Best cell phone coverage & providers in Montana
We compared the best cheap cell phone carriers in Montana: Cut your bill by $600/yr
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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
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About Amanda
Amanda has 20+ years of experience as an educator. Her teaching career, paired with her love for research and technology, has led her to MoneySavingPro. Her personal experience with eSIMs and MVNOs after switching her entire family away from big wireless in the last few years has taught her the ins and outs of the industry. And saved her hundreds per month.
Amanda's Expertise
Writing, editing, proofreading, researching, blogging, collaborating, communicating, CMS, eSIMs, MVNOs, 5G home internet & comparison
Last updated on October 7th, 2023
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Looking for the best cell phone service in Montana? You're in the right place.
At MoneySavingPro, we're here to help you find the cheapest cell phone plan with the best coverage in your area.
The best low-cost carrier will depend on needs and budget, but there's a variety of MVNOs to choose from with something for everyone.
Keep reading to find out more and compare the best cell phone providers in Montana.
The best phone service in Montana for 2023
5G coverage map in Montana
4G LTE coverage map in Montana
Best value phone carriers in Montana
1. Best phone plan with free trial: US Mobile Unlimited
- Verizon & T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE networks US Mobile operates on the Verizon & T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE networks. This allows you to receive the same wireless coverage but at a fraction of the cost.
- Unlimited talk and text
- Unlimited data
- $650 in annual savings Savings are calculated comparing the cost of the US Mobile Unlimited vs an unlimited data plan from T-Mobile, AT&T or Verizon over the first 12 months.
FREE*
$25/mo*50 Day FREE Trial
US Mobile phone plans offer affordable deals on the Verizon and T-Mobile networks, with good customer service and customizable options. You can build the best phone plans to suit specific needs, with unlimited talk and text and even international roaming options.
Plus, they don't lock you into any long-term contracts, giving you the freedom to switch whenever you like. Check out our review about the best free eSIM service.
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
- eSIM compatible
Cons
- International calling is an extra cost
- International roaming is an extra cost
- Mobile hotspot allowance only available on unlimited plans
2. Best prepaid cell phone plan: Twigby 2GB
- Verizon 5G & 4G LTE networks Twigby operates on the Verizon 5G & 4G LTE networks. This allows you to receive the same wireless coverage but at a fraction of the cost.
- Unlimited talk and text
- 2GB data
- $750 in annual savings Savings are calculated comparing the cost of the Twigby 2GB vs an unlimited data plan from T-Mobile, AT&T or Verizon over the first 12 months.
$5/mo*
$15/mo* Only $5/mo for First 3 Months
Twigby phone plans give you the option to customize your plan and only pay for what you need. They have a range of affordable no-contract plans that are powered by the Verizon network, so you don't have to sacrifice quality for flexibility.
Plus, if you have loved ones abroad, Twigby offers free international calling to 80 countries. Check out our review about the 5 best prepaid cell phone plans.
Pros
- Verizon 5G & 4G LTE wireless coverage
- Free international calls to 80+ countries
- Wide range of plan choices
- Free mobile hotspot access
- Excellent score on Trustpilot
Cons
- No multi-line discounts
- No International roaming
- Not eSIM-compatible
3. Best cell phone plan for one: Boost Mobile 5GB
- AT&T & T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE networks Boost Mobile operates on the AT&T & T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE networks. This allows you to receive the same wireless coverage but at a fraction of the cost.
- Unlimited talk and text
- 5GB data
- $750 in annual savings Savings are calculated comparing the cost of the Boost Mobile 5GB vs an unlimited data plan from T-Mobile, AT&T or Verizon over the first 12 months.
$5/mo*
$15/mo*$15 for 3 Mths Service
Boost Mobile phone plans are powered by the AT&T and T-Mobile 5G & 4G networks, giving you the same wireless coverage at a fraction of the price.
With a range of data allowances from 2GB up to unlimited, there's something for the light to heavy data users. Check out our review about best cell phone plans for one person.
