Deal of the Month: Tello unlimited data for $25/mo

The best cell phone plans under $40

We compared cell phone plans under $40 on the AT&T, Verizon & T-Mobile networks. Here are our top picks to cut your phone bill and keep your wireless coverage.

Boost Mobile 5GB
Image of cell phone with Boost Mobile logo
5GB data
$5/mo*
$15/mo
AT&T & T-Mobile 5G/4G networks
*$15 for 3 Mths Service
Twigby 2GB
Image of cell phone with Twigby logo
2GB data
$5/mo*
$15/mo
Verizon 5G/4G networks
*$5/mo for 1st 3 Mths
Good2Go Mobile 1GB
Image of cell phone with Good2Go Mobile logo
1GB data
$5/mo*
AT&T & T-Mobile 5G/4G networks
*$60 for 12 Mths Service
US Mobile 500MB
Image of cell phone with US Mobile logo
500MB data
$5/mo*
Verizon & T-Mobile 5G/4G networks
*30 Day FREE Trial
Twigby 0GB
Image of cell phone with Twigby logo
0GB data
$5/mo*
$10/mo
Verizon 5G/4G networks
*$5/mo for 1st 3 Mths
Plans found: 43 Price range: $5 - $40
Image of cell phone with Boost Mobile logo
Boost Mobile 5GB plan
AT&T & T-Mobile 5G/4G networks
Unlimited mins Unlimited texts
5GB data
$5/mo* $15/mo *$15 for 3 Mths Service
2.7
148 Boost Mobile user reviews
$750 in annual savings
Image of cell phone with Twigby logo
Twigby 2GB plan
Verizon 5G/4G networks
Unlimited mins Unlimited texts
2GB data
$5/mo* $15/mo *$5/mo for 1st 3 Mths
4
67 Twigby user reviews
$750 in annual savings
Image of cell phone with Good2Go Mobile logo
Good2Go Mobile 1GB plan
AT&T & T-Mobile 5G/4G networks
Unlimited mins Unlimited texts
1GB data
$5/mo* *$60 for 12 Mths Service
3.3
34 Good2Go Mobile user reviews
$840 in annual savings
Image of cell phone with US Mobile logo
US Mobile 500MB plan
Verizon & T-Mobile 5G/4G networks
500 mins 500 texts
500MB data
$5/mo* *30 Day FREE Trial
4.2
87 US Mobile user reviews
$840 in annual savings
Image of cell phone with Twigby logo
Twigby unlimited talk & text plan
Verizon 5G/4G networks
Unlimited mins Unlimited texts
0GB data
$5/mo* $10/mo *$5/mo for 1st 3 Mths
4
67 Twigby user reviews
$795 in annual savings
Image of cell phone with Red Pocket logo
Red Pocket 1GB plan
AT&T 5G/4G networks
Unlimited mins Unlimited texts
1GB data
$8/mo* $9/mo *$89 for 12 Mths
2.8
151 Red Pocket user reviews
$804 in annual savings
Image of cell phone with US Mobile logo
US Mobile unlimited talk & text plan
Verizon & T-Mobile 5G/4G networks
Unlimited mins Unlimited texts
0GB data
$7.50/mo* *30 Day FREE Trial
4.2
87 US Mobile user reviews
$810 in annual savings
Image of cell phone with Tello logo
Tello unlimited talk & text plan
T-Mobile 5G/4G networks
Unlimited mins Unlimited texts
0GB data
$8/mo
4.1
102 Tello user reviews
$804 in annual savings
Image of cell phone with Tello logo
Tello 1GB plan
T-Mobile 5G/4G networks
Unlimited mins Unlimited texts
1GB data
$9/mo
4.1
102 Tello user reviews
$792 in annual savings
Image of cell phone with Twigby logo
Twigby 5GB plan
Verizon 5G/4G networks
Unlimited mins Unlimited texts
5GB data
$10/mo* $20/mo *$10/mo for 1st 3 Mths
4
67 Twigby user reviews
$690 in annual savings
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Disclaimer: MoneySavingPro is a free price comparison service but we do not provide service directly. We do our best to keep all the information up to date but there may be some discrepancies between the price you pay.

