If you're not ready to upgrade your cell phone, a cheap bring your own phone plan could save you up to $600 a year.
MVNOs - Mobile Virtual Network Operators, provide low cost plans across US networks so you'll receive the same quality coverage you're used to at a fraction of the price.
Most of the carriers encourage you to BYOP, so check out the below list to find the best bring your own phone plan for you.
| Cheap prepaid plan | Tello |
| Cheap family plan | US Mobile |
| Cheap unlimited plan | Mint Mobile |
| Cheap 5G plan | Boost Mobile |
| Cheap talk & text plan | Twigby |
| Cheap senior plan | Reach Mobile |
| Cheap kids plan | PureTalk |
| Cheap individual plan | Good2Go Mobile |
| Cheap SIM card | Ultra Mobile |
| Cheap hotspot plan | Mint Mobile |
Cheapest BYOP prepaid 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
24/7 customer support
No contracts
Budget friendly family plans
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
Cheapest BYOP plan for families
- Minutes
- Unlimited
- Texts
- Unlimited
- Data
- 5GB
- Price
- $15/moFree Starter Kit with code: MSPUSM
US Mobile 5GB plan includes unlimited mins, unlimited texts and 5GB data for only $15 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
Cheapest BYOP plan for unlimited data
- Minutes
- Unlimited
- Texts
- Unlimited
- Data
- Unlimited
- Price
- $30/mo** Buy 3 Months Get 1 Free
Mint Mobile Unlimited plan includes unlimited mins, unlimited texts and unlimited data for only $30 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
Cheapest 5G BYOP plan
- Minutes
- Unlimited
- Texts
- Unlimited
- Data
- 15GB
- Price
- $20/mo** $240 for 1 year service
Boost Mobile 15GB plan includes unlimited mins, unlimited texts and 15GB data for only $20 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
New customers & Online only
No annual contract
Free SIM Kit ($9.99 value)
Free Shipping ($4.99 value)
Works w/ most Unlocked GSM Phones
Cons
Coverage in rural areas
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
Cheapest talk & text BYOP plan
- Minutes
- Unlimited
- Texts
- Unlimited
- Data
- 0GB
- Price
- $6.50/mo** 50% Off for 6 Months
Twigby 0GB plan includes unlimited mins, unlimited texts and 0GB data for only $6.50 per month. Twigby 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 Twigby review
Pros
No hotspot/tethering charges
International calling and texting
4G LTE coverage
Exclusive deals and discounts as a Twigby customer
Cons
Limited handset selection
Not for the data hungry
Benefits
Runs on both the Verizon and Sprint networks
30-day money-back satisfaction guarantee on phones and plans (under 300 minutes, 300 texts, or 300 MB of data used)
Prepaid - no contracts, credit checks, or activation fees
Bring your CDMA device or choose from a modest selection of Twigby phones
Keep your own phone number
Use your phone and plan data as a mobile hotspot
Use your plan minutes to call Canada, China, and Mexico
Free international texting to over 180 countries
US-based chat support available weekdays 7am to 9pm CST and 10am to 6pm on weekends
Cheapest BYOP plan for seniors
- Minutes
- Unlimited
- Texts
- Unlimited
- Data
- 2GB
- Price
- $10/mo** $10 Off First 3 Months
Reach Mobile 2GB plan includes unlimited mins, unlimited texts and 2GB data for only $10 per month. Reach 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 Reach Mobile review
Pros
5G coverage available
24/7 live customer support with helpful humans
No contract, no bulk-order commitment
Hotspot enabled
A socially conscious provider who gives back
Cons
Small selection of handsets
Benefits
Powered by the Verizon network
Service is postpaid with no credit check
Only upfront payment is shipping for SIM card
Bring your own compatible phone
Keep your phone number
Hotspot enabled on all plans
24/7 customer support by phone or chat
Cheapest BYOP plan for kids
- Minutes
- Unlimited
- Texts
- Unlimited
- Data
