Cell phone plan comparison in 2021
In these uncertain times, the last thing you need is to be stung by your cell phone bill. But with so many options, comparing can take forever.
We've analyzed the best cell phone plans out there, to save you time and, most importantly, save you money.
Welcome, money savers and bargain hunters. You're in the right place.
Cell phone plans comparison chart
| Carrier | Network Coverage | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tello | Sprint | 1GB | $10 |
| Reach Mobile | Verizon | 3GB | $15** $15 Off for 3 Months |
| Pure Talk | AT&T | 4GB | $18.75** 25% Off for 3 Months |
| Ting | T-Mobile | 5GB | $20** $5 Off for 12 Months |
| Twigby | Verizon | 3GB | $10** 50% Off for 6 Months |
Low-cost carrier benefits
Want to stay on the same network, keep your phone and number, plus get greater flexibility?
Yep. You've got it. Everything you need comes at a much better price with a low-cost alternative carrier.
Here's how much of a no-brainer it is:
- National coverage from big US networks
- Fast 4G LTE data speeds
- Keep your existing phone and number
- Customize your plan to your data usage - most of us use 3GB per month
- Simple online signup, switching is seamless
- No big monthly bills
- No unnecessary phone upgrades to tie you down
- No annoying commission-hungry salespeople
- No hidden fees or confusing contracts
- No overpaying for unlimited data you don't need
Best AT&T plan
AT&T vs Pure Talk Plan Comparison
Keep your AT&T phone, number & coverage: Save $562 per year
| Carrier | Network Coverage | 4G LTE Data | Price | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AT&T | AT&T 4G LTE | Unltd* | $75/mo | $900/yr |
| Pure Talk | AT&T 4G LTE | 6GB | $30/mo | $338/yr |
| *Don't waste money on unlimited data - Avg. data usage is only 3-5GB | Savings | $45/mo | $562/yr | |
Best Verizon plan
Verizon vs Reach Mobile Plan Comparison
Keep your Verizon phone, number & coverage: Save $465 per year
| Carrier | Network Coverage | 4G LTE Data | Price | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Verizon | Verizon 4G LTE | Unltd* | $80/mo | $960/yr |
| Reach Mobile | Verizon 4G LTE | 8GB | $45/mo | $495/yr |
| *Don't waste money on unlimited data - Avg. data usage is only 3-5GB | Savings | $35/mo | $465/yr | |
Best T-Mobile plan
T-Mobile vs Mint Mobile Plan Comparison
Keep your T-Mobile phone, number & coverage: Save $660 per year
| Carrier | Network Coverage | 4G LTE Data | Price | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| T-Mobile | T-Mobile 4G LTE | Unltd* | $70/mo | $840/yr |
| Mint Mobile | T-Mobile 4G LTE | 3GB | $15/mo | $180/yr |
| *Don't waste money on unlimited data - Avg. data usage is only 3-5GB | Savings | $55/mo | $660/yr | |
Best Sprint plan
Sprint vs Tello Plan Comparison
Keep your Sprint phone, number & coverage: Save $492 per year
| Carrier | Network Coverage | 4G LTE Data | Price | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sprint | Sprint 4G LTE | Unltd* | $60/mo | $720/yr |
| Tello | Sprint 4G LTE | 4GB | $19/mo | $228/yr |
| *Don't waste money on unlimited data - Avg. data usage is only 3-5GB | Savings | $41/mo | $492/yr | |
Do you really need unlimited data?
Most of us only use 3 to 5GB of data each month. This number goes down the more time we spend at home.
Something we're kinda used to these days.
We get it, running out of data is a pain. We'll do almost anything to avoid it. But if you're not using it, why pay a premium?
Think back to when cable was king. We paid for countless channels but watched a handful. Then, streaming services like Netflix were born. Money savers everywhere switched to more flexible, affordable options.
That's exactly what's happening to the telecoms industry. And it's about time, right?
Big telecoms corporations want you to spend money. We want to help you save it.
They're happy charging big bucks for unlimited data plans their customers don't use. We want to show you how to switch to a cheaper set plan, that suits your data needs.
Keep an eye on your data usage to tailor a plan to your needs. If you find you need more, most plans will let you can add more or you can switch to a different carrier. The MVNOs we recommend are flexible (another reason we love them.)
