List of mobile virtual network operators
If you're looking for a bargain on your cell phone bill, you've come to the right place.
An MVNO can save you hundreds on your bill using the same great network you already know and trust.
Over the last few years, numerous low-cost carriers have come crashing onto the scene to show they're not just about saving money.
An alternative carrier will use at least one - if not more – of the major networks. We've grouped each low-cost carrier below under the network they use. So if you love Verizon's coverage but a looking to save some money, a Verizon MVNO will be a great option.
We think one of the best things about these cheap phone carriers is that there are no contracts. If you're not happy cancel it and move on.
T-Mobile MVNO list
Carrier | Network(s) |
---|---|
Boost Mobile | AT&T & T-Mobile |
Boom! Mobile | Verizon & T-Mobile |
Consumer Cellular | T-Mobile |
FreeUP Mobile | T-Mobile |
Metro by T-Mobile | T-Mobile |
Mint Mobile | T-Mobile |
Red Pocket | AT&T, T-Mobile & Verizon |
Republic Wireless | T-Mobile |
Simple Mobile | T-Mobile |
Straight Talk | T-Mobile, AT&T & Verizon |
Tello | T-Mobile |
Ting | T-Mobile & Verizon |
Tracfone | Verizon, AT&T & T-Mobile |
Ultra Mobile | T-Mobile |
Unreal Mobile | AT&T & T-Mobile |
US Mobile | Verizon & T-Mobile |
Gen Mobile | T-Mobile |
Wing | AT&T, Verizon & T-Mobile |
Good2Go Mobile | AT&T & T-Mobile |
Hello Mobile | T-Mobile |
GoSmart Mobile | T-Mobile |
Reach Mobile | T-Mobile |
Lycamobile | T-Mobile |
Walmart Family Mobile | T-Mobile |
Speedtalk Mobile | T-Mobile |
T-Mobile vs Mint Mobile comparison
Keep your T-Mobile phone, number & coverage: Save $600 per year
Carrier | Network Coverage | 4G/5G Data | Price | Annual Cost |
---|---|---|---|---|
T-Mobile | T-Mobile 4G & 5G | Unltd* | $70/mo | $840/yr |
Mint Mobile | T-Mobile 4G & 5G | 10GB | $20/mo | $240/yr |
*Don't waste money on unlimited data - Avg. data usage is only 3-5GB | Savings | $50/mo | $600/yr |
Compare: best T-Mobile MVNOs
Verizon MVNO list
Carrier | Network(s) |
---|---|
Boost Mobile | AT&T & T-Mobile |
Cricket Wireless | AT&T |
Freedompop | AT&T |
H2O Wireless | AT&T |
PureTalk | AT&T |
Red Pocket | AT&T, T-Mobile & Verizon |
Straight Talk | T-Mobile, AT&T & Verizon |
Tracfone | Verizon, AT&T & T-Mobile |
Unreal Mobile | AT&T & T-Mobile |
Wing | AT&T, Verizon & T-Mobile |
Good2Go Mobile | AT&T & T-Mobile |
Black Wireless | AT&T |
easyGO Wireless | AT&T |
Airvoice Wireless | AT&T |
Optimum Mobile | AT&T |
Verizon vs US Mobile comparison
Keep your Verizon phone, number & coverage: Save $720 per year
Carrier | Network Coverage | 4G/5G Data | Price | Annual Cost |
---|---|---|---|---|
Verizon | Verizon 4G & 5G | Unltd* | $80/mo | $960/yr |
US Mobile | Verizon 4G & 5G | 15GB | $20/mo | $240/yr |
*Don't waste money on unlimited data - Avg. data usage is only 3-5GB | Savings | $60/mo | $720/yr |
Compare: best Verizon MVNOs
AT&T MVNO list
Carrier | Network(s) |
---|---|
Boost Mobile | AT&T & T-Mobile |
Cricket Wireless | AT&T |
Freedompop | AT&T |
H2O Wireless | AT&T |
PureTalk | AT&T |
Red Pocket | AT&T, T-Mobile & Verizon |
Straight Talk | T-Mobile, AT&T & Verizon |
Tracfone | Verizon, AT&T & T-Mobile |
Unreal Mobile | AT&T & T-Mobile |
Wing | AT&T, Verizon & T-Mobile |
Good2Go Mobile | AT&T & T-Mobile |
Black Wireless | AT&T |
easyGO Wireless | AT&T |
Airvoice Wireless | AT&T |
Optimum Mobile | AT&T |
AT&T vs Boost Mobile comparison
Keep your AT&T phone, number & coverage: Save $750 per year
Carrier | Network Coverage | 4G/5G Data | Price | Annual Cost |
---|---|---|---|---|
AT&T | AT&T 4G & 5G | Unltd* | $75/mo | $900/yr |
Boost Mobile | AT&T 4G & 5G | 5GB | $15/mo | $150/yr |
*Don't waste money on unlimited data - Avg. data usage is only 3-5GB | Savings | $60/mo | $750/yr |
Compare: best AT&T MVNOs
MVNO 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
MVNO benefits
Compared to the four major networks these alternative carriers offer several advantages:
- Save Money: low-cost carriers give you more bang for your buck. With good coverage from either Verizon, Sprint, T-Mobile or AT&T but at half the cost of plans if you go direct to the network.
