GSM vs CDMA in 2024
Which is better GSM or CDMA?
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Top plans list
- US Mobile unlimited data plan: Best carrier with free trial
- Tello 1GB plan: Best cheap phone carrier
- Mint Mobile 5GB plan: Best prepaid carrier
- Mint Mobile 15GB plan: Best carrier for family plans
- Boost Mobile unlimited data plan: Best carrier for unlimited data
- Ultra Mobile 3GB plan: Cheap phone carrier for one person
- Mint Mobile unlimited data plan: Best T-Mobile MVNO
- Boost Infinite unlimited data plan: Best AT&T MVNO
- Twigby 5GB plan: Best Verizon MVNO
- Boost Mobile 5GB plan: Best eSIM carrier
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You have probably heard a lot of talk about GSM and CDMA but maybe you're not exactly sure what that means for you and your cell phone. Let me help clear that up!
Verizon runs on the CDMA network whereas AT&T and T-Mobile use GSM. There are also numerous low-cost carriers that use these big major networks that can save you money whichever network you are covered by.
Read on and we'll show you how you could save up to $600 per year on your cell phone bill without sacrificing cell phone service coverage.
CDMA vs GSM: What's the difference?
Best carrier with free trial
US Mobile unlimited data plan
- Verizon & T-Mobile coverage
- Unlimited talk and text
- Instant eSIM activation
US Mobile phone plans offer affordable deals on the Verizon and T-Mobile networks, with good customer service and customizable options. You can build the best phone plans to suit specific needs, with unlimited talk and text and even international roaming options.
Plus, they don't lock you into any long-term contracts, giving you the freedom to switch whenever you like. Check out our review about best free eSIM service.
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
- US Mobile stands out with its exceptional customer service, offering 24/7 support by phone or online chat.
- 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.
- With their family plans, you can save hundreds of dollars on your cell phone bill by adding multiple lines. The more lines you add, the more discount you receive.
- For extra perks, US Mobile offers streaming services like Disney Plus bundle with Hulu and ESPN, HBO Max, Apple TV, Spotify Family, PlayStation Plus, and more, with an unlimited prepaid plan and at least three additional lines.
- Available to new and existing US Mobile customers with an unlimited plan and at least three additional lines. 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 may not be the best option for frequent travelers seeking reliable international coverage. Their add-on packages for roaming can be expensive, and their international calling features may not be as competitive as other carriers.
Best cheap phone carrier
Tello 1GB plan
- T-Mobile coverage
- Unlimited talk and text
- Instant eSIM activation
Tello phone plans keep things simple with their wireless service. None of those hidden fees or long-term contracts that'll leave you feeling trapped.
With free international calls to 60+ countries on all plans, including Canada and Mexico, and a range of data allowances suitable for light to heavy users. Check out our review about the cheapest cell phone plans.
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
- Not only are their plans affordable for all budgets, but you can build your own plan. Depending on your usage, you get to choose how much data, minutes, and texts you need, so you're not paying for stuff you don't use.
- It's always worth checking your data usage as a set data plan could save money and help restrict excessive phone usage.
- Mobile hotspot is available with a limit of 5 GB of data.
- Tello doesn't offer any discounts if you purchase multiple lines, so if you're looking to get a plan for another family member, each line is billed as a single line at full price. However, you can still save money due to the low cost of their individual plans.
- Being online-based means that activation of an eSIM plan can take just a few clicks, or you can have a SIM card mailed to you.
Best prepaid carrier
Mint Mobile 5GB plan
- T-Mobile coverage
- Unlimited talk and text
- Instant eSIM activation
Mint Mobile phone plans are powered by the T-Mobile network, providing the same great service at a lower cost. They offer various data allowances, including an unlimited plan with 40GB of high-speed data and unlimited talk and text.
With Mint Mobile, their transparent messaging shows how you can save more money the longer you commit. Check out our review about best prepaid phone plans.
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
- Mint Mobile offers mobile hotspot access with all of their plans. So you can use your phone to tether to tablets or other mobile devices, 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 cheaper prices. Choose a 3, 6, or 12-month pricing structure available after initial commitment.
- If you're unsatisfied, Mint Mobile offers a 7-day money-back guarantee.
- You can bring your own device, so there's no need to buy an expensive iPhone. However, if you prefer a new smartphone, there are many options available, including iPhones, Samsung, and other Android models like Google Pixel, with a 0% finance over 1-2 years.
- With the Mint Mobile app, you can easily monitor your usage and manage multiple lines and plans.
- One downside is that international roaming is an additional cost, and although you get free calls to Canada and Mexico, other international countries are extra.
Best carrier for family plans
Mint Mobile 15GB plan
- T-Mobile coverage
- Unlimited talk and text
- Instant eSIM activation
Mint Mobile phone plans are powered by the T-Mobile network, providing the same great service at a lower cost. They offer various data allowances, including an unlimited plan with 40GB of high-speed data and unlimited talk and text.
With Mint Mobile, their transparent messaging shows how you can save more money the longer you commit. Check out our review about best family cell phone plans.
