10 cheap cell phone plans: Starting at $5/month

Cheap phone plans with 5G & 4G LTE wireless coverage: Switch & save $600/yr
1GB 5G & 4G LTE data
T-Mobile network
$10 /mo
4GB 5G & 4G LTE data
Verizon network
$10 /mo* $20/mo

View Plan

* $10 Credit with Promo Code: MSP
5GB 5G & 4G LTE data
AT&T & T-Mobile networks
$5 /mo* $15/mo

View Plan

* $15 for 3 months service
20GB 5G & 4G LTE data
T-Mobile network
$15 /mo* $25/mo

View Plan

* Only $45 for 3 Months
Unlimited 5G & 4G LTE data
T-Mobile network
$15 /mo* $30/mo

View Plan

* Only $45 for 3 Months
US Mobile: 100 Days FREE Trial
99% coverage 4G & 5G speed Bring your phone No contracts
Tello 1GB plan

Unlimited mins

Unlimited texts

1GB

4G/5G data

$10 /mo

View Plan
T-Mobile wireless network
Twigby 4GB plan * $10 Credit with Promo Code: MSP

Unlimited mins

Unlimited texts

4GB

4G/5G data

$10 /mo*

$20/mo

View Plan
Verizon wireless network
Boost Mobile 5GB plan * $15 for 3 months service

Unlimited mins

Unlimited texts

5GB

4G/5G data

$5 /mo*

$15/mo

View Plan
AT&T & T-Mobile wireless networks
Mint Mobile 20GB plan * Only $45 for 3 Months

Unlimited mins

Unlimited texts

20GB

4G/5G data

$15 /mo*

$25/mo

View Plan
T-Mobile wireless network
Mint Mobile unlimited data plan * Only $45 for 3 Months

Unlimited mins

Unlimited texts

Unlimited

4G/5G data

$15 /mo*

$30/mo

View Plan
T-Mobile wireless network
Boost Infinite unlimited data plan * $25/mo Forever - No Price Increases

Unlimited mins

Unlimited texts

Unlimited

4G/5G data

$25 /mo*

View Plan
AT&T & T-Mobile wireless networks
US Mobile 2GB plan * 100 Days FREE Trial

Unlimited mins

Unlimited texts

2GB

4G/5G data

$12 /mo

View Plan
Verizon & T-Mobile wireless networks
Mint Mobile 15GB plan * Only $45 for 3 Months

Unlimited mins

Unlimited texts

15GB

4G/5G data

$15 /mo*

$20/mo

View Plan
T-Mobile wireless network
US Mobile 25GB plan * 100 Days FREE Trial

Unlimited mins

Unlimited texts

25GB

4G/5G data

$25 /mo

View Plan
Verizon & T-Mobile wireless networks
Boost Mobile unlimited data plan * 50% Off First Month

Unlimited mins

Unlimited texts

Unlimited

4G/5G data

$12.50 /mo*

$25/mo

View Plan
AT&T & T-Mobile wireless networks
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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.

Big savings, no compromises
Nationwide Coverage Powered by the major networks
Bring your own phone Keep your existing phone and number
5G & 4G data speeds Same fast speeds as the big guys
No contracts Flexible and commitment-free
Customize your plan Only pay for what you use
Buy online No need to visit a store
Lady floating over network logos
Stop the Unlimited Data Plan Rip Off!
Carrier Network Data Price   Annual  
AT&T AT&T 4G & 5G Unlimited* $75/mo $900/yr
Boost Mobile AT&T 4G & 5G Unlimited $25/mo $287.50/yr
*Avg. data usage only 3-5GB Savings $50/mo Savings $612.50/yr
By
Rob Webber
Rob Webber

Rob Webber

Founder

About Rob

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.

Rob's Expertise

5G wireless networks, cell phone plans, cell phone deals, MVNOs, internet services, tablets, comparison shopping, money saving, reviewing telecom products & services

- Last updated on May 29th, 2023

MoneySavingPro independently researches the products & services to bring you our recommendations. We may earn money when you click our links - disclosure policy.

Fed up with expensive monthly cell phone bills? You've come to the right place. At MoneySavingPro, we like to help you find the cheapest cost cell phone plan that saves you money.

You'll find the best cell phone plans with MVNOs (Mobile Virtual Network Operators). These low-cost carriers like Boost Mobile, Mint Mobile, Tello, and US Mobile are powered by the same major networks, so you don't need to worry about coverage.

Plus, they could save you up to $600 per year.

We've rounded up some of the best deals with MVNOs for you to compare to help you find the best phone plan for you.

