The best cheap MVNOs in November
In these uncertain times, the last thing you need is to be stung by your cell phone bill.
Welcome, money savers and bargain hunters. You're in the right place.
Find your next cheap phone plan from the best MVNOs here.
- Tello: Best prepaid plan
- Mint Mobile: Best unlimited plan
- US Mobile: Best family plan
- US Mobile: Best 5G plan
- Ting: Best Talk & text
- Red Pocket: Best kids plan
- Good2Go Mobile: Best individual plan
- US Mobile: Best data only plan
Best Verizon MVNO
Unlimitedmins
Unlimitedtexts
5 GB
4G/5G data
$15/mo
$3.00 per GB
Powered by: Verizon & T-Mobile
Verizon vs US Mobile Plan Comparison
Keep your Verizon phone, number & coverage: Save $780 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 | 5GB | $15/mo | $180/yr |
| *Don't waste money on unlimited data - Avg. data usage is only 3-5GB | Savings | $65/mo | $780/yr | |
Compare: cheap Verizon MVNO plans
Best T-Mobile MVNO
Unlimitedmins
Unlimitedtexts
4 GB
4G/5G data
$15/mo*
$3.75 per GB
Powered by: T-Mobile
T-Mobile vs Mint Mobile Plan Comparison
Keep your T-Mobile phone, number & coverage: Save $660 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 | 4GB | $15/mo | $180/yr |
| *Don't waste money on unlimited data - Avg. data usage is only 3-5GB | Savings | $55/mo | $660/yr | |
Compare: cheap T-Mobile MVNO plans
Best AT&T MVNO
Unlimitedmins
Unlimitedtexts
3 GB
4G/5G data
$12.50/mo*
$25/mo
$8.33 per GB
Powered by: AT&T & T-Mobile
AT&T vs Good2Go Mobile Plan Comparison
Keep your AT&T phone, number & coverage: Save $637 per year
| Carrier | Network Coverage | 4G/5G Data | Price | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AT&T | AT&T 4G & 5G | Unltd* | $75/mo | $900/yr |
| Good2Go Mobile | AT&T 4G & 5G | 3GB | $25/mo | $263/yr |
| *Don't waste money on unlimited data - Avg. data usage is only 3-5GB | Savings | $50/mo | $637/yr | |
Compare: cheap AT&T MVNO plans
MVNO benefits
Want to stay on the same network, keep your phone and number, plus get greater flexibility?
Yep. You've got it. Everything you need comes at a much better price with an MVNO.
Here's how much of a no-brainer it is.
- National coverage from big networks - Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile
- Fast 4G LTE & 5G data speeds
- Keep your existing phone and number
- Customize your plan to your data usage
- Simple online signup, switching is seamless
- No big monthly bills
- No unnecessary phone upgrades to tie you down
- No annoying commission-hungry salespeople
- No hidden fees or confusing contracts
- No overpaying for unlimited data you don't need
Best cheap MVNO plans
Best cheap prepaid MVNO - Tello
- Minutes
- Unlimited
- Texts
- Unlimited
- Data
- 1 GB
- Price
- $5/mo** 50% Off 1st Month
Tello 1GB data includes unlimited mins, unlimited texts and 1GB data for only $5 per month. Tello prepaid phone plans offer wireless coverage on the T-Mobile 4G LTE and 5G network.
| Plan | Minutes | Texts | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Unlimited | Unlimited | 0GB | $4* * 50% Off 1st Month | |
Unlimited | Unlimited | 1GB | $5* * 50% Off 1st Month | |
Unlimited | Unlimited | 2GB | $7* * 50% Off 1st Month | |
Unlimited | Unlimited | 4GB | $9.50* * 50% Off 1st Month | |
Unlimited | Unlimited | 6GB | $12* * 50% Off 1st Month | |
Unlimited | Unlimited | 8GB | $14.50* * 50% Off 1st Month | |
Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | $19.50* * 50% Off 1st Month |
Pros
24/7 customer support
No contracts
Budget friendly family plans
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
- Minutes
- Unlimited
- Texts
- Unlimited
- Data
- Unlimited
- Price
- $30/mo** Buy 3 Months - Get 3 Months Free
Mint Mobile unlimited data includes unlimited mins, unlimited texts and unlimited data for only $30 per month. Mint Mobile prepaid phone plans offer wireless coverage on the T-Mobile 4G LTE and 5G network.