Pros
- AT&T & T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE network coverage
- Multi-line discounts for family plans
- Mobile hotspot access
- eSIM compatible
Cons
- No free international calls
- International roaming is limited
4. Best family phone plan: Mint Mobile 15GB
- T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE networks Mint Mobile operates on the T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE networks. This allows you to receive the same wireless coverage but at a fraction of the cost.
- Unlimited talk and text
- 15GB data
- $720 in annual savings Savings are calculated comparing the cost of the Mint Mobile 15GB vs an unlimited data plan from T-Mobile, AT&T or Verizon over the first 12 months.
$10/mo*
$20/mo*50% Off: $60 for 6 Mths
Mint Mobile phone plans are powered by the T-Mobile network, providing the same great service at a lower cost. They offer various data allowances, including an unlimited plan with 40GB of high-speed data and unlimited talk and text.
With Mint Mobile, their transparent messaging shows how you can save more money the longer you commit. Check out our review about the 5 best family phone plans.
Pros
- T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE wireless coverage
- Free calls to Mexico and Canada
- Free mobile hotspot with all plans
- eSIM compatible
Cons
- No international roaming
- Limited customer service
- 3-month minimum sign-up
5. Best unlimited data plan: Boost Infinite Unlimited
- AT&T & T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE networks Boost Infinite operates on the AT&T & T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE networks. This allows you to receive the same wireless coverage but at a fraction of the cost.
- Unlimited talk and text
- Unlimited data
- $600 in annual savings Savings are calculated comparing the cost of the Boost Infinite Unlimited vs an unlimited data plan from T-Mobile, AT&T or Verizon over the first 12 months.
$25/mo*
* $25/mo Forever
One plan, one price. That's the Boost Infinite phone plan. Using the AT&T and T-Mobile network Boost Infinite is keeping it simple. With a cost of $25, you'll get super fast 5G on one of the top networks with their unlimited plan. Check out our review about the 5 best unlimited data plans.
Pros
- AT&T and T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE wireless coverage
- Unlimited plan (capped at 30GB high-speed data)
- Set price of $25 per month forever
- eSIM compatible
Cons
- No multi-line discounts
- International add-ons available
6. Best cheap phone plan: Tello 1GB
- T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE networks Tello operates on the T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE networks. This allows you to receive the same wireless coverage but at a fraction of the cost.
- Unlimited talk and text
- 1GB data
- $792 in annual savings Savings are calculated comparing the cost of the Tello 1GB vs an unlimited data plan from T-Mobile, AT&T or Verizon over the first 12 months.
$9/mo
Tello phone plans keep things simple with their wireless service. None of those hidden fees or long-term contracts that'll leave you feeling trapped.
With free international calls to 60+ countries on all plans, including Canada and Mexico, and a range of data allowances suitable for light to heavy users. Check out our review about best cheap cell phone plans.
Pros
- T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE wireless coverage
- Free international calling to 60+ countries
- Free mobile hotspot included
- Excellent score on Trustpilot
- eSIM compatible
Cons
- No international roaming
- No multi-line discounts
7. Best AT&T plan: Boost Mobile Unlimited
- AT&T & T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE networks Boost Mobile operates on the AT&T & T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE networks. This allows you to receive the same wireless coverage but at a fraction of the cost.
- Unlimited talk and text
- Unlimited data
- $612.50 in annual savings Savings are calculated comparing the cost of the Boost Mobile Unlimited vs an unlimited data plan from T-Mobile, AT&T or Verizon over the first 12 months.
$12.50/mo*
$25/mo*50% Off 1st Mth
Boost Mobile phone plans are powered by the AT&T and T-Mobile 5G & 4G networks, giving you the same wireless coverage at a fraction of the price.
With a range of data allowances from 2GB up to unlimited, there's something for the light to heavy data users. Check out our review about the best AT&T cell phone plans.
