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.
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Looking to save money on a single-line cell phone plan?
Instead of paying $70-80 per month per line with a major carrier, save your dollars by opting for a multiple-line plan with a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO).
These low-cost carriers are rapidly gaining popularity as a great way to save money on your monthly bill, and because they're powered by the three major networks, you don't have to sacrifice coverage.
We've broken it down further for you below, including some of the best low-cost carriers for multiple lines that can save you up to $600 a year per line.
This 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
This US Mobile 2GB plan includes unlimited mins, unlimited texts and 2GB data for only $10 per month. US Mobile plans offers wireless coverage on the Verizon & T-Mobile 5G and 4G LTE networks. Read US Mobile review
This Boost Mobile 5GB plan includes unlimited mins, unlimited texts and 5GB data for only $5 per month. Boost Mobile plans offers wireless coverage on the AT&T & T-Mobile 5G and 4G LTE networks. Read Boost Mobile review
This Mint Mobile 15GB plan includes unlimited mins, unlimited texts and 15GB data for only $15 per month. Mint Mobile plans offers wireless coverage on the T-Mobile 5G and 4G LTE network. Read Mint Mobile review
This Boost Infinite Unlimited plan includes unlimited mins, unlimited texts and unlimited data for only $25 per month. Boost Infinite plans offers wireless coverage on the AT&T & T-Mobile 5G and 4G LTE networks. Read Boost Infinite review
Pros
Low price
Unlimited everything
International calling & roaming add ons
No overage charges
Mobile hotspot access
Cons
Only one plan
Additional features an extra cost
High-speed data capped at 30 GB
4.5 out of 5 overall
What are the benefits of low cost carriers?
MVNOs use the same coverage through a major carrier (AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon) by leasing both tower storage and space from the carrier.
This allows MVNOs to resell customizable plans with much lower overheads. Remember, they're just leasing the space they need to give you an alternative to paying the high cost of the "big three" carriers.
Excited by what you hear? The biggest benefit of all may be what doesn't happen: You aren't forced into long-term contracts for your two-line phone plan-no more signing off for the next 24-36 months. Instead, you can use your phone knowing that you can make changes month-to-month.
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 when you decide.
Same cell phone service: Just because you're paying less doesn't mean you have to scrimp on features. Plans with unlimited everything are easy to find from these prepaid carriers. Usually, a low-cost carrier plan comes with unlimited talk and text as standard, high-speed data, and even mobile hotspot data features.
Keep your phone and number: You can bring your own phone and keep your phone number. There's 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!
4G LTE & 5G data speeds: You'll pay less without sacrificing speed since MVNOs operate on the big three cellular networks. More and more are adding 5G coverage all the time so that 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 calling 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: Like the big guys, some MVNOs offer HD video streaming, while others don't.
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!
Talk and text plans: Don't need data? No problem with talk and text plans. Bonus, you'll save a ton of money if you're not paying for data!
MoneySavingPro reviewed the best value cell phone plans for 1 line 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.
Single line phone plan FAQs
Who has the best cell phone plan for 1 line?
MVNOs, operating on the big three wireless networks, provide the best value cell phone plans, with plans ranging from $5-30 per month.
Who has the best unlimited data plan for 1 line?
The best value unlimited data plan can be found with low-cost carriers such as Boost Mobile. With plans starting as low as $25 per line, however, unlimited never really means unlimited.
What is the cheapest phone plan for 1 line?
MVNOs offer the cheapest cell phone plans while still offering access to the main wireless networks. Carriers like Boost Mobile, Tello, and US Mobile have plans starting from around $5 per line.
Recap: What are the best single line phone plans?
MVNOs are becoming popular for saving money on your cell phone bill. Their phone plans offer massive savings, and discounts for each additional line on a multi-line plan make it a no-brainer!
You don't have to part with your hard-earned dollars to buy a new handset, as MVNOs encourage you to bring your phone.
Running on the same network as the three big guys, T-Mobile, Verizon, and AT&T, means you'll have access to the same nationwide coverage but with half-price plans. And with no contracts, if you're not happy, you can leave at any time.
