The best cheap wireless plans in January
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 Pure Talk, 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 Verizon wireless plan
Unlimitedmins
Unlimitedtexts
5 GB
4G/5G data
$15/mo
$3.00 per GB
Powered by: Verizon & T-Mobile
Compare Verizon unlimited wireless plans
| 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 Plan 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: best cheap Verizon wireless plans
Best cheap T-Mobile wireless plan
Unlimitedmins
Unlimitedtexts
4 GB
4G/5G data
$15/mo*
$3.75 per GB
Powered by: T-Mobile
Compare T-Mobile unlimited wireless plans
| 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 Plan 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: best cheap T-Mobile wireless plans
Best cheap AT&T wireless plan
Unlimitedmins
Unlimitedtexts
4 GB
4G/5G data
$25/mo
$6.25 per GB
Powered by: AT&T
Compare AT&T unlimited wireless plans
| Plan | Data | Monthly Price | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| AT&T Unlimited Extra | Unlimited | $75 | $900 |
| AT&T Unlimited Elite | Unlimited | $85 | $1,020 |
AT&T vs Pure Talk Plan 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 |
| Pure Talk | AT&T 4G & 5G | 4GB | $25/mo | $300/yr |
| *Don't waste money on unlimited data - Avg. data usage is only 3-5GB | Savings | $50/mo | $600/yr | |
Compare: best cheap AT&T wireless plans
Cheap wireless phone plans comparison
| Carrier | Network | Minutes | Texts | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tello | T-Mobile | Unltd | Unltd | 2GB | $10.50** 25% Off for 6 Months |
| Mint Mobile | T-Mobile | Unltd | Unltd | 4GB | $15** $45 for 3 Months Service |
| US Mobile | Verizon & T-Mobile | Unltd | Unltd | 12GB | $20Free Starter Kit with code: MSPUSM |
| Ting | T-Mobile & Verizon | Unltd | Unltd | Unltd | $25** $20 Off for 3 Months |
| Mint Mobile | T-Mobile | Unltd | Unltd | Unltd | $30** $90 for 3 Months Service |
Wireless plan features
- 4G LTE 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.
Best wireless phone plans
Best prepaid wireless plan
- Minutes
- Unlimited
- Texts
- Unlimited
- Data
- 1 GB
- Price
- $7.50/mo** 25% Off for 6 Months
Tello 1GB data includes unlimited mins, unlimited texts and 1GB data for only $7.50 per month. Tello prepaid phone plans offer wireless coverage on the T-Mobile 4G LTE and 5G network.
| Plan | Minutes | Texts | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Unlimited | Unlimited | 0GB | $6* * 25% Off for 6 Months | |
Unlimited | Unlimited | 1GB | $7.50* * 25% Off for 6 Months | |
Unlimited | Unlimited | 2GB | $10.50* * 25% Off for 6 Months | |
Unlimited | Unlimited | 4GB | $14.25* * 25% Off for 6 Months | |
Unlimited | Unlimited | 6GB | $18* * 25% Off for 6 Months | |
Unlimited | Unlimited | 8GB | $21.75* * 25% Off for 6 Months | |
Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | $29.25* * 25% Off for 6 Months |
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
Best wireless plan for unlimited data
- Minutes
- Unlimited
- Texts
- Unlimited
- Data
- Unlimited
- Price
- $30/mo** $90 for 3 Months Service
Mint Mobile unlimited data includes unlimited mins, unlimited texts and unlimited data for only $30 per month. Mint Mobile prepaid phone plans offer wireless coverage on the T-Mobile 4G LTE and 5G network.
| Plan | Minutes | Texts | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Unlimited | Unlimited | 4GB | $15* * $45 for 3 Months Service | |
Unlimited | Unlimited | 10GB | $20* * $60 for 3 Months Service | |
Unlimited | Unlimited | 15GB | $25* * $75 for 3 Months Service | |
Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | $30* * $90 for 3 Months Service |
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
Best 5G wireless plan
- Minutes
- Unlimited
- Texts
- Unlimited
- Data
- 5 GB
- Price
- $25/mo
Boost Mobile 5GB data includes unlimited mins, unlimited texts and 5GB data for only $25 per month. Boost Mobile prepaid phone plans offer wireless coverage on the AT&T & T-Mobile 4G LTE and 5G networks.
| Plan | Minutes | Texts | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Unlimited | Unlimited | 1GB | $8.33* * $100 for 1 year service | |
Unlimited | Unlimited | 2GB | $15* * $0.99 for 1st Month | |
Unlimited | Unlimited | 5GB | $25 |
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
Best talk & text wireless plan
- Minutes
- Unlimited
- Texts
- Unlimited
- Data
- 0 GB
- Price
- $10/mo** $5 extra per GB
Ting unlimited talk & text includes unlimited mins, unlimited texts and 0GB data for only $10 per month. Ting prepaid phone plans offer wireless coverage on the T-Mobile & Verizon 4G LTE and 5G networks.