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
Best carrier for unlimited data
Boost Mobile unlimited data plan
- AT&T & T-Mobile coverage
- Unlimited talk and text
- Instant eSIM activation
Boost Mobile phone plans are powered by the AT&T and T-Mobile 5G & 4G networks, giving you the same wireless coverage at a fraction of the price.
With a range of data allowances from 2GB up to unlimited, there's something for the light to heavy data users. Check out our review about best unlimited data plans.
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 of Boost Mobile's prepaid plans come with unlimited calling and text.
- If you use a lot of data, 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, so you can save on a plan for the whole family.
- When it comes to devices, they provide a wide range of phones to choose from. Including the latest models from popular brands like Apple and Samsung, with financing options of 0% financing over 1-2 years. Helping to make it affordable to purchase a new phone.
- Boost Mobile's international features are not as strong. Their international roaming options are limited compared to other carriers, and international calls are an extra add-on, which means you'll have to pay extra if you want to make calls to friends and family overseas.
Cheap phone carrier for one person
Ultra Mobile 3GB plan
- T-Mobile coverage
- Unlimited talk and text
- Instant eSIM activation
Ultra Mobile phone plans offer low-cost access to the T-Mobile network. Offering a range of data allowances from 2GB up to 40GB of high-speed data on their unlimited plan, there's something to suit light and heavy data users.
There are no contracts, and if you've got loved ones abroad, they offer free international calls to 80 countries. Check out our review about the cheapest phone plans for one person.
Pros
- T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE wireless coverage
- Free international calls to 80 countries
- Mobile hotspot access included
- eSIM compatible
Cons
- Extra cost for International roaming
- Ultra Mobile offers a variety of options for affordable cell phone plans with good coverage on the T-Mobile network.
- You'll get free international calls to 90+ countries, and cheap family plans with multi-line discounts are available.
- Mobile hotspot access is available with a limit of 10GB on unlimited plans.
- While the plan doesn't include international data roaming, you have the option to purchase the UpRoam add-on, which allows you to access roaming services at a discounted rate by adding credit.
Best T-Mobile MVNO
Mint Mobile unlimited data plan
- T-Mobile coverage
- Unlimited talk and text
- Instant eSIM activation
Mint Mobile phone plans are powered by the T-Mobile network, providing the same great service at a lower cost. They offer various data allowances, including an unlimited plan with 40GB of high-speed data and unlimited talk and text.
With Mint Mobile, their transparent messaging shows how you can save more money the longer you commit. Check out our review about T-Mobile MVNOs: best carriers on the T-Mobile network.
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
Best AT&T MVNO
Boost Infinite unlimited data plan
- AT&T & T-Mobile coverage
- Unlimited talk and text
- Instant eSIM activation
One plan, one price. That's the Boost Infinite phone plan. Using the AT&T and T-Mobile network Boost Infinite is keeping it simple. With a cost of $25, you'll get super fast 5G on one of the top networks with their unlimited plan. Check out our review about AT&T MVNOs: best carriers on the AT&T network.
Pros
- AT&T and T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE wireless coverage
- Unlimited plan (capped at 30GB high-speed data)
- Set price of $25 per month forever
- eSIM compatible
Cons
- No multi-line discounts
- International add-ons available
- For only $25 a month, you can get unlimited talk, text, and data (capped at 30GB of high-speed data).
- You won't have to worry about surprise charges or hidden fees, just taxes.
- With no contract, you can switch at any time if it's not working for you anymore.
- For an additional cost, you can roam in Mexico and Canada (although it's capped at 1GB), along with having unlimited international calls to 80+ countries and texts to 200+ countries.
- We can't dismiss the low-cost plan that Boost Infinite offers. But if you're looking to get your whole family in on the action, don't expect any additional discounts. The cost stays at $25 per person, per line.
- Mobile hotspot is available at an additional cost of $10 a month for up to 30GB, with the allowance coming out of your monthly data allotment.
Best Verizon MVNO
Twigby 5GB plan
- Verizon coverage
- Unlimited talk and text
- Instant eSIM activation
Twigby phone plans give you the option to customize your plan and only pay for what you need. They have a range of affordable no-contract plans that are powered by the Verizon network, so you don't have to sacrifice quality for flexibility.
Plus, if you have loved ones abroad, Twigby offers free international calling to 80 countries. 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
- Offering a selection of customizable wireless plans with a range of data options, with Twigby, you can create plans, whatever your needs and budget.
- Twigby provides free international calling to 80 different countries, ideal for those with family or friends living abroad.
- Being 100% online based, you can purchase your plan from home, and your SIM card will be sent in the mail.
- Mobile hotspot allowance is available and comes out of your monthly data usage, which for unlimited plans is a maximum of 20GB.
- Twigby doesn't offer multi-line discounts, so if you're looking for more than one line, they may not be the low-cost carrier for you.
- 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 eSIM carrier
Boost Mobile 5GB plan
- AT&T & T-Mobile coverage
- Unlimited talk and text
- Instant eSIM activation
Boost Mobile phone plans are powered by the AT&T and T-Mobile 5G & 4G networks, giving you the same wireless coverage at a fraction of the price.
