The cheapest SIM card for iPhones in April
If you're looking for a cheap prepaid plan for your Apple iPhone you can save a lot of money with an MVNO.
These low-cost carriers are powered by one of the big networks, so you get the same great quality service that you're used to and save up to $600 per year on your phone bill.
Not only can you save money by switching to a cheaper cell phone plan, but by bringing your iPhone 11 to the new carrier you won't need to buy a new device.
Cheapest T-Mobile iPhone SIM card
T-Mobile vs Mint Mobile Plan Comparison
Keep your T-Mobile phone, number & coverage: Save $540 per year
Carrier | Network Coverage | 4G LTE Data | Price | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| T-Mobile 4G LTE | Unltd* | $60/mo | $720/yr | |
| T-Mobile 4G LTE | 4GB | $15/mo | $180/yr | |
| *Don't waste money on unlimited data - Avg. data usage is only 3-5GB | Savings | $45/mo | $540/yr | |
See more: Prepaid T-Mobile SIM cards
Cheapest AT&T iPhone SIM card
AT&T vs Pure Talk Plan Comparison
Keep your AT&T phone, number & coverage: Save $619 per year
Carrier | Network Coverage | 4G LTE Data | Price | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AT&T 4G LTE | Unltd* | $75/mo | $900/yr | |
| AT&T 4G LTE | 4GB | $25/mo | $281/yr | |
| *Don't waste money on unlimited data - Avg. data usage is only 3-5GB | Savings | $50/mo | $619/yr | |
See more: Prepaid AT&T SIM cards
Cheapest Verizon iPhone SIM card
Verizon vs Reach Mobile Plan Comparison
Keep your Verizon phone, number & coverage: Save $645 per year
Carrier | Network Coverage | 4G LTE Data | Price | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Verizon 4G LTE | Unltd* | $80/mo | $960/yr | |
| Verizon 4G LTE | 3GB | $30/mo | $315/yr | |
| *Don't waste money on unlimited data - Avg. data usage is only 3-5GB | Savings | $50/mo | $645/yr | |
See more: Prepaid Verizon SIM cards
Prepaid iPhone SIM card benefits
We love Mobile Virtual Network Operators or MVNOs. If you're on the lookout for cheap cell phone plans, they're the best route to go down.
Want to stay on the same network, keep your phone and number, plus get greater flexibility?
Yep. You've got it. Forget the major carriers. Plans include everything you need, but come at a much better price with an MVNO.
Same great nationwide coverage: These cell phone carriers operate on the very same networks as the big four carriers.
Much lower prices: Save up to $600 per year on your cell phone plan. Why are MVNOs so much cheaper? They don't have the huge overhead and advertising costs the big guys do.
No contracts: Don't get trapped into a two-year agreement. Switch carriers when you decide to with a no contract phone plan.
Same cell phone service: Just because you're paying less, that doesn't mean you have to scrimp on features. Plans with unlimited everything are easy to find from these prepaid carriers. Usually, a low cost carrier plan comes with unlimited talk and text as standard, high speed data, and even mobile hotspot data features.
Keep your phone and number: You can bring your own phone and keep your phone number. No need to sign up for pricey device payments.
Customize your plan: You decide how much data you need. Choose to pay as you go, opt for unlimited or no data, minimal minutes, or unlimited talk text and data. Unlimited data plans come at a much better price with an alternative carrier. Pick the plan options that fit your budget - not the one your carrier thinks you need.
Great customer support: Smaller mobile providers are known for their attention to their customers. Stop feeling like an anonymous number getting lost in the crowd! Check out our carrier user reviews before switching.
