Are you considering switching to Verizon for your cell phone service?
You aren't alone in rethinking your carrier, according to Statista over 25 million people planned to switch carriers last year. Nearly half of mobile consumers who switch do so because of cost.
What if you could enjoy the excellent nationwide 4G LTE coverage of Verizon's network without paying Verizon's prices?
In this guide, I'll tell you about one of the best-kept secrets in the cellular industry - Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs). You'll learn how using a Verizon MVNO can save you over half on your cell service while keeping the great coverage you love.
I'll also answer some basic questions you'll need answers to before you make the change.
| Best prepaid plan | Twigby |
| Best family plan | Reach Mobile |
| Best BYOP plan | Red Pocket |
| Best data only plan | US Mobile |
Best Verizon prepaid plan
- Minutes
- Unlimited
- Texts
- Unlimited
- Data
- 3GB
- Price
- $10/mo** 50% Off for 6 Months
Twigby 3GB plan includes unlimited mins, unlimited texts and 3GB data for only $10 per month. Twigby plans offer wireless coverage on the Verizon 5G and 4G LTE network. To learn more about why this is one of the best cell phone plans, check out MoneySavingPro's Twigby review
Pros
No hotspot/tethering charges
International calling and texting
4G LTE coverage
Exclusive deals and discounts as a Twigby customer
Cons
Limited handset selection
Not for the data hungry
Benefits
Runs on both the Verizon and Sprint networks
30-day money-back satisfaction guarantee on phones and plans (under 300 minutes, 300 texts, or 300 MB of data used)
Prepaid - no contracts, credit checks, or activation fees
Bring your CDMA device or choose from a modest selection of Twigby phones
Keep your own phone number
Use your phone and plan data as a mobile hotspot
Use your plan minutes to call Canada, China, and Mexico
Free international texting to over 180 countries
US-based chat support available weekdays 7am to 9pm CST and 10am to 6pm on weekends
Best Verizon family plan
- Minutes
- Unlimited
- Texts
- Unlimited
- Data
- 2GB
- Price
- $10/mo** $10 Off First 3 Months
Reach Mobile 2GB plan includes unlimited mins, unlimited texts and 2GB data for only $10 per month. Reach Mobile plans offer wireless coverage on the T-Mobile 5G and 4G LTE network. To learn more about why this is one of the best cell phone plans, check out MoneySavingPro's Reach Mobile review
Pros
5G coverage available
24/7 live customer support with helpful humans
No contract, no bulk-order commitment
Hotspot enabled
A socially conscious provider who gives back
Cons
Small selection of handsets
Benefits
Powered by the Verizon network
Service is postpaid with no credit check
Only upfront payment is shipping for SIM card
Bring your own compatible phone
Keep your phone number
Hotspot enabled on all plans
24/7 customer support by phone or chat
Best Verizon BYOP plan
- Minutes
- Unlimited
- Texts
- Unlimited
- Data
- 3GB
- Price
- $20/mo
Red Pocket 3GB plan includes unlimited mins, unlimited texts and 3GB data for only $20 per month. Red Pocket plans offer wireless coverage on the AT&T, Verizon & T-Mobile 5G and 4G LTE networks. To learn more about why this is one of the best cell phone plans, check out MoneySavingPro's Red Pocket review
| Plan | Data | Price | View plan |
|---|---|---|---|
Red Pocket 500MB | 0.50GB | $10 | View Plan |
Red Pocket 3GB - 12 Mths | 3GB | $15* * $180 for 12 Months Service | View Plan |
3GB | $20 | View Plan | |
Red Pocket 10GB - 12 Mths | 10GB | $22.50* * $270 for 12 Months Service | View Plan |
Red Pocket 25GB - 12 Mths | 25GB | $30* * $360 for 12 Months Service | View Plan |
10GB | $30 | View Plan | |
Red Pocket 100GB - 12 Mths | 100GB | $37.50* * $450 for 12 Months Service | View Plan |
25GB | $40 | View Plan | |
100GB | $50 | View Plan |
Pros
Nationwide coverage
No contracts
Latest selection of phones
Cons
Account dashboard needs work
No 0% financing options on latest phones
Customer service
Benefits
Operates on all four networks - AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, and Verizon
Prepaid cell phone plans - no contract, credit check, or activation fees
Bring your own GSM or CDMA device and keep your phone number
Mobile hotspot/tethering allowed with your plan data
Free international calling to 70+ countries
Customer service available in English, Chinese, Filipino, and Spanish via chat or phone
Best Verizon data only plan
- Minutes
- 0
- Texts
- 0
- Data
- 4GB
- Price
- $15/moFree Starter Kit with code: MSPUSM
US Mobile 4GB plan includes 0 mins, 0 texts and 4GB data for only $15 per month. US Mobile plans offer wireless coverage on the Verizon & T-Mobile 5G and 4G LTE networks. To learn more about why this is one of the best cell phone plans, check out MoneySavingPro's US Mobile review
Pros
Flexible, no contract plans
24/7 customer service
5G coverage available
Cons
No international calling
Phone selection
Benefits
Coverage on either the T-Mobile or Verizon network
Risk-free trial: Full refund within 14 days or before 1000 talk, text, or MB's is used
Prepaid - no contract, credit check, or activation fee
Bring your own GSM or CDMA phone or choose from a small selection of phones for sale
Keep your own phone number
Mobile hotspot use available as add-on option with unlimited data plans
International roaming plans available with eSIMs
Add-ons available for talk, text, and data, with rollover
24/7 customer support
Verizon switch deals starting at $10
Switching to a cheap Verizon carrier
A Mobile Virtual Network Operator is, simply put, a company that leases the use of the big networks' towers so that they can resell that service to you.