| Plan | Minutes | Texts | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Unlimited | Unlimited | 4GB | $15* * Buy 3 Months - Get 3 Months Free | |
Unlimited | Unlimited | 10GB | $20* * Buy 3 Months - Get 3 Months Free | |
Unlimited | Unlimited | 15GB | $25* * Buy 3 Months - Get 3 Months Free | |
Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | $30* * Buy 3 Months - Get 3 Months Free |
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 cheap MVNO for families - US Mobile
- Minutes
- Unlimited
- Texts
- Unlimited
- Data
- 5 GB
- Price
- $15/moFree Starter Kit with code: MSPUSM
US Mobile 5GB data includes unlimited mins, unlimited texts and 5GB data for only $15 per month. US Mobile prepaid phone plans offer wireless coverage on the Verizon & T-Mobile 4G LTE and 5G networks.
| Plan | Minutes | Texts | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Unlimited | Unlimited | 0GB | $8 | |
Unlimited | Unlimited | 1GB | $12 | |
Unlimited | Unlimited | 5GB | $15 | |
Unlimited | Unlimited | 12GB | $20 | |
Unlimited | Unlimited | 18GB | $25 | |
Unlimited | Unlimited | 30GB | $30 | |
Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | $45 | |
Free Starter Kit with code: MSPUSM | ||||
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 cheap MVNO for 5G coverage - US Mobile
- Minutes
- Unlimited
- Texts
- Unlimited
- Data
- 0 GB
- Price
- $8/moFree Starter Kit with code: MSPUSM
US Mobile unlimited talk & text includes unlimited mins, unlimited texts and 0GB data for only $8 per month. US Mobile prepaid phone plans offer wireless coverage on the Verizon & T-Mobile 4G LTE and 5G networks.
| Plan | Minutes | Texts | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Unlimited | Unlimited | 0GB | $8 | |
Unlimited | Unlimited | 1GB | $12 | |
Unlimited | Unlimited | 5GB | $15 | |
Unlimited | Unlimited | 12GB | $20 | |
Unlimited | Unlimited | 18GB | $25 | |
Unlimited | Unlimited | 30GB | $30 | |
Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | $45 | |
Free Starter Kit with code: MSPUSM | ||||
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 cheap MVNO for talk & text - Ting
- Minutes
- Unlimited
- Texts
- Unlimited
- Data
- 0 GB
- Price
- $10/mo** $5 extra per GB
Ting unlimited talk & text includes unlimited mins, unlimited texts and 0GB data for only $10 per month. Ting prepaid phone plans offer wireless coverage on the T-Mobile & Verizon 4G LTE and 5G networks.
| Plan | Minutes | Texts | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Unlimited | Unlimited | 0GB | $10* * $5 extra per GB | |
Unlimited | Unlimited | 1GB | $15 | |
Unlimited | Unlimited | 5GB | $20* * $5 Off for 6 Months | |
Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | $25* * $20 Off for 3 Months | |
Unlimited | Unlimited | 12GB | $30* * $5 Off for 6 Months |
Pros
Simple plans for light phone users
Customer service
Nationwide LTE and 5G coverage
Good selection of handsets
Cons
Not for the data hungry user
Benefits
Offers coverage on both Verizon and T-Mobile
Prepaid service - no contract, credit check, or start-up fees
Bring your GSM or CDMA phone - most devices are compatible - or buy one from Ting
Keep your current number
Tethering/mobile hotspot allowed, speeds limited to 3G for GSM tethering
Use your plan minutes to call 60+ international locations
International roaming capability (at surcharged rates)
Extensive customer service hours by phone, chat, or email
Best cheap MVNO for kids - Red Pocket
- Minutes
- 500
- Texts
- 500
- Data
- 0.5 GB
- Price
- $10/mo
Red Pocket 500mb data includes 500 mins, 500 texts and 0.5GB data for only $10 per month. Red Pocket prepaid phone plans offer wireless coverage on the AT&T, Verizon & T-Mobile 4G LTE and 5G networks.
| Plan | Minutes | Texts | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
500 | 500 | 0.5GB | $10 | |
Unlimited | Unlimited | 3GB | $15* * $180 for 12 Months Service | |
Unlimited | Unlimited | 3GB | $20* * Only $5 in 1st Month | |
Unlimited | Unlimited | 10GB | $22* * $270 for 12 Months Service | |
Unlimited | Unlimited | 22GB | $30* * $360 for 12 Months Service | |
Unlimited | Unlimited | 10GB | $30* * Only $5 in 1st Month | |
Unlimited | Unlimited | 50GB | $37* * $450 for 12 Months Service | |
Unlimited | Unlimited | 22GB | $40* * Only $5 in 1st Month | |
Unlimited | Unlimited | 50GB | $50* * Only $5 in 1st Month |
Pros
Nationwide coverage
No contracts
Latest selection of phones
Cons
Account dashboard needs work
No 0% financing options on latest phones
Customer service
Benefits
Operates on all four networks - AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, and Verizon
Prepaid cell phone plans - no contract, credit check, or activation fees
Bring your own GSM or CDMA device and keep your phone number
Mobile hotspot/tethering allowed with your plan data
Free international calling to 70+ countries
Customer service available in English, Chinese, Filipino, and Spanish via chat or phone
- Minutes
- Unlimited
- Texts
- Unlimited
- Data
- 3 GB
- Price
- $12.50/mo** 50% Off for 3 Months
Good2Go Mobile 3GB data includes unlimited mins, unlimited texts and 3GB data for only $12.50 per month. Good2Go Mobile prepaid phone plans offer wireless coverage on the AT&T & T-Mobile 4G LTE and 5G networks.
