Best prepaid T-Mobile SIM card in 2024
Unlocking the best value prepaid SIM card on the T-Mobile network is all about leveraging the competitive rates offered by low-cost carriers. You'll get the same coverage for a fraction of the cost without the worry of hidden fees and price hikes. Here are my top picks for 2024.
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Top plans list
- US Mobile Unlimited SIM card: SIM card with free trial
- Boost Mobile 5GB SIM card: Prepaid T-Mobile SIM card
- Lycamobile 5GB SIM card: SIM card plan for Android
- Mint Mobile 15GB SIM card: SIM card plan for iPhones
- Boost Infinite Unlimited SIM card: T-Mobile unlimited SIM card
Table of contents
- My list of recommended SIM card plans on T-Mobile in March
- Compare T-Mobile unlimited data plans
- How to choose the best SIM card on T-Mobile
- Does T-Mobile offer coverage where you live?
- How much data do I need?
- Is mobile hotspot data included?
- What's the monthly price?
- How many lines do you need?
- Can I bring my own phone or buy a new device?
- Are there any promotions?
- What perks are included?
- What international features are available?
- Do they offer parental controls?
- What SIM card size do I need?
- Find the best cell phone service in your area
- Compare the cheapest prepaid T-Mobile phone plans
- T-Mobile prepaid SIM card FAQs
- Recap: What is the best T-Mobile SIM card?
- How we choose the best carriers and plans
MoneySavingPro independently researches the products & services to bring you our recommendations. We may earn money when you click our links - disclosure policy.
If you're looking for a cheaper way to access the T-Mobile network, you're in the right place. Finding the best value T-Mobile prepaid SIM card doesn't have to be overwhelming.
Mobile Virtual Network Operators are gaining popularity for their good value plans, and with T-Mobile MVNOs, you'll get the same quality coverage at half the price.
We've helped simplify the process below, comparing all T-Mobile prepaid SIM cards whether you're looking for a family plan, unlimited data, or something more basic. Take a look below.
My list of recommended SIM card plans on T-Mobile in March
SIM card with free trial
US Mobile Unlimited SIM card
- Verizon & T-Mobile coverage
- Unlimited talk and text
- Instant eSIM activation
US Mobile SIM cards provide budget-friendly SIMs that are powered by the Verizon and T-Mobile networks, accompanied by excellent customer support and customizable features.
You have the ability to create personalized SIM card plans that cater to your specific requirements, including unlimited talk and text, as well as international roaming capabilities. Additionally, they do not impose restrictive long-term contracts, granting you the flexibility to switch or modify your SIM card plan at any time.
Pros
- T-Mobile and Verizon 5G & 4G LTE network coverage
- Multi-line discounts for family plans
- Free trial available
- Excellent score on Trustpilot
- TV, music, & gaming subscription perks on unlimited plans
Cons
- International calling is an extra cost
- International roaming is an extra cost
- Mobile hotspot allowance only available on unlimited plans
- US Mobile offers a unique customer service approach with 24/7 support via phone or online chat.
- Test out their service with a free trial.
- Family plans offer significant savings on cell phone bills with multi-line discounts available.
- Their international coverage has drawbacks. Add-on packages for roaming can be costly, and international calling rates may be higher than other carriers.
- Streaming service perks are available with unlimited SIM card plans of at least three lines, with perks including Disney Plus bundle with Hulu and ESPN, HBO Max, Apple TV, Spotify Family, PlayStation Plus, and more.
- Perks are available to new or existing US Mobile customers, and the subscription cost must be paid by the customer and verified every three months. The cost will be credited to the account via Autopay for up to a maximum of 12 months.
Prepaid T-Mobile SIM card
Boost Mobile 5GB SIM card
- AT&T & T-Mobile coverage
- Unlimited talk and text
- Instant eSIM activation
Boost Mobile SIM cards are prepaid SIMs that operate on both the AT&T and T-Mobile networks.
They come with various data allowances ranging from 2GB to unlimited, and if you require multiple SIM cards for your family members, there are discounted rates available that allow for even greater savings.