Best prepaid SIM card for iPhone
Pros
24/7 customer support
No contracts
Budget friendly family plans
Cons
No roaming
Coverage in rural areas
Service on the nationwide T-Mobile network
Money-back guarantee on phones (no refunds on plans)
Prepaid - no contract, credit check, or activation fee
Bring your own phone or choose from a modest selection of new or refurbished devices
Keep your current phone number
Use of your plan data as a mobile hotspot through your phone is allowed
Use your minutes to call Canada, China, and Mexico
Minutes to other countries available as add-on
24/7 customer service
Plan | Minutes | Texts | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Tello Unlimited Talk & Text | Unlimited | Unlimited | 0GB | $8 |
Tello 1GB Data | Unlimited | Unlimited | 1GB | $10 |
Tello 2GB Data | Unlimited | Unlimited | 2GB | $14 |
Tello 4GB Data | Unlimited | Unlimited | 4GB | $19 |
Tello 6GB Data | Unlimited | Unlimited | 6GB | $24 |
Tello 8GB Data | Unlimited | Unlimited | 8GB | $29 |
Tello Unlimited Data | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | $39 |
Pros
Offers the latest phones with 0% finance
Prepay months in bulk for more savings
Reliable network coverage
Works with most GSM phones
Cons
No family plans
Minimum 3 months
Operates on the nationwide T-Mobile network
7-day money-back guarantee
Prepaid - no contract, credit check, or activation fee
Bring your phone or buy a Mint Mobile device
Keep your phone number
Using your phone as a mobile hotspot is permitted
Free calling to Canada & Mexico, affordable rates to 160+ other locations
Flat-rate international roaming available as an add-on feature
Customer service by phone on weekdays and weekends, 24/7 by virtual chat
Plan | Minutes | Texts | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Mint Mobile 4GB Data | Unlimited | Unlimited | 4GB | $15* * $45 for 3 Months Service |
Mint Mobile 10GB Data | Unlimited | Unlimited | 10GB | $20* * $60 for 3 Months Service |
Mint Mobile 15GB Data | Unlimited | Unlimited | 15GB | $25* * $75 for 3 months Service |
Mint Mobile Unlimited Data | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | $30* * $90 for 3 months Service |
Pros
Socially conscious provider who gives back
4G LTE network
Hotspot enabled
Cons
Small selection of handsets
Expensive high data plans
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
Plan | Minutes | Texts | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Reach Mobile 3GB Data | Unlimited | Unlimited | 3GB | $15* |
Reach Mobile 8GB Data | Unlimited | Unlimited | 8GB | $23* |
Reach Mobile 12GB Data | Unlimited | Unlimited | 12GB | $28* |
Reach Mobile 20GB Data | Unlimited | Unlimited | 20GB | $33* |
* 50% Off for 3 Months | ||||
Pros
New upgraded network with DISH
No annual contract
Unlimited music streaming
Cons
Coverage in rural areas
Owned by Dish and runs on T-Mobile's nationwide network
Prepaid service - no contract, credit check, or extra fees
Bring your own phone (GSM compatible) or choose from a wide selection of new phones
Mobile hotspot allowance with all plans
International service and roaming available as add-on packs
Customer support available by phone - 4am - 8pm PST Monday to Friday, 4am - 7pm weekends
Plan | Minutes | Texts | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Boost Mobile 2GB Data | Unlimited | Unlimited | 2GB | $5* * 50% Off 1st Month & Double Data for 3 Months |
Boost Mobile 5GB Data | Unlimited | Unlimited | 5GB | $25 |
Boost Mobile Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | $50 |
Pros
Simple plans for light phone users
Customer service
Nationwide LTE and 5G coverage
Good selection of handsets
Cons
Not for the data hungry user
Offers coverage on both Verizon and T-Mobile
Prepaid service - no contract, credit check, or start-up fees
Bring your GSM or CDMA phone - most devices are compatible - or buy one from Ting
Keep your current number
Tethering/mobile hotspot allowed, speeds limited to 3G for GSM tethering
Use your plan minutes to call 60+ international locations
International roaming capability (at surcharged rates)
Extensive customer service hours by phone, chat, or email
Plan | Minutes | Texts | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Ting Unlimited Talk & Text | Unlimited | Unlimited | 0GB | $10* * $5 extra per GB |
Ting 1GB Data | Unlimited | Unlimited | 1GB | $15 |
Ting 5GB Data | Unlimited | Unlimited | 5GB | $20* * $5 Off for 6 Months |
Ting Unlimited Data | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | $40* * $5 Off for 6 Months |
Ting Unlimited Pro | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | $55* * $5 Off for 6 Months |
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
