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.
MoneySavingPro independently researches the products & services to bring you our recommendations. We may earn money when you click our links - disclosure policy.
As a student, you're no stranger to the constant struggle to save money. Yet you need a dependable cell phone service with plenty of data for music and video streaming.
Although the average cell phone bill sits at about $80 per month, it's easy to cut that down by over half - which can make a huge difference when you're living on pizza and ramen noodles!
We're going to show you how you can save up to $600 per year without sacrificing cell phone service quality or coverage. We'll look at the best cell phone plans for college students along with how to get the best price on top devices.
Tello 1GB plan includes unlimited mins, unlimited texts and 1GB data for only $10 per month. Tello plans offers wireless coverage on the T-Mobile 5G and 4G LTE network. Read Tello review
US Mobile 5GB plan includes unlimited mins, unlimited texts and 5GB data for only $15 per month. US Mobile plans offers wireless coverage on the Verizon & T-Mobile 5G and 4G LTE networks. Read US Mobile review
Mint Mobile 10GB plan includes unlimited mins, unlimited texts and 10GB data for only $20 per month. Mint Mobile plans offers wireless coverage on the T-Mobile 5G and 4G LTE network. Read Mint Mobile review
Boost Mobile Unlimited plan includes unlimited mins, unlimited texts and unlimited data for only $12.50 per month. Boost Mobile plans offers wireless coverage on the AT&T & T-Mobile 5G and 4G LTE networks. Read Boost Mobile review
Did you know you can cut your wireless bill by over half just by going with a low-cost carrier? These mobile providers are called MVNOs, which stand for Mobile Virtual Network Operators. You've probably already heard of a few of them, like Boost Mobile and Mint Mobile.
These carriers buy up extra space on the major networks - AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon - and resell it at a discount. MVNOs can afford to give you better rates because most of them operate completely online and do not spend the big bucks on marketing as the major wireless carriers do. The best part is that college students can get service on the same great networks for half the cost.
As a student, you want to save money but you also need a reliable wireless service. MVNOs are the ideal solution.
Same great nationwide coverage: These cell phone carriers operate on the very same networks as the big three carriers.
Much lower prices: Save up to $600 per year on your cell phone plan. Why are MVNOs so much cheaper? They don't have the huge overhead and advertising costs the big guys do.
No contracts: Don't get trapped into a two-year agreement. Switch carriers whenyou decide.
Keep your phone and number: You can bring your own phone and keep your phone number. No need to sign up for pricey device payments.
Customize your plan: You decide how much data you need. Choose to pay as you go, opt for unlimited or no data, minimal minutes, or unlimited talk text and data. Unlimited data plans come at a much better price with an alternative carrier. Pick the plan options that fit your budget - not the one your carrier thinks you need.
Great customer support: Smaller mobile providers are known for their attention to their customers. Stop feeling like an anonymous number getting lost in the crowd! Check out our carrier user reviews before switching.
It's always a good idea to compare cell phone plans to ensure that you're getting the best deal.
4G LTE & 5G data speeds: Since 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 calls in their plan options. Compare cheap talk and text plans with or without data.
International calls to Canada and Mexico: International calling is a must for many people. Luckily MVNOs offer some of the best international phone plans, with free calling to certain countries like Canada and Mexico, and discounted rates on others.
Multiline discounts: Low-cost carriers also offer some of the cheapest family cell phone 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.
Unlimited plans: Looking for unlimited talk text and data? Alternative carriers have got you covered. Data-hungry users looking for unlimited data can save serious money by switching to one of the best 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.
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!
How we picked the best cell phone plans for students
MoneySavingPro reviewed the best value student cell phone plans available 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.
Compare cheap cell phones for students
Device
64GB
128GB
256GB
Apple iPhone SE
$14/mo
$16/mo
$20/mo
Apple iPhone 13 mini
-
$22/mo
-
Apple iPhone 13
-
$26/mo
$30/mo
Apple iPhone 14
-
$30/mo
$35/mo
Apple iPhone 13 Pro
-
$33/mo
-
Apple iPhone 12 Pro
-
-
$33/mo
Apple iPhone 14 Plus
-
$35/mo
-
Student phone plans FAQs
What is the best cell phone plan for students?
MVNO's - Mobile Virtual Network Operators, run on the same networks as the three major telecoms, but offer plans at half the price. Carriers like Tello provides plans starting at $10 a month.
What phone companies offer the best discounts to students?
Carriers like Boost Mobile and Mint Mobile have plans starting from $10 and give you access to nationwide coverage from one of the 3 major networks.
What is the cheapest unlimited data plan for students?
Low-cost carriers like Boost Mobile, Mint Mobile, and Tello currently offer the best value unlimited data plans with prices ranging from just $25-30 per month. A huge saving compared to Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile.
Recap: What is the best phone carrier for students?
There's no reason for college students to pay premium prices for cell phone service.
Compare cheap cell phone plans starting at just $5 per month from numerous low-cost carriers and save up to $600 per year.
