Best MVNO plans in 2021
In these uncertain times, the last thing you need is to be stung by your cell phone bill.
Welcome, money savers and bargain hunters. You're in the right place.
Find your next cheap phone plan from the best MVNOs here.
MVNO 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 an MVNO.
Here's how much of a no-brainer it is.
- National coverage from big networks - Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile or Sprint
- Fast 4G LTE data speeds
- Keep your existing phone and number
- Customize your plan to your data usage
- 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
Compare MVNO plans
| 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 |
Best AT&T MVNO
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 | |
See more AT&T MVNO plans
Best Verizon MVNO
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 | |
See more Verizon MVNO plans
Best T-Mobile MVNO
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 | |
See more T-Mobile MVNO plans
Best Sprint MVNO
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 | |
See more Sprint MVNO plans
Best cheap prepaid MVNO
- 24/7 customer support
- No contracts
- Budget friendly family plans
- No roaming
- Coverage in rural areas
Tello
Prepaid plans are a perfect fit if you know how much 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. Tello operates on the Sprint network. They describe their plans as crazy affordable. We absolutely agree.
Best MVNO for unlimited data
- 4G LTE coverage
- Unlimited talk and text
- US based customer service
- No finance plans for new phones
- May slow speeds at busy times
Pure Talk
You might have noticed we're not huge fans of unlimited data plans (because most of us only use 3GB.)
But if you've calculated your usage and found you'd be completely stuck without it, PureTalk have a great unlimited plan. We think it's the best out there.
Their unlimited coverage is powered by AT&T. You can also bring your own phone to Pure Talk if it's compatible, or find great deals on the latest handsets.
Best MVNO for talk & text only
- 4G LTE coverage
- No contract
- No credit checks
- No unlimited data options
- No app interface
Good2Go Mobile
This type of plan is ideal if you want a phone that functions well, without any of the distracting stuff. You'll see them referred to as basic phone plans online.
It makes them a popular first phone plan for kids. Good2Go Mobile plans are ultra-dependable and cheap.
Best MVNO for hotspot data
- 24/7 customer support
- No contracts
- Budget friendly family plans
- No roaming
- Coverage in rural areas
Tello
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 the internet from one device to another. This internet could be powered by your smartphone, or another pocket sized device. We like this budget friendly plan from Tello.
Best MVNO for individuals
- Offers the latest phones with 0% finance
- Prepay months in bulk for more savings
- Reliable network coverage
- Works with most GSM phones
- No family plans
- Minimum 3 months
Mint Mobile
We love the comedian cell phone experts over at Mint Mobile. They're one of the best MVNOs out there for extremely cheap prepaid cell phone plans. They offer great value plans for one line, with good coverage. Be sure to check your phone compatibility first.
Best MVNO for families
- Socially conscious provider who gives back
- 4G LTE network
- Hotspot enabled
- No handsets available to buy
- Expensive high data plans
Reach Mobile
Family phone plans offer multiple lines for you and your loved ones. Ideally, they should give you unlimited text and talk so you can dodge unwanted fees.
To get the most out of your plan, figure out how much data you're all using first.
With great customer service, and super flexible options we like Reach Mobile's family plan which piggybacks off the telecoms giant, Verizon. Love Verizon but hate the price tag? Here's a selection of family plans supported by Verizon.
Best MVNO for seniors
- No hotspot/tethering charges
- International calling and texting
- 4G LTE coverage
- Exclusive deals and discounts as a Twigby customer
- Limited handset selection
- Not for the data hungry
Twigby
Twigby is simple and cheap, no frills plans for seniors get our vote. You or your loved one won't have to worry about paying for snazzy stuff that's not getting used. Over here we've listed a wide range of the best phone plans for seniors.
Best MVNO for kids
- Nationwide coverage
- No contracts
- Latest selection of phones
- Account dashboard needs work
Red Pocket
If you're looking for the best kids phone plan, 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 Pocked is powered by all four big telecoms companies.
What to consider before switching to an MVNO
- 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 MVNO cell phone deals
| Phone | AT&T | Verizon | T-Mobile | Unlocked | iPhone 11 | - | $600 | $699 | $600 | iPhone 11 Pro | $649 | - | - | $649 | iPhone 12 | $579 | $829 | $829 | $579 | iPhone 12 Mini | $479 | $729 | $729 | $479 | iPhone 12 Pro | $749 | $999 | - | $749 | iPhone 12 Pro Max | $849 | $1,099 | - | $849 | iPhone SE 2020 | $149 | $399 | $399 | $149 | iPhone XR | - | $499 | $499 | $499 |
|---|
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
MVNO list
MVNO FAQs
What is the meaning of MVNO?
A Mobile Virtual Network Operator is a wireless service provider. But they don't own their own wireless network. Instead they run off the big four networks; Sprint, AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile. They offer discounted plans with nationwide coverage.
Do MVNO's have the same coverage?
Yes. MVNOs use the four major wireless networks. You can check the coverage in your area and then pick a carrier on that network.
Are MVNO's slower?
In general, no. However occasionally download speeds can be slowed in favor of customers on the main network.
Why are MVNOs cheaper?
As an online carrier, MVNOs don't have the overhead cost of bricks and mortar stores or sales staff. And they don't spend your money on expensive advertising.
What is the best alternative to Verizon?
If you love Verizon but are looking to save money on your cell phone bill. You can opt for one of Verizon's MVNOs.
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 online MVNOs 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. Check out MVNO user reviews before you signup.
Each MVNO is tailored toward specific needs. Finding that best cell phone plan has never been easier.