With a range of data allowances from 2GB up to unlimited, there's something for the light to heavy data users. Check out our review about best eSIM plans.
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
What is CDMA and GSM?
GSM (Global System for Mobiles) and CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access) are two technologies used in cell phones. They are an older form of 3G technology which helps to fill in the gap when you are in an area without 4G signal.
Older cell phones will either be a GSM phone or a CDMA phone and be locked to the carrier network, which is why it is harder with older phones to move from a GSM carrier to a CDMA carrier or vice versa. However, phones made in the last few years normally have both technologies built into them making it easier to switch carriers.
The GSM network is more well known as the technology is used worldwide, whereas CDMA networks are only used in the US. This means if you travel a lot having a phone that uses a SIM card is the best way to check if it is compatible with the GSM network.
GSM vs CDMA network coverage
| NETWORK | OVERALL | RELIABILITY | SPEED | DATA | CALL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Verizon Coverage | 95 | 96 | 94 | 96 | 94 |
| AT&T Coverage | 94 | 94 | 95 | 96 | 92 |
| T-Mobile Coverage | 86 | 88 | 82 | 89 | 82 |
Source: Rootmetrics
GSM plans on T-Mobile's network
| Carrier | Network | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tello 2GB plan | T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage | 2GB | $10/mo |
| US Mobile 10GB plan | T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage | 10GB | $15/mo |
| Mint Mobile 15GB plan | T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage | 15GB | $15/mo |
| Boost Mobile unlimited data plan | T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage | Unltd | $12.50/mo |
| Tello unlimited data plan | T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage | Unltd | $25/mo |
GSM plans on AT&T's network
| Carrier | Network | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Red Pocket 1GB plan | AT&T 5G/4G Coverage | 1GB | $10/mo |
| Red Pocket 5GB plan | AT&T 5G/4G Coverage | 5GB | $15/mo |
| Good2Go Mobile 10GB plan | AT&T 5G/4G Coverage | 10GB | $25/mo |
| Boost Mobile unlimited data plan | AT&T 5G/4G Coverage | Unltd | $12.50/mo |
| Good2Go Mobile 1GB plan | AT&T 5G/4G Coverage | 1GB | $5/mo |
CDMA plans on Verizon's network
| Carrier | Network | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Red Pocket 1GB plan | Verizon 5G/4G Coverage | 1GB | $10/mo |
| Twigby 2GB plan | Verizon 5G/4G Coverage | 2GB | $5/mo |
| Red Pocket 5GB plan | Verizon 5G/4G Coverage | 5GB | $20/mo |
| US Mobile 10GB plan | Verizon 5G/4G Coverage | 10GB | $15/mo |
| US Mobile unlimited data plan | Verizon 5G/4G Coverage | Unltd | $15/mo |
Is my phone GSM or CDMA?
Most modern iPhones and Samsung phones are compatible with both 3G networks but the very simplest way to be sure is that if you're currently with T-Mobile or AT&T, it's GSM compatible and if you're currently with Verizon, it will be CDMA compatible.
Phone compatibility checker
GSM carriers list on T-Mobile
Boost Mobile
Boom! Mobile
Consumer Cellular
FreeUP Mobile
Metro by T-Mobile
Mint Mobile
Red Pocket
Straight Talk
Tello
TextNow
Tracfone
Ultra Mobile
US Mobile
Good2Go Mobile
Reach Mobile
Lycamobile
Kroger Wireless
Optimum Mobile
Boost Infinite
WOW! Mobile
Gotalk Wireless
GSM carriers list on AT&T
Boost Mobile
Cricket Wireless
Freedompop
PureTalk
Red Pocket
Straight Talk
Tracfone
Good2Go Mobile
Boost Infinite
CDMA carriers list on Verizon
Boom! Mobile
CREDO Mobile
Lively
Page Plus Cellular
Red Pocket
Spectrum Mobile
Straight Talk
Total by Verizon
Tracfone
Twigby
US Mobile
Visible
Xfinity Mobile
Affinity Cellular
Cox Mobile
MobileX
CDMA vs GSM FAQs
AT&T operates on the GSM network. AT&T unlocked phones should work with GSM carriers.
T-Mobile operates on the GSM network. T-Mobile unlocked phones should work with GSM carriers.
Verizon operates on the CDMA network. Verizon unlocked phones may only work with CDMA carriers.
Recap
Whether you choose a carrier on the CDMA or GSM network is down to preference and what your needs are. Bearing in mind that it is easier to change carriers with a GSM unlocked phone.
As technology is moving forward both CDMA and GSM are working alongside 4G, but still, play a part in giving you cellular coverage when you're in an area not covered by 4G.
When you're looking for a new plan, you don't have to just go for one of the main carriers. You can find a much cheaper deal by using one of their MVNO's (Mobile Virtual Network Operator) because they use the main carrier networks you get the same great service, but for half the price!
Related Content
Phone plans guides
| AT&T | |
|---|---|
| Verizon | |
| T-Mobile |
| GSM Compatibility | |
|---|---|
| CDMA Compatibility | |
| LTE Compatibility | |
| 5G Compatibility |