The best cheap MVNOs in July
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.
Best AT&T MVNO
Unlimitedmins
Unlimitedtexts
4 GB
4G data
$18.75*
per month
$25/mo
Powered by: AT&T
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 | |
Compare: Cheap AT&T MVNO plans
Best Verizon MVNO
Unlimitedmins
Unlimitedtexts
3 GB
4G data
$15*
per month
$30/mo
Powered by: Verizon
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 | |
Compare: Cheap Verizon MVNO plans
Best T-Mobile MVNO
Unlimitedmins
Unlimitedtexts
4 GB
4G data
$15*
per month
Powered by: T-Mobile
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 | |
Compare: Cheap T-Mobile MVNO plans
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, and T-Mobile
Fast 4G LTE & 5G 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
Best MVNO plans
Best cheap MVNO - Tello
Avoid unpleasant bill-shaped surprises at the end of each month with Tello. Operating on the T-Mobile network, they describe their plans as crazy affordable. We absolutely agree.
Plan | Minutes | Texts | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Unlimited | Unlimited | 0GB | $6* * 25% Off for 6 Months | |
Unlimited | Unlimited | 1GB | $7.50* * 25% Off for 6 Months | |
Unlimited | Unlimited | 2GB | $10.50* * 25% Off for 6 Months | |
Unlimited | Unlimited | 4GB | $14.30* * 25% Off for 6 Months | |
Unlimited | Unlimited | 6GB | $18* * 25% Off for 6 Months | |
Unlimited | Unlimited | 8GB | $21.80* * 25% Off for 6 Months | |
Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | $29.30* * 25% Off for 6 Months |
Pros
24/7 customer support
No contracts
Budget friendly family plans
Cons
No roaming
Coverage in rural areas
Benefits
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
Best MVNO for unlimited data - Mint Mobile
You might have noticed we're not huge fans of unlimited data plans (because most of us only use 3-5GB.) But if you think you'd be completely stuck without it, the Mint Mobile unlimited plan is the best out there. Their unlimited coverage is powered by T-Mobile. You can also bring your own phone, or find great deals on the latest handsets.
Plan | Minutes | Texts | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Unlimited | Unlimited | 4GB | $15* * $45 for 3 Months Service | |
Unlimited | Unlimited | 10GB | $20* * $60 for 3 Months Service | |
Unlimited | Unlimited | 15GB | $25* * $75 for 3 months Service | |
Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | $30* * $90 for 3 months Service |
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
Benefits
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
Best MVNO for family plans - Reach Mobile
Family phone plans offer multiple lines for you and your family. To get a good value plan for the whole family you'll need to know how much data you're all using. With great customer service and super flexible options we like Reach Mobile family plans.
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
Socially conscious provider who gives back
4G LTE network
Hotspot enabled
Cons
Small selection of handsets
Expensive high data plans
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 MVNO for 5G coverage - Boost Mobile
If you're looking for the very fastest data speeds and have a 5G compatible phone, Boost Mobile plans include 5G at no additional cost. They're one of the best MVNOs for cheap 5G cell phone plans.
Plan | Minutes | Texts | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Unlimited | Unlimited | 2GB | $9* * $64 for 6 Months Service | |
Unlimited | Unlimited | 5GB | $15* * $10 Off First Month | |
Unlimited | Unlimited | 2GB | $15 | |
Unlimited | Unlimited | 10GB | $35 | |
Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | $35* * $15 Off First Month |
Pros
New upgraded network with DISH
No annual contract
Unlimited music streaming
Cons
Coverage in rural areas
Benefits
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
Best MVNO for talk & text plans - Ting
Talk and text prepaid plans are great if you want a phone that functions well, without any of the distracting stuff. Ting plans are ultra-dependable and cheap.
Plan | Minutes | Texts | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Unlimited | Unlimited | 0GB | $10* * $5 extra per GB | |
Unlimited | Unlimited | 1GB | $15 | |
Unlimited | Unlimited | 5GB | $20* * $5 Off for 6 Months | |
Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | $25* * $20 Off for 3 Months | |
Unlimited | Unlimited | 12GB | $30* * $5 Off for 6 Months |
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
Benefits
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
Best MVNO for seniors - Twigby
Shopping for a senior cell phone plan for yourself or a family member? Twigby is powered by the Sprint and Verizon networks. Their rates are affordable to fit almost any budget. You start at a basic wireless phone service, and can add more features for a smartphone. You or your loved one won't have to worry about paying for snazzy stuff that's not getting used.