These MVNOs offer several major advantages over the big four:
- Better prices: Verizon MVNOs have much lower overhead and marketing costs than the big guys, so they can give you better rates.
- Customised plans: The big four carriers all have one main offering - unlimited data. The flaw in this ploy is that most smartphone users barely reach 3GB of data usage per month. This means you may be paying bloated prices for something you don't even use. MVNOs let you decide how much of each feature you need - and pay for.
- No contracts: All low-cost carriers offer prepaid plans. If you're unhappy you can leave anytime you want.
- BYOP: Bringing your own phone will save you between $10 and $30 per month in pricey device payments (which, incidentally, work as a form of contract, keeping you tied to your expensive carrier).
Verizon unlimited data plans
| Plan | Data | Monthly Price | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Verizon Play More Unlimited | Unlimited | $80 | $960 |
| Verizon Do More Unlimited | Unlimited | $80 | $960 |
| Verizon Get More Unlimited | Unlimited | $90 | $1,080 |
Verizon vs US Mobile comparison
Keep your Verizon phone, number & coverage: Save $420 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 | Unltd | $45/mo | $540/yr |
| *Don't waste money on unlimited data - Avg. data usage is only 3-5GB | Savings | $35/mo | $420/yr | |
Cheap Verizon plan features
- 4G LTE data speeds: Since Verizon MVNOs are all powered by the Verizon network, you'll pay less without sacrificing speed. A number of MVNOs also offer 5G speeds where available.
- Unlimited talk and text messaging: Finding a new unlimited plan has never been easier. Virtually all small carriers include unlimited text and calls in their plan options. Compare cheap talk and text plans with or without data.
- International calls to Canada and Mexico: International calling is a must for many people. Luckily MVNOs offer some of the best international phone plans, with free calling to certain countries like Canada and Mexico, and discounted rates on others.
- Multiline discounts: Low-cost carriers also offer some of the cheapest family cell phone plans, with multi-line discounts.
- Wi-Fi calling: This feature is handy when you're out of your service area, allowing you to make calls over the internet instead of on your cellular connection.
- Tethering/hotspot data: Many low-cost carriers allow you to use your phone as a hotspot. Pick an MVNO with the best mobile hotspot plans so you can share your mobile hotspot data with other devices.
- HD video streaming: Just like the big guys, some MVNOs offer HD video streaming and some don't. Read the fine print to find the option you want.
Compare cheap Verizon plans
| Carrier | Network | Minutes | Texts | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Twigby | Verizon | Unltd | Unltd | 3GB | $10** 50% Off for 6 Months |
| US Mobile | Verizon & T-Mobile | Unltd | Unltd | 5GB | $15Free Starter Kit with code: MSPUSM |
| Twigby | Verizon | Unltd | Unltd | 10GB | $17.50** 50% Off for 6 Months |
| Red Pocket | AT&T, Verizon & T-Mobile | Unltd | Unltd | 25GB | $30** $360 for 12 Months Service |
| Twigby | Verizon | Unltd | Unltd | 5GB | $12.50** 50% Off for 6 Months |
How to switch to a cheap Verizon deal
Regardless of your current mobile provider, there are some things you'll need to do before switching to a new carrier:
- Choose a carrier. Look at the different Verizon MVNOs listed later in this guide and find one that services your area and offers the features you want. Each carrier has a little something different to offer, so you shouldn't have trouble finding a good fit.
