotment, speeds slow, but it's usually very easy to add on more.
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!
Talk and text only plans: Don't need data? No problem - compare the cheapest talk and text plans. Bonus, you'll save a ton of money if you're not paying for data!
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.
Most MVNOs offer low-cost plans, but Tello provides some of the cheapest prices starting from around $10 a month.
Who has the best MVNO plan?
MVNOs like Tello, Mint Mobile, and US Mobile currently offer the best value cell phone plans ranging from just $10-30 per month.
Recap
Plans direct with Verizon, AT&T, or T-Mobile can cost you anywhere from $70-90 per month, excluding taxes and fees.
With MVNOs there's no need to be stuck in an expensive contract. You can pay for what you need with their customizable plans and with prices starting as low as $10 a month, you could be saving up to $600 a year.
The best MVNO plan will depend on our needs but whatever you decide, it's going to be at least half the price of buying direct.
