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With no contract, no early termination fees, and the flexibility to cancel at any time, prepaid cell phone service is becoming a popular option for those sick of the expensive bills from the big telecom companies.
We understand it's not all about the price. Coverage is important, along with customer service.
At MoneySavingPro, we've done the hard work for you. We've selected some of the best cell phone carriers for all budgets. Check them out below.
Best cheap prepaid phone providers on T-Mobile
These are the top 3 plans from low-cost carriers with T-Mobile coverage to consider.
Cheap T-Mobile plan
Tello 2GB plan
- T-Mobile coverage
- Unlimited talk and text
- Instant eSIM activation
Keep it simple with Tello prepaid phone plans while accessing the 5G & 4G LTE T-Mobile wireless service.
All plans offer free international calls to over 60 countries, including Canada and Mexico, and a variety of data allowances that cater to both light and heavy users. Check out our review about T-Mobile MVNOs: best carriers on the T-Mobile network.
Pros
- T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE wireless coverage
- Free international calling to 60+ countries
- Free mobile hotspot included
- Excellent score on Trustpilot
- eSIM compatible
Cons
- No international roaming
- No multi-line discounts
- Customize your own plan. Depending on your usage, you can choose the amount of data, minutes, and texts that you require. It's always worth checking your average data usage, as a set data plan can help cut costs.
- Mobile hotspot is available with a limit of 5GB.
- Tello doesn't provide any discounts for purchasing multiple lines. Therefore, if you're considering getting a plan for another family member, each line will be billed individually at the full price. But you can still save money with their affordable individual plans.
- Being an online-based service provider means that activating an eSIM prepaid plan requires just a few clicks, or you can choose to have a SIM card delivered to your address.
Best family plan on T-Mobile
Mint Mobile 15GB plan
- T-Mobile coverage
- Unlimited talk and text
- Instant eSIM activation
Choose from a variety of Mint Mobile prepaid plans to build your unique family plan. Powered by the T-Mobile network, it provides the same great quality service at half the price.
Choose from a range of data allowances, including an unlimited plan with 40GB of high-speed data and unlimited talk and text. Mint Mobile has clear messaging sharing how you can save more money the longer you commit. Check out our review about best family plans on T-Mobile.
Pros
- T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE wireless coverage
- Free calls to Mexico and Canada
- Free mobile hotspot with all plans
- eSIM compatible
Cons
- No international roaming
- Limited customer service
- 3-month minimum sign-up
- Mobile hotspot access is available with all plans, and the unlimited plan includes a 10 GB hotspot data limit.
- A minimum 3-month upfront commitment is required to subscribe. The longer commitment period means more savings. Choose a 3, 6, or 12-month pricing structure available after initial commitment.
- They offer a 7-day money-back guarantee if you're not satisfied with the service.
- You can bring your own phone or choose from various smartphone options like a new iPhone or Samsung with a 0% finance over 1-2 years.
- Manage usage and multiple line plans through the Mint Mobile app.
- International roaming comes at an additional cost but calls to Canada and Mexico are included, while other international calls incur extra charges.
Best unlimited plan on T-Mobile
Tello unlimited data plan
- T-Mobile coverage
- Unlimited talk and text
- Instant eSIM activation
Keep it simple with Tello prepaid phone plans while accessing the 5G & 4G LTE T-Mobile wireless service.
All plans offer free international calls to over 60 countries, including Canada and Mexico, and a variety of data allowances that cater to both light and heavy users. Check out our review about best unlimited data plans on T-Mobile.