- 2GB
- Price
- $15/mo** 25% Off for 3 Months
PureTalk 2GB plan includes unlimited mins, unlimited texts and 2GB data for only $15 per month. PureTalk plans offer wireless coverage on the AT&T 5G and 4G LTE network. To learn more about why this is one of the best cell phone plans, check out MoneySavingPro's PureTalk review
Pros
4G LTE coverage
Multi-month discounts
US based customer service
Cons
No 0% finance plans for new phones
May slow speeds at busy times
Benefits
Service provided on the AT&T network
Prepaid service - no contract, credit check, or activation fee
30-day risk-free guarantee on plans- cancel within your first 30 days or 500 minutes/500 MB of data to receive a refund for your plan charges
Bring your own compatible GSM phone or buy a PureTalk USA phone
Keep your phone number
Mobile hotspot/tethering permitted
International calling available as an add-on calling card
Customer support available by phone 9am - 10pm EST weekdays and 12pm - 9pm weekends
Cheapest BYOP plan for individuals
- Minutes
- Unlimited
- Texts
- Unlimited
- Data
- 3GB
- Price
- $12.50/mo** 50% Off for 3 Months
Good2Go Mobile 3GB plan includes unlimited mins, unlimited texts and 3GB data for only $12.50 per month. Good2Go 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 Good2Go Mobile review
Pros
4G LTE coverage
No contract
No credit checks
Cons
No unlimited data options
No app interface
Benefits
Coverage on the nationwide AT&T & T-Mobile networks
Prepaid cell phone plans - no contract, credit check, or activation fee
Bring your own phone or buy a Good2Go Mobile phone
Mobile hotspot/tethering not supported
International calling to over 60 countries available as affordable plan add-on; calling to other countries via add-on calling card
Customer service available by phone 7am - 1am EST every day
Cheapest prepaid SIM card
- Minutes
- Unlimited
- Texts
- Unlimited
- Data
- 2GB
- Price
- $14/mo** $168 for 12 Months Service
Ultra Mobile 2GB plan includes unlimited mins, unlimited texts and 2GB data for only $14 per month. Ultra 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 Ultra Mobile review
| Plan | Data | Price | View plan |
|---|---|---|---|
Ultra Mobile 250MB - 12 Mths | 0.25GB | $10* * $120 for 12 Months Service | View Plan |
2GB | $14* * $168 for 12 Months Service | View Plan | |
3GB | $20* * $240 for 12 Months Service | View Plan | |
6GB | $25* * $300 for 12 Months Service | View Plan | |
15GB | $30* * $360 for 12 Months Service | View Plan | |
Unlimited | $40* * $480 for 12 Months Service | View Plan |
Pros
Simple account dashboard
Unlimited international talk and text
Nationwide coverage
Cons
Customer service
Benefits
Coverage provided on the nationwide T-Mobile network
Prepaid service - no contract, credit check, or activation fee
Bring your own compatible GSM phone or buy one from Ultra Mobile
Mobile hotspot use supported
Unlimited global texting and unlimited calling to 80+ countries
International roaming credits available in $5, $10, or $20 denominations
International plan tier comes with uTalk - a feature that gives you up to 1250 bonus minutes to your choice of 39 additional destinations
Customer service available by phone, email, and chat from 6am to 6pm every day
Cheapest BYOD hotspot plan
- Minutes
- 0
- Texts
- 0
- Data
- 10GB
- Price
- $20/mo** Buy 3 Months Get 1 Free
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
Cheap BYOP plans in 2022
Cheap BYOP plan benefits
- Same great nationwide coverage: Operating on the very same networks as the big guys, alternative cell phone carriers give you the coverage you can rely on.
- Much lower prices: Save up to $600 per year on your cell phone plan. How come MVNOs are cheaper? They don't have the huge overhead and advertising costs the big guys do.
- No contracts: You can forget getting stuck in a two-year agreement. You decide when to switch carriers with a no contract phone plan.
