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Looking for unlimited data at an affordable price? You'll find the best value deals with MVNOs.
Mobile Virtual Network Operators are low-cost carriers that are powered by the same major networks but offer half-price plans. You'll find all the same features including unlimited data from carriers like Mint Mobile and Tello.
Quickly becoming the most popular way to get unlimited data at a budget-friendly price, we've selected the best MVNOs below.
MVNOs - or Mobile Virtual Network Operator - are the best route to go down for cheap cell phone plans. By hopping onto one of the major networks prepaid SIMs offer the same great service you trust but at half the cost. You get greater flexibility, can keep your phone and number and no long contracts to keep you tied down.
Same great nationwide coverage: These cell phone carriers operate on the very same networks as the big three carriers.
Much lower prices: Save up to $600 per year on your cell phone plan. Why are MVNOs so much cheaper? They don't have the huge overhead and advertising costs the big guys do.
No contracts: Don't get trapped into a two-year agreement. Switch carriers when you decide to with a no contract phone plan.
Same cell phone service: Just because you're paying less, that doesn't mean you have to scrimp on features. Plans with unlimited everything are easy to find from these prepaid carriers. Usually, a low-cost carrier plan comes with unlimited talk and text as standard, high-speed data, and even mobile hotspot data features.
Keep your phone and number: You can bring your own phone and keep your phone number. No need to sign up for pricey device payments.
Customize your plan: You decide how much data you need. Choose to pay as you go, opt for unlimited or no data, minimal minutes, or unlimited talk text and data. Unlimited data plans come at a much better price with an alternative carrier. Pick the plan options that fit your budget - not the one your carrier thinks you need.
Great customer support: Smaller mobile providers are known for their attention to their customers. Stop feeling like an anonymous number getting lost in the crowd! Check out our carrier user reviews before switching.
Best unlimited SIM cards
Mint Mobile unlimited data plan* Only $90 for 3 Months
4G LTE data speeds: Since 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 calls in their plan options. Compare cheap talk and text plans with or without data.
International calls to Canada and Mexico: International calling is a must for many people. Luckily MVNOs offer some of the best international phone plans, with free calling to certain countries like Canada and Mexico, and discounted rates on others.
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.
Yes, you'll find a large selection of data only sim cards with MVNOs. These plans are ideal for mobile hotspot devices and tablets so you can get an internet connection when you're away from home.
Which SIM card is best for unlimited data?
It comes down to your individual needs and budget, but carriers like Red Pocket Mobile and Tello offer data only plans for as little as $10 a month depending on the amount of data you're looking for.
Recap
MVNOs offer a great selection of plans for all cell phone needs and with cheap prices.
But do you really need unlimited data? The average amount of data used each month is between 3-5GB, so you could save even more money by opting for a set data plan. Plus unlimited never really means unlimited. If you check the small print you'll have a data allowance that once hit your speeds will be slowed significantly.