Pros
- AT&T & T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE network coverage
- Multi-line discounts for family plans
- Mobile hotspot access
- eSIM compatible
Cons
- No free international calls
- International roaming is limited
8. Best T-Mobile plan: Mint Mobile Unlimited
- T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE networks Mint Mobile operates on the T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE networks. This allows you to receive the same wireless coverage but at a fraction of the cost.
- Unlimited talk and text
- Unlimited data
- $630 in annual savings Savings are calculated comparing the cost of the Mint Mobile Unlimited vs an unlimited data plan from T-Mobile, AT&T or Verizon over the first 12 months.
$15/mo*
$30/mo*50% Off: $90 for 6 Mths
Mint Mobile phone plans are powered by the T-Mobile network, providing the same great service at a lower cost. They offer various data allowances, including an unlimited plan with 40GB of high-speed data and unlimited talk and text.
With Mint Mobile, their transparent messaging shows how you can save more money the longer you commit. Check out our review about the best T-Mobile cell phone plans.
Pros
- T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE wireless coverage
- Free calls to Mexico and Canada
- Free mobile hotspot with all plans
- eSIM compatible
Cons
- No international roaming
- Limited customer service
- 3-month minimum sign-up
9. Best Verizon plan: Red Pocket 20GB
- AT&T & Verizon 5G & 4G LTE networks Red Pocket operates on the AT&T & Verizon 5G & 4G LTE networks. This allows you to receive the same wireless coverage but at a fraction of the cost.
- Unlimited talk and text
- 20GB data
- $555 in annual savings Savings are calculated comparing the cost of the Red Pocket 20GB vs an unlimited data plan from T-Mobile, AT&T or Verizon over the first 12 months.
$15/mo*
$30/mo*50% Off 1st Mth
Red Pocket Mobile phone plans are powered by the Verizon and AT&T wireless networks. And if you're looking for multi-line discounts, they're one of the best MVNOs for family plans, with a $20 discount for each additional line added.
You also get free international calls to 80 countries, so you can stay connected with loved ones abroad. Check out our review about the best Verizon cell phone plans.
Pros
- Verizon, and AT&T 5G & 4G LTE network coverage
- Free international calls to 80 countries
- Roaming available in Mexico and Canada
- Mobile hotspot access on all plans
- Excellent score on Trustpilot
- eSIM compatible
Cons
- Limited international roaming
10. Best eSIM plan: Ultra Mobile 3GB
- T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE networks Ultra Mobile operates on the T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE networks. This allows you to receive the same wireless coverage but at a fraction of the cost.
- Unlimited talk and text
- 3GB data
- $699 in annual savings Savings are calculated comparing the cost of the Ultra Mobile 3GB vs an unlimited data plan from T-Mobile, AT&T or Verizon over the first 12 months.
$10/mo*
$19/mo*$30 for 3 Mths Service
Ultra Mobile phone plans offer low-cost access to the T-Mobile network. Offering a range of data allowances from 2GB up to 40GB of high-speed data on their unlimited plan, there's something to suit light and heavy data users.
There are no contracts, and if you've got loved ones abroad, they offer free international calls to 80 countries. Check out our review about the 5 best eSIM plans.
Pros
- T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE wireless coverage
- Free international calls to 80 countries
- Mobile hotspot access included
- eSIM compatible
Cons
- Extra cost for International roaming
How to choose the best cell phone provider
- Network coverage: Mobile Virtual Network Operators, (MVNOs) are powered by the same 5G & 4G LTE networks as the big 3 wireless networks. If you have a preference for a particular network, choose an MVNO that operates on that network. Or, to identify the best cell phone service in your area, you can use our coverage checker tool.
- Data allowance: Do you really need unlimited data? The big 3 may try to persuade you otherwise, but the reality is that the majority of people only consume around 10GB of cellular data each month. Furthermore, if you primarily use Wi-Fi at home or work, your consumption of cellular data will probably be even lower. With cheap cell phone providers, you can choose a data plan that fits your requirements and pay a reduced amount if your data usage is lower.
