The Best SIM Card in San Diego, CA
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Finding the cheapest prepaid SIM card in San Diego, CA is easy with MVNOs.
With carriers like Boost Mobile, Mint Mobile, and Tello, you'll find the best value prepaid cell phone plans, operating on the same major US networks you won't be giving up quality coverage, just the expensive price tag.
We've compared some of the best carriers below to help you find the best cell phone plan in your area.

Where to buy a SIM card in San Diego
Tello: Best cheap prepaid SIM card in San Diego
Mint Mobile: Best unlimited data SIM card in San Diego
Mint Mobile: Best SIM card for Apple watch in San Diego
US Mobile: Best SIM card for smartwatches in San Diego

Tello: Best cheap prepaid SIM card in San Diego
T-Mobile wireless network coverage
No contract. No bulk buying.
24/7 friendly customer support
4G LTE/5G nationwide coverage
Free Hotspot & Wi-Fi Calling
Free international calls to 60+ countries
No roaming
Coverage in rural areas
This Tello SIM kit includes unlimited mins, unlimited texts and 1GB data for $10 for 1 month of wireless service. Tello plans offers wireless coverage on the T-Mobile 5G and 4G LTE network. Read Tello review
Tello SIM card: $8/mo
Tello SIM card: $10/mo
Tello SIM card: $14/mo
Tello SIM card: $19/mo
Tello SIM card: $24/mo
Tello SIM card: $29/mo

Mint Mobile: Best unlimited data SIM card in San Diego
T-Mobile wireless network coverage
* Only $90 for 3 Months
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
This Mint Mobile SIM kit includes unlimited mins, unlimited texts and unlimited data for $30 for 3 months of wireless service. Mint Mobile plans offers wireless coverage on the T-Mobile 5G and 4G LTE network. Read Mint Mobile review
Mint Mobile SIM card: $15/mo
Mint Mobile SIM card: $20/mo
Mint Mobile SIM card: $25/mo
Mint Mobile SIM card: $30/mo

Mint Mobile: Best SIM card for Apple watch in San Diego
T-Mobile wireless network coverage
* Only $45 for 3 Months

US Mobile: Best SIM card for smartwatches in San Diego
Verizon & T-Mobile wireless network coverage
* 100 Days FREE Trial
Flexible, no contract plans
24/7 customer service
5G coverage available
No international calling
Phone selection
This US Mobile SIM kit includes unlimited mins, unlimited texts and 15GB data for $20 for 1 month of wireless service. US Mobile plans offers wireless coverage on the Verizon & T-Mobile 5G and 4G LTE networks. Read US Mobile review
US Mobile SIM card: $5/mo
US Mobile SIM card: $8/mo
US Mobile SIM card: $12/mo
US Mobile SIM card: $15/mo
US Mobile SIM card: $20/mo
US Mobile SIM card: $25/mo
US Mobile SIM card: $35/mo
US Mobile SIM card: $45/mo
What are the benefits of prepaid phone carriers?
Purchasing the best prepaid SIM card separately can help cut the cost of your cell phone bill. And there are plenty of benefits to comparing cell phone plans from low-cost carriers.
Lower prices: Offering the best value for money you could save up to $600 a year on your cell phone plan.
Same great coverage: Cheap phone carriers are powered by the same US networks, so whether you're looking for an AT&T SIM, Verizon SIM, or a T-Mobile SIM, you'll find plenty of options available.
No contracts: There are no contracts, so you have the freedom and flexibility to amend your plan or change carriers should your needs change. All without any early termination fees.
Affordable upgrades: Low-cost carriers like Mint Mobile offer affordable phone and SIM card bundles or the option to purchase prepaid cell phones if you're looking to upgrade.
4G LTE data speeds: You'll receive the same nationwide coverage with 4G data speeds from the main US networks.
