In these uncertain times, the last thing you need is to be stung by your cell phone. Money savers and bargain hunters, welcome. You're in the right place. Find your next cheap prepaid cell phone plan from a low-cost carrier here.
With prepaid plans, you choose a package with set features and pay at the beginning of the month. You can pick from a range of plans including set data plus unlimited talk and text, or get unlimited data if you need it.
We've analyzed the best, cheap prepaid cell phone plans out there for you to choose from.
Cheap prepaid cell phone service
Tello 1GB plan: Cheapest prepaid phone plan
Boost Mobile 5GB plan: Cheapest prepaid plan for one
Mint Mobile 4GB plan: Cheapest prepaid plan for 5G coverage
US Mobile 15GB plan: Cheapest prepaid plan for families
Mint Mobile Unlimited plan: Cheapest prepaid plan for unlimited data
Cheapest prepaid 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.
| Plan | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|
Tello Unlimited Talk & Text | 0GB | $8 |
Tello 1GB | 1GB | $10 |
Tello 2GB | 2GB | $14 |
Tello 5GB | 5GB | $19 |
Tello 10GB | 10GB | $24 |
Tello Unlimited Data | Unlimited | $29 |
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
Cheapest prepaid 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.
| Plan | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|
Boost Mobile 5GB | 5GB | $5* * 66% Off for 3 Months |
Boost Mobile 1GB - 12 Mths | 1GB | $8* * $100 for 1 year service |
Boost Mobile 15GB | 15GB | $20* * $240 for 1 year service |
Boost Mobile Unlimited Data | Unlimited | $25 |
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
Cheapest prepaid plan for 5G coverage
- Minutes
- Unlimited
- Texts
- Unlimited
- Data
- 4GB
- Price
- $15/mo
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.
| Plan | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|
Mint Mobile 4GB | 4GB | $15 |
Mint Mobile 10GB | 10GB | $20 |
Mint Mobile 15GB | 15GB | $25 |
Mint Mobile Unlimited Data | Unlimited | $30 |
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
Cheapest prepaid plan for families
- Minutes
- Unlimited
- Texts
- Unlimited
- Data
- 15GB
- Price
- $20/mo* FREE 10-Day Trial
US Mobile 15GB plan includes unlimited mins, unlimited texts and 15GB data for only $20 per month. US Mobile plans offer wireless coverage on the Verizon & T-Mobile 5G and 4G LTE networks.
| Plan | Data | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
US Mobile 500MB | 500MB | $5 | ||
US Mobile Unlimited Talk & Text | 0GB | $8 | ||
US Mobile 2GB | 2GB | $12 | ||
US Mobile 5GB | 5GB | $15 | ||
US Mobile 15GB | 15GB | $20 | ||
US Mobile 25GB | 25GB | $25 | ||
US Mobile Unlimited Data Basic | Unlimited | $35 | ||
US Mobile Unlimited Data Premium | Unlimited | $45 | ||
* FREE 10-Day Trial | ||||
Pros
Flexible, no contract plans
24/7 customer service
5G coverage available
Cons
No international calling
Phone selection
Cheapest prepaid plan for unlimited data
- Minutes
- Unlimited
- Texts
- Unlimited
- Data
- Unlimited
- Price
- $30/mo
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.
| Plan | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|
Mint Mobile 4GB | 4GB | $15 |
Mint Mobile 10GB | 10GB | $20 |
Mint Mobile 15GB | 15GB | $25 |
Mint Mobile Unlimited Data | Unlimited | $30 |
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
Prepaid phone plans comparison
| Carrier | Data | Network | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tello 1GB plan | 1GB | T-Mobile | $10/mo |
| Mint Mobile 4GB plan | 4GB | T-Mobile | $15/mo |
| Lycamobile 12GB plan | 12GB | T-Mobile | $5/mo** Only $5 for First 3 Months |
| US Mobile 15GB plan | 15GB | Verizon & T-Mobile | $20/mo* FREE 10-Day Trial |
| Mint Mobile Unlimited plan | Unltd | T-Mobile | $30/mo |
What are the benefits of a prepaid phone plan?
We love Mobile Virtual Network Operators or MVNOs. If you're looking for cheap cell phone plans, they're the best route to go down.