- Hotspot data: Most carriers allow the usage of hotspot data; however, there are limitations on the quantity of data that can be used via tethering. The actual limit depends on the prepaid plan you choose and the carrier. Moreover, certain carriers offer mobile hotspot plans specifically tailored for use on hotspot devices, iPads, and tablets.
- Cost: While the big 3 usually charge between $75-90 per month, the best MVNOs offer inexpensive plans that range from $5-35 per month. Despite their affordability, these options still offer dependable wireless coverage and fast data speeds. It's crucial to be mindful of extra fees and taxes, as some carriers include them in their pricing while others, such as AT&T and Verizon, do not.
- Multiple lines: When it comes to the big wireless networks, the price advertised is only valid if you buy 4 lines. While with MVNOs, the price displayed is the price you pay, even if you only have one line. Furthermore, plenty of affordable carriers currently offer further reductions for additional lines with cheap family plans.
- Bring your own phone: Despite the big 3's love of keeping their customers locked into a constant cycle of phone upgrades, MVNOs advocate the choice of bringing your own phone. This gives you the power to stay in control and only switch phones when it suits you. If you do choose to purchase a new phone, many MVNOs offer the opportunity of 0% financing for 1-2 years.
- Promotions: The big wireless promotions may appear appealing at first, but with further scrutiny of the fine print, you'll find they frequently include unnecessary items and the commitment to a lengthy 3-year phone contract. On the other hand, many low cost carriers provide special discounts to new customers and offer cheap unlimited data plans from as low as $25 per month.
- Additional perks: A lot of the plans from the major networks include "free" TV subscriptions, but these eventually turn into paid subscriptions and are automatically added to your bill if you forget to cancel them after a few months. In our opinion, it's better to keep these subscriptions separate so that you have better control over them.
It's always best to compare cell phone plans before making any decision to ensure you find the deal most suited to your needs.
Compare cell phone coverage in Montana
MVNOs are powered by the major wireless networks; Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile. So you'll have access to the same cell phone coverage that you're used to just at a fraction of the cost.
| Network | Covered Area |
|---|---|
| AT&T | 78.2% |
| T-Mobile | 76.2% |
| Verizon | 77.7% |
Source: Rootmetrics Montana RootScore report
Carrier customer service comparison
- US Mobile Trustpilot rating: 4.8 stars - Excellent
- Tello Trustpilot rating: 4.5 stars - Excellent
- Lycamobile Trustpilot rating: 4.5 stars - Excellent
- Twigby Trustpilot rating: 4.3 stars - Excellent
- Mint Mobile Trustpilot rating: 2.8 stars - Average
- Boost Mobile Trustpilot rating: 1.4 stars - Bad
- Ultra Mobile Trustpilot rating: 1.4 stars - Bad
- T-Mobile Trustpilot rating: 1.4 stars - Bad
- AT&T Trustpilot rating: 1.3 stars - Bad
- Verizon Trustpilot rating: 1.2 stars - Bad
Find the cheapest cell phone plans in your area
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Montana phone service FAQs
The Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile networks all offer great cell phone coverage in Montana. The best value phone plans are offered by low-cost carriers such as Mint Mobile and Tello.
The best value cell phone carriers in Montana are MVNOs such as Mint Mobile and Tello. MVNOs are powered by big networks but are able to offer significantly cheaper phone plans ranging from $5-35.
Cell phone plans in Montana range between $5-35 per month. Low-cost carriers, such as Boost Mobile, US Mobile, Mint Mobile, and Tello will offer the best value for money.
Recap: What is the best phone service in Montana?
MVNOs make saving money on your cell phone bill simple where ever you live in Montana.
Whether you're looking for unlimited data, international calling, mobile hotspot access, or a basic plan just for emergencies, there's a large selection of plans with something to suit everyone.
Switching to a cheap prepaid cell phone plan with a low-cost carrier like Boost Mobile, Mint Mobile, US Mobile, or Tello could cut your phone bill in half.
And with no contracts, if you're not happy you can amend your plan or leave and switch to another carrier without the worry of termination fees.