Plan | Minutes | Texts | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Twigby Unlimited Talk & Text | Unlimited | Unlimited | 0GB | $6.50* |
Twigby 3GB Data | Unlimited | Unlimited | 3GB | $10* |
Twigby 1GB Data | Unlimited | Unlimited | 1GB | $9.50* |
Twigby 5GB Data | Unlimited | Unlimited | 5GB | $12.50* |
Twigby 10GB Data | Unlimited | Unlimited | 10GB | $17.50* |
* 50% 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
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 MVNO for kid plans - Red Pocket
If you're in the market for a cell phone plan for your kid, Red Pocket Mobile plans are a good option. This award winning carrier offers smaller set data plans. Keep track of how much data is being used each month and tailor the plan to suit them. You won't need to worry about coverage because they are powered by all 3 major networks.
Plan | Minutes | Texts | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Unlimited | Unlimited | 0.5GB | $10 | |
Unlimited | Unlimited | 3GB | $20 | |
Unlimited | Unlimited | 10GB | $30 | |
Unlimited | Unlimited | 22GB | $40 | |
Unlimited | Unlimited | 50GB | $50 |
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 MVNO for individual plans - Pure Talk
The large networks only offer the best deals if you buy 4 or 5 lines together. This is not suitable for a lot of people, so if you're looking for the cheapest phone plan for one person, Pure Talk plans are a great choice.
Plan | Minutes | Texts | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Unlimited | Unlimited | 2GB | $15* | |
Unlimited | Unlimited | 4GB | $18.75* | |
Unlimited | Unlimited | 6GB | $22.50* | |
Unlimited | Unlimited | 10GB | $26.25* | |
Unlimited | Unlimited | 20GB | $33.75* | |
Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | $41.25* | |
* 25% Off for 3 Months | ||||
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
Benefits
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
If you make a lot of international phone calls, then Gen Mobile plans are ultra-dependable and cheap. They offer free unlimited international calling to over 100 countries.
Plan | Minutes | Texts | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Gen Mobile 300 Mins & 1GB Data | 300 | Unlimited | 1GB | $9* * 25% off for 3 months - Promo: MSP25OFF3MO |
Gen Mobile Unlimited Talk & Text | Unlimited | Unlimited | 0GB | $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
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
Benefits
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
Best MVNO for data only plans - US Mobile
Hotspot plans are ideal if you find your home Wi-Fi isn't reliable, or you're out and about. Giving you internet access on your laptop when you're away from home. This internet could be powered by your smartphone, or another pocket sized device. We like this plan from US Mobile. All their plans are designed to save you money.
Plan | Minutes | Texts | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Unlimited | Unlimited | 0GB | $10 | |
Unlimited | Unlimited | 1GB | $12 | |
Unlimited | Unlimited | 5GB | $15 | |
Unlimited | Unlimited | 12GB | $20 | |
Unlimited | Unlimited | 18GB | $25 | |
Unlimited | Unlimited | 30GB | $30 | |
Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | $45 | |
Free Starter Kit with code: MSPUSM | ||||
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
MVNO coverage
Which prepaid carrier is best for you? That depends on which network has the best coverage in your area.
Whether you go with a GSM carrier (T-Mobile and AT&T) or a CDMA carrier (Verizon) you'll enjoy national coverage, just like with the major carriers.
Network performance ratings
NETWORK | OVERALL | RELIABILITY | SPEED | DATA | CALL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
95 | 96 | 94 | 96 | 94 | |
94 | 94 | 95 | 96 | 92 | |
86 | 88 | 82 | 89 | 82 |
Source: Rootmetrics
MVNO customer service comparison
Concerned that low-cost carriers won't have good customer service? Don't be, on average MVNOs score much higher customer ratings than the big networks as you'll see in the comparison chart below:
CARRIER | TRUSTPILOT USER RATING |
|---|---|
4.9 | |
4.6 | |
4.6 | |
1.5 | |
1.3 | |
1.2 |
MVNO prepaid plan types
Unlimited plans: Looking for unlimited talk text and data? Alternative carriers have got you covered. Data hungry users looking for unlimited plus plans can save serious money by switching to one of the cheapest unlimited data plans. Not sure how much data you need? Check out our data usage calculator.