5G network: If you're looking for access to the fast 5G network, and have a compatible phone, MVNOs offer 5G SIM card plans.
iPhones: If you don't want to upgrade you can save money by getting an iPhone SIM card that's compatible with your current iPhone.
Samsung phones: Save money on a cheap Samsung SIM card for your Samsung Galaxy without having to buy the latest handset.
Smartwatches: It's not just SIM cards for phones, there's a range of SIM cards for smartwatches or SIM cards for Apple Watch.
Unlimited data: If it's a must-have, you can get unlimited by choosing from a cheap unlimited data SIM card that offers unlimited calls, texts, and data.
Data only: When you're away from home a data only SIM card your tablet or iPad will help you stay connected even when there's no Wi-Fi.
Order online: MVNOs are online-based, so you can order your free SIM card starter kit and have it delivered straight to your door.
The best prepaid SIM card on T-Mobile
Unlimited mins
Unlimited texts
10GB
4G/5G data
$20 /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 |
Check out our review of the best T-Mobile prepaid SIM cards
The best prepaid SIM card on Verizon
Unlimited mins
Unlimited texts
15GB
4G/5G data
$20 /mo
Verizon vs US Mobile comparison
Keep your Verizon phone, number & coverage: Save $720 per year
Carrier |
Network Coverage |
4G/5G Data |
Price |
Annual Cost |
---|---|---|---|---|
Verizon |
Verizon 4G & 5G | Unltd* |
$80/mo |
$960/yr |
US Mobile |
Verizon 4G & 5G |
15GB |
$20/mo |
$240/yr |
*Don't waste money on unlimited data - Avg. data usage is only 3-5GB |
Savings |
$60/mo |
$720/yr |
Check out our review of the best Verizon prepaid SIM cards
The best prepaid SIM card on AT&T
Unlimited mins
Unlimited texts
5GB
4G/5G data
$15 /mo
AT&T vs Boost Mobile comparison
Keep your AT&T phone, number & coverage: Save $720 per year
Carrier |
Network Coverage |
4G/5G Data |
Price |
Annual Cost |
---|---|---|---|---|
AT&T |
AT&T 4G & 5G | Unltd* |
$75/mo |
$900/yr |
Boost Mobile |
AT&T 4G & 5G |
5GB |
$15/mo |
$180/yr |
*Don't waste money on unlimited data - Avg. data usage is only 3-5GB |
Savings |
$60/mo |
$720/yr |
Check out our review of the best AT&T prepaid SIM cards
How to pick the best prepaid phone carrier
4G LTE & 5G data speeds: Since all the best MVNOs operate on the big three cellular networks you'll pay less without sacrificing speed. More and more are adding 5G coverage all the time so you can expect high-speed data.
Unlimited talk and text messaging: Finding a new unlimited plan has never been easier. Virtually all small carriers include unlimited text and calling in their plan options.
International calls to Canada and Mexico: International calling is a must for many people. Luckily MVNOs offer international phone plans, with free calling to certain countries like Canada and Mexico, and discounted rates on others.
Bring your own phone: To save even more you can bring your own phone and just insert a new SIM card.
eSIM: Most carriers now support eSIM, which means you can switch immediately without having to wait for a SIM card to arrive in the mail.
Multiline discounts: Low-cost carriers also offer some of the cheapest family plans, with multi-line discounts.
Wi-Fi calling: This feature is handy when you're out of your service area, allowing you to make calls over the internet instead of on your cellular connection.
Tethering/hotspot data: Many low-cost carriers allow you to use your phone as a hotspot. Pick an MVNO with the best mobile hotspot plans so you can share your mobile hotspot data with other devices.
HD video streaming: Just like the big guys, some MVNOs offer HD video streaming and some don't. Read the fine print to find the option you want.