10 Cheap Cell Phone Plans

The cheapest phone plans on the AT&T, Verizon & T-Mobile networks

Find cheap plans in your area
Tello SIM card vertical

Tello: Best cheap cell phone plan

T-Mobile wireless network coverage

Unlimited mins

Unlimited texts

1GB 4G/5G Data

$10/mo
5
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

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

Tello plans
  • Tello unlimited talk & text plan: $8/mo

  • Tello 1GB plan: $10/mo

  • Tello 2GB plan: $14/mo

  • Tello 5GB plan: $19/mo

  • Tello 10GB plan: $24/mo

  • Tello unlimited data plan: $29/mo

See Tello phone plans

US Mobile SIM card vertical

US Mobile: Best cheap phone plan for one

Verizon & T-Mobile wireless network coverage

Unlimited mins

Unlimited texts

2GB 4G/5G Data

$12/mo

* 100 Days FREE Trial

4.5
Pros
  • Flexible, no contract plans

  • 24/7 customer service

  • 5G coverage available

Cons
  • No international calling

  • Phone selection

US Mobile 2GB plan includes unlimited mins, unlimited texts and 2GB data for only $12 per month. US Mobile plans offers wireless coverage on the Verizon & T-Mobile 5G and 4G LTE networks. Read US Mobile review

US Mobile plans
  • US Mobile 500MB plan: $5/mo

  • US Mobile unlimited talk & text plan: $8/mo

  • US Mobile 2GB plan: $12/mo

  • US Mobile 5GB plan: $15/mo

  • US Mobile 15GB plan: $20/mo

  • US Mobile 25GB plan: $25/mo

  • US Mobile unlimited data plan: $35/mo

  • US Mobile unlimited data plan: $45/mo

See US Mobile phone plans

Boost Mobile SIM card vertical

Boost Mobile: Best cheap 5G plan

AT&T & T-Mobile wireless network coverage

Unlimited mins

Unlimited texts

5GB 4G/5G Data

$5/mo*

* $15 for 3 months service

4.5
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

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

Boost Mobile plans
  • Boost Mobile 5GB plan: $5/mo

  • Boost Mobile 1GB plan: $8/mo

  • Boost Mobile 2GB plan: $10/mo

  • Boost Mobile unlimited data plan: $12.50/mo

  • Boost Mobile 15GB plan: $20/mo

See Boost Mobile phone plans

Mint Mobile SIM card vertical

Mint Mobile: Best cheap family plan

T-Mobile wireless network coverage

Unlimited mins

Unlimited texts

15GB 4G/5G Data

$15/mo*

* Only $45 for 3 Months

4.5
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

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

Mint Mobile plans
  • Mint Mobile 20GB plan: $15/mo

  • Mint Mobile 15GB plan: $15/mo

  • Mint Mobile 5GB plan: $15/mo

  • Mint Mobile unlimited data plan: $15/mo

See Mint Mobile phone plans

Boost Infinite SIM card vertical

Boost Infinite: Best cheap unlimited data plan

AT&T & T-Mobile wireless network coverage

Unlimited mins

Unlimited texts

Unlimited 4G/5G Data

$25/mo*

* $25/mo Forever - No Price Increases

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

Boost Infinite plans
  • Boost Infinite unlimited data plan: $25/mo

See Boost Infinite phone plans

What are the benefits of low-cost phone carriers?

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

These carriers are called MVNOs or mobile virtual network operators. They provide service on one of the big wireless networks but at much lower prices.

  • 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. Providers like US Mobile offer perks and extras like free Apple Music or HBO Max.

  • No contracts: Getting stuck in a long-term commitment with an expensive carrier is no fun. This is not a problem with prepaid carriers.

  • 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.


The cheapest cell phone plan on T-Mobile

Mint Mobile 15GB plan * Only $45 for 3 Months

Unlimited mins

Unlimited texts

15GB

4G/5G data

$15 /mo*

$20/mo

T-Mobile wireless network

T-Mobile vs Mint Mobile comparison

Keep your T-Mobile phone, number & coverage: Save $615 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

15GB

$20/mo

$225/yr

*Don't waste money on unlimited data - Avg. data usage is only 3-5GB

Savings

$50/mo

$615/yr

Check out our review of the cheapest T-Mobile phone plans


The cheapest cell phone plan on Verizon

US Mobile 15GB plan * 100 Days FREE Trial

Unlimited mins

Unlimited texts

15GB

4G/5G data

$20 /mo

Verizon & T-Mobile wireless networks

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

15GB

$20/mo

$240/yr

*Don't waste money on unlimited data - Avg. data usage is only 3-5GB

Savings

$60/mo

$720/yr

Check out our review of the cheapest Verizon phone plans


The cheapest cell phone plan on AT&T

Boost Mobile unlimited data plan * 50% Off First Month

Unlimited mins

Unlimited texts

Unlimited

4G/5G data

$12.50 /mo*

$25/mo

AT&T & T-Mobile wireless networks

AT&T vs Boost Mobile comparison

Keep your AT&T phone, number & coverage: Save $612 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

Unlimited

$25/mo

$288/yr

*Don't waste money on unlimited data - Avg. data usage is only 3-5GB

Savings

$50/mo

$612/yr

Check out our review of the cheapest AT&T phone plans


How to choose the best cheap carrier

  • 4G LTE & 5G data speeds: Low-cost carriers operate on big wireless networks. This means you don't sacrifice speed when you switch. More and more are also adding 5G coverage all the time.