Pros
- T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE wireless coverage
- Free international calling to 60+ countries
- Free mobile hotspot included
- Excellent score on Trustpilot
- eSIM compatible
Cons
- No international roaming
- No multi-line discounts
The table below demonstrates that choosing the Tello unlimited data plan would save you $600 per year compared to buying an unlimited data plan from T-Mobile directly.
| T-Mobile | T-Mobile coverage at a fraction of the cost | ||
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
*$45 for 3 Months
|
|
| T-Mobile 4G & 5G | T-Mobile 4G & 5G | T-Mobile 4G & 5G | |
| Unlimited data *not unlimited | 2GB data | 15GB data | Unlimited data |
| $75/mo | $10/mo | $15/mo* | $25/mo |
| $900/yr | $120/yr | $225/yr | $300/yr |
| 1.4 on Trustpilot | 4.5 on Trustpilot | 3.1 on Trustpilot | 4.5 on Trustpilot |
| Annual savings | $780/yr | $675/yr | $600/yr |
Best cheap prepaid phone providers on Verizon
These are the top 3 plans from low-cost carriers with Verizon coverage to consider.
Cheap Verizon plan
Twigby Mobile 2GB plan
- Verizon coverage
- Unlimited talk and text
- Instant eSIM activation
Customize Twigby Mobile prepaid phone plans and only pay for what you really need. With a variety of affordable no-contract plans that are powered by the Verizon network, you don't have to sacrifice quality for flexibility.
With unlimited calling and texts, you can choose as much data as you want from a range of data allowances. Check out our review about Verizon MVNOs: best carriers on the Verizon network.
Pros
- Verizon 5G & 4G LTE wireless coverage
- Free international calls to 80+ countries
- Wide range of plan choices
- Free mobile hotspot access
- Excellent score on Trustpilot
Cons
- No multi-line discounts
- No International roaming
- Not eSIM-compatible
- Twigby Mobile provides free international calling to 80 different countries, ideal for those with family or friends living abroad.
- You can conveniently purchase your plan online and have the SIM card delivered by mail.
- Mobile hotspot allowance is available and comes out of your monthly data usage, which for unlimited plans is a maximum of 20GB.
- There are no discounts for additional lines, which may not be cost-effective for those requiring more than one line.
- There are no international roaming services, which may not be ideal for frequent travelers as it could result in a significantly higher monthly bill.
Best family plan on Verizon
US Mobile 10GB plan
- Verizon coverage
- Unlimited talk and text
- Instant eSIM activation
Choose from a range of US Mobile prepaid phone plans at an affordable price. Operating on the T-Mobile and Verizon networks, featuring excellent customer service and the option to personalize your plan.
Additionally, there are no long-term contracts that keep you stuck, allowing you the freedom to switch whenever you want. Check out our review about best family plans on Verizon.
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
- eSIM compatible
Cons
- International calling is an extra cost
- International roaming is an extra cost
- Mobile hotspot allowance only available on unlimited plans
- With 24/7 support by phone or online chat, they consistently get top marks for customer service.
- Try before you buy on a 50-day trial period.
- Mobile hotspot data allowance is dependent on the unlimited plan you choose. You'll get either 5 GB, 10 GB, or 50 GB.
- Multiple line discount for additional lines, perfect when you're looking for plans for the whole family.
- With an unlimited prepaid plan and at least three additional lines, there's the option to choose streaming services like Disney Plus bundle with Hulu and ESPN, HBO Max, Apple TV, Spotify Family, PlayStation Plus, and more.
- Streaming services are available to new and existing US Mobile customers. You'll need to pay for the subscription yourself and verify it every three months for a maximum of 12 months. The extra cost will be credited to your account via Autopay.
- They might not be the best choice if you're a frequent traveler. The cost of their roaming add-on packages can be quite high, and in comparison to other carriers, their international calling features may not be as competitive.
Best unlimited plan on Verizon
US Mobile unlimited data plan
- Verizon coverage
- Unlimited talk and text
- Instant eSIM activation
Choose from a range of US Mobile prepaid phone plans at an affordable price. Operating on the T-Mobile and Verizon networks, featuring excellent customer service and the option to personalize your plan.
Additionally, there are no long-term contracts that keep you stuck, allowing you the freedom to switch whenever you want. Check out our review about best unlimited data plans on Verizon.