Basic plans: If you (or a loved one) only use a cell phone to make a few calls, send a couple of messages and rarely go online then you can opt for a simply prepaid plan. You get basic cell phone functions, an allowance for minutes of talk, and usually around 2GB of data at a great price. Once you run out of your data allotment, speeds slow, but it's usually very easy to add on more.
Family plans: Need four lines or more? Many MVNOs offer group plans. Compare the cheapest family phone plans so you can pick and choose what each family member needs.
Bring your own phone plans: BYOP plans are the norm with smaller carriers. Compare cell phone prices and get a great deal to go with your cheap cell phone plan!
Single line plans: Stop paying a premium rate just because you only need one line. Find the best phone plans for individuals.
Talk and text only plans: Don't need data? No problem - compare cheap talk and text plans. Bonus, you'll save a ton of money if you're not paying for data!
Tablet plans: Find the cheapest data plan for your tablet or iPad.
Kids plans: MVNOs offer the best phone plans for kids because you can tailor them to exactly what you want your child to have.
Senior plans: Senior citizens often have different cell phone needs. Compare cheap cell phone plans for seniors for the perfect fit.
Cheapest MVNO plans
Carrier | Network | Minutes | Texts | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
T-Mobile | Unltd | Unltd | 1GB | $7.50** 25% Off for 6 Months | |
AT&T | Unltd | Unltd | 2GB | $15** 25% Off for 3 Months | |
T-Mobile & Verizon | Unltd | Unltd | Unltd | $25** $20 Off for 3 Months | |
T-Mobile | Unltd | Unltd | 10GB | $20** $60 for 3 Months Service | |
AT&T | Unltd | Unltd | 6GB | $22.50** 25% Off for 3 Months |
Considerations when comparing MVNOs
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.
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
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 tips:
Compare cell phone plans and phone deals
Sell your old phone for cash online
Best MVNO cell phone deals
Model | Condition | Memory | Compatibility | Price | New | 64GB | AT&T | $349 | New | 64GB | AT&T | $649 | New | 64GB | AT&T | $749 | New | 64GB | AT&T | $579 | New | 64GB | AT&T | $479 | New | 128GB | AT&T | $749 | New | 128GB | AT&T | $849 | New | 64GB | AT&T | $149 | New | 64GB | Verizon | $499 |
|---|
Best MVNO FAQs
Which MVNO has the best coverage?
As MVNOs operate on the main US networks, the MVNO with the best coverage will vary depending on where you live. You can check your ZIP code to find the best cell phone coverage in your area for the most suitable MVNO plans for you.
Which MVNO has 5G?
The majority of MVNOs offer 5G plans as they run on the three major networks, and you'll have access where 5G is available depending on whether you're with a Verizon, T-Mobile or AT&T MVNO.
Why are MVNOs cheaper?
MVNOs don't have any physical stores (except a couple of the older ones like Boost Mobile). So without the cost of stores, sales staff and expensive advertising MVNOs can pass on these savings to their customers.
Are MVNOs good?
If you're looking for a way to save money on your cell phone bill without sacrificing quality, then an MVNO is a great choice. These low cost carriers provide access to the same nationwide coverage but with half price cell phone plans.
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.
MoneySavingPro methodology
We're here to bring transparency to telecoms, putting power back in your hands. This guides everything we do.
We've got high standards. We use our industry expertise to find carriers that reach these standards. We all deserve the best value for money, choice and customer experience.
We care about accuracy. MoneySavingPro is run by cell phone geeks and money saving obsessives. Our content team researches everything thoroughly so that information you read here will give you the whole picture. Everything we do is backed up by the data.
We keep things simple. It's our job to break down what you need to know, so you can make informed choices.
Deal of the Month: Tello - 25% off for 6 months