The Best SIM Card in San Diego, CA

Best prepaid SIM card near me in San Diego
US Mobile: 100 Days FREE Trial
99% coverage 4G & 5G speed Bring your phone No contracts
1GB 4G/5G Data
$10 per month
Network: T-Mobile
2GB 4G/5G Data
$10* per month
Network: T-Mobile
View Plan * $10 Off for 3 Months
4GB 4G/5G Data
$15* per month
Network: T-Mobile
View Plan * Only $45 for 3 Months
15GB 4G/5G Data
$20 per month
Network: Verizon & T-Mobile
View Plan * 100 Days FREE Trial
Unltd 4G/5G Data
$12.50* per month
Network: AT&T & T-Mobile
View Plan * 50% Off First Month
2GB 4G/5G Data
$10 per month
Network: AT&T & T-Mobile
5GB 4G/5G Data
$15 per month
Network: Verizon & T-Mobile
View Plan * 100 Days FREE Trial
10GB 4G/5G Data
$20* per month
Network: T-Mobile
View Plan * Only $60 for 3 Months
Unltd 4G/5G Data
$29 per month
Network: T-Mobile
Boost Infinite Unlimited Prepaid SIM Card
Unltd 4G/5G Data
$25* per month
Network: AT&T & T-Mobile
View Plan * $25/mo Forever - No Price Increases
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Disclaimer: MoneySavingPro is a free price comparison service but we do not provide service directly. We do our best to keep all the information up to date but there may be some discrepancies between the price you pay.

Big savings, no compromises
Nationwide Coverage Powered by the major networks
Bring your own phone Keep your existing phone and number
5G & 4G data speeds Same fast speeds as the big guys
No contracts Flexible and commitment-free
Customize your plan Only pay for what you use
Buy online No need to visit a store
Lady floating over network logos
Stop the Unlimited Data Plan Rip Off!
Carrier Network Data Price   Annual  
Verizon Verizon 4G & 5G Unlimited* $80/mo $960/yr
US Mobile Verizon 4G & 5G 5GB $15/mo $180/yr
*Avg. data usage only 3-5GB Savings $65/mo Savings $780/yr
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 17th, 2023

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

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.

Best SIM Card in San Diego, CA

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 SIM card vertical

Tello: Best cheap prepaid SIM card in San Diego

T-Mobile wireless network coverage

Unlimited mins

Unlimited texts

1GB 4G/5G Data

$10
5
Pros
  • 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

Cons
  • 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 Plans
  • 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

See Tello phone plans

Mint Mobile SIM card vertical

Mint Mobile: Best unlimited data SIM card in San Diego

T-Mobile wireless network coverage

Unlimited mins

Unlimited texts

Unlimited 4G/5G Data

$30*

* Only $90 for 3 Months

4.5
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

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 Plans
  • Mint Mobile SIM card: $15/mo

  • Mint Mobile SIM card: $20/mo

  • Mint Mobile SIM card: $25/mo

  • Mint Mobile SIM card: $30/mo

See Mint Mobile phone plans

Mint Mobile SIM card vertical

Mint Mobile: Best SIM card for Apple watch in San Diego

T-Mobile wireless network coverage

Unlimited mins

Unlimited texts

4GB 4G/5G Data

$15*

* Only $45 for 3 Months

US Mobile SIM card vertical

US Mobile: Best SIM card for smartwatches in San Diego

Verizon & T-Mobile wireless network coverage

Unlimited mins

Unlimited texts

15GB 4G/5G Data

$20

* 100 Days FREE Trial

4.5
Pros
  • Flexible, no contract plans

  • 24/7 customer service

  • 5G coverage available

Cons
  • 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 Plans
  • 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

See US Mobile phone plans

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

Mint Mobile 10GB plan * Only $60 for 3 Months

Unlimited mins

Unlimited texts

10GB

4G/5G data

$20 /mo*

T-Mobile wireless network

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

US Mobile 15GB plan * 100 Days FREE Trial

Unlimited mins

Unlimited texts

15GB

4G/5G data

$20 /mo

Verizon & T-Mobile wireless networks

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

Boost Mobile 5GB plan

Unlimited mins

Unlimited texts

5GB

4G/5G data

$15 /mo

AT&T & T-Mobile wireless networks

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

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

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.

AT&T
95%
Verizon
96%
T-Mobile
93%
0%20%40%60%80%100%
Average Rating

Source: Rootmetrics California RootScore report

Carrier customer service comparison

On average MVNOs score much, much higher for customer satisfaction than big networks.


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.

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  1. If using the paperclip, unfold it and gently insert the end into the small pinhole in the SIM tray.

  2. Press gently until the SIM tray pops up, you do not need to use much pressure.

  3. Pull the SIM tray out gently, be careful the SIM card does not fall out.

  4. Swap your SIM card over, making sure you have aligned the SIM in the correct position.

  5. Re-insert the SIM tray into the iPhone.


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
Powered by
4G/5G data
mins
texts
/mo
Same coverage - massive savings! YOU SAVE:
T-Mobile
Magenta - $70/mo
$840/yr
AT&T
Unlimited Extra - $75/mo
$900/yr
Verizon
Play More Unlimited - $80/mo
$960/yr
$0$17.5$35$52.5$70
Monthly cost
Average monthly data usage is only between 3-5GB
Avg. user rating
Benefits