| Plan | Minutes | Texts | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Unlimited | Unlimited | 0GB | $10* * $5 extra per GB | |
Unlimited | Unlimited | 1GB | $15 | |
Unlimited | Unlimited | 5GB | $20* * $5 Off for 6 Months | |
Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | $25* * $20 Off for 3 Months | |
Unlimited | Unlimited | 12GB | $30* * $5 Off for 6 Months |
Pros
Simple plans for light phone users
Customer service
Nationwide LTE and 5G coverage
Good selection of handsets
Cons
Not for the data hungry user
Benefits
Offers coverage on both Verizon and T-Mobile
Prepaid service - no contract, credit check, or start-up fees
Bring your GSM or CDMA phone - most devices are compatible - or buy one from Ting
Keep your current number
Tethering/mobile hotspot allowed, speeds limited to 3G for GSM tethering
Use your plan minutes to call 60+ international locations
International roaming capability (at surcharged rates)
Extensive customer service hours by phone, chat, or email
Best wireless plan for seniors
- Minutes
- Unlimited
- Texts
- Unlimited
- Data
- 1 GB
- Price
- $9.50/mo** 50% Off for 6 Months
Twigby 1GB data includes unlimited mins, unlimited texts and 1GB data for only $9.50 per month. Twigby prepaid phone plans offer wireless coverage on the Verizon 4G LTE and 5G network.
| Plan | Minutes | Texts | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Unlimited | Unlimited | 0GB | $6.50* * 50% Off for 6 Months | |
Unlimited | Unlimited | 3GB | $10* * 50% Off for 6 Months | |
Unlimited | Unlimited | 1GB | $9.50* * 50% Off for 6 Months | |
Unlimited | Unlimited | 5GB | $12.50* * 50% Off for 6 Months | |
Unlimited | Unlimited | 10GB | $17.50* * 50% Off for 6 Months |
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
Best wireless plan for kids
- Minutes
- 500
- Texts
- 500
- Data
- 0.50 GB
- Price
- $10/mo
Red Pocket 500MB data includes 500 mins, 500 texts and 500MB data for only $10 per month. Red Pocket prepaid phone plans offer wireless coverage on the AT&T, Verizon & T-Mobile 4G LTE and 5G networks.
| Plan | Minutes | Texts | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
500 | 500 | 0.50GB | $10 | |
Unlimited | Unlimited | 3GB | $15* * $180 for 12 Months Service | |
Unlimited | Unlimited | 3GB | $20 | |
Unlimited | Unlimited | 10GB | $22.50* * $270 for 12 Months Service | |
Unlimited | Unlimited | 22GB | $30* * $360 for 12 Months Service | |
Unlimited | Unlimited | 10GB | $30 | |
Unlimited | Unlimited | 50GB | $37.50* * $450 for 12 Months Service | |
Unlimited | Unlimited | 22GB | $40 | |
Unlimited | Unlimited | 50GB | $50 |
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
Best tablet data plan
- Minutes
- 0
- Texts
- 0
- Data
- 2 GB
- Price
- $10/moFree Starter Kit with code: MSPUSM
US Mobile 2GB data only includes 0 mins, 0 texts and 2GB data for only $10 per month. US Mobile prepaid phone plans offer wireless coverage on the Verizon & T-Mobile 4G LTE and 5G networks.
| Plan | Minutes | Texts | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Unlimited | Unlimited | 0GB | $8 | |
Unlimited | Unlimited | 1GB | $12 | |
Unlimited | Unlimited | 5GB | $15 | |
Unlimited | Unlimited | 12GB | $20 | |
Unlimited | Unlimited | 18GB | $25 | |
Unlimited | Unlimited | 30GB | $30 | |
Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | $45 | |
Free Starter Kit with code: MSPUSM | ||||
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
How to switch to a cheaper 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
Compare the cheapest wireless phone prices
| Phone | Storage | Network | Condition | Price | Apple iPhone SE | 64GB | AT&T | New | $399 | Apple iPhone 11 | 64GB | AT&T | New | $499 | Apple iPhone 12 mini | 64GB | AT&T | New | $629 | Apple iPhone 13 mini | 128GB | AT&T | New | $729 | Apple iPhone 12 | 64GB | AT&T | New | $729 | Apple iPhone 13 | 128GB | AT&T | New | $829 | Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max | 64GB | AT&T | New | $899 | Apple iPhone 12 Pro | 128GB | AT&T | New | $899 | Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max | 128GB | AT&T | New | $999 | Apple iPhone 13 Pro | 128GB | AT&T | New | $999 | Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max | 128GB | AT&T | New | $1,099 |
|---|
Compare wireless 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.