Want to stay on the same network, keep your phone and number, plus get greater flexibility?
Yep. You've got it. Forget the major carriers. Plans include everything you need but come at a much better price with an MVNO.
- Save money: With carriers like Boost Mobile and Red Pocket, you'll get a choice of the best prepaid phones plans. Mobile Virtual Network Operators can help you save hundreds of dollars on your monthly cell phone bill.
- National wireless coverage: Powered by the same major US networks, there's a choice of AT&T prepaid SIM card, Verizon prepaid SIM card, or T-Mobile prepaid SIM card deals with great coverage. If you're not sure which network has good coverage in your area you can check our coverage map.
- No contracts: With no more long-term 24 or 12-month contracts you can take control of your cell phone bill with the best cheap prepaid cell phone plans from a Mobile Virtual Network Operator.
- Phone upgrades: If you're looking for a new phone with your plan, you can bundle it with the cheapest prepaid phone plans. Choose to purchase an unlocked phone upfront, or choose a phone with an affordable monthly cost. There's a variety of phones including the latest smartphones.
- Fast data speeds: Operating on the same US networks, means you'll receive their 4G LTE speeds and 5G access, where it's available. Ideal for your streaming and gaming needs.
- Buy online: Being online-based, it's easy to choose and purchase the cheapest prepaid SIM card to suit your needs. You'll be up and running within a few days.
- Multiline discounts: Looking for two, three, four, or more lines? No matter how many lines you need you'll find the best prepaid family phone plans with MVNOs. Most offer additional discounts when you add multiple lines with discounts per line added.
- Unlimited plans: Depending on the amount of data you want, if unlimited is a priority you can get the best prepaid unlimited data plans that include unlimited calls and unlimited texting, with prices starting as low as $30 per month.
- Mobile hotspot: Get high-speed hotspot data from the best prepaid hotspot plans with low-cost carriers. Giving you peace of mind you can stay connected if there's no Wi-Fi when you're away from home.
- International calls: Some MVNOs offer international options, including calls to Mexico and Canada.
What is the cheapest prepaid plan on 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: T-Mobile prepaid plans
What is the cheapest prepaid plan on Verizon?
Unlimitedmins
Unlimitedtexts
5GB
4G/5G data
$15/mo
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: Verizon prepaid plans
What is the cheapest prepaid plan on AT&T?
Unlimitedmins
Unlimitedtexts
5GB
4G/5G data
$5/mo*
$15/mo
Powered by: AT&T & T-Mobile
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: AT&T prepaid plans
What features do prepaid plans offer?
- 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.
- 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.
Do prepaid plans have good network coverage?
Yes, all prepaid carriers operate on at least one of the big wireless networks, so you will get the same 5G and 4G LTE coverage.
| 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
Which prepaid plans are available in my area?
Enter your zip code below to find the best prepaid phone plans in your area.
Do prepaid carriers have good customer service?
Concerned that low-cost carriers won't have good customer service? Don't be, on average MVNOs score much higher customer ratings than the big networks as you'll see in the comparison chart below:
| 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 |
What types of prepaid plans are available?
- 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.
- 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 prepaid phone plans
Of all the prepaid plans we've covered, only a handful will be a perfect fit. There are a ton of features to compare, and so much choice can be overwhelming.
That's where we come in.
We break down the most up-to-date industry knowledge and building tools to give you a clearer idea of how you're using your phone. Knowing which features you really need will help narrow your search. Here are some things to consider when comparing plans.
Coverage
It's a complete myth that coverage is worse with a smaller carrier. Alternative carriers use the exact same network infrastructure as the big guys. They piggyback off the same towers, which power the same coverage. Switching won't mean you get poorer quality service.
Coverage is personal. Perhaps you love the coverage you get from your current provider. Whether you're with T-Mobile or Sprint, AT&T or Verizon, there are lots of low-cost alternatives operating on the same network.
If you're not happy with your coverage, put your ZIP code into our coverage checker to see which carrier will give you the best service.
Data allowance
Figuring out how much data you need will also help you narrow down the search for the perfect plan. Once you've worked out how much you need, you'll know whether to pay more for unlimited or save big with a set data plan.
