As the next wave of wireless technology rolls out nationwide you might think you'll be stuck paying premium prices for the fastest service.
We're happy to report that just isn't the case. You can still save a bundle on your cell phone service without missing out on the latest and greatest in speed and quality.
Compare the best 5G phone plans and save over $600 a year by switching to a low-cost carrier that gives you the highest speeds available today.
| Cheapest 5G plan | Boost Mobile |
| Prepaid 5G plan | Tello |
| BYOP 5G plan | Mint Mobile |
| Family 5G plan | Mint Mobile |
| Unlimited data plan | Visible |
| Individual 5G plan | US Mobile |
| 2 line 5G plan | Mint Mobile |
| Senior 5G plan | Twigby |
| Kids 5G plan | Lycamobile |
| Student 5G plan | Tello |
Cheapest 5G phone plan
- Minutes
- Unlimited
- Texts
- Unlimited
- Data
- 5GB
- Price
- $5/mo** 66% Off for 3 Months
Boost Mobile 5GB plan includes unlimited mins, unlimited texts and 5GB data for only $5 per month. Boost Mobile plans offer wireless coverage on the AT&T & T-Mobile 5G and 4G LTE networks. To learn more about why this is one of the best cell phone plans, check out MoneySavingPro's Boost Mobile review
Pros
Nationwide coverage on AT&T & T-Mobile
5G & 4G LTE data speeds
Buy online and no credit checks
Bring your own phone
Cheapest unlimited data plan
Cons
No data only plans
Benefits
Owned by Dish and runs on T-Mobile's nationwide network
Prepaid service - no contract, credit check, or extra fees
Bring your own phone (GSM compatible) or choose from a wide selection of new phones
Mobile hotspot allowance with all plans
International service and roaming available as add-on packs
Customer support available by phone - 4am - 8pm PST Monday to Friday, 4am - 7pm weekends
Best prepaid 5G phone plan
- Minutes
- Unlimited
- Texts
- Unlimited
- Data
- 1GB
- Price
- $10/mo
Tello 1GB plan includes unlimited mins, unlimited texts and 1GB data for only $10 per month. Tello plans offer wireless coverage on the T-Mobile 5G and 4G LTE network. To learn more about why this is one of the best cell phone plans, check out MoneySavingPro's Tello review
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
Benefits
Service on the nationwide T-Mobile network
Money-back guarantee on phones (no refunds on plans)
Prepaid - no contract, credit check, or activation fee
Bring your own phone or choose from a modest selection of new or refurbished devices
Keep your current phone number
Use of your plan data as a mobile hotspot through your phone is allowed
Use your minutes to call Canada, China, and Mexico
Minutes to other countries available as add-on
24/7 customer service
Best 5G bring your own phone plan
- Minutes
- Unlimited
- Texts
- Unlimited
- Data
- 4GB
- Price
- $15/mo** 3 Months FREE: $45 for 6 mths service
Mint Mobile 4GB plan includes unlimited mins, unlimited texts and 4GB data for only $15 per month. Mint Mobile plans offer wireless coverage on the T-Mobile 5G and 4G LTE network. To learn more about why this is one of the best cell phone plans, check out MoneySavingPro's Mint Mobile review
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
Benefits
Operates on the nationwide T-Mobile network
7-day money-back guarantee
Prepaid - no contract, credit check, or activation fee
Bring your phone or buy a Mint Mobile device
Keep your phone number
Using your phone as a mobile hotspot is permitted
Free calling to Canada & Mexico, affordable rates to 160+ other locations
Flat-rate international roaming available as an add-on feature
Customer service by phone on weekdays and weekends, 24/7 by virtual chat
Best 5G phone plan for families
- Minutes
- Unlimited
- Texts
- Unlimited
- Data
- 10GB
- Price
- $20/mo** 3 Months FREE: $60 for 6 mths service
Mint Mobile 10GB plan includes unlimited mins, unlimited texts and 10GB data for only $20 per month. Mint Mobile plans offer wireless coverage on the T-Mobile 5G and 4G LTE network. To learn more about why this is one of the best cell phone plans, check out MoneySavingPro's Mint Mobile review
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
Benefits
Operates on the nationwide T-Mobile network
7-day money-back guarantee
Prepaid - no contract, credit check, or activation fee
Bring your phone or buy a Mint Mobile device
Keep your phone number
Using your phone as a mobile hotspot is permitted
Free calling to Canada & Mexico, affordable rates to 160+ other locations
