10 Cheap MVNO Plans: Starting at $5

Compare the best phone plans from the cheapest MVNOs: Cut your bill by $600/yr

Tello 2GB
Tello SIM card - Vertical
2GB 4G/5G data
$10/mo
T-Mobile 5G & 4G networks
Boost Mobile 5GB
Boost Mobile SIM card - Vertical
5GB 4G/5G data
$5/mo*
$15/mo
AT&T & T-Mobile 5G & 4G networks *$15 for 3 Mths Service
Mint Mobile 15GB
Mint Mobile SIM card - Vertical
15GB 4G/5G data
$10/mo*
$20/mo
T-Mobile 5G & 4G networks *50% Off: $60 for 6 Mths
Mint Mobile Unlimited
Mint Mobile SIM card - Vertical
Unltd 4G/5G data
$15/mo*
$30/mo
T-Mobile 5G & 4G networks *50% Off: $90 for 6 Mths
US Mobile Unlimited
US Mobile SIM card - Vertical
Unltd 4G/5G data
FREE*
$25/mo
Verizon & T-Mobile 5G & 4G networks *50 Day FREE Trial
99% coverage 4G & 5G speed Bring your phone No contracts
Tello 2GB plan
Unlimitedmins Unlimitedtexts
2GB 4G/5G data
$10/mo
T-Mobile wireless network
Boost Mobile 5GB plan *$15 for 3 Mths Service
Unlimitedmins Unlimitedtexts
5GB 4G/5G data
$5/mo* $15/mo
AT&T & T-Mobile wireless networks
Mint Mobile 15GB plan *50% Off: $60 for 6 Mths
Unlimitedmins Unlimitedtexts
15GB 4G/5G data
$10/mo* $20/mo
T-Mobile wireless network
Mint Mobile unlimited data plan *50% Off: $90 for 6 Mths
Unlimitedmins Unlimitedtexts
Unlimited 4G/5G data
$15/mo* $30/mo
T-Mobile wireless network
US Mobile unlimited data plan *50 Day FREE Trial
Unlimitedmins Unlimitedtexts
Unlimited 4G/5G data
FREE* $25/mo
Verizon & T-Mobile wireless networks
Twigby 2GB plan * Only $5/mo for First 3 Months
Unlimitedmins Unlimitedtexts
2GB 4G/5G data
$5/mo* $15/mo
Verizon wireless network
Ultra Mobile 3GB plan *$30 for 3 Mths Service
Unlimitedmins Unlimitedtexts
3GB 4G/5G data
$10/mo* $19/mo
T-Mobile wireless network
Mint Mobile 5GB plan *50% Off: $45 for 6 Mths
Unlimitedmins Unlimitedtexts
5GB 4G/5G data
$7.50/mo* $15/mo
T-Mobile wireless network
Boost Mobile unlimited data plan *50% Off 1st Mth
Unlimitedmins Unlimitedtexts
Unlimited 4G/5G data
$12.50/mo* $25/mo
AT&T & T-Mobile wireless networks
Boost Infinite unlimited data plan * $25/mo Forever
Unlimitedmins Unlimitedtexts
Unlimited 4G/5G data
$25/mo*
AT&T & T-Mobile wireless networks
We currently have no deals for that combination, please change the filters
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Disclaimer: MoneySavingPro is a free price comparison service but we do not provide service directly. We do our best to keep all the information up to date but there may be some discrepancies between the price you pay.

Big savings, no compromises
Nationwide Coverage Powered by the major networks
Bring your own phone Keep your existing phone and number
5G & 4G data speeds Same fast speeds as the big guys
No contracts Flexible and commitment-free
Customize your plan Only pay for what you use
Buy online No need to visit a store
Lady floating over network logos
Stop the Unlimited Data Plan Rip Off!
Carrier Network Data Price   Annual  
AT&T AT&T 4G & 5G Unlimited* $75/mo $900/yr
Boost Mobile AT&T 4G & 5G Unlimited $25/mo $287.50/yr
*Avg. data usage only 3-5GB Savings $50/mo Savings $612.50/yr

MoneySavingPro independently researches the products & services to bring you our recommendations. We may earn money when you click our links - disclosure policy.

A tight budget can make it important to find the cheapest MVNO plans that are suitable for your needs as well as your costs.

If you've not heard of MVNOs, you're not alone. Mobile Virtual Network Operators are powered by the same main US networks; Verizon, T-Mobile, and AT&T but have a range of phone plans available starting at around $10 per month.

We can help you find the cheapest MVNO plans, and we've broken down the best deals with all low-cost carriers, keep scrolling to find out more.

1. Best MVNO with free trial: US Mobile Unlimited

US Mobile logo
  • Verizon & T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE networks
  • Unlimited talk and text
  • Unlimited data
  • $650 in annual savings

FREE*

$25/mo
See at US Mobile

*50 Day FREE Trial

4.5 Read our US Mobile review

2. Best cheap MVNO plan: Tello 1GB

Tello logo
  • T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE networks
  • Unlimited talk and text
  • 1GB data
  • $792 in annual savings

$9/mo

5 Read our Tello review

3. Best eSIM MVNO plan: Mint Mobile 5GB

Mint Mobile logo
  • T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE networks
  • Unlimited talk and text
  • 5GB data
  • $765 in annual savings

$7.50/mo*

$15/mo
See at Mint Mobile

*50% Off: $45 for 6 Mths

4.5 Read our Mint Mobile review

4. Cheap MVNO plan for families: Mint Mobile 15GB

Mint Mobile logo
  • T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE networks
  • Unlimited talk and text
  • 15GB data
  • $720 in annual savings

$10/mo*

$20/mo
See at Mint Mobile

*50% Off: $60 for 6 Mths

4.5 Read our Mint Mobile review

5. Cheap MVNO unlimited data plan: Boost Mobile Unlimited