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
- eSIM compatible
Cons
- International calling is an extra cost
- International roaming is an extra cost
- Mobile hotspot allowance only available on unlimited plans
The table below demonstrates that choosing the US Mobile unlimited data plan would save you $630 per year compared to buying an unlimited data plan from Verizon directly.
| Verizon | Verizon coverage at a fraction of the cost | ||
|---|---|---|---|
|
*$5/mo for 1st 3 Mths
|
*$210 for 12 Mths
|
*30 Day FREE Trial
|
| Verizon 4G & 5G | Verizon, AT&T & T-Mobile 4G & 5G | Verizon, AT&T & T-Mobile 4G & 5G | |
| Unlimited data *not unlimited | 2GB data | 10GB data | Unlimited data |
| $75/mo | $5/mo* | $18/mo* | $15/mo* |
| $900/yr | $150/yr | $216/yr | $270/yr |
| 1.2 on Trustpilot | 4.6 on Trustpilot | 4.6 on Trustpilot | 4.6 on Trustpilot |
| Annual savings | $750/yr | $684/yr | $630/yr |
Best cheap prepaid phone providers on AT&T
These are the top 3 plans from low-cost carriers with AT&T coverage to consider.
Cheap AT&T plan
Red Pocket 1GB plan
- AT&T coverage
- Unlimited talk and text
- Instant eSIM activation
Red Pocket Mobile prepaid plans operate on the Verizon and AT&T wireless networks and offer good quality at half the price. Their family plans offer excellent multi-line discounts, with $20 off for every added line.
Additionally, plans include the bonus of free international calls to 80 countries, helping to keep you close to your overseas family and friends. Check out our review about AT&T MVNOs: best carriers on the AT&T network.
Pros
- Verizon, and AT&T 5G & 4G LTE network coverage
- Free international calls to 80 countries
- Roaming available in Mexico and Canada
- Mobile hotspot access on all plans
- Excellent score on Trustpilot
- eSIM compatible
Cons
- Limited international roaming
- Red Pocket Mobile's plans are straightforward, with no hidden fees, and include features like unlimited talk and text.
- You get a $20 discount for each additional line added, which is ideal for family plans. You'll need to pay a setup fee, but after that, choosing a family plan could save you hundreds of dollars a year.
- With the unlimited plan, you get up to 30GB high-speed data allowance.
- Mobile hotspot access is available up to 30GB on the unlimited plan, which comes out of your monthly data allowance.
- They offer a 7-day money-back guarantee with their eSIM plans.
- Red Pocket Mobile offers free international calling to 80+ countries, with free roaming in Mexico and Canada.
Best unlimited plan on AT&T
Boost Mobile unlimited data plan
- AT&T coverage
- Unlimited talk and text
- Instant eSIM activation
Operating on the AT&T and T-Mobile 5G & 4G networks, you can cut the cost of your cell phone bill and get more flexibility with a Boost Mobile prepaid plan.
Whether you're a light or heavy data user, their range of data allowances start from 2GB and go all the way up to unlimited, so there is something for everyone. Check out our review about best unlimited data plans on AT&T.
Pros
- AT&T & T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE network coverage
- Multi-line discounts for family plans
- Mobile hotspot access
- eSIM compatible
Cons
- No free international calls
- International roaming is limited
- All prepaid plans come with unlimited talk and text.
- Unlimited plans include up to 30GB of high-speed data.
- Most plans include mobile hotspot data, but be sure to check. The allowance depends on the plan, but the maximum is 30GB, which comes out of your monthly data allowance.
- Discounts are available for additional lines, which is great for families.
- Wide selection of phones available, including the latest models from Apple and Samsung, with 0% financing over 1-2 years.
- There are limited international features, with additional charges for international calls made using add-ons.