Flat-rate international roaming available as an add-on feature
Customer service by phone on weekdays and weekends, 24/7 by virtual chat
Best 5G plan for unlimited data
- Minutes
- Unlimited
- Texts
- Unlimited
- Data
- Unlimited
- Price
- $15/mo** $15 Off for 3 Mths - Promo code: 15OFF
Visible Unlimited plan includes unlimited mins, unlimited texts and unlimited data for only $15 per month. Visible plans offer wireless coverage on the Verizon 5G and 4G LTE network. To learn more about why this is one of the best cell phone plans, check out MoneySavingPro's Visible review
Pros
Great pricing
Unlimited talk, text, and data
Taxes and fees included in price
Simple plan
User-friendly website
Cons
Only one plan
Data speed is capped at 5 Mbps
Limited phone compatibility
App-based service
Benefits
Coverage provided by its parent company, Verizon Wireless
Prepaid - no contract, credit check, or activation fee
Bring your own compatible device or buy a Visible phone
Keep your phone number
Mobile hotspot/tethering supported
No international use supported
Customer support available by chat 7am to 12am EST weekdays and 10am to 10pm weekends, and by phone by request
Best 5G phone plan for one
- Minutes
- Unlimited
- Texts
- Unlimited
- Data
- 15GB
- Price
- $20/mo* FREE 10-Day Trial
US Mobile 15GB plan includes unlimited mins, unlimited texts and 15GB data for only $20 per month. US Mobile plans offer wireless coverage on the Verizon & T-Mobile 5G and 4G LTE networks. To learn more about why this is one of the best cell phone plans, check out MoneySavingPro's US Mobile review
Pros
Flexible, no contract plans
24/7 customer service
5G coverage available
Cons
No international calling
Phone selection
Benefits
Coverage on either the T-Mobile or Verizon network
Risk-free trial: Full refund within 14 days or before 1000 talk, text, or MB's is used
Prepaid - no contract, credit check, or activation fee
Bring your own GSM or CDMA phone or choose from a small selection of phones for sale
Keep your own phone number
Mobile hotspot use available as add-on option with unlimited data plans
International roaming plans available with eSIMs
Add-ons available for talk, text, and data, with rollover
24/7 customer support
Best 5G phone plan for two
- Minutes
- Unlimited
- Texts
- Unlimited
- Data
- 15GB
- Price
- $25/mo** 3 Months FREE: $75 for 6 mths service
Mint Mobile 15GB plan includes unlimited mins, unlimited texts and 15GB data for only $25 per month. Mint Mobile plans offer wireless coverage on the T-Mobile 5G and 4G LTE network. To learn more about why this is one of the best cell phone plans, check out MoneySavingPro's Mint Mobile review
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
Benefits
Operates on the nationwide T-Mobile network
7-day money-back guarantee
Prepaid - no contract, credit check, or activation fee
Bring your phone or buy a Mint Mobile device
Keep your phone number
Using your phone as a mobile hotspot is permitted
Free calling to Canada & Mexico, affordable rates to 160+ other locations
Flat-rate international roaming available as an add-on feature
Customer service by phone on weekdays and weekends, 24/7 by virtual chat
Best 5G phone plan for seniors
- Minutes
- Unlimited
- Texts
- Unlimited
- Data
- 1GB
- Price
- $5/mo** $10 Off for 3 Months
Twigby 1GB plan includes unlimited mins, unlimited texts and 1GB data for only $5 per month. Twigby plans offer wireless coverage on the Verizon 5G and 4G LTE network. To learn more about why this is one of the best cell phone plans, check out MoneySavingPro's Twigby review
Pros
5G & 4G LTE coverage on Verizon network
No hotspot charges
International calling and texting
30 day money back guarantee
Great new customer discounts
Cons
Limited cell phone selection
Benefits
Runs on the Verizon networks
30-day money-back satisfaction guarantee on phones and plans (under 300 minutes, 300 texts, or 300 MB of data used)
Prepaid - no contracts, credit checks, or activation fees
Bring your CDMA device or choose from a modest selection of Twigby phones
Keep your own phone number
Use your phone and plan data as a mobile hotspot
Use your plan minutes to call Canada, China, and Mexico
Free international texting to over 180 countries
US-based chat support available weekdays 7am to 9pm CST and 10am to 6pm on weekends
Best prepaid phone plan for kids
- Minutes
- Unlimited
- Texts
- Unlimited
- Data
- 12GB
- Price
