Best Phone Plans in 2021

The best cell phone plans in October

Table of Contents

• Cheap phone plan benefits

• Best cheap T-Mobile phone plan

• Best cheap Verizon phone plan

• Best cheap AT&T phone plan

• Compare the best phone plans

Check Carrier CoverageSee Deals

Cheap phone plan benefits

The best way to save money on cell phone plans is to switch to a smaller carrier.

These providers are called MVNOs or mobile virtual network operators. They use the big wireless networks to give you cheaper unlimited data plans.

• Same great coverage: Alternative carriers like Mint Mobile and Tello rent space on the major wireless networks and sell it for less. So you get the very same nationwide coverage and high speed data as usual.
• Much lower prices: MVNOs typically operate completely online. This keeps their overhead and marketing costs down. The result is that you save up to 50% off your unlimited plan costs.
• Same great service: Don't sacrifice premium features just for a cheaper plan. Smaller carrier plans include unlimited talk text and data just like the major carriers. Plus, providers like US Mobile offer perks and extras like free Apple Music or HBO Max.
• No contracts: It's no fun getting stuck in a long term commitment with an expensive carrier. Compare no contract phone plans and keep your freedom. Leave whenever you're ready.
• Keep your phone and phone number: Low cost carriers wrote the book on bring your own phone plans. They make your switch hassle free and port your number over for you.
• Customize your plan: One of our favorite things about MVNOs is that they help you avoid overpaying for things you don't need. You pick how much texting, calling and data you need. Need plans for 2 lines or more? Design each one exactly the way you want.

Best cheap T-Mobile phone plan

Mint Mobile 4GB data plan* $45 for 3 Months Service

Unlimitedmins

Unlimitedtexts

4 GB

4G/5G data

$15/mo*

$3.75 per GB

See Deal

Powered by: T-Mobile

T-Mobile unlimited phone plans

T-Mobile vs Mint Mobile Plan Comparison

Keep your T-Mobile phone, number & coverage: Save $660 per year

Compare the best cheap T-Mobile phone plans

Best cheap Verizon phone plan

US Mobile 5GB data planFree Starter Kit with code: MSPUSM

Unlimitedmins

Unlimitedtexts

5 GB

4G/5G data

$15/mo

$3.00 per GB

See Deal

Powered by: Verizon & T-Mobile

Verizon unlimited phone plans

Verizon vs US Mobile Plan Comparison

Keep your Verizon phone, number & coverage: Save $780 per year

Compare the best cheap Verizon phone plans

Best cheap AT&T phone plan

Good2Go Mobile 3GB data plan* 50% Off for 3 Months

Unlimitedmins

Unlimitedtexts

3 GB

4G/5G data

$10/mo*

$20/mo

$6.67 per GB

See Deal

Powered by: AT&T & T-Mobile

AT&T unlimited phone plans

AT&T vs Good2Go Mobile Plan Comparison

Keep your AT&T phone, number & coverage: Save $690 per year

Compare the best cheap AT&T phone plans

Compare the best phone plans

Carrier 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

Source: Rootmetrics

Find Cheap Cell Phone Plans in Your AreaSee Deals

Cheap phone plan features

• 4G LTE data speeds: Since MVNOs operate on the big four 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.

Cell phone 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.
• 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.

Considerations when comparing phone plans

1. Coverage: check cell phone coverage maps and choose a carrier with strong 4G LTE signal in your area.
2. Cost: carriers offer a range of deals to suit different cell phone needs. Figure out what your needs will be. You might need lots of data and fancy features or a super basic plan might be more up your street.
3. Number of lines: if you need more than one line, compare family plans to find the best deal.
4. Features: each carrier will offer different extras. For example, you can find no contract phone plans with international calling, mobile hotspot usage, or add-ons for more data.
5. Device: a new plan can come with a new device, or you might want to bring your own phone. Check yours will work with a new carrier plan before switching.

Cheap phone companies list

How to switch to a cheaper phone plan

It's actually pretty simple to switch to a cheaper carrier.

1. Pick a carrier. Maybe you want one that runs on a specific network, like T-Mobile. Or maybe you're looking for mobile hotspot use and international calling. There's an MVNO for everyone.
2. 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 your stuff to your new phone is simple. Even if you're going from an iPhone to Android, and vice versa.
3. 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 bought a cell phone from your new carrier it should be ready to use when it arrives. If you're bringing your own phone you'll get a SIM card kit in the mail or in a store.

Bring your own phone & save your money

Why spend a bunch more money on a new phone if your current one is still in good condition?

Just make sure your phone is unlocked for use with a different carrier. Once you've checked phone compatibility with your new wireless provider you're good to go.

You'll get a prepaid SIM card either in the mail or in a store. Insert it in your device and follow the provider's instructions.

Just make sure you don't cancel your current phone plan until your new plan is active. Your phone number needs to be ported over first so you don't lose it.

Best cell phone deals

Best phone plans FAQs

Recap

Last things last. Dodge rising costs of cell phone plans and still get great quality.

There are so many low-cost carriers emerging in the wireless industry. They're eager to help you save hundreds of dollars each year.

You don't have to sacrifice cellular coverage you already know and trust. Each one is tailored toward specific needs. Finding that new, better 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.

Carrier	Best for...	Mins	Texts	Data	Price
Tello	Best no contract plan	Unlimited	Unlimited	1GB	$10/mo
Mint Mobile	Best unlimited plan	Unlimited	Unlimited	Unlimited	$30/mo
US Mobile	Best family plan	Unlimited	Unlimited	5GB	$15/mo
Ultra Mobile	Best 5G plan	Unlimited	Unlimited	2GB	$14/mo
Ting	Best talk & text plan	Unlimited	Unlimited	0GB	$10/mo
Twigby	Best senior plan	Unlimited	Unlimited	3GB	$20/mo
Red Pocket	Best kids plan	500	500	0.5GB	$10/mo
Good2Go Mobile	Best plan for one	Unlimited	Unlimited	3GB	$20/mo