The Best Cheap Pay as You Go Phones in 2023

Compare cheap pay as you go phone prices
By
Rob Webber
Rob Webber

Rob Webber

Founder

About Rob

Rob has 15+ years experience running price comparison & review websites that empower consumers to find the cheapest cell phone services, cell phone deals, home phone, and internet providers available. He has been published in Forbes, US News, Entrepreneur, Huffington Post, Inc.

Rob's Expertise

5G wireless networks, cell phone plans, cell phone deals, MVNOs, internet services, tablets, comparison shopping, money saving, reviewing telecom products & services

- Last updated on January 16th, 2023

MoneySavingPro independently researches the products & services to bring you our recommendations. We may earn money when you click our links - disclosure policy.

Fancy getting the cheapest pay-as-you-go phone while saving up to $600 a year, per line?

At a time when all your household costs are increasing, your cell phone bill doesn't need to be one of them. At MoneySavingPro we can help you find the PAYG phone you want, on your favorite network, at a much lower cost.

If you've not heard of MVNOs, you're not alone. They're low-cost carriers that operate on the three major US networks, offering the same 5G & 4G LTE wireless coverage but with plans starting as low as $10 a month.

Buying a phone directly from a major network may look like a good deal initially but after factoring in the cost of their over-priced unlimited data plans over 3 years, you could end up paying as much as $2,000 more than you need to!

We've compiled a list of the cheapest pay-as-you-go phones from low-cost carriers, so you can find the best phone deal at the cheapest price without sacrificing your wireless service.

Cheap pay as you go iPhones

Prepaid iPhone 13 prices

Apple iPhone 13 mini

* Save $100 plus $200 rebate
Apple iPhone 13 mini front
Retailer
Red Pocket
Storage
128GB
Network
AT&T
Condition
NEW
Price
$22/mo*
0% APR for 24 mths
See Deal Full price: $629 $529
Network: AT&T
Network: AT&T

The Apple iPhone 13 mini has 128GB storage capacity. It includes a 5.4 inches screen and 12 MP camera. This new iPhone 13 mini is available from Red Pocket with AT&T network coverage and prices starting from $22/mo.

Best Deals
Device 128GB256GB512GB
Apple iPhone 13 mini AT&T $22/mo$30/mo$35/mo
Apple iPhone 13 mini Verizon $71/mo$69/mo$86/mo
Apple iPhone 13 mini T-Mobile $71/mo$69/mo$86/mo
Apple iPhone 13 mini Unlocked $22/mo$30/mo$35/mo

Apple iPhone 13

* Save $100 plus $200 rebate
Apple iPhone 13 front
Retailer
Red Pocket
Storage
128GB
Network
AT&T
Condition
NEW
Price
$26/mo*
0% APR for 24 mths
See Deal Full price: $729 $629
Network: AT&T
Network: AT&T

The Apple iPhone 13 has 128GB storage capacity. It includes a 6.1 inches screen and 12 MP camera. This new iPhone 13 is available from Red Pocket with AT&T network coverage and prices starting from $26/mo.

Best Deals
Device 128GB256GB512GB
Apple iPhone 13 AT&T $26/mo$30/mo$39/mo
Apple iPhone 13 Verizon $74/mo$56/mo$63/mo
Apple iPhone 13 T-Mobile $74/mo$30/mo$30/mo
Apple iPhone 13 Unlocked $26/mo$30/mo$39/mo

Apple iPhone 13 Pro

* Save $100 plus $200 rebate
Apple iPhone 13 Pro front
Retailer
Red Pocket
Storage
128GB
Network
AT&T
Condition
NEW
Price
$33/mo*
0% APR for 24 mths
See Deal Full price: $899 $799
Network: AT&T
Network: AT&T

The Apple iPhone 13 Pro has 128GB storage capacity. It includes a 6.1 inches screen and 12 MP camera. This new iPhone 13 Pro is available from Red Pocket with AT&T network coverage and prices starting from $33/mo.