The table below demonstrates that choosing the Boost Mobile unlimited data plan would save you $600 per year compared to buying an unlimited data plan from AT&T directly.
| AT&T | AT&T coverage at a fraction of the cost | |
|---|---|---|
|
|
*$25/mo forever
|
| Verizon, AT&T & T-Mobile 4G & 5G | AT&T & T-Mobile 4G & 5G | |
| Unlimited data *not unlimited | 1GB data | Unlimited data |
| $75/mo | $10/mo | $25/mo* |
| $900/yr | $120/yr | $300/yr |
| 1.3 on Trustpilot | 4.4 on Trustpilot | 1.3 on Trustpilot |
| Annual savings | $780/yr | $600/yr |
Best low-cost prepaid phone provider
Tello unlimited data plan
- T-Mobile coverage
- Unlimited talk and text
- Instant eSIM activation
Keep it simple with Tello prepaid phone plans while accessing the 5G & 4G LTE T-Mobile wireless service.
All plans offer free international calls to over 60 countries, including Canada and Mexico, and a variety of data allowances that cater to both light and heavy users. Check out our review about the 10 best MVNOs.
Pros
- T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE wireless coverage
- Free international calling to 60+ countries
- Free mobile hotspot included
- Excellent score on Trustpilot
- eSIM compatible
Cons
- No international roaming
- No multi-line discounts
How to choose the cheapest prepaid phone providers
What network coverage do you prefer?
MVNOs are powered by the same 5G & 4G LTE networks as the big 3 wireless networks. Among the various carriers, T-Mobile obtained the top position in this J.D. Power 2023 wireless network study in terms of 5G coverage. If you have a preference for a particular network, choose an MVNO that operates on that network. Or, to identify the best cell phone service in your area, you can use our coverage checker tool.
How much data do you need?
Do you really need an unlimited data plan? The big 3 may try to persuade you otherwise, but the reality is that the majority of people only consume approximately 10GB of cellular data each month. Furthermore, if you primarily use Wi-Fi at home or work, your consumption of cellular data will probably be even lower. With cheap cell phone providers, you can choose a data plan that fits your requirements and pay a reduced amount if your data usage is lower.
Is hotspot data included?
Most carriers allow the usage of hotspot data; however, there are limitations on the quantity of data that can be used via tethering. The actual limit depends on the prepaid plan you choose and the carrier. Moreover, certain carriers offer prepaid mobile hotspot plans specifically tailored for use on mobile hotspot devices, iPads, and tablets.
What's the monthly cost?
While the big 3 usually charge between $75-90 per month for unlimited plans, the best MVNOs offer inexpensive plans that range from $5-35 per month. Despite their affordability, these options still offer dependable wireless coverage and fast data speeds. It's crucial to be mindful of extra fees and taxes, as some carriers include them in their pricing while others, such as AT&T and Verizon, do not.
What if I need multiple lines?
When it comes to the big wireless networks, the price advertised is only valid if you buy four lines. While with MVNOs, the price displayed is the price you pay, even if you only have one line. Furthermore, plenty of affordable carriers currently offer further reductions for additional lines with prepaid family plans.
Can I bring my own phone or buy a new device?
Despite the big 3's love of keeping their customers locked into a constant cycle of phone upgrades, MVNOs advocate the choice of bringing your own phone. This gives you the power to stay in control and only switch phones when it suits you. If you do choose to purchase a new phone, many MVNOs offer the opportunity of 0% financing for 1-2 years.
What promotions do they offer?
The big wireless promotions may appear appealing at first, but with further scrutiny of the fine print, you'll find they frequently include unnecessary items and the commitment to a lengthy 3-year phone contract. On the other hand, many Mobile Virtual Network Operators provide special discounts to new customers and offer no contract phone plans and clearer pricing structures.
Are there any additional perks?