| Plan | Minutes | Texts | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Unlimited | Unlimited | 1GB | $10* * 50% Off for 3 Months | |
Unlimited | Unlimited | 0GB | $10 | |
Unlimited | Unlimited | 3GB | $12.50* * 50% Off for 3 Months | |
Unlimited | Unlimited | 6GB | $17.50* * 50% Off for 3 Months | |
Unlimited | Unlimited | 10GB | $40 | |
Unlimited | Unlimited | 20GB | $50 |
Pros
4G LTE coverage
No contract
No credit checks
Cons
No unlimited data options
No app interface
Benefits
Coverage on the nationwide AT&T & T-Mobile networks
Prepaid cell phone plans - no contract, credit check, or activation fee
Bring your own phone or buy a Good2Go Mobile phone
Mobile hotspot/tethering not supported
International calling to over 60 countries available as affordable plan add-on; calling to other countries via add-on calling card
Customer service available by phone 7am - 1am EST every day
Best cheap MVNO for data only - US Mobile
- Minutes
- 0
- Texts
- 0
- Data
- 2 GB
- Price
- $10/moFree Starter Kit with code: MSPUSM
US Mobile 2GB data only includes 0 mins, 0 texts and 2GB data for only $10 per month. US Mobile prepaid phone plans offer wireless coverage on the Verizon & T-Mobile 4G LTE and 5G networks.
| Plan | Minutes | Texts | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Unlimited | Unlimited | 0GB | $8 | |
Unlimited | Unlimited | 1GB | $12 | |
Unlimited | Unlimited | 5GB | $15 | |
Unlimited | Unlimited | 12GB | $20 | |
Unlimited | Unlimited | 18GB | $25 | |
Unlimited | Unlimited | 30GB | $30 | |
Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | $45 | |
Free Starter Kit with code: MSPUSM | ||||
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
MVNO coverage comparison
Which prepaid carrier is best for you? That depends on which network has the best coverage in your area.
Whether you go with a GSM carrier (T-Mobile and AT&T) or a CDMA carrier (Verizon) you'll enjoy national coverage, just like with the major carriers.
Network performance ratings
| NETWORK | OVERALL | RELIABILITY | SPEED | DATA | CALL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Verizon Coverage | 95 | 96 | 94 | 96 | 94 |
| AT&T Coverage | 94 | 94 | 95 | 96 | 92 |
| T-Mobile Coverage | 86 | 88 | 82 | 89 | 82 |
Source: Rootmetrics
MVNO customer service comparison
Concerned that low-cost carriers won't have good customer service? Don't be, on average MVNOs score much higher customer ratings than the big networks as you'll see in the comparison chart below:
| 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 |
MVNO plan types
- Unlimited plans: Looking for unlimited talk text and data? Alternative carriers have got you covered. Data hungry users looking for unlimited plus plans can save serious money by switching to one of the cheapest unlimited data plans. Not sure how much data you need? Check out our data usage calculator.
- Basic plans: If you (or a loved one) only use a cell phone to make a few calls, send a couple of messages and rarely go online then you can opt for a simply prepaid plan. You get basic cell phone functions, an allowance for minutes of talk, and usually around 2GB of data at a great price. Once you run out of your data allotment, speeds slow, but it's usually very easy to add on more.
- Family plans: Need four lines or more? Many MVNOs offer group plans. Compare the cheapest family phone plans so you can pick and choose what each family member needs.
- Bring your own phone plans: BYOP plans are the norm with smaller carriers. Compare cell phone prices and get a great deal to go with your cheap cell phone plan!
- Single line plans: Stop paying a premium rate just because you only need one line. Find the best phone plans for individuals.
- Talk and text only plans: Don't need data? No problem - compare cheap talk and text plans. Bonus, you'll save a ton of money if you're not paying for data!
- Tablet plans: Find the cheapest data plan for your tablet or iPad.
- Kids plans: MVNOs offer the best phone plans for kids because you can tailor them to exactly what you want your child to have.
- Senior plans: Senior citizens often have different cell phone needs. Compare cheap cell phone plans for seniors for the perfect fit.
