By Rob Webber - Last updated on
MoneySavingPro independently researches the products & services to bring you our recommendations. We may earn money when you click our links - disclosure policy.
With plans starting from around $11 per month, you'll find plenty of cheap wireless plans with low-cost carriers, also known as MVNOs.
These carriers such as PureTalk, Twigby and US Mobile, still provide all the same features and cell phone coverage as a plan with the big three, but at a fraction of the cost.
Becoming more popular over the last few years, MVNOs could save you up to $600 per year on your cell phone bill. They can pass on their savings to you, because without physical stores, sales staff and advertising or sponsorships they don't have the large overheads.
Check out all the great deals below to find the best wireless plans for your needs.
Best cheap wireless plan on Verizon
Unlimited mins
Unlimited texts
5GB
4G/5G data
$15 /mo
Powered by: Verizon & T-Mobile
Verizon wireless plans comparison
Plan | Data | Monthly Price | Annual Cost |
---|---|---|---|
Verizon Play More Unlimited | Unlimited | $80 | $960 |
Verizon Do More Unlimited | Unlimited | $80 | $960 |
Verizon Get More Unlimited | Unlimited | $90 | $1,080 |
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 wireless plans
Best cheap wireless plan on T-Mobile
Unlimited mins
Unlimited texts
4GB
4G/5G data
$15 /mo*
Powered by: T-Mobile
T-Mobile wireless plans comparison
Plan | Data | Monthly Price | Annual Cost |
---|---|---|---|
T-Mobile Magenta | Unlimited | $70 | $840 |
T-Mobile Magenta Max | Unlimited | $85 | $1,020 |
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 wireless plans
Best cheap wireless plan on AT&T
Unlimited mins
Unlimited texts
6GB
4G/5G data
$25 /mo*
Powered by: AT&T & T-Mobile
AT&T wireless plans comparison
Plan | Data | Monthly Price | Annual Cost |
---|---|---|---|
AT&T Unlimited Extra | Unlimited | $75 | $900 |
AT&T Unlimited Elite | Unlimited | $85 | $1,020 |
AT&T vs Good2Go Mobile comparison
Keep your AT&T phone, number & coverage: Save $600 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 | 6GB | $25/mo | $300/yr |
*Don't waste money on unlimited data - Avg. data usage is only 3-5GB | Savings | $50/mo | $600/yr |
Compare: cheap AT&T wireless plans
Wireless plan features
- 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.
- 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.
Best wireless phone plans
Unlimited mins
Unlimited texts
5GB
4G/5G data
$15 /mo
Powered by: Verizon & T-Mobile
Unlimited mins
Unlimited texts
Unlimited
4G/5G data
$30 /mo*
Powered by: T-Mobile
Unlimited mins
Unlimited texts
2GB
4G/5G data
$19 /mo
Powered by: T-Mobile
Unlimited mins
Unlimited texts
4GB
4G/5G data
$10 /mo*
$20/mo
Powered by: Verizon
500 mins
500 texts
500MB
4G/5G data
$5 /mo
Powered by: AT&T & Verizon
Unlimited mins
Unlimited texts
6GB
4G/5G data
$25 /mo*
Powered by: AT&T & T-Mobile
0 mins
0 texts
2GB
4G/5G data
$10 /mo
Powered by: Verizon & T-Mobile
Cheapest wireless phone plans
Carrier | Data | Network | Price |
---|---|---|---|
Tello 1GB plan | 1GB | T-Mobile | $10/mo |
Twigby 4GB plan | 4GB | Verizon | $10/mo** $10 Credit with Promo Code: MSP |
Boost Mobile 5GB plan | 5GB | AT&T & T-Mobile | $5/mo** 66% Off for 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** Only $90 for 3 Months |
Switch to a cheap wireless 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 Android, and vice versa.
- Set up your new plan. Keep your current carrier account open until your number has been 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.
Cheap wireless carriers list
T-Mobile MVNOs | Verizon MVNOs | AT&T MVNOs |
---|---|---|
Boost Mobile | US Mobile | Red Pocket |
US Mobile | Red Pocket | PureTalk |
Ultra Mobile | Twigby | Good2Go Mobile |
Tello | Affinity Cellular | H2O Wireless |
Red Pocket | Reach Mobile | Straight Talk |
Mint Mobile | Spectrum Mobile | Tracfone |
Lycamobile | Page Plus Cellular | Black Wireless |
Consumer Cellular | Total by Verizon | Kroger Wireless |
GoSmart Mobile | Lively | easyGO Wireless |
Republic Wireless | Walmart Family Mobile | Unreal Mobile |
Simple Mobile | Ting | Optimum Mobile |
Gen Mobile | Freedompop | |
Wing | ||
easyGO Wireless | ||
Speedtalk Mobile |
Cheapest wireless phone prices
Device | 64GB | 128GB | 256GB |
---|---|---|---|
Apple iPhone SE | $14/mo | $16/mo | $20/mo |
Apple iPhone 13 mini | - | $22/mo | - |
Apple iPhone 13 | - | $26/mo | $30/mo |
Apple iPhone 14 | - | $30/mo | $35/mo |
Apple iPhone 13 Pro | - | $33/mo | - |
Apple iPhone 12 Pro | - | - | $33/mo |
Apple iPhone 14 Plus | - | $35/mo | - |
Wireless phone plans FAQs
What is the cheapest wireless plan?
With plans starting from around $10 a month, MVNOs like Tello and Twigby provide cheap plans while still offering the same quality coverage.
Which wireless company has the cheapest unlimited plan?
Mint Mobile currently offers an unlimited everything plan starting from around $30 per month.
What is the best wireless phone service?
MVNOs have plans starting from around $10 per month and they have a wide range of deals making it easy to find a suitable plan that's affordable. Whether you're looking for a basic plan or unlimited data, there's something for everyone.
Recap
Whether you're looking for cheap unlimited data, plenty of calls and texts, or international calling, MVNOs offer cheap wireless plans to suit any budget.
Operating on either Verizon, T-Mobile or AT&T's network means there's no sacrifice when it comes to coverage. If you're not sure who offers the best coverage in your area you can use our ZIP code checker to find out.
Finding the best cheap wireless plan will be different for everyone, but with a selection of flexible and customizable plans from MVNOs, you'll be sure to find one that fits your needs and budget.
Rob has 15+ years experience in the US and UK running price comparison sites for cell phone plans, smartphone deals, TV, and internet. He loves thinking outside of the box to build tools that empower consumers to make more informed decisions.