A lot of the plans from the major networks include "free" TV subscriptions, but these eventually turn into paid subscriptions and are automatically added to your bill if you forget to cancel them after a few months. However, there are some prepaid carriers, like US Mobile, that offer free subscription services. But in our opinion, it's better to keep these subscriptions separate so that you have better control over them.
What international features are available?
If you travel often, it's recommended that you check whether your prepaid carrier offers these services. International calling and roaming are distinct features, and several MVNOs provide free international calls; however, the countries available may vary depending on the carrier. Roaming is typically offered as an optional feature, with the cost differing depending on the country you are traveling to.
Do they have parental controls?
Many MVNOs offer parental control features that enable parents to supervise their children's phone usage and data consumption. With these controls, you can set data limits, restrict access to particular apps or websites, and even track your child's location. These capabilities are available either as part of plans or can be configured in your cell phone's settings.
Check out our prepaid cell phone comparison to help find the best deal.
Find the best phone service in your area
Compare the cheapest prepaid phone carriers
| Carrier | Data | Monthly Price | Annual Price | Savings | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tello | 2GB | $10/mo | $120/yr | $780/yr | See at Tello |
| Mint Mobile | 15GB | $15/mo* |
$225/yr | $675/yr | See at Mint Mobile
*$45 for 3 Months
|
| Tello | Unlimited | $25/mo | $300/yr | $600/yr | See at Tello |
| Carrier | Data | Monthly Price | Annual Price | Savings | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Twigby Mobile | 2GB | $5/mo* |
$150/yr | $750/yr | See at Twigby Mobile
*$5/mo for 1st 3 Mths
|
| US Mobile | 10GB | $18/mo* | $216/yr | $684/yr | See at US Mobile
*$210 for 12 Mths
|
| US Mobile | Unlimited | $15/mo* |
$270/yr | $630/yr | See at US Mobile
*30 Day FREE Trial
|
| Carrier | Data | Monthly Price | Annual Price | Savings | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Red Pocket | 1GB | $10/mo | $120/yr | $780/yr | See at Red Pocket |
| Boost Mobile | Unlimited | $25/mo* | $300/yr | $600/yr | See at Boost Mobile
*$25/mo forever
|
Prepaid phone providers FAQs
Boost Mobile, Tello, and Mint Mobile offer prepaid unlimited data plans for around $25-30 per month.
Boost Mobile offers the cheapest prepaid cell phone plans starting at $5 per month.
Recap: What is the best prepaid cell phone service?
Online cell phone companies have taken the hassle out of switching your phone plan. Save over 50% off your cell phone bill with an alternative carrier.
They are hooking onto a network you trust while getting the same benefits you love. Sure, they don't have free subscriptions for things like Disney+, but they're not free forever. And we never remember to cancel them on time.
Compare the cheapest prepaid cell phone plans from multiple carriers to ensure you get the best deal.
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How we choose the best carriers and plans
To select the best carriers and plans, MoneySavingPro's team of experts evaluated over 30 different carriers.
Carriers were rated in five categories, with a star rating from 1-5, with 5 stars being the best. We then calculate the overall star rating using the five categories:
- Value for money: We compare carriers based on price, features, benefits, and promotions. It's not just about the lowest price but getting the most bang for your buck.
- Coverage: We look at network 5G and 4G LTE coverage across the US. We use coverage maps to determine service availability and data speeds in urban, suburban, and rural locations.
- Customer experience: We take into account items such as current user experience, website and app usability, ease of switching, and customer service in terms of availability, channels, and satisfaction ratings.
- Transparency: We assess whether carrier pricing is clear and straightforward. We examine the fine print to check for hidden fees, confusing terms or conditions, and misleading offers to ensure upfront, honest prices and advertising.
- Range of choice: We evaluate the diversity of plan options to determine if they fit the individual needs of all customers.
Read more about our carrier ratings methodology and our editorial process.
We regularly update our comparisons. Updating cell phone plans weekly and our content monthly to ensure we are showing the latest and most accurate information.
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