Need a cheaper prepaid cell phone plan? We've got what you're looking for. At MoneySavingPro we're all about saving you money, without sacrificing the service you love.
We've analyzed all the plans out there for quality, taking into account everything from coverage to data allowance. You won't find plans from the bigger carriers here, because they don't offer the best value.
Instead, you'll find a great range of prepaid plans from Mobile Virtual Network Operators, MVNOs, for short. These alternatives offer cell phone plans on the same network as the big guys, but at a much better price. In fact, switching to a cheap prepaid plan could save you $600 per line annually.
Ready to find your next prepaid cell phone plan? Let's get into it.
| Prepaid wireless plan | Tello |
| Family wireless plan | US Mobile |
| Unlimited wireless plan | Mint Mobile |
| 5G wireless plan | Ultra Mobile |
| Senior wireless plan | Twigby |
| Kids wireless plan | Red Pocket |
| Individual wireless plan | Good2Go Mobile |
Cheapest prepaid wireless 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
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 prepaid wireless 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 prepaid wireless 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 prepaid 5G wireless phone plan
- 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 prepaid wireless plan for seniors
- Minutes
- Unlimited
- Texts
- Unlimited
- Data
- 3GB
- Price
- $10/mo** 50% Off for 6 Months
Twigby 3GB plan includes unlimited mins, unlimited texts and 3GB data for only $10 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 prepaid wireless phone plan for kids
- Minutes
- 500
- Texts
- 500
- Data
- 500MB
- Price
- $10/mo
Red Pocket 500MB plan includes 500 mins, 500 texts and 500MB data for only $10 per month. Red Pocket plans offer wireless coverage on the AT&T, 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 Red Pocket review
| Plan | Data | Price | View plan |
|---|---|---|---|
Red Pocket 500MB | 0.50GB | $10 | View Plan |
Red Pocket 3GB - 12 Mths | 3GB | $15* * $180 for 12 Months Service | View Plan |
3GB | $20 | View Plan | |
Red Pocket 10GB - 12 Mths | 10GB | $22.50* * $270 for 12 Months Service | View Plan |
Red Pocket 25GB - 12 Mths | 25GB | $30* * $360 for 12 Months Service | View Plan |
10GB | $30 | View Plan | |
Red Pocket 100GB - 12 Mths | 100GB | $37.50* * $450 for 12 Months Service | View Plan |
25GB | $40 | View Plan | |
100GB | $50 | View Plan |
Pros
Nationwide coverage
No contracts
Latest selection of phones
Cons
Account dashboard needs work
No 0% financing options on latest phones
Customer service
Benefits
Operates on all four networks - AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, and Verizon
Prepaid cell phone plans - no contract, credit check, or activation fees
Bring your own GSM or CDMA device and keep your phone number
Mobile hotspot/tethering allowed with your plan data
Free international calling to 70+ countries
Customer service available in English, Chinese, Filipino, and Spanish via chat or phone
Cheapest prepaid wireless phone plan for one
- 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
Cheap prepaid wireless plans in 2022
Cheap prepaid wireless plan benefits
- Same great nationwide coverage: These cell phone carriers operate on the very same networks as the big four 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 to with a no contract phone plan.
- Same cell phone service: Just because you're paying less, that 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. 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! Check out our carrier user reviews before switching.
Cheapest prepaid wireless 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 prepaid T-Mobile wireless plans
Cheapest wireless 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 prepaid Verizon wireless plans
Cheapest prepaid wireless 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 prepaid AT&T wireless plans
Cheapest prepaid wireless 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 |
Wireless carrier coverage
Which wireless carrier is best for you? The answer 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
Wireless 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 prepaid wireless plan features
- 4G LTE & 5G data speeds: Since MVNOs operate on the big four 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.
Cheap prepaid wireless plan types
- Unlimited plans: Most no contract plans will come with unlimited talk and text as standard. And unlimited data? Alternative carriers have got you covered. Data hungry users looking for unlimited plus plans will save serious money switching to an MVNO alternative. Check out some of the cheapest unlimited data plans out there. And if you're not sure how much data you need we've got a data usage calculator.
