Best MVNO plans in 2020
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 low-cost carriers 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 US networks
- 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
Best AT&T MVNO
AT&T vs PureTalk USA Price 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 |
| PureTalk USA | 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 MVNO
Verizon vs Reach Mobile Price 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 MVNO
Sprint vs Tello Price Comparison
Keep your Sprint phone, number & coverage: Save $432 per year
| Carrier | Network Coverage | 4G LTE Data | Price | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sprint | Sprint 4G LTE | Unltd* | $60/mo | $720/yr |
| Tello | Sprint 4G LTE | 6GB | $24/mo | $288/yr |
| *Don't waste money on unlimited data - Avg. data usage is only 3-5GB | Savings | $36/mo | $432/yr | |
Best Sprint MVNO
Sprint vs Tello Price Comparison
Keep your Sprint phone, number & coverage: Save $504 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 | $216/yr |
| *Don't waste money on unlimited data - Avg. data usage is only 3-5GB | Savings | $41/mo | $504/yr | |
Do you really need unlimited data?
An upside to being bored in the house? Serious cash savings.
Our research shows 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 set plan that suits your data needs.
Estimate your data usage and use our phone plan savings calculator 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 MVNO
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
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 if it's compatible, or find great deals on the latest handsets.
Best MVNO for unlimited talk and text only
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 plans online. It makes them a popular first phone plan for kids. Good2Go's mobile plans are ultra-dependable and cheap.
Best MVNO 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 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 coverage
When you know which of the four big networks offer the best coverage in your area, you can find the best MVNO for you. We like Red Pocket's plans for coverage. Piggybacking off the telecoms giant Verizon, they offer the same great coverage at a fraction of the cost.
Best MVNO 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, however, consistently receives glowing reviews from money savers.
First things first, what you need to know
- 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 for individuals
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 family plans
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
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
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.
Full list of MVNOs
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
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 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. Some feature unlimited data, let you build your own plans, or even offer insurance policies. Finding that best cell phone plan has never been easier.