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
Plan | Minutes | Texts | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Twigby 300 Mins & Unlimited Texts | 300 | Unlimited | 0GB | $4.50* |
Twigby 500 Mins & Unlimited Texts | 500 | Unlimited | 0GB | $5.50* |
Twigby Unlimited Talk & Text | Unlimited | Unlimited | 0GB | $6.50* |
Twigby 300 Mins & 1GB Data | 300 | Unlimited | 1GB | $7.50* |
Twigby 3GB Data | Unlimited | Unlimited | 3GB | $10* |
Twigby 5GB Data | Unlimited | Unlimited | 5GB | $12.50* |
Twigby 10GB Data | Unlimited | Unlimited | 10GB | $17.50* |
* 50% Off for 6 Months | ||||
Pros
Nationwide coverage
No contracts
Latest selection of phones
Cons
Account dashboard needs work
No 0% financing options on latest phones
Customer service
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
Plan | Minutes | Texts | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Red Pocket 1GB Data | 1000 | Unlimited | 1GB | $10 |
Red Pocket 3GB Data | Unlimited | Unlimited | 3GB | $19 |
Red Pocket 10GB Data | Unlimited | Unlimited | 10GB | $30 |
Red Pocket 22GB Data | Unlimited | Unlimited | 22GB | $40 |
Pros
4G LTE coverage
Multi-month discounts
US based customer service
Cons
No 0% finance plans for new phones
May slow speeds at busy times
Service provided on the AT&T network
Prepaid service - no contract, credit check, or activation fee
30-day risk-free guarantee on plans- cancel within your first 30 days or 500 minutes/500 MB of data to receive a refund for your plan charges
Bring your own compatible GSM phone or buy a PureTalk USA phone
Keep your phone number
Mobile hotspot/tethering permitted
International calling available as an add-on calling card
Customer support available by phone 9am - 10pm EST weekdays and 12pm - 9pm weekends
Plan | Minutes | Texts | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Pure Talk 2GB Data | Unlimited | Unlimited | 2GB | $15* |
Pure Talk 4GB Data | Unlimited | Unlimited | 4GB | $18.75* |
Pure Talk 6GB Data | Unlimited | Unlimited | 6GB | $22.50* |
Pure Talk 10GB Data | Unlimited | Unlimited | 10GB | $26.25* |
Pure Talk 20GB Data | Unlimited | Unlimited | 20GB | $33.75* |
Pure Talk Unlimited Data | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | $41.25* |
* 25% Off for 3 Months | ||||
Gen Mobile - Best prepaid SIM card for international calls
Pros
Good plan selection
Very affordable pricing
Free unlimited domestic and international texting
15-days free texting if late on bill
Cons
No plans for heavy data users
No international roaming
Coverage on the nationwide Sprint network
Prepaid - no contract, credit check, or activation fee
7-day money-back satisfaction guarantee
Bring your eligible Sprint, Boost, or Virgin Mobile phone or buy a Gen Mobile phone
Mobile hotspot/tethering supported
Unlimited global text included; international plans with unlimited talk to 100+ countries, international calling to other countries available at applicable rates
Customer support available by phone or chat every day from 8am - 6pm PST
Plan | Minutes | Texts | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Gen Mobile Unlimited Talk & Text | Unlimited | Unlimited | 0GB | $9* * 25% off for 3 months - Promo: MSP25OFF3MO |
Gen Mobile 300 Mins & 1GB Data | 300 | Unlimited | 1GB | $9* * 25% off for 3 months - Promo: MSP25OFF3MO |
Gen Mobile 1GB Data | Unlimited | Unlimited | 1GB | $13* * 25% off for 3 months - Promo: MSP25OFF3MO |
Gen Mobile 2GB Data | Unlimited | Unlimited | 2GB | $17* * 25% off for 3 months - Promo: MSP25OFF3MO |
Gen Mobile 3GB Data | Unlimited | Unlimited | 3GB | $20* * 25% off for 3 months - Promo: MSP25OFF3MO |
Gen Mobile 5GB Data | Unlimited | Unlimited | 5GB | $24* * 25% off for 3 months - Promo: MSP25OFF3MO |
Pros
Flexible, no contract plans
24/7 customer service
5G coverage available
Cons
No international calling
Phone selection
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
Plan | Minutes | Texts | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
US Mobile Unlimited Talk & Text | Unlimited | Unlimited | 0GB | $10 |
US Mobile 1GB Data | Unlimited | Unlimited | 1GB | $12 |
US Mobile 5GB Data | Unlimited | Unlimited | 5GB | $15 |
US Mobile 12GB Data | Unlimited | Unlimited | 12GB | $20 |
US Mobile 18GB Data | Unlimited | Unlimited | 18GB | $25 |
US Mobile 30GB Data | Unlimited | Unlimited | 30GB | $30 |
US Mobile Unlimited Data | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | $45 |
Free Starter Kit with code: MSPUSM | ||||
iPhone SIM Card Sizes
SIM Cards are only necessary when you have an Apple iPhone or device that is connected to a cellular network. The older iPhone Touch with no cellular data, for example, does not require a SIM Card to operate.