Pros
- AT&T and T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE wireless coverage
- Multi-line discounts for family plans
- Mobile hotspot access
Cons
- No free international calls
- International roaming is limited
- All of Boost Mobile's SIM cards have unlimited talk and text included. They offer unlimited options with up to 30GB of high-speed data for those who use a lot of data.
- They provide a discount on additional lines to save money for families.
- Boost Mobile offers a diverse selection of phones, including the latest models from popular brands such as Apple and Samsung. With 0% financing options over 1-2 years.
- Their international features may not be as comprehensive.
- International roaming options are limited compared to other carriers. In comparison to other carriers, their international roaming options are limited, and making international calls requires an additional add-on.
SIM card plan for Android
Lycamobile 5GB SIM card
- T-Mobile coverage
- Unlimited talk and text
- Instant eSIM activation
A Lycamobile SIM card is the perfect choice for customers looking to enjoy quality mobile service without paying through the roof, along with great customer support. Powered by T-Mobile, you'll get unlimited talk & text and plenty of data options, up to 40GB of high-speed data, along with free international calling.
Pros
- T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE network coverage
- Free international calls to 75+ countries
- Excellent score on Trustpilot
Cons
- Extra cost for international roaming
- Doesn’t support eSIM
You have the flexibility to choose from a variety of SIM card options with ample data, allowing you to customize your plan to suit your needs. Whether you make lots of international calls or spend hours browsing social media, Lycamobile provides numerous choices. Moreover, you can enjoy free international calls to over 75 countries worldwide.
Nevertheless, it is important to note a few drawbacks. Although Lycamobile is accessible in numerous countries, it does not provide international roaming packages, which might be disappointing for certain individuals. Moreover, Lycamobile currently does not support eSIM.
SIM card plan for iPhones
Mint Mobile 15GB SIM card
- T-Mobile coverage
- Unlimited talk and text
- Instant eSIM activation
Mint Mobile SIM cards are prepaid SIMs on the T-Mobile network, allowing customers to benefit from excellent service at a more affordable price. They offer various data packages, including an unlimited SIM card plan with up to 40GB of high-speed data and unlimited talk and text for all SIM cards.
Mint Mobile's clear communication highlights how customers can achieve greater savings by committing to longer-term plans.
Pros
- T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE network coverage
- Free calls to Mexico and Canada
- Free mobile hotspot with all SIM cards
Cons
- No international roaming
- Limited customer service
- 3-month minimum sign-up
- Mint Mobile offers mobile hotspot access with all SIM cards with a 10GB hotspot data limit on the unlimited plan.
- To sign up for Mint Mobile, you need to commit to a minimum of 3 months upfront. After the initial three months, you can choose from a 3, 6, or 12-month pricing structure.
- They offer a 7-day money-back guarantee with no questions asked.
- You can bring your own device, so there's no need to upgrade to an expensive iPhone. But they also offer options for new smartphones, including iPhones, Samsung, Google Pixel, and more.
- Download the Mint Mobile app to easily track your usage and manage multiple SIM card plans.
- One drawback is that international roaming and calls to countries outside of Canada and Mexico come at an additional cost.
T-Mobile unlimited SIM card
Boost Infinite Unlimited SIM card
- AT&T & T-Mobile coverage
- Unlimited talk and text
- Instant eSIM activation
The Boost Infinite SIM card - a single plan with a fixed price. Boost Infinite ensures simplicity by operating on the AT&T and T-Mobile networks. For just $25, you can experience 5G on one of the major networks through their unlimited SIM card plan (with high-speed data capped at 30GB).
Pros
- AT&T and T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE wireless coverage
- Unlimited SIM card plan (capped at 30GB high-speed data)
- Set price of $25 per month forever
Cons
- No multi-line discounts
- International add-ons available
- For just $25, enjoy unlimited talk, text, and data (up to 30GB of high-speed data).
- There are no surprise charges or hidden fees, only taxes.
- Flexibility to switch plans at any time with no contract.
- Option to add additional features for an extra fee, including roaming in Mexico and Canada (up to 1GB), unlimited international calls to over 80 countries, and text messages to more than 200 countries.
- No additional discounts are available for families looking to join; the cost remains at $25 per person per month.