- $5/mo** Only $15 for 3 Months Service
Lycamobile 12GB plan includes unlimited mins, unlimited texts and 12GB data for only $5 per month. Lycamobile plans offer wireless coverage on the T-Mobile 5G and 4G LTE network. To learn more about why this is one of the best cell phone plans, check out MoneySavingPro's Lycamobile review
Pros
Wide range of data buckets
Unlimited talk and text
Unlimited data option
Strong international offerings
Great prices on family plan
Roaming coverage in the US
International roaming
Cons
No mobile hotspot permitted
Confusing website
Benefits
Coverage on the nationwide T-Mobile network
Prepaid service - no contract or credit check
Free SIM card with plan purchase
Bring your own phone
Keep your phone number
International calling is included with all plans
International roaming rates available on carrier website
Multilingual customer service via phone from 11am - 8pm EST Monday - Saturday
Best prepaid phone plan for students
- Minutes
- Unlimited
- Texts
- Unlimited
- Data
- Unlimited
- Price
- $29/mo
Tello Unlimited plan includes unlimited mins, unlimited texts and unlimited data for only $29 per month. Tello plans offer wireless coverage on the T-Mobile 5G and 4G LTE network. To learn more about why this is one of the best cell phone plans, check out MoneySavingPro's Tello review
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
Benefits
Service on the nationwide T-Mobile network
Money-back guarantee on phones (no refunds on plans)
Prepaid - no contract, credit check, or activation fee
Bring your own phone or choose from a modest selection of new or refurbished devices
Keep your current phone number
Use of your plan data as a mobile hotspot through your phone is allowed
Use your minutes to call Canada, China, and Mexico
Minutes to other countries available as add-on
24/7 customer service
5G cell phone plans
Cheap 5G plan benefits
MVNOs (mobile virtual network operators) are the best way to find cheap 5G cell phone plans.
These smaller carriers run on the very same network as the major carriers. They just don't charge you the major rates.
Stay on your favorite network and get all the advantages of its 5G technology while saving a bundle.
- Faster speeds and lower latency: Right now 5G data speeds average three times faster than 4G LTE. Speeds will improve even more over time as carriers develop their 5G networks.
- Same reliable nationwide network: Low cost 5G carriers use the very same network as your favorite carrier.
- Lower prices: You save 50% or more on your plan because smaller wireless carriers don't have the overhead and marketing costs of the large companies.
- Customize your plan: MVNOs give you more flexibility. Choose your plan according to your needs and budget.
- No contracts: No need to sign your life away just to get a 5G cell phone plan. Switch whenever you want.
- Keep your phone and number: Low cost cell phone carriers are specialists in bring your own phone plans. Oh, and keep your phone number too - they make the switch painless.
- Better customer service: Smaller companies generally provide much better customer support. Check out our carrier user reviews to help in your decision making.
Best cheap 5G plan on T-Mobile
Unlimitedmins
Unlimitedtexts
10GB
4G/5G data
$20/mo*
Powered by: 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 | |
Compare: best T-Mobile 5G plans
Best cheap 5G plan on Verizon
Unlimitedmins
Unlimitedtexts
15GB
4G/5G data
$20/mo
Powered by: Verizon & T-Mobile
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 | |
Compare: best Verizon 5G plans
Best cheap 5G plan on AT&T
Unlimitedmins
Unlimitedtexts
5GB
4G/5G data
$5/mo*
$15/mo
Powered by: AT&T & T-Mobile
AT&T vs Boost Mobile comparison
Keep your AT&T phone, number & coverage: Save $750 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 | $150/yr |
| *Don't waste money on unlimited data - Avg. data usage is only 3-5GB | Savings | $60/mo | $750/yr | |
Compare: best AT&T 5G plans
5G phone plan features
- 5G data speeds: Low cost carriers give you 5G service wherever it's available on the parent network. Wherever it's not available yet you'll experience seamless switching between 5G and 4G LTE signals.
- Unlimited talk and text: No need to sacrifice your favorite plan features. Get unlimited talk and text messaging plus choose the amount of data that's right for you. 5G phone plans come with anywhere from none to unlimited data.