The cheapest prepaid SIM cards in San Diego, CA
Carrier |
Network | Data |
Price |
---|---|---|---|
T-Mobile | 1GB |
$10/mo |
|
T-Mobile | 2GB |
$20/mo |
|
T-Mobile | 4GB |
$15/mo |
|
Verizon & T-Mobile | 15GB |
$20/mo |
|
AT&T & T-Mobile | Unltd |
$25/mo |
Compare cell phone coverage in San Diego, CA
Which prepaid carrier is best for you? That depends on which network has the best cell phone coverage in your area.
Source: Rootmetrics California RootScore report
Carrier customer service comparison
On average MVNOs score much, much higher for customer satisfaction than big networks.
CARRIER |
TRUSTPILOT USER RATING |
---|---|
4.9 |
|
4.5 |
|
4.8 |
|
1.4 |
|
1.2 |
|
1.3 |
How we picked the best prepaid SIM card in San Diego, CA
MoneySavingPro reviewed the best value prepaid cell phone carriers available in San Diego, CA and ranked them based on various factors.
The most important factor we considered was the price of each plan in comparison to other similar plans available in the market. We also evaluated data limits, network coverage, perks, customer feedback, and overall service quality.
We regularly monitor the market to keep track of new products and plan changes offered by carriers. This list is updated at least once a month, or more frequently as necessary.
SIM card sizes
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.
Standard SIM Card - The original SIM Card 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 it into another iPhone. The original iPhone along with the older iPhone 3G and 3GS all use the original SIM Card, according to Apple.
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.
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.
How to remove a SIM card
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.
See nearby providers.
- National City
- Chula Vista
- La Mesa
- Santee
- El Cajon
- Encinitas
- Escondido
- Carlsbad
- Vista
- Vista
- San Marcos
- Oceanside
- Temecula
- San Clemente
- Murrieta
- Laguna Niguel
- Menifee
- Lake Elsinore
- Hemet
- Aliso Viejo
- Mission Viejo
- Lake Forest
- Perris
- Newport Beach
- Costa Mesa
- Irvine
- Tustin
- Huntington Beach
- Moreno Valley
- Santa Ana
- Fountain Valley
- Corona
- Westminster
- Garden Grove
- Orange
- Cathedral City
- Palm Desert
- Indio
- Yorba Linda
- Riverside
T-Mobile stores |
---|
1014 5th Ave , Suite 100, San Diego, CA 92101 |
120 W Washington St , Suite C, San Diego, CA 92103 |
2990 El Cajon Blvd , San Diego, CA 92104 |
4371 University Ave , Ste 400, San Diego, CA 92105 |
1640 Camino Del Rio North , Suite 106, San Diego, CA 92108 |
2307 Fenton Pkwy , Ste 101c, San Diego, CA 92108 |
7007 Friars Rd , #877, San Diego, CA 92108 |
1096 Garnet Ave , Spc E, San Diego, CA 92109 |
3146 Sports Arena Blvd. , Ste 4, San Diego, CA 92110 |
5504 Balboa Avenue , Ste B, San Diego, CA 92111 |
7608 Linda Vista Rd Ste 120 , Ste B, San Diego, CA 92111 |
1900 Main Street , #113, San Diego, CA 92113 |
255 Marketplace Ave , Ste C2, San Diego, CA 92113 |
336 Euclid Ave Ste 501 , San Diego, CA 92114 |
3428 College Ave , San Diego, CA 92115 |
3089 Clairemont Dr , Ste A, San Diego, CA 92117 |
3952 Clairemont Mesa Blvd , Ste C, San Diego, CA 92117 |
6551 Mission Gorge , San Diego, CA 92120 |
3755 Murphy Canyon Rd , A, San Diego, CA 92123 |