Best Deals
Device 128GB256GB512GB1TB
Apple iPhone 13 Pro AT&T $33/mo$37/mo$46/mo$54/mo
Apple iPhone 13 Pro Verizon -$67/mo$72/mo$83/mo
Apple iPhone 13 Pro T-Mobile $42/mo$46/mo$54/mo$62/mo
Apple iPhone 13 Pro Unlocked $33/mo$37/mo$46/mo$54/mo

Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max

* Save $100 plus $200 rebate
Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max front
Retailer
Red Pocket
Storage
128GB
Network
AT&T
Condition
NEW
Price
$37/mo*
0% APR for 24 mths
See Deal Full price: $999 $899
Network: AT&T
Network: AT&T

The Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max has 128GB storage capacity. It includes a 6.7 inches screen and 12 MP camera. This new iPhone 13 Pro Max is available from Red Pocket with AT&T network coverage and prices starting from $37/mo.

Best Deals
Device 128GB256GB512GB1TB
Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max AT&T $37/mo$42/mo$50/mo$58/mo
Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max Verizon -$72/mo$78/mo$89/mo
Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max T-Mobile $46/mo$50/mo$58/mo$67/mo
Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max Unlocked $37/mo$42/mo$50/mo$58/mo

Prepaid iPhone 12 prices

Apple iPhone 12 mini

* Save $100 with phone service
Apple iPhone 12 mini front
Retailer
Red Pocket
Storage
64GB
Network
AT&T
Condition
NEW
Price
$22/mo*
0% APR for 24 mths
out of stock
out of stock

The Apple iPhone 12 mini has 64GB storage capacity. It includes a 5.4 inches screen and 12 MP camera. This new iPhone 12 mini is available from Red Pocket with AT&T network coverage and prices starting from $22/mo.

Best Deals
Device 64GB128GB256GB
Apple iPhone 12 mini AT&T $22/mo$24/mo$28/mo
Apple iPhone 12 mini Verizon $61/mo-$73/mo
Apple iPhone 12 mini T-Mobile $61/mo-$73/mo
Apple iPhone 12 mini Unlocked $22/mo$24/mo$28/mo

Apple iPhone 12

Apple iPhone 12 front
Retailer
US Mobile
Storage
128GB
Network
Verizon
Condition
NEW
Price
$71/mo
15% APR for 12 mths
See Deal Full price: $779
Network: Verizon & T-Mobile
Network: Verizon & T-Mobile

The Apple iPhone 12 has 128GB storage capacity. It includes a 6.1 inches screen and 12 MP camera. This new iPhone 12 is available from US Mobile with Verizon & T-Mobile network coverage and prices starting from $71/mo.

Best Deals
Device 64GB128GB256GB
Apple iPhone 12 AT&T $26/mo$28/mo$32/mo
Apple iPhone 12 Verizon -$71/mo$83/mo
Apple iPhone 12 T-Mobile -$71/mo$83/mo
Apple iPhone 12 Unlocked $26/mo$71/mo$32/mo

Prepaid iPhone 11 prices

Apple iPhone 11

* Save $100 with phone service
Apple iPhone 11 front
Retailer
Red Pocket
Storage
64GB
Network
AT&T
Condition
NEW
Price
$17/mo*
0% APR for 24 mths
out of stock
out of stock

The Apple iPhone 11 has 64GB storage capacity. It includes a 6.1 inches screen and 12 MP camera. This new iPhone 11 is available from Red Pocket with AT&T network coverage and prices starting from $17/mo.

Best Deals
Device 64GB128GB256GB
Apple iPhone 11 AT&T $17/mo$19/mo$27/mo
Apple iPhone 11 Unlocked $17/mo$19/mo$27/mo

Prepaid iPhone SE prices

Apple iPhone SE (2nd Gen)

Apple iPhone SE (2nd Gen) front
Retailer
US Mobile
Storage
128GB
Network
Verizon
Condition
NEW
Price
$37/mo
15% APR for 12 mths
out of stock
out of stock

The Apple iPhone SE (2nd Gen) has 128GB storage capacity. It includes a 4.7 inches screen and 12 MP camera. This new iPhone SE (2nd Gen) is available from US Mobile with Verizon & T-Mobile network coverage and prices starting from $37/mo.