- Customized cell phone plans: the main four networks offer unlimited data plans, great right? We don't believe you need unlimited data. On average we only use around 3 to 5GB data a month. If you really don't want to go without unlimited data some low-cost carriers offer a selection of unlimited plans. But you can save money by only paying for what you use. Try our data usage calculator to see if you really need unlimited data.
- No contracts or credit checks: with a low-cost carrier there's no contracts. This means you can try one carrier and if it doesn't work for you leave and try another.
- Keep your freedom: low-cost carriers often require you to bring your own phone – although there are options if you're looking for a new phone. Not being tied down with a leased phone gives you the freedom to move away if the service is not up to scratch.
Big network coverage at small prices
If you're wondering how the low-cost carriers can offer plans at half the price of the main networks, you're not alone.
One of the main reasons is that they don't have the huge overheads from owning a store. Low-cost carriers are online only – although a few are available in a handful of stores. You also save money by not purchasing a phone with your plan. Leasing a cell phone can add an extra $10 to $30 to your bill. So by bringing your own phone or buying a refurbished phone is a way to save you hundreds of dollars.
By owning your own phone and with no contracts you have the freedom to swap between carriers if your circumstances change. No more worries about being stuck in a long term contract.
Cut your phone bill in half
We don't like paying out and having nothing to show for it. So if you're happy with your current network and want to stay, you can still get the same trusted service but cut up to 50% off your monthly bill. There are plenty of options for whichever network you prefer.
If you're looking to change networks you can still save your dollars, but make sure your phone is compatible with that network.
If your current phone is not compatible you can always try a refurbished phone. With little changes at each smartphone update, if you don't need the latest smartphone features you can get a great deal with a refurbished one.
Best MVNO plans
Carrier | Data | Network | Price |
---|---|---|---|
Tello 1GB plan | 1GB | T-Mobile | $10/mo |
Twigby 4GB plan | 4GB | Verizon | $10/mo** $10 Off for 3 Months |
Lycamobile 12GB plan | 12GB | T-Mobile | $5/mo** Only $5 for First 3 Months |
US Mobile 15GB plan | 15GB | Verizon & T-Mobile | $20/mo* FREE 10-Day Trial |
Mint Mobile Unlimited plan | Unltd | T-Mobile | $30/mo |
We don't believe you need unlimited data. There we said it! We get it. Running out of data is a headache but on average we only use about 3 to 5GB data a month.
With a low-cost carrier, you can really just pay for what you use. No huge monthly bills with unlimited everything when you're not even using half of it. Using our data usage tool you can check your average data use to see if unlimited data is really necessary.
If you do want unlimited data, the good news is some low-cost carriers offer unlimited plans that still save you money over a direct plan with one of the big networks.
How to switch to an MVNO
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.
MVNO list FAQs
Which MVNO is best?
Finding the best value MVNO for you can come down to a number of factors including price, what features you need, how many lines, and cell phone coverage in your area.
What MVNO has 5G?
Most MVNOs have 5G plans available and you'll have access to 5G where it's available with your network Verizon, AT&T, or T-Mobile.
Recap
Saving money does not mean sacrificing quality. Choosing an MVNO will provide you with a cheap cell phone plan and save you money in the long run, but provide the same great service you already know and trust. While keeping those extra dollars in your pocket.
Whichever network you prefer there is still a great deal to be had. Understanding your true cell phone usage can get help you nail an even better deal by only paying for what you need and use.