  • Unlimited talk and text messaging: Pretty much all small carriers give this as standard.

  • International calls to Canada and Mexico: Anyone wanting to keep in touch with loved ones abroad will want international features. Cheaper carriers offer great international phone plans. Most include free calling to certain countries like Canada and Mexico and discounted rates in other countries.

  • Multiline discounts: Smaller carriers offer some of the cheapest family cell phone plans, with deals the more lines you add.

  • Wi-Fi calling: Handy if you're in a signal shadow but have a WiFi connection, this feature allows you to make calls over the internet.

  • Tethering/hotspot data: Get more devices online and share your data allowance through your phone. Find a carrier with the best mobile hotspot plan.

  • HD video streaming: Like the big guys, some MVNOs offer HD video streaming, while others don't. If this is a must-have for you, reach out to the carrier's customer support and find out whether your plan includes this feature.

Carrier network coverage comparison

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 RootScore 2022 report

When it comes to 5G network coverage T-Mobile scores the highest according to the J.D. Power 2023 wireless network study.

Find the cheapest cell phone service in your area

Enter your zip code below to find the best cell phone service in your area.

Switch & Save $600 per year
Find Cheap Cell Phone Plans in Your Area

Carrier customer service comparison

CARRIER

TRUSTPILOT USER RATING

Reach Mobile TrustPilot score

4.9

Tello TrustPilot score

4.6

US Mobile TrustPilot score

4.6

T-Mobile TrustPilot score

1.5

Verizon TrustPilot score

1.3

AT&T TrustPilot score

1.2

What is the best type of phone plan for you?

  • Unlimited data plans: Unlimited talk and text are a pretty standard offering from low-cost carriers. And if you burn through data each month? Alternative carriers have got you covered with their unlimited plus plans. Switch to one of the cheapest unlimited data plans.

  • Family plans: Need multiple lines? A lot of MVNOs offer group plans. Compare the cheapest family phone plans. Some, like Mint Mobile, have an app that makes managing all your plans a breeze.

  • Bring your own phone plans: BYOP plans are the norm with alternative carriers, freeing you up to find a great deal on a cell phone elsewhere or keep your current device and save even more.

  • Phone plans for one person: You don't pay a premium for one line with cheaper carriers. Find phone plans for individuals.

  • Talk and text plans: If you don't need data, you can save a ton of money by opting for a cheap talk and text plan.

  • Data only plans: MVNOs are a great place to go for your tablet plan too. Find the cheapest data plan for your tablet or iPad.

  • Phone plans for kids: Alternative carriers make it super simple to customize your plan, making them ideal kids' plans. Browse the best phone plans for kids and tailor the plan. No nasty bill-shaped surprises at the end of the month.

  • Phone plans for seniors: Senior citizens often have different cell phone needs. Compare cheap cell phone plans for seniors for the perfect fit.

Compare the cheapest cell phone plans

Carrier

Network

Data

Price

Tello SIM card - Horizontal Tello

T-Mobile

1GB

$10/mo

Twigby SIM card - Horizontal Twigby

Verizon

4GB

$20/mo

Boost Mobile SIM card - Horizontal Boost Mobile

AT&T & T-Mobile

5GB

$15/mo

Mint Mobile SIM card - Horizontal Mint Mobile

T-Mobile

20GB

$25/mo

Mint Mobile SIM card - Horizontal Mint Mobile

T-Mobile

Unltd

$30/mo

To ensure you get the best phone deal, compare the cheapest phone plans from multiple low-cost carriers side by side.

How we picked the best cheap phone plans

MoneySavingPro reviewed the best cheap 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.


Cheap phone plans FAQs

What is the cheapest cell phone plan?

MVNOs offer the cheapest monthly cell phone plans. Powered by the major wireless networks, providing access to the same quality coverage but with plans starting as low as $5 per month.

What is the cheapest phone plan with unlimited everything?

Alternative carriers like Boost Mobile and Mint Mobile have unlimited monthly data plans ranging from just $25-30.


Recap: What is the cheapest cell phone service?

Finding the cheapest phone plan doesn't have to be hard work.

With alternative carriers operating on all the main networks, you'll find the same coverage with either Verizon, T-Mobile, or AT&T but at half the cost. You can bring your phone if you're happy with your current handset.

If you're looking for a multi-line plan, you can save even more money on a family phone plan with one of these low-cost carriers.

Powered by
4G/5G data
mins
texts
/mo
Same coverage - massive savings! YOU SAVE:
T-Mobile
Magenta - $70/mo
$840/yr
AT&T
Unlimited Extra - $75/mo
$900/yr
Verizon
Play More Unlimited - $80/mo
$960/yr
$0$17.5$35$52.5$70
Monthly cost
Average monthly data usage is only between 3-5GB
Avg. user rating
Benefits