The Best SIM Card in Chicago, IL

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Finding the cheapest prepaid SIM card in Chicago, IL 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.

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.

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The best prepaid SIM card on T-Mobile

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

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The best prepaid SIM card on Verizon

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

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The best prepaid SIM card on AT&T

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

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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.

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The cheapest prepaid SIM cards in Chicago, IL

Compare cell phone coverage in Chicago, IL

Which prepaid carrier is best for you? That depends on which network has the best cell phone coverage in your area.

Source: Rootmetrics Illinois RootScore report

Carrier customer service comparison

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

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How we picked the best prepaid SIM card in Chicago, IL

MoneySavingPro reviewed the best value prepaid cell phone carriers available in Chicago, IL 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.

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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.

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SIM card in Chicago 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 Chicago, IL?

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 Chicago, IL?

SIM cards can be purchased online or in retail stores such as Best Buy, Target, and Walmart.

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Recap: What is the best prepaid SIM card in Chicago, IL?

Prepaid cell phone carriers in Chicago, IL 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 Chicago
• Mint Mobile: Best unlimited data SIM card in Chicago
• Mint Mobile: Best SIM card for Apple watch in Chicago
• US Mobile: Best SIM card for smartwatches in Chicago