Best cheap prepaid phone plan
Prepaid plans are perfect if you know how you use your cell each month. Pay in advance for a set amount of talk, text and data. Then avoid an unpleasant bill-shaped surprise at the end of the month. We love Tello. They operate on the Sprint network and describe their plans as crazy affordable. We absolutely agree.
Best phone plan for unlimited data
You might have noticed we're not huge fans of unlimited data plans (because most of us only use 3 to 5GB.)
But if you've calculated your usage and found you'd be completely stuck without it, PureTalk's plan is the best out there.
Their unlimited coverage is powered by AT&T. Pure Talk offers great phone deals on the latest handsets or you can save even more by bringing your own phone.
Best phone plan for unlimited talk and text only
If you're on the lookout for a basic phone plan, this one is ideal. You get a phone that functions well, without any of the distracting stuff. It makes them a popular first phone plan for kids. Good2Go Mobile plans are ultra-dependable and cheap.
Best plan for mobile hotspots and tablets
Take the stress out of unreliable home Wi-Fi and stay connected when you're out and about. With a mobile hotspot plan you can tether internet from one device to another. This internet could be powered by your smartphone, or another pocket sized device. We like this plan from Tello. They're a carrier who love saving their customers money.
Best phone plan for coverage
When you know which network offers the best coverage in your area, finding a cheap phone plan is easy. We like Red Pocket for coverage because they are powered by all the major networks. So whether your preference is Verizon, AT&T, or T-Mobile, Red Pocket offers the same great coverage at a fraction of the cost.
Best plan for customer service
We're a picky lot and only choose low-cost carriers that get good customer ratings. It was tough choosing a favorite.
US Mobile customer reviews are consistently positive from our money savers.
Things to figure out before you switch
- How much data, voice and text messages do you need? Keep track of what you use for one month, then tailor a plan to your needs. Low-cost carrier plans give you more flexibility. If you need more or less of anything, change your plan.
- Are you bringing your own phone? If you are, check which carriers are compatible in the table below.
- Are you looking for a new phone and sim deal? Find out which MVNO gives you the best coverage in your area. Then, browse their new handset plans.
Best plan for individuals
We love the comedian cell phone experts over at Mint Mobile. They're one of the best carriers out there for extremely cheap cell phone plans. They offer great value plans for one line, with good coverage. Just be sure to check your phone compatibility first.
Best family plan
Family plans offer multiple lines for you and your family. Ideally, they should offer unlimited text and talk so you can dodge unwanted fees.
Family or group cell phone plans can offer real savings and give great benefits. You're rewarded for signing up a group of phones at one time. You can add up to eight lines as long as there's just one monthly bill and there's usually no additional credit checks. Only for the main account holder.
To get a good value plan for the whole family you'll need to know how much data you're all using.
We've built this tool that tracks data usage.
Once you know how much you're all using, tailor the plan to your family's needs. With great customer service, and super flexible options we like Reach Mobile's family plans.
Best plan for seniors
Twigby offer simple and cheap, no frills plans for seniors. Powered by Sprint and Verizon, they get great coverage but their rates are affordable enough to fit the budget savvy money saver. Start with a basic wireless phone service, then add more features if you want. You or your loved one won't have to worry about paying for snazzy stuff that's not getting used.
Best kids plan
If you're in the market a cell phone plan for your kid, Red Pocket's are a reliable option. This award winning carrier offers smaller set-data plans. Keep track of how much data is being used each month. Red Pocket has partnered with all four big networks, so you can choose your favorite when you sign up.
Bring your own phone to save even more
You don't have to switch your phone to get a good deal. Try these money-saving options:
- Bring your own phone
- Buy a refurbished smartphone
- Sell your old phone
- Compare offers for the best deals
Full list of cell phone carriers
Recap
It's difficult to justify paying over $80 a month for a cell phone plan that doesn't give you what you need. The good news? You can dodge rising costs of cell phone plans from the big four carriers.
There are so many low-cost phone carriers emerging in the wireless industry. Offering cheap cell phone plans, they're also eager to help you save hundreds of dollars each year.
You don't have to sacrifice cellular coverage you already know and trust.
Each low-cost carrier is tailored toward specific needs. Some feature unlimited data, let you build your own plans, or even offer insurance policies. Finding the best prepaid phone plan has never been easier.