Best Deals
Device 128GB64GB256GB
Apple iPhone SE (2nd Gen) Verizon $37/mo$39/mo$46/mo
Apple iPhone SE (2nd Gen) T-Mobile $37/mo$39/mo$46/mo
Apple iPhone SE (2nd Gen) Unlocked $37/mo$39/mo$46/mo

Cheap pay as you go Samsung phones

Samsung Galaxy S21+

* $50 Off with 12 Month Plan
Samsung Galaxy S21+ front
Retailer
Mint Mobile
Storage
128GB
Network
T-Mobile
Condition
NEW
Price
$20/mo*
0% APR for 24 mths
out of stock
out of stock

The Samsung Galaxy S21+ has 128GB storage capacity. It includes a 6.7 inches screen and 64 MP camera. This new Galaxy S21+ is available from Mint Mobile with T-Mobile network coverage and prices starting from $20/mo.

Best Deals
Device 128GB
Samsung Galaxy S21+ T-Mobile $20/mo
Samsung Galaxy S21+ Unlocked $20/mo

Samsung Galaxy S21

* $50 Off with 12 Month Plan
Samsung Galaxy S21 front
Retailer
Mint Mobile
Storage
128GB
Network
T-Mobile
Condition
NEW
Price
$21/mo*
0% APR for 24 mths
See Deal Full price: $499
Network: T-Mobile
Network: T-Mobile

The Samsung Galaxy S21 has 128GB storage capacity. It includes a 6.2 inches screen and 64 MP camera. This new Galaxy S21 is available from Mint Mobile with T-Mobile network coverage and prices starting from $21/mo.

Best Deals
Device 128GB
Samsung Galaxy S21 T-Mobile $21/mo
Samsung Galaxy S21 Unlocked $21/mo

Samsung Galaxy S21+

* $50 Off with 12 Month Plan
Samsung Galaxy S21+ front
Retailer
Mint Mobile
Storage
128GB
Network
T-Mobile
Condition
NEW
Price
$20/mo*
0% APR for 24 mths
out of stock
out of stock

The Samsung Galaxy S21+ has 128GB storage capacity. It includes a 6.7 inches screen and 64 MP camera. This new Galaxy S21+ is available from Mint Mobile with T-Mobile network coverage and prices starting from $20/mo.

Best Deals
Device 128GB
Samsung Galaxy S21+ T-Mobile $20/mo
Samsung Galaxy S21+ Unlocked $20/mo

Samsung Galaxy Note20

* $50 Off with 12 Month Plan
Samsung Galaxy Note20 front
Retailer
Mint Mobile
Storage
128GB
Network
T-Mobile
Condition
NEW
Price
$19/mo*
0% APR for 24 mths
See Deal Full price: $449
Network: T-Mobile
Network: T-Mobile

The Samsung Galaxy Note20 has 128GB storage capacity. It includes a 6.7 inches screen and 64 MP camera. This new Galaxy Note20 is available from Mint Mobile with T-Mobile network coverage and prices starting from $19/mo.

Best Deals
Device 128GB
Samsung Galaxy Note20 T-Mobile $19/mo
Samsung Galaxy Note20 Unlocked $19/mo

Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra

* $50 Off with 12 Month Plan
Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra front
Retailer
Mint Mobile
Storage
128GB
Network
T-Mobile
Condition
NEW
Price
$25/mo*
0% APR for 24 mths
See Deal Full price: $599
Network: T-Mobile
Network: T-Mobile

The Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra has 128GB storage capacity. It includes a 6.9 inches screen and 108 MP camera. This new Galaxy Note20 Ultra is available from Mint Mobile with T-Mobile network coverage and prices starting from $25/mo.

Best Deals
Device 128GB
Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra T-Mobile $25/mo
Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra Unlocked $25/mo

Cheapest pay-as-you-go phones benefits

Low-cost carriers offer the same phones as the big three, from Apple iPhones to budget-friendly Nokia phones.

If flexibility is important, pay-as-you-go phones can give you the freedom of not being stuck in a lengthy contract, along with a number of other benefits.