- Discounts for multiple lines: Looking for the cheapest family cell phone plan? Save by comparing 5G plans with something for everyone.
- International calling: Smaller wireless providers offer some of the best international phone plans for less than the big carriers.
- Wi-Fi calling: Make calls over a regular wireless internet connection. This feature is super handy if your service is spotty in certain buildings.
- Tethering/hotspot data: Want to share your 5G connection with other devices? Many smaller carriers let you choose from the best mobile hotspot plans.
- HD video streaming: 5G phone plans bring mobile HD streaming to a whole new level. This is typically an optional feature so make sure you choose a plan that offers it.
Cheapest 5G phone plans
| Carrier | Data | Network | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| US Mobile 500MB plan | 500MB | Verizon & T-Mobile | $5* FREE 10-Day Trial |
| Tello 1GB plan | 1GB | T-Mobile | $10 |
| Twigby 4GB plan | 4GB | Verizon | $10** $10 Off for 3 Months |
| Mint Mobile 10GB plan | 10GB | T-Mobile | $20** 3 Months FREE: $60 for 6 mths service |
| Mint Mobile unlimited data plan | Unltd | T-Mobile | $30** 3 Months FREE: $90 for 6 mths service |
5G carrier customer service
Switching carriers can be intimidating, we know. Will you be happy with your service? More importantly will you get hassle-free customer support?
Smaller companies typically provide a better customer service experience. MVNOs are no different. Customers tend to rate them higher on average than the major carriers.
| CARRIER | TRUSTPILOT USER RATING |
|---|---|
| Reach Mobile | 4.9 |
| Tello | 4.6 |
| US Mobile | 4.6 |
| T-Mobile | 1.5 |
| Verizon | 1.3 |
| AT&T | 1.2 |
5G phone plan types
Low cost carriers offer the same types of 5G plans as their regular cell phone plans. The fastest technology is simply included in their current offerings.
Choose from all of the same options you get with the large wireless companies, including:
- Unlimited data: Love the freedom that comes with not having to count every megabyte you use? Get that freedom for less at the fastest speeds available. Hit up our data usage calculator to see how much you actually need.
- Family plans: Some smaller carriers offer discounts on multi-line phone plans. You can also manage all your lines from one account.
- Bring your own phone plans: BYOP is the standard among MVNOs. Keep your current device or shop the best deals on cell phones.
- Single line phone plans: Smaller carriers don't charge more just because you're only getting one line. Compare the best phone plans for individuals.
- Tablet plans: Yup - cheaper carriers do sell data as a standalone. Find the cheapest data plans for tablets.
- Plans for kids: MVNOs sell some of the best phone plans for kids because you can tailor your plan to exactly what you want.
- Plans for seniors: Senior citizens sometimes have different phone plan needs. Smaller carriers are cheaper, simpler, and more flexible for these customers.
Cheap 5G plans pros & cons
Pros
- No cost increase: You get faster speeds where available for the same price as your old 4G LTE plan.
- Available from low-cost carriers: MVNOs are adopting the same 5G coverage as their parent networks in most cases.
- Keeps you ahead of the curve: 5G technology will be universal in the foreseeable future. Getting on board now puts you in a position to enjoy all its benefits as they develop.
Cons
- True 5G isn't widespread yet: Right now there are two types of 5G. The fastest, mmWave, is still in its early infancy. In the meantime most carriers are using sub-6Ghz and stacking existing channels to approximate a 5G experience.
- You need a 5G capable phone: You do need the right cell phone to take full advantage of the better speeds. Fortunately there are plenty of 5G cell phones available already including popular 5G iPhones and 5G Samsung Galaxy devices.
Comparing 5G phone plans
Not all 5G phone plans are equal. Depending on what you're looking for you'll want to compare cell phone plans based on various criteria.
5G technology
Even when you go with a low-cost wireless carrier (which we highly recommend) you'll still get service on one of the big three networks.
Each of the networks uses different technology to provide 5G service. AT&T and Verizon use DSS (dynamic spectrum sharing). This method allows 4G and 5G traffic to share wireless space in an optimized way.
T-Mobile has opted to add low and mid band spectrum for its 5G coverage. Following the merger T-Mobile also adopted the mid band 5G infrastructure that Sprint had started to lay out.
All of the networks have a limited amount of the fastest type, ultra wideband mmWave 5G. Access is available in a handful of large cities and venues across the country.