Compare T-Mobile unlimited data plans
Plan | Data | Monthly Price | Annual Cost |
---|---|---|---|
T-Mobile Essentials | Unlimited | $65 | $780 |
T-Mobile Magenta | Unlimited | $75 | $900 |
T-Mobile Go5G | Unlimited | $80 | $960 |
T-Mobile Magenta MAX | Unlimited | $90 | $1,080 |
T-Mobile Go5G Plus | Unlimited | $95 | $1,140 |
T-Mobile vs Boost Mobile comparison
Keep your T-Mobile phone, number & coverage: Save $612 per year
Carrier | Network Coverage | 4G/5G Data | Price | Annual Cost |
---|---|---|---|---|
T-Mobile | T-Mobile 4G & 5G | Unlimited | $75/mo | $900/yr |
Boost Mobile | T-Mobile 4G & 5G | Unlimited | $25/mo | $288/yr |
Savings | $50/mo | $612/yr |
How to choose the best SIM card on T-Mobile
Does T-Mobile offer coverage where you live?
Operating on the T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE wireless network, T-Mobile MVNOs offer the same great coverage, and according to a 5G Experience Report (2023) by Opensignal, T-Mobile has the most extensive 5G coverage in the United States. If you're new to the T-Mobile network, whether you need coverage in rural areas or cities, you can use our coverage area checker to find the best cell phone service in your area.
How much data do I need?
Do you really need a T-Mobile prepaid SIM card for unlimited data? They want you to believe so. But in reality, the average monthly cellular data consumption is around 10GB. If you tend to use Wi-Fi at home or work, your cellular data usage is likely to be lower, so you could choose a lower data GB allowance that fits your needs with cheap T-Mobile cell phone plans. So the good news is if you use less, you can pay less.
Is mobile hotspot data included?
Many T-Mobile low-cost carriers permit the usage of hotspot data. However, they impose restrictions on the quantity of data that can be used through tethering. The specific limit varies depending on the carrier and plan that you select. Additionally, some low-cost carriers provide exclusive data only SIM cards designed specifically for iPads, tablets, and mobile hotspots.
What's the monthly price?
While an unlimited data SIM card with T-Mobile costs around $75-90 per month, the best MVNOs offer budget-friendly SIM cards, ranging from $5-35 per month without compromising coverage or data speeds. Watch out for hidden fees & taxes; some providers include these in the price and others.
How many lines do you need?
T-Mobile's low-advertised plans may seem a reasonable price, but it's only available if you buy four lines. But with a T-Mobile MVNO, the price you see is the price you pay, even for a single line. Many low-cost carriers now offer further discounts for multi-line plans.
Can I bring my own phone or buy a new device?
T-Mobile loves keeping you locked into a constant phone upgrade cycle, especially when there's a new iPhone or Samsung Galaxy. But with their MVNOs, you can bring your own phone to T-Mobile. This means you take back control and only change your phone when it suits you. If you do want to purchase a new phone, many MVNOs offer 0% financing over 1-2 years.
Are there any promotions?
Promotions on a T-Mobile plan can seem a great choice at a glance. But once you read the small print, it often leads to buying things you don't need and being stuck in 3-year phone contracts. Most MVNOs on T-Mobile's network offer short-term introductory discounts for new customers, and their pricing is much clearer.
What perks are included?
Many plans from T-Mobile come with complimentary TV subscriptions, like the Disney bundle, but these often convert into paid subscriptions that are automatically billed after a few months. Some affordable carriers, like US Mobile, do provide plan choices with free subscription services. However, a good option is to keep these subscriptions separate to avoid paying for unnecessary things.
What international features are available?
Some T-Mobile MVNOs offer free international calls to a number of countries, including Canada and Mexico. If this is important to you, make sure to choose a carrier that includes this, as some only offer unlimited calling within the United States. If you're a frequent traveler and are looking for SIM cards for international travel, checking the carrier's data roaming availability is vital to avoid unexpected costs or inconveniences while you're abroad.
Do they offer parental controls?
With easy access to Google, Apple Music, Apple Arcade, YouTube, and Social Media, we understand the importance of internet safety. There are plenty of options for parental controls for monitoring phone usage and data limits. Some low-cost carriers on T-Mobile's network offer this with their plans, or it's available in the settings of your phone.