  • Save money: Low-cost carriers offer the cheapest PAYG phones while saving you up to $600 per year, per line.

  • Latest cell phones: Offering the same phones as the big three, but without the three-year contract.

  • No long-term commitment: Pay-as-you-go phones give you the freedom of no contracts.

  • Cheap monthly payments: Many low-cost carriers offer affordable interest-free payment plans on their phones along with cell phone plans starting from only $10 a month.

  • Unlimited data plan: There's still the option of unlimited data phone plans, however unlimited doesn't always mean unlimited, so be sure to check the small print.

  • 5G compatible: If you want access to the fast 5G network, there are plenty of 5G pay-as-you-go phones to choose from.

  • Phones for seniors: Find the cheapest pay-as-you-go phones for seniors with plenty to choose from whether you want a budget phone or the latest Samsung Galaxy.

  • Phones for kids: Low-cost carriers offer a variety of cheap PAYG phones, and for even more savings they offer the best family phone plans with multi-line discounts.


Cheap T-Mobile pay as you go phones

Device 32GB64GB128GB
Samsung Galaxy A03s (T-Mobile) $9/mo - -
Samsung Galaxy A13 (T-Mobile) - $12/mo -
Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra (T-Mobile) - - $19/mo
Samsung Galaxy Note20 (T-Mobile) - - $19/mo
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE (T-Mobile) - - $20/mo
Samsung Galaxy S21 (T-Mobile) - - $21/mo
Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra (T-Mobile) - - $25/mo
Samsung Galaxy S22 (T-Mobile) - - $29/mo
Samsung Galaxy S22+ (T-Mobile) - - $33/mo
Apple iPhone 14 (T-Mobile) - - $35/mo

Cheap AT&T pay as you go phones

Device 64GB128GB256GB
Apple iPhone SE (AT&T) $14/mo $16/mo $20/mo
Apple iPhone 13 mini (AT&T) - $22/mo -
Apple iPhone 13 (AT&T) - $26/mo $30/mo
Apple iPhone 14 (AT&T) - $30/mo $35/mo
Apple iPhone 12 Pro (AT&T) - - $33/mo
Apple iPhone 13 Pro (AT&T) - $33/mo $37/mo
Apple iPhone 14 Plus (AT&T) - $35/mo -

Cheap Verizon pay as you go phones

Device 64GB128GB
Samsung Galaxy A13 (Verizon) $23/mo -
Apple iPhone SE (Verizon) $39/mo -
Apple iPhone 14 Pro (Verizon) - $63/mo
Samsung Galaxy S22+ (Verizon) - $63/mo
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE (Verizon) - $64/mo
Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max (Verizon) - $69/mo
Apple iPhone 12 (Verizon) - $71/mo
Samsung Galaxy S22 (Verizon) - $73/mo
Apple iPhone 13 (Verizon) - $74/mo
Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra (Verizon) - $75/mo

Cheap pay as you go Android phones

Prepaid Motorola phones

Motorola Moto One Ace

* $50 Off with 12 Month Plan
Motorola Moto One Ace front
Retailer
Mint Mobile
Storage
64GB
Network
T-Mobile
Condition
NEW
Price
$11/mo*
0% APR for 18 mths
See Deal Full price: $199
Network: T-Mobile
Network: T-Mobile

The Motorola Moto One Ace has 64GB storage capacity. It includes a 6.7 inches screen and 48 MP camera. This new Moto One Ace is available from Mint Mobile with T-Mobile network coverage and prices starting from $11/mo.

Best Deals
Device 64GB128GB
Motorola Moto One Ace Unlocked $11/mo$19/mo

Motorola Moto Edge

* $50 Off with 12 Month Plan
Motorola Moto Edge front
Retailer
Mint Mobile
Storage
256GB
Network
T-Mobile
Condition
NEW
Price
$15/mo*
0% APR for 24 mths
See Deal Full price: $349
Network: T-Mobile
Network: T-Mobile

The Motorola Moto Edge has 256GB storage capacity. It includes a 6.7 inches screen and 64 MP camera. This new Moto Edge is available from Mint Mobile with T-Mobile network coverage and prices starting from $15/mo.