Compare the best MVNO plans
| Carrier | Network | Minutes | Texts | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tello | T-Mobile | Unltd | Unltd | 1GB | $5** 50% Off 1st Month |
| Mint Mobile | T-Mobile | Unltd | Unltd | 4GB | $15** Buy 3 Months - Get 3 Months Free |
| US Mobile | Verizon & T-Mobile | Unltd | Unltd | 12GB | $20Free Starter Kit with code: MSPUSM |
| Ting | T-Mobile & Verizon | Unltd | Unltd | Unltd | $25** $20 Off for 3 Months |
| Mint Mobile | T-Mobile | Unltd | Unltd | Unltd | $30** Buy 3 Months - Get 3 Months Free |
Considerations when comparing MVNOs
- How much data, voice and text messages do you need? Keep track of what you use for one month, then tailor a plan to your needs. Low-cost carrier plans give you more flexibility. If you need more or less of anything, change your plan.
- Are you bringing your own phone? If you are, check which carriers are compatible in the table below.
- Are you looking for a new phone and sim deal? Find out which MVNO gives you the best coverage in your area. Then, browse their new handset plans.
How to switch to an MVNO
It's never been easier to switch. Let's break it down.
- Customize your plan. Whether you're looking for a truly unlimited plan, or in the market for something more basic, choose a plan to suit your cell phone needs.
- Prepare to make the switch. Make sure your old bills are paid up and your phone is unlocked. If you're getting a new device, transferring data from one to another is simple. Even if you're going from an iPhone to Android, and vice versa.
- Set up your new plan. Keep your current carrier account open until your number has ported over. Once you're sure your new plan is up and running, cancel your old account. If you've got a new device with your Tello plan, it should be ready to use when it arrives. If you're bringing your own phone then you'll need to follow the instructions with the new SIM card kit that Tello will send to you in the post.
MVNO list
Bring your own phone to save even more
You don't have to switch your phone to get a good deal.
Try these money-saving tips:
- Compare cell phone plans and phone deals
- Bring your own phone or buy a refurbished phone
- Sell your old phone for cash online
Best MVNO cell phone deals
| Model | Condition | Memory | Compatibility | Price | Apple iPhone 11 | New | 64GB | AT&T | $456 | Apple iPhone 11 Pro | New | 64GB | AT&T | $799 | Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max | New | 64GB | AT&T | $648 | Apple iPhone 12 | New | 64GB | AT&T | $602 | Apple iPhone 12 mini | New | 64GB | AT&T | $480 | Apple iPhone 12 Pro | New | 128GB | AT&T | $720 | Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max | New | 128GB | AT&T | $840 | Apple iPhone 13 | New | 128GB | AT&T | $792 | Apple iPhone 13 mini | New | 128GB | AT&T | $696 | Apple iPhone 13 Pro | New | 128GB | AT&T | $960 | Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max | New | 128GB | AT&T | $1,080 | Apple iPhone SE | New | 64GB | AT&T | $240 |
|---|
Best MVNOs FAQs
Which MVNO has the best coverage?
As MVNOs operate on the main US networks, the MVNO with the best coverage will vary depending on where you live. You can check your ZIP code to find the best cell phone coverage in your area for the most suitable MVNO plans for you.
Which MVNO has 5G?
The majority of MVNOs offer 5G plans as they run on the three major networks, and you'll have access where 5G is available depending on whether you're with a Verizon, T-Mobile or AT&T MVNO.
Why are MVNOs cheaper?
MVNOs don't have any physical stores (except a couple of the older ones like Boost Mobile). So without the cost of stores, sales staff and expensive advertising MVNOs can pass on these savings to their customers.
Are MVNOs good?
If you're looking for a way to save money on your cell phone bill without sacrificing quality, then an MVNO is a great choice. These low cost carriers provide access to the same nationwide coverage but with half price cell phone plans.
Recap
It's difficult to justify paying over $80 a month for a cell phone plan that doesn't give you what you need. The good news? You can dodge rising costs of cell phone plans from the big four carriers.
There are so many online MVNOs emerging in the wireless industry. Offering cheap cell phone plans, they're also eager to help you save hundreds of dollars each year.
You don't have to sacrifice cellular coverage you already know and trust. Check out MVNO user reviews before you signup.
Each MVNO is tailored toward specific needs. Finding that best cell phone plan has never been easier.
MoneySavingPro methodology
We're here to bring transparency to telecoms, putting power back in your hands. This guides everything we do.
- We've got high standards. We use our industry expertise to find carriers that reach these standards. We all deserve the best value for money, choice and customer experience.
- We care about accuracy. MoneySavingPro is run by cell phone geeks and money saving obsessives. Our content team researches everything thoroughly so that information you read here will give you the whole picture. Everything we do is backed up by the data.
- We keep things simple. It's our job to break down what you need to know, so you can make informed choices.