5G network rating
Opensignal evaluated the 5G experience on all three wireless networks.
T-Mobile came out on top for download speed and availability. Verizon barely edged out T-Mobile and AT&T for video experience.
Switch to a cheap 5G phone plan
Once you've decided on the right 5G carrier for your needs and budget:
- Choose your plan: Pick and choose the options and features you want.
- Get ready for the switch: Make sure your current account is paid up and your phone is paid off. You may also need to have your current wireless provider unlock your phone.
- Set up your new plan: Port your number over to the new carrier before closing your old phone account. If you're buying a new cell phone from the carrier you should be good to go. If you're bringing your own phone you'll need to order a SIM card kit first. This is typically sent through the mail.
5G carriers list
Best 5G cell phone deals
| Phone | Carrier | Network | Monthly Price | Total Cost | Apple iPhone SE | Visible | Verizon 5G/4G LTE | $18/mo for 24 mths | $429 | Apple iPhone 12 mini | Visible | Verizon 5G/4G LTE | $21/mo for 24 mths | $499 | Apple iPhone 13 mini | Visible | Verizon 5G/4G LTE | $25/mo for 24 mths | $599 | Apple iPhone 12 | Visible | Verizon 5G/4G LTE | $27/mo for 24 mths | $649 | Apple iPhone 13 | Visible | Verizon 5G/4G LTE | $29/mo for 24 mths | $699 | Apple iPhone 14 | Mint Mobile | T-Mobile 5G/4G LTE | $35/mo for 24 mths | $829 | Apple iPhone 12 Pro | Red Pocket | AT&T 5G/4G LTE | $37/mo for 24 mths | $899 | Apple iPhone 13 Pro | Red Pocket | AT&T 5G/4G LTE | $37/mo for 24 mths | $899 | Apple iPhone 14 Plus | Mint Mobile | T-Mobile 5G/4G LTE | $39/mo for 24 mths | $929 | Apple iPhone 14 Pro | Mint Mobile | T-Mobile 5G/4G LTE | $42/mo for 24 mths | $999 | Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max | Red Pocket | AT&T 5G/4G LTE | $42/mo for 24 mths | $999 | Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max | Red Pocket | AT&T 5G/4G LTE | $42/mo for 24 mths | $999 | Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max | Mint Mobile | T-Mobile 5G/4G LTE | $46/mo for 24 mths | $1,099 |
|---|
5G phone plans FAQs
Which carrier has the best 5G?
T-Mobile currently has the best 5G coverage, with AT&T second and Verizon in third. T-Mobile MVNOs operate on the same network so you'll get access to their 5G network, where it's available.
Who has the cheapest 5G plan?
The cheapest plans with 5G access are with low-cost carriers like Mint Mobile and PureTalk. Operating on the same major US networks, you'll get access to their 5G coverage, where it's available.
Is AT&T 5G better than Verizon?
Yes, AT&T's 5G coverage comes second after T-Mobile, while Verizon is third with their 5G rollout. However Verizon comes top for it's 5G reliability.
Recap
Get the fastest phone speeds available without paying big wireless company prices. Compare cheaper carriers in our MVNO list and find the right 5G cell phone plan for you.
Stay on your favorite 5G network while saving $600 a year per line. No need to sacrifice speed and service quality just to save money. Calculate your savings below to see how much you could put back in your pocket!
| Carrier | Best for... | Mins | Texts | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Boost Mobile | Cheapest 5G plan | Unlimited | Unlimited | 5GB | $15/mo |
 Tello | Prepaid 5G plan | Unlimited | Unlimited | 1GB | $10/mo |
 Mint Mobile | BYOP 5G plan | Unlimited | Unlimited | 4GB | $15/mo |
| Mint Mobile | Family 5G plan | Unlimited | Unlimited | 10GB | $20/mo |
 Visible | Unlimited data plan | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | $30/mo |
 US Mobile | Individual 5G plan | Unlimited | Unlimited | 15GB | $20/mo |
| Mint Mobile | 2 line 5G plan | Unlimited | Unlimited | 15GB | $25/mo |
 Twigby | Senior 5G plan | Unlimited | Unlimited | 1GB | $15/mo |
 Lycamobile | Kids 5G plan | Unlimited | Unlimited | 12GB | $33/mo |
| Tello | Student 5G plan | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | $29/mo |