If you plan on using your cell phone for high-data activities, streaming HD video, or as a mobile hotspot home internet, for example, opting for a larger data allowance makes sense. Many low-cost alternatives have unlimited plans. Mint Mobile, Tello, US Mobile, and Red Pocket to name a few. Data speeds with these carriers are the same as you'd expect from the big networks.
However, we're not fans of unlimited data plans. Why pay a premium for something you don't need? Use our data calculator to see how much you need. If, like most people, you only really need around 3 to 5GB, opting for a set-data amount will save you even more.
Perks and add ons
It's not just the big guys offering additional perks. Many carriers come with different bonuses and features as standard. Unlimited talk and text come with most, some carriers will offer sign-up bonuses, multi-month discounts when you opt for three months, and cashback guarantees. Others have additional international features like unlimited international minutes, but there'll be a small additional cost.
Number of lines
Many alternative carriers offer multi-line plans, but not all of them. Whether you're looking to switch a single line, or multiple lines will help you to narrow down your comparison search.
Some, like Mint Mobile, come with an intuitive app for you to manage all of these accounts. Switching multiple lines from your current carrier to a low-cost alternative is seamless.
How to buy a cheap prepaid phone plan
It's never been easier to switch. Let's break it down.
- Customize your plan. Whether you're looking for a truly unlimited plan, or in the market for something more basic, choose a plan to suit your cell phone needs.
- 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 data from one to another is simple. Even if you're going from an iPhone to an 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've got a new device with your Tello plan, it should be ready to use when it arrives. If you're bringing your own phone then you'll need to follow the instructions with the new SIM card kit that Tello will send to you in the post.
How to switch to a cheap prepaid phone plan
You need simplicity in your life. The great thing about MVNOs is that switching carriers is easy.
You need an unlocked phone (meaning your carrier has released it for use on another network). Once you've checked with your new provider about phone compatibility the rest is a breeze.
Most low-cost carriers simply provide you with a prepaid SIM card. You pop it into your mobile phone and follow the provider's instructions. Just make sure you don't cancel your current phone plan until you've ported your phone number over to the new carrier.
Cheapest prepaid phones
| Device | 64GB | 128GB | 256GB |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apple iPhone SE | $18/mo | $20/mo | $24/mo |
| Apple iPhone 13 mini | - | $26/mo | $30/mo |
| Apple iPhone 13 | - | $30/mo | $35/mo |
| Apple iPhone 12 Pro | - | $33/mo | $37/mo |
| Apple iPhone 14 | - | $35/mo | - |
| Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max | - | $37/mo | - |
Cheap prepaid plans FAQs
Who has the cheapest prepaid unlimited plan?
The Tello unlimited data plan costs just $29 per month and runs on the T-Mobile 4G LTE & 5G network. Compare the best unlimited data plans.
What is the cheapest prepaid cell phone plan?
Low-cost carriers, such as Mint Mobile, US Mobile, Tello, and Boost Mobile offer cheap prepaid phone plans between $5-$30 per month.
Recap
Phew! So there you have it, a run-through of all the best prepaid plans out there. By switching to one of these, you can dodge rising costs of cell phone plans from the big carriers. For every $80 per month plan from the big carriers, there's one from an alternative carrier for around half that.
Check out our MVNO list which includes all the wireless carriers emerging within the industry. Offering cheap cell phone plans, they'll help you save hundreds of dollars each year.
With so many plans on offer from low-cost carriers, you can find one which is tailored toward specific needs. Need to make regular calls to Mexico and Canada? Not a problem. Don't want to pay big each month for unlimited talk? These MVNOs have got you covered.
MoneySavingPro methodology for evaluating the best prepaid plans
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 | Cheapest prepaid plan | Unlimited | Unlimited | 1GB | $10/mo |
 Boost Mobile | Prepaid single line plan | Unlimited | Unlimited | 5GB | $15/mo |
 Mint Mobile | Prepaid 5G plan | Unlimited | Unlimited | 4GB | $15/mo |
 US Mobile | Prepaid family plan | Unlimited | Unlimited | 15GB | $20/mo |
| Mint Mobile | Prepaid unlimited plan | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | $30/mo |
