In these uncertain times, the last thing you need is to be stressed by high cell phone bills.
So you'll be pleased to hear that there are much cheaper cell phone plans available that can save you up to $600 per line without sacrificing anything.
We're a group of cell phone geeks and we've analyzed the best cell phone plans from low-cost carriers so you can quickly find the best.
| Prepaid phone plan | Tello |
| Family phone plan | Mint Mobile |
| 5G phone plan | Mint Mobile |
| Unlimited data plan | Visible |
| Individual phone plan | Boost Mobile |
| 2 line phone plan | US Mobile |
| Student phone plan | Tello |
| Talk & text phone plan | Tello |
Best prepaid cell 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 cell phone plan for families
- Minutes
- Unlimited
- Texts
- Unlimited
- Data
- 4GB
- Price
- $15/mo** Only $45 for 3 Months 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 cell phone plan for 5G coverage
- Minutes
- 0
- Texts
- 0
- Data
- 10GB
- Price
- $20/mo** Only $60 for 3 Months Service
Mint Mobile 10GB plan includes 0 mins, 0 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 cell phone plan for unlimited data
- Minutes
- Unlimited
- Texts
- Unlimited
- Data
- Unlimited
- Price
- $30/mo
Visible Unlimited plan includes unlimited mins, unlimited texts and unlimited data for only $30 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 cell phone plan for one
- 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 cell phone plan for two
- Minutes
- Unlimited
- Texts
- Unlimited
- Data
- 12GB
- Price
- $20/mo* Free 10 Day Trial
US Mobile 12GB plan includes unlimited mins, unlimited texts and 12GB 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 cell 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
Best cell phone plan for talk & text
- Minutes
- Unlimited
- Texts
- Unlimited
- Data
- 0GB
- Price
- $8/mo
Tello 0GB plan includes unlimited mins, unlimited texts and 0GB data for only $8 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
Cell phone service plans
Cheap cell phone service 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 cell phone plan on T-Mobile
Unlimitedmins
Unlimitedtexts
10GB
4G/5G data
$20/mo*
$2 per GB
Powered by: T-Mobile
T-Mobile unlimited data plans
| Plan | Data | Monthly Price | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| T-Mobile Magenta | Unlimited | $70 | $840 |
| T-Mobile Magenta Max | Unlimited | $85 | $1,020 |
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 phone plans
Best cell phone plan on Verizon
Unlimitedmins
Unlimitedtexts
12GB
4G/5G data
$20/mo
$1.67 per GB
Powered by: Verizon & T-Mobile
Verizon unlimited data plans
| Plan | Data | Monthly Price | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Verizon Play More Unlimited | Unlimited | $80 | $960 |
| Verizon Do More Unlimited | Unlimited | $80 | $960 |
| Verizon Get More Unlimited | Unlimited | $90 | $1,080 |
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 | 12GB | $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 phone plans
Best cell phone plan on AT&T
Unlimitedmins
Unlimitedtexts
5GB
4G/5G data
$5/mo*
$15/mo
$3 per GB
Powered by: AT&T & T-Mobile
AT&T unlimited data plans
| Plan | Data | Monthly Price | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| AT&T Unlimited Extra | Unlimited | $75 | $900 |
| AT&T Unlimited Elite | Unlimited | $85 | $1,020 |
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 phone plans
Cheapest cell phone plans
| Carrier | Data | Network | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tello 1GB plan | 1GB | T-Mobile | $10 |
| Mint Mobile 4GB plan | 4GB | T-Mobile | $15** Only $45 for 3 Months Service |
| US Mobile 12GB plan | 12GB | Verizon & T-Mobile | $20* Free 10 Day Trial |
| Mint Mobile 15GB plan | 15GB | T-Mobile | $25** Only $75 for 3 Months Service |
| Visible unlimited data plan | Unltd | Verizon | $30 |
Best cell phone service
| 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
Cell phone plan features
- 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.
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.
Comparing cell phone plans
- Coverage: check cell phone coverage maps and choose a carrier with strong 4G LTE signal in your area.
- 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.
- Number of lines: if you need more than one line, compare family plans to find the best deal.
- 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.
- 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.
Switch to a cheap cell phone plan
It's actually pretty simple to switch to a cheaper carrier.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
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.
Cell phone carriers list
Best cell phone deals
| Phone | Carrier | Network | Monthly Price | Total Cost | Apple iPhone 11 | Red Pocket | AT&T 5G/4G LTE | $17/mo for 24 mths | $399 | Apple iPhone SE | Visible | Verizon 5G/4G LTE | $18/mo for 24 mths | $429 | Apple iPhone 12 mini | Mint Mobile | T-Mobile 5G/4G LTE | $20/mo for 24 mths | $479 | Apple iPhone 12 | Visible | Verizon 5G/4G LTE | $25/mo for 24 mths | $599 | Apple iPhone 13 mini | Visible | Verizon 5G/4G LTE | $25/mo for 24 mths | $599 | Apple iPhone 13 | Visible | Verizon 5G/4G LTE | $29/mo for 24 mths | $699 | Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max | Visible | Verizon 5G/4G LTE | $31/mo for 36 mths | $1,099 | Apple iPhone 12 Pro | Red Pocket | AT&T 5G/4G LTE | $33/mo for 24 mths | $799 | Apple iPhone 14 | Mint Mobile | T-Mobile 5G/4G LTE | $35/mo for 24 mths | $829 | Apple iPhone 13 Pro | Visible | Verizon 5G/4G LTE | $37/mo for 24 mths | $884 | Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max | Red Pocket | AT&T 5G/4G LTE | $37/mo for 24 mths | $899 | Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max | Visible | Verizon 5G/4G LTE | $41/mo for 24 mths | $980 | Apple iPhone 14 Pro | Mint Mobile | T-Mobile 5G/4G LTE | $42/mo for 24 mths | $999 | Apple iPhone SE (2nd Gen) | Unreal Mobile | AT&T 5G/4G LTE | - | $379 |
|---|
Best phone plans FAQs
Who has the best cell phone plans?
With MVNOs you can build a plan to suit you. Check the coverage in your area to find the best network. Then compare the best phone plans on their network.
Who has the best unlimited data plans?
Powered by AT&T, PureTalk offers a great value unlimited data plan. If that's not for you, check out more unlimited data plans.
What are the best no contract cell phone plans?
The best cell phone plans give you what you need from a phone whilst saving you money. And that's exactly what MVNOs offer.
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 | Prepaid phone plan | Unlimited | Unlimited | 1GB | $10/mo |
 Mint Mobile | Family phone plan | Unlimited | Unlimited | 4GB | $15/mo |
| Mint Mobile | 5G phone plan | 0 | 0 | 10GB | $20/mo |
 Visible | Unlimited data plan | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | $30/mo |
 Boost Mobile | Individual phone plan | Unlimited | Unlimited | 5GB | $15/mo |
 US Mobile | 2 line phone plan | Unlimited | Unlimited | 12GB | $20/mo |
| Tello | Student phone plan | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | $29/mo |
| Tello | Talk & text phone plan | Unlimited | Unlimited | 0GB | $8/mo |