There are three different SIM card sizes in the various Apple iPhone models. Each has an adapter in case you want to switch to a phone with an incompatible SIM Card slot.
1. Standard SIM Card - The original SIM Card size is similar to any card in your wallet. However, if you want to transfer your data to a new phone, you can take out a small portion of the SIM card to insert into another iPhone. The original iPhone along with the older iPhone 3G and 3GS all use the original SIM Card, according to Apple.
2. Micro SIM Card - Micro SIM Cards were introduced with the iPhone 4 in 2010. The Micro SIM is also used in the iPhone 4s. The Micro SIM Card size is small compared to the original SIM card but not quite as small as the Nano SIM card.
3. Nano SIM Card - Nano SIM Cards are the smallest SIM cards that came out in the iPhone 5 in 2013. The cards have been in every iPhone since, all the way up to the iPhone 7 Plus.
Apple iPhone SIM card sizes
| DEVICE | SIM CARD SIZE |
| iPhone SE | Nano SIM |
| iPhone 6 | Nano SIM |
| iPhone 7 | Nano SIM |
| iPhone 8 | Nano SIM |
| iPhone X | Nano SIM |
| iPhone XR | Nano SIM |
| iPhone XS | Nano SIM |
| iPhone 11 | Nano SIM |
| iPhone 12 | Nano SIM |
Switching SIM cards
If you have any iPhone model from the iPhone 4 to the iPhone 7 Plus, you can find your sim card tray in the same general spot on the right side of your phone.
If you have an original iPhone or the iPhone 3G or 3GS, the SIM Card tray will be located at the top of your iPhone. Once you find the tray, here's how to remove your SIM Card, according to Apple.
How to remove the SIM card from an iPhone
To remove the SIM card from your Apple iPhone all you need is the SIM card remover tool provided to you when you bought your phone, or a small paper clip.
If using the paperclip, unfold it and gently insert the end into the small pinhole in the SIM tray.
Press gently until the SIM tray pops up, you do not need to use much pressure.
Pull the SIM tray out gently, be careful the SIM card does not fall out.
Swap your SIM card over, making sure you have aligned the SIM in the correct position.
Re-insert the SIM tray into the iPhone.
iPhone carrier compatibility
If you're on a contract phone plan, your cell phone company may put a lock on your SIM Card so you cannot use it with another carrier before your contract is up. This means you'll have to talk to your phone company to unlock your phone before you can switch to a new carrier.
Usually, you'll need to pay off the phone completely and your contract must be up for you to be able to get it unlocked. Some companies, however, do not lock their phones. Check with your customer service representative if you're not sure.
Can you transfer SIM Cards from an Android phone to an iPhone?
You can also switch your SIM from iPhone to Android phone (or vice versa) once your phone is unlocked. For example, if you have an iPhone that uses a Nano SIM Card, you can switch it to an Android phone like the Samsung Galaxy that uses a Nano SIM Card. As long as the phone uses the same SIM, you should be able to switch it.
Prepaid iPhone SIM card plan comparison
Carrier | Network | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
T-Mobile | 1GB | $10 | |
Verizon | 3GB | $15** 50% Off for 3 Months | |
AT&T | 4GB | $18.75** 25% Off for 3 Months | |
T-Mobile & Verizon | 5GB | $20** $5 Off for 6 Months | |
T-Mobile | Unltd | $30** $90 for 3 months Service |
iPhone SIM card FAQs
What does an iPhone SIM card cost?
A prepaid SIM card compatible with the iPhone SE range from $10-70 depending on the plan you choose.
What is the best carrier plan for iPhone?
All carriers are suitable for iPhones, so the best plan would be one that suits your needs and budgets.
Can I buy a SIM card for my iPhone?
With a low-cost carrier, you can bring your own phone without having to upgrade. All you'll need to purchase is a SIM card starter kit for your chosen plan.
What SIM card do you need for an iPhone?
For the latest iPhones, you'll need a nano-SIM card. An iPhone 4 and 4S use the micro-SIM and older models use a standard SIM. Some of the newest Apple iPhones also use an eSIM.