Keep your phone, number & coverage: Save your money
5G & 4G LTE coverage
Instant activation
Custom data plans
24/7 customer support
Free international calls
No contracts
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Low-cost carrier vs big wireless saving comparison

Cut your phone bill by $600/yr

Tello
$25/mo
Unlimited data
T-Mobile 5G & 4G networks
$300/yr Total cost
vs
$75/mo
Unlimited data
AT&T 5G & 4G networks
$900/yr Total cost
$75/mo
Unlimited data
Verizon 5G & 4G networks
$900/yr Total cost
$75/mo
Unlimited data
T-Mobile 5G & 4G networks
$900/yr Total cost

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$40 Phone plans reviewed & rated in 2024

Best overall phone plan

Mint Mobile unlimited data plan

Image of cell phone with Mint Mobile
  • T-Mobile coverage
  • Unlimited talk and text
  • Instant eSIM activation
Unlimited
data
$15/mo*
$30/mo
See at Mint Mobile

*$45 for 3 Months

4.2 Read our Mint Mobile review
$585 in annual savings

Best prepaid phone plan under $40

Tello 2GB plan

Image of cell phone with Tello
  • T-Mobile coverage
  • Unlimited talk and text
  • Instant eSIM activation
2GB
data
$10/mo
5 Read our Tello review
$780 in annual savings

Best phone plan for one under $40

Ultra Mobile 3GB plan

Image of cell phone with Ultra Mobile
  • T-Mobile coverage
  • Unlimited talk and text
  • Instant eSIM activation
3GB
data
$16/mo*
$19/mo
See at Ultra Mobile

*$48 for 3 Mths

3.4 Read our Ultra Mobile review
$681 in annual savings

Best phone family plan under $40

US Mobile unlimited data plan

Image of cell phone with US Mobile
  • Verizon & T-Mobile coverage
  • Unlimited talk and text
  • Instant eSIM activation
Unlimited
data
$15/mo*
$29/mo
See at US Mobile

*30 Day FREE Trial

5 Read our US Mobile review
$594 in annual savings

Cheap unlimited plan under $40

Mint Mobile unlimited data plan

Image of cell phone with Mint Mobile
  • T-Mobile coverage
  • Unlimited talk and text
  • Instant eSIM activation
Unlimited
data
$15/mo*
$30/mo
See at Mint Mobile

*$45 for 3 Months

4.2 Read our Mint Mobile review
$585 in annual savings

Cheap phone plan for kids

Twigby 2GB plan

Image of cell phone with Twigby
  • Verizon coverage
  • Unlimited talk and text
  • Instant eSIM activation
2GB
data
$5/mo*
$15/mo
See at Twigby

*$5/mo for 1st 3 Mths

4.4 Read our Twigby review
$750 in annual savings

Cheap T-Mobile plan

Mint Mobile 15GB plan

Image of cell phone with Mint Mobile
  • T-Mobile coverage
  • Unlimited talk and text
  • Instant eSIM activation
15GB
data
$15/mo*
$20/mo
See at Mint Mobile

*$45 for 3 Months

4.2 Read our Mint Mobile review
$675 in annual savings

Cheap AT&T plan

Red Pocket 20GB plan

Image of cell phone with Red Pocket
  • AT&T & Verizon coverage
  • Unlimited talk and text
  • Instant eSIM activation
20GB
data
$30/mo
4.1 Read our Red Pocket review
$540 in annual savings

Cheap Verizon plan

US Mobile 12GB plan

Image of cell phone with US Mobile
  • Verizon & T-Mobile coverage
  • Unlimited talk and text
  • Instant eSIM activation
12GB
data
$25/mo*
See at US Mobile

*30 Day FREE Trial

5 Read our US Mobile review
$600 in annual savings

Cheap eSIM plan

Tello 10GB plan

Image of cell phone with Tello
  • T-Mobile coverage
  • Unlimited talk and text
  • Instant eSIM activation
10GB
data
$19/mo
5 Read our Tello review
$672 in annual savings

How to choose the best phone plan under $40

What network coverage do you prefer?