- Same cell phone service: You may be paying less, but this doesn't mean you're sacrificing great features. You can find unlimited everything plans easily. Usually, a no contract cell phone plan comes with unlimited talk and text as standard, high speed data, and mobile hotspot data features.
- Keep your phone and number: Bring your own phone, keep your phone number and cut out pricey device payments.
- Customize your plan: There's a huge amount of choice. Decide how much data you need, opt for unlimited or no data, unlimited data plans come at a much better price with an alternative carrier. Choose to pay as you go, minimal minutes, or unlimited talk text and data. You can pick a plan to fit your budget and your usage - not one your carrier says you need.
- Great customer support: Happy customers are what smaller mobile providers want. And they're known for giving them their full attention. You can forget feeling like an anonymous number, lost in the crowd. Check our carrier user reviews before switching.
Cheapest BYOP plan on T-Mobile
Unlimitedmins
Unlimitedtexts
4GB
4G/5G data
$15/mo*
$3.75 per GB
Powered by: T-Mobile
T-Mobile vs Mint Mobile comparison
Keep your T-Mobile phone, number & coverage: Save $660 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 | 4GB | $15/mo | $180/yr |
| *Don't waste money on unlimited data - Avg. data usage is only 3-5GB | Savings | $55/mo | $660/yr | |
Compare: cheap T-Mobile BYOP plans
Cheapest BYOP plan on Verizon
Unlimitedmins
Unlimitedtexts
5GB
4G/5G data
$15/mo
$3.00 per GB
Powered by: Verizon & T-Mobile
Verizon vs US Mobile comparison
Keep your Verizon phone, number & coverage: Save $780 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 | 5GB | $15/mo | $180/yr |
| *Don't waste money on unlimited data - Avg. data usage is only 3-5GB | Savings | $65/mo | $780/yr | |
Compare: cheap Verizon BYOP plans
Cheapest BYOP plan on AT&T
Unlimitedmins
Unlimitedtexts
3GB
4G/5G data
$12.50/mo*
$25/mo
$8.33 per GB
Powered by: AT&T & T-Mobile
AT&T vs Good2Go Mobile comparison
Keep your AT&T phone, number & coverage: Save $637 per year
| Carrier | Network Coverage | 4G/5G Data | Price | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AT&T | AT&T 4G & 5G | Unltd* | $75/mo | $900/yr |
| Good2Go Mobile | AT&T 4G & 5G | 3GB | $25/mo | $263/yr |
| *Don't waste money on unlimited data - Avg. data usage is only 3-5GB | Savings | $50/mo | $637/yr | |
Compare: cheap AT&T BYOP plans
Best cheap bring your own phone plans
| Carrier | Network | Minutes | Texts | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reach Mobile | T-Mobile | Unltd | Unltd | 2GB | $10** $10 Off First 3 Months |
| Twigby | Verizon | Unltd | Unltd | 5GB | $12.50** 50% Off for 6 Months |
| Mint Mobile | T-Mobile | Unltd | Unltd | 10GB | $20** Buy 3 Months Get 1 Free |
| US Mobile | Verizon & T-Mobile | Unltd | Unltd | 18GB | $25Free Starter Kit with code: MSPUSM |
| Mint Mobile | T-Mobile | Unltd | Unltd | Unltd | $30** Buy 3 Months Get 1 Free |
BYOP carrier coverage
Which BYOP carrier is best for you? The answer massively depends on which network gives you the best coverage where you are.
You'll choose between a GSM carrier (powered by T-Mobile and AT&T) or a CDMA carrier (piggybacking on Verizon Wireless), you'll enjoy the national coverage you'd expect from the big carriers.