Best Deals
Device 256GB
Motorola Moto Edge Unlocked $15/mo

Motorola RAZR

* $50 Off with 12 Month Plan
Motorola RAZR front
Retailer
Mint Mobile
Storage
256GB
Network
T-Mobile
Condition
NEW
Price
$42/mo*
0% APR for 24 mths
out of stock
out of stock

The Motorola RAZR has 256GB storage capacity. It includes a 6.2 inches, 2.7 inches screen and 48 MP camera. This new RAZR is available from Mint Mobile with T-Mobile network coverage and prices starting from $42/mo.

Best Deals
Device 256GB
Motorola RAZR Unlocked $42/mo

Prepaid Nokia phones

Prepaid OnePlus phones

OnePlus Nord N10

* $50 Off with 12 Month Plan
OnePlus Nord N10 front
Retailer
Mint Mobile
Storage
128GB
Network
T-Mobile
Condition
NEW
Price
$11/mo*
0% APR for 18 mths
See Deal Full price: $199
Network: T-Mobile
Network: T-Mobile

The OnePlus Nord N10 has 128GB storage capacity. It includes a 6.49 inches screen and 64 MP camera. This new Nord N10 is available from Mint Mobile with T-Mobile network coverage and prices starting from $11/mo.

Best Deals
Device 128GB
OnePlus Nord N10 Unlocked $11/mo

Prepaid LG phones

LG K51

LG K51 front
Retailer
Ultra Mobile
Storage
32GB
Network
T-Mobile
Condition
NEW
Price
$10/mo
0% APR for 24 mths
out of stock
out of stock

The LG K51 has 32GB storage capacity. It includes a 6.5 inches screen and 13 MP camera. This new K51 is available from Ultra Mobile with T-Mobile network coverage and prices starting from $10/mo.

Best Deals
Device 32GB
LG K51 Unlocked $10/mo

Cheapest pay as you go phone plans

Carrier

Network

Data

Price

Tello SIM card - Horizontal Tello

T-Mobile

1GB

$10/mo

Reach Mobile SIM card - Horizontal Reach Mobile

T-Mobile

2GB

$20/mo

Mint Mobile SIM card - Horizontal Mint Mobile

T-Mobile

4GB

$15/mo

US Mobile SIM card - Horizontal US Mobile

Verizon & T-Mobile

15GB

$20/mo

Boost Mobile SIM card - Horizontal Boost Mobile

AT&T & T-Mobile

Unltd

$25/mo

T-Mobile vs Mint Mobile comparison

Keep your T-Mobile phone, number & coverage: Save $600 per year

Carrier

Network Coverage

4G/5G Data

Price

Annual Cost

T-Mobile

T-Mobile 4G & 5G

Unltd*

$70/mo

$840/yr

Mint Mobile

T-Mobile 4G & 5G

10GB

$20/mo

$240/yr

*Don't waste money on unlimited data - Avg. data usage is only 3-5GB

Savings

$50/mo

$600/yr


Cheap pay as you go phones FAQs

Who has the cheapest pay as you go phones?

The best value prepaid cell phones are available from MVNOs. Deals are changing constantly, but you'll find some affordable prices, and sometimes discounts, on certain handsets.

Are pay as you go phones a good deal?

Compared to getting tied into a lengthy contract, prepaid phones could save you hundreds of dollars in the long run. As well as saving you money without a contract they give you the flexibility to change plans or phones when it suits you.


Recap

Whether you're looking for the latest iPhone or just a cheap PAYG cell phone, Mobile Virtual Network Operators can save you hundreds of dollars a year.

MVNOs, like Mint Mobile or Red Pocket, offer PAYG phones with cheap plans, often with interest-free payments over 12-24 months.

Although the major networks offer to finance over 36 months, being tied into their over-priced unlimited data plans for 3 years could mean wasting as much as $2,000!

Compare deals from low-cost carriers to find the best pay as you go phones at the cheapest price.