10753 Westview Parkway , C-2, San Diego, CA 92126 |
8155 Mira Mesa Blvd , Ste 2, San Diego, CA 92126 |
16615-b Dove Canyon Road , San Diego, CA 92127 |
11975 Carmel Mountain Rd , Ste 601-602, San Diego, CA 92128 |
11980 Carmel Mountain Rd , Ste 244, San Diego, CA 92128 |
13289 Black Mountain Rd , Ste 1, San Diego, CA 92129 |
9870 Hibert St , Ste D15, San Diego, CA 92131 |
4370 Palm Ave , Ste H, San Diego, CA 92154 |
662 Dennery Rd , Ste 101, San Diego, CA 92154 |
Verizon stores |
---|
1248 University Ave., San Diego, CA 92103 |
980 Camino De La Reina, Spc 3, San Diego, CA 92108 |
1680 GARNET AVE, SAN DIEGO, CA 92109 |
3505 Sports Arena Blvd, Suite A, San Diego, CA 92110 |
7035 Clairemont Mesa Blvd, Suite 401, San Diego, CA 92111 |
6348 College Grove Way, Ste 107, San Diego, CA 92115 |
2995 CLAIREMONT DR, SAN DIEGO, CA 92117 |
4504 Clairemont Mesa Blvd, Ste 102, San Diego, CA 92117 |
3737 Murphy Canyon Rd, Ste B, San Diego, CA 92123 |
10754 Westview Pkwy, Ste 102, San Diego, CA 92126 |
11890 Carmel Mountain Rd, San Diego, CA 92128 |
3860 VALLEY CENTER DR., Ste 405, SAN DIEGO, CA 92130 |
1555 PALM AVE, Ste A1, SAN DIEGO, CA 92154 |
AT&T stores |
---|
252 Broadway, A-107, San Diego, CA 92101 |
1060 University, A-107, San Diego, CA 92103 |
3223 University Ave, A-107, San Diego, CA 92104 |
2011 Camino Del Este North, Suite 301, San Diego, CA 92108 |
5658 Mission Center Road, Suite 301, San Diego, CA 92108 |
1975 Garnet Avenue, Suite D, San Diego, CA 92109 |
3361 Rosecrans, Suite 9B, San Diego, CA 92110 |
255 Marketplace Ave, Ste C5, San Diego, CA 92113 |
3998A Clairemont Mesa Blvd, Ste 101A, San Diego, CA 92117 |
5252 Balboa Ave, Ste 101A, San Diego, CA 92117 |
4311 La Jolla Village Dr, Ste M2230, San Diego, CA 92122 |
3655 Murphy Canyon Road, Suite 301, San Diego, CA 92123 |
8225 Mira Mesa Blvd, Ste M2230, San Diego, CA 92126 |
11954 Carmel Mountain Road, Suite 102, San Diego, CA 92128 |
3435 Del Mar Heights Rd, Suite D-2, San Diego, CA 92130 |
685 Saturn Blvd, Suite B-2, San Diego, CA 92154 |
940 Dennery Rd, Suite 104, San Diego, CA 92154 |
4509 Camino De La Plaza, Suite 370, San Diego, CA 92173 |
SIM card in San Diego FAQs
What is a prepaid SIM card?
A SIM card - or subscriber identity module card - is where your phone information is stored.
How much does a prepaid SIM card cost in San Diego, CA?
A prepaid SIM card typically costs between $5-40 depending on the carrier and data plan.
Where can I buy a prepaid SIM card in San Diego, CA?
SIM cards can be purchased online or in retail stores such as Best Buy, Target, and Walmart.
Recap: What is the best prepaid SIM card in San Diego, CA?
Prepaid cell phone carriers in San Diego, CA offer a wide selection of no contract phone plans that could save you hundreds of dollars a year on your cell phone bill.
With the same coverage and features as a plan with one of the big three, you'll find value for money with these low-cost carriers.
Still not sure? You can compare the cheapest prepaid phone plans from all MVNOs for plenty of money-saving deals.
- Tello: Best cheap prepaid SIM card in San Diego
- Mint Mobile: Best unlimited data SIM card in San Diego
- Mint Mobile: Best SIM card for Apple watch in San Diego
- US Mobile: Best SIM card for smartwatches in San Diego