- Choose a plan. The average smartphone user only goes through about 3GB of data per month. Yet you're likely paying the better part of $100 per month for unlimited data you'll never use. MVNOs give you customization options so that you only pay for what you'll use.
- Get your phone unlocked. Most MVNOs save you money by allowing you to bring your own device. You can ask your carrier to unlock your phone as long as it's paid off, isn't lost or stolen, and you're not in the middle of a contract.
Switching from T-Mobile
When you switch to the Verizon network from T-Mobile you'll need to check device compatibility on your new carrier's website. T-Mobile uses GSM technology while Verizon uses CDMA.
This means your phone may or may not work with your new provider. Some global phones, LTE devices, and newer iPhone models are compatible with both T-Mobile and the Verizon LTE network.
Switching from AT&T
AT&T operates on GSM rather than CDMA. Some GSM phones designed for the LTE network may work.
AT&T does carrier lock their devices so you'll need to have them unlock it. This is a simple process as long as you don't have an outstanding contract or device payments and your phone hasn't been reported lost or stolen.
Verizon cell phone deals
As I'm sure you've noticed, a $1,000 price tag on a smartphone is considered normal these days. Device payments make it seem a little less painful, since you're paying about $30 a month instead of a lump sum. Here's the problem though - financing ties to you your carrier, essentially functioning as a contract.
Compare Verizon phone deals
| Device | Network | Carrier | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Samsung Galaxy Z Flip | Verizon, T-Mobile | US Mobile | $899 |
Verizon prepaid phone benefits
- Buying a prepaid Verizon phone makes switching carriers a breeze.
- Compare phone prices and save up to 25% on popular devices, like the latest iPhone or Samsung Galaxy.
- Save even more by choosing a refurbished phone.
Verizon prepaid carriers list
| Carrier | Network(s) |
|---|---|
| Boom! Mobile | Verizon & T-Mobile |
| CREDO Mobile | Verizon |
| Lively | Verizon |
| Net10 Wireless | Verizon |
| Page Plus Cellular | Verizon |
| Red Pocket | AT&T, T-Mobile & Verizon |
| Spectrum Mobile | Verizon |
| Straight Talk | T-Mobile, AT&T & Verizon |
| Ting | T-Mobile & Verizon |
| Total Wireless | Verizon |
| Tracfone | Verizon, AT&T & T-Mobile |
| Twigby | Verizon & Sprint |
| US Mobile | Verizon & T-Mobile |
| Visible | Verizon |
| Xfinity Mobile | Verizon |
| Wing | AT&T, Verizon & T-Mobile |
| Affinity Cellular | Verizon |
| Selectel Wireless | Verizon |
Switch to Verizon FAQs
How do I activate a Verizon SIM card?
If you're bringing your own device, you typically order a 4G LTE SIM card from the website. Your new carrier will provide instructions.
Can I bring my own phone to Verizon?
You may be able to bring your phone if it meets the provider's requirements. If not, you can easily save hundreds of dollars by buying an affordable secondhand or refurbished device.
Can I transfer my phone number to Verizon?
Yes, you can. The important thing to remember is not to cancel your current service until the transfer is complete. If you cancel your current cell phone service before the new provider brings your phone number over, your number will no longer be available.
Does Verizon have coverage in my area?
Verizon MVNOs enjoy the same nationwide 4G LTE coverage as Verizon itself. However, if you live in a particularly remote area, check the company's coverage map to be sure you can get service in your location.
Recap
There you have it: now you know what to do if you want to make the switch to an alternative Verizon carrier. There's no longer any reason to pay high rates for data and services that you'll never use.
Verizon MVNOs offer the basics you expect like unlimited talk and text, and even international calling options, plus a data usage package tailored to your needs.
As intimidating as it can feel to change your cell service, an alternative mobile provider is a solid choice that will put hundreds of dollars back in your pocket.
| Carrier | Best for... | Mins | Texts | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Twigby | Best prepaid plan | Unlimited | Unlimited | 3GB | $20/mo |
 Reach Mobile | Best family plan | Unlimited | Unlimited | 2GB | $20/mo |
 Red Pocket | Best BYOP plan | Unlimited | Unlimited | 3GB | $20/mo |
 US Mobile | Best data only plan | 0 | 0 | 4GB | $15/mo |