Network access is a key consideration wherever you live, but especially in rural areas. Luckily, low-cost carriers operate on the same 5G & 4G LTE networks as major carriers. T-Mobile scores the highest for 5G coverage, according to an Opensignal 5G Experience Report (2023). If there is a particular network you prefer, choose an MVNO that operates on that network. Use our coverage checker to find the best cell phone service in your area.

How much data do you need?

Do you really need an unlimited data plan? The big wireless companies want you to believe so, but in reality, the average monthly cellular data consumption is around 10GB. However, if you spend most of your time at home or work on Wi-Fi, it's likely your cellular data usage will be much lower. You can choose a data plan tailored to your needs with cheap cell phone providers, meaning you can pay less if you use less. But if you do choose an unlimited data plan, be aware that high-speed data is normally capped.

Is hotspot data included?

Most carriers allow hotspot data usage but limit the amount of data that can be used via tethering. The limit depends on the carrier and plan you choose. Some carriers also offer data only plans so you can access the internet on mobile devices like iPads, tablets, and mobile hotspots when Wi-Fi's not available.

What's the monthly price?

While big wireless unlimited plans cost around $75-90 per month, the best MVNOs offer budget-friendly plans, ranging from $5-35 per month without sacrificing wireless coverage and data speeds. Watch out for hidden fees & taxes; some carriers include these in the price, and others, such as Verizon and AT&T, don't.

How many lines do you need?

With big wireless, you only get the advertised price if you buy four lines. With MVNOs, the price you see is the price you pay, even for one line. Many low-cost carriers now offer further discounts for multi-line plans.

Can I bring my own phone or buy a new device?

While the big three love keeping their customers locked into a constant phone upgrade cycle, MVNOs encourage you to bring your own phone. 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 an affordable and easy way with 0% financing over 1-2 years.

Are there any deals or promotions?

Big wireless promotions can seem good at a glance. But once you read the small print, it often leads to buying things you don't need and committing to 3-year phone contracts. Many MVNOs offer short-term introductory promotional pricing for new customers, and their pricing is much more transparent.

What perks or add ons can I expect?

Most big wireless plans include "free" TV subscriptions. Initially, these seem like a great deal. However, these usually turn into a paid subscription that is automatically added to your bill a few months down the line. A few low-cost carriers, such as US Mobile, do offer plan options with free subscription services, but we generally recommend keeping these subscriptions separate so you don't end up paying for things you don't need.

Is international calling included?

Most MVNOs offer free international calls to many countries. If this is important to you, make sure to choose a carrier that includes this.

Are there parental controls?

Some Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) provide parental controls that allow parents to monitor their children's cell phone usage and data consumption. By using these features, you have the ability to establish limits on data usage, limit access to specific apps or websites, and even keep track of your child's whereabouts. These capabilities are accessible either through subscription plans or can be adjusted in the settings of your mobile device.

Compare the cheapest cell phone plans to ensure you find the best deal.


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Compare the best phone plans under $40 per month

Carrier Network Data Price
Tello 2GB plan T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage 2GB $10/mo
Red Pocket 5GB plan AT&T 5G/4G Coverage 5GB $13/mo $15/mo
Mint Mobile 15GB plan T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage 15GB $15/mo $20/mo
US Mobile unlimited data plan Verizon & T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage Unltd $15/mo $29/mo
Tello unlimited data plan T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage Unltd $25/mo

$40 phone plan FAQs


Recap: What is the best $40 cell phone plan?

Plans direct from Verizon, T-Mobile, and AT&T are expensive, but with low-cost carriers that are powered by the same network, you could save up to $600 a year on your cell phone bill.

With a range of plans at $40 or under, there's something for all needs and budgets.

MVNOs offer prepaid plans, so there are no more long-term commitments, and you can change your plan or cancel and switch if your needs of finances change.

Cheap phone plan guides

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