Network performance ratings
| 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
BYOP carrier customer service
It's a myth that customer care is worse with an alternative carrier. On average MVNOs score much, much higher for customer satisfaction than big networks. Take a look at the comparison chart here to see what we're getting at.
| CARRIER | TRUSTPILOT USER RATING |
|---|---|
| Reach Mobile | 4.9 |
| Tello | 4.6 |
| US Mobile | 4.6 |
| T-Mobile | 1.5 |
| Verizon | 1.3 |
| AT&T | 1.2 |
Cheap BYOP 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Bring your own phone to a cheap carrier
Most, if not all, MVNOs welcome bringing in your phone. In fact, several MVNOs often provide incentives to bringing your own phone. For instance, if you bring your own iPhone to Virgin Mobile (or buy an iPhone from them, but hey, even bringing in your iPhone qualifies you for this), you'll be able to enjoy six months of the unlimited Inner Circle plan - meaning unlimited talk, text, and data - for $1 per month.
There are several benefits to consider when switching to an MVNO that offers BYOP:
- You'll be able to keep your phone number: As mentioned previously, when you switch to another carrier, you'll be able to keep not only your phone number but also your contacts.
- It's easy to switch: While the process may be different for each carrier, you should be able to switch carriers by going to the website and activating new SIM card with the carrier. You may also have the option of calling or chatting with the provider to activate your phone.
- It's cost-saving: You'll be able to save a lot more with an MVNO compared to the big four. Whereas you could be paying hundreds of dollars for your cell phone bill with any one of the big carriers, you'll be able to save far more with many of the plans offered by MVNOs.
Cheap BYOP carriers list
How to activate your phone with you new carrier
- You must first verify that your phone is unlocked. If you don't, make sure to unlock your phone with your current carrier or buy an unlocked phone. For more information, you can always read our guide on how to unlock your phone. Fortunately, it's completely legal nowadays to unlock phones.
- You then bring in a phone that is compatible with the carrier you're either switching to or currently with.
- Typically, you then buy an activation kit, which would include the carrier's BYOP SIM card, and select a service for your phone.
- Finally, you activate the phone with the service you have chosen with the carrier.
Cheap BYOP plans FAQs
What are the best phone carriers?
The best carrier depends on a number of factors including coverage, price, and features. MVNOs are the best value for money, and by operating on the major US networks you'll receive the same coverage with plans starting as low as $10 a month.
Who has the best cell phone plan?
It will be different for everyone depending on needs and affordability. But low cost carriers like US Mobile and PureTalk offer plans starting from $10 while still providing you access to the same nationwide coverage you're used to.
What is the cheapest prepaid phone plan?
Alternative carriers like Ting, Tello, and Mint Mobile have the cheapest prepaid cell phone plans. They operate on the same network as the big three, but offer plans at half the price.
Recap
Finding a cheap BYOP plan is easy with alternative carriers like Red Pocket Mobile and PureTalk.
There's a large selection to choose from, offering a variety of affordable plans suitable whatever your needs.
Deciding on the best plan for you can depend on cell phone coverage in your area and making sure your phone is compatible. You can check if your phone is compatible with our IMEI checker.
https://www.moneysavingpro.com/carriers/imei-checker/
| Carrier | Best for... | Mins | Texts | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Tello | Cheap prepaid plan | Unlimited | Unlimited | 1GB | $10/mo |
 US Mobile | Cheap family plan | Unlimited | Unlimited | 5GB | $15/mo |
 Mint Mobile | Cheap unlimited plan | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | $30/mo |
 Boost Mobile | Cheap 5G plan | Unlimited | Unlimited | 15GB | $20/mo |
 Twigby | Cheap talk & text plan | Unlimited | Unlimited | 0GB | $13/mo |
 Reach Mobile | Cheap senior plan | Unlimited | Unlimited | 2GB | $20/mo |
 PureTalk | Cheap kids plan | Unlimited | Unlimited | 2GB | $20/mo |
 Good2Go Mobile | Cheap individual plan | Unlimited | Unlimited | 3GB | $25/mo |
 Ultra Mobile | Cheap SIM card | Unlimited | Unlimited | 2GB | $14/mo |
| Mint Mobile | Cheap hotspot plan | 0 | 0 | 10GB | $20/mo |