- Basic plans: Only use a cell phone to make a few calls, send a couple of messages and rarely go online? Opt for a simply prepaid plan. You get basic cell phone functions, an allowance for minutes of talk, and around 2GB of data. If you run out of anything, it's usually very easy to add on more.
- Family plans: If you're used to a plan giving you four lines or more, most MVNOs also offer group plans. Compare the cheapest family phone plans.
- Bring your own device plans: BYOD 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: You don't have to pay a premium rate for one line. In fact, people switching from a multi line plan find it's cheaper to switch to single line plans from an MVNO. Find the best phone plans for individuals.
- Talk and text only plans: Do you (or a loved one) need a basic phone plan? If you don't need data, these plans are ideal. Compare cheap talk and text plans and save a ton of money opting out of data.
- Tablet plans: It's not just no contract cell phone plans you'll find from these carriers. Find the cheapest data plan for your tablet or iPad.
- Kids plans: MVNOs offer the best phone plans for kids. You can manage the plan to include 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 and find the perfect match.
Cheap prepaid wireless companies list
Cheapest prepaid wireless phone prices
| Phone | Storage | Network | Condition | Price | Apple iPhone SE | 64GB | AT&T | New | $329 | Apple iPhone 11 | 64GB | T-Mobile | New | $499 | Apple iPhone 13 mini | 128GB | AT&T | New | $629 | Apple iPhone 12 | 64GB | AT&T | New | $629 | Apple iPhone 12 mini | 64GB | T-Mobile | New | $629 | Apple iPhone 13 | 128GB | AT&T | New | $729 | Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max | 128GB | AT&T | New | $899 | Apple iPhone 12 Pro | 256GB | AT&T | New | $899 | Apple iPhone 13 Pro | 128GB | AT&T | New | $899 | Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max | 128GB | AT&T | New | $999 |
|---|
Cheap prepaid wireless plans FAQs
How do prepaid wireless plans work?
A prepaid plan is a no contract cell phone plan that you pay in advance every month, and it gives you flexible and affordable plans without a lengthy contract.
Who has the cheapest wireless plan?
MVNOs like Tello, Twigby, and Ting offer a number of low cost plans starting as low as $10 for a basic plan.
What is the cheapest prepaid unlimited wireless plan?
If you need unlimited data then MVNOs offer the most affordable options. Low cost carriers like Mint Mobile and Tello offer unlimited plans starting from around $30.
Who has the best prepaid wireless plan?
The best is different for everyone, but the best value prepaid wireless plans are with low cost carriers like Red Pocket and US Mobile. They offer basic plans starting from $10.
Recap
Need more time to think? We get it. We've got a load of guides and tools you can use to figure out which plan will work best for you. Our data usage calculator will help you choose the perfect plan with a set amount of data. Take a look through our carrier guides, which will answer questions you might have about MVNOs.
And just to reiterate, you'll never scrimp on features or perks going for a new plan from a smaller carrier. Get cheap unlimited plans if that's a deal breaker for you. Or, if you're looking for a new cheap prepaid phone? We've covered that too.
Save even more by bringing your own phone, or opting for a refurbished device. Compare used phones to see how much you could save.
| Carrier | Best for... | Mins | Texts | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Tello | Prepaid wireless plan | Unlimited | Unlimited | 1GB | $10/mo |
 US Mobile | Family wireless plan | Unlimited | Unlimited | 5GB | $15/mo |
 Mint Mobile | Unlimited wireless plan | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | $30/mo |
 Ultra Mobile | 5G wireless plan | Unlimited | Unlimited | 2GB | $14/mo |
 Twigby | Senior wireless plan | Unlimited | Unlimited | 3GB | $20/mo |
 Red Pocket | Kids wireless plan | 500 | 500 | 500MB | $10/mo |
 Good2Go Mobile | Individual wireless plan | Unlimited | Unlimited | 3GB | $25/mo |