What SIM card size do I need?
The SIM card you need will depend on your device. Most smart devices now use a nano-SIM or eSIM, but some older devices may need a micro-SIM or a standard SIM.
Check out our comparison of the cheapest T-Mobile cell phone plans before you decide.
Find the best cell phone service in your area
If T-Mobile isn't giving you the best coverage, check out the best prepaid Verizon SIM cards and the best prepaid AT&T SIM cards.
Compare the cheapest prepaid T-Mobile phone plans
Carrier | Network | Data | Price |
---|---|---|---|
Tello 2GB SIM card | T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage | 2GB | $10/mo |
Boost Mobile Unlimited SIM card | T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage | Unltd | $12.50/mo |
US Mobile Unlimited SIM card | T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage | Unltd | $15/mo |
Mint Mobile Unlimited SIM card | T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage | Unltd | $15/mo |
Ultra Mobile 3GB SIM card | T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage | 3GB | $16/mo |
SIM cards for international travelers
In the quest for affordable and flexible communication, especially when traveling, prepaid SIM cards have become a pivotal part of helping to stay connected. For travelers jetting from the USA to Europe and other various countries, the GSM technology underlying most prepaid SIM cards ensures phone compatibility, catering to both iPhone, Android, and other smartphones.
Whether you're looking to buy a new SIM card on arrival or opt for a travel SIM card, either is a great option. Also, if your phone is compatible, an eSIM can make this process even easier.
However, your current carrier may offer international plans, but they usually come with a hefty price tag. The best option can be getting a local SIM card, which presents a cost-effective option, often providing a substantial GB of data, free mobile hotspot data, and local call minutes, which are invaluable for internet access to navigate via Google Maps or stay connected through WhatsApp and Skype.
A new SIM card can offer an ideal plan tailored for each destination and guarantee the best rates.
T-Mobile prepaid SIM card FAQs
T-Mobile MVNOs offer a variety of prepaid cell phone plans. You just purchase a SIM card kit, with no need to upgrade your handset.
Yes, T-Mobile offers a number of prepaid plans with low-cost carriers running on the T-Mobile network.
T-Mobile MVNO prepaid plans start from around $10.
When you receive your SIM card, pop it into your phone and follow the activation instructions.
Recap: What is the best T-Mobile SIM card?
A prepaid SIM card with T-Mobile could save you up to $600 a year, and for even more savings, why not bring your own phone.
Prepaid SIMs don't require a contract, so with no commitment, you have the flexibility to change providers without the worry of early termination fees.
Prepaid SIM card guides
- Best Prepaid SIM Card
- Best Prepaid AT&T SIM Cards
- Best Prepaid T-Mobile SIM Cards
- Tello SIM Cards
- Twigby SIM Cards
- Ultra Mobile SIM Cards
- US Mobile SIM Cards
- Lycamobile SIM Cards
- Mint Mobile SIM Cards
- Boost Infinite SIM Cards
- Boost Mobile SIM Cards
How we choose the best carriers and plans
To select the best carriers and plans, MoneySavingPro's team of experts evaluated over 30 different carriers.
Carriers were rated in five categories, with a star rating from 1-5, with 5 stars being the best. We then calculate the overall star rating using the five categories:
- Value for money: We compare carriers based on price, features, benefits, and promotions. It's not just about the lowest price but getting the most bang for your buck.
- Coverage: We look at network 5G and 4G LTE coverage across the US. We use coverage maps to determine service availability and data speeds in urban, suburban, and rural locations.
- Customer experience: We take into account items such as current user experience, website and app usability, ease of switching, and customer service in terms of availability, channels, and satisfaction ratings.
- Transparency: We assess whether carrier pricing is clear and straightforward. We examine the fine print to check for hidden fees, confusing terms or conditions, and misleading offers to ensure upfront, honest prices and advertising.
- Range of choice: We evaluate the diversity of plan options to determine if they fit the individual needs of all customers.
Read more about our carrier ratings methodology and our editorial process.
We regularly update our comparisons. Updating cell phone plans weekly and our content monthly to ensure we are showing the latest and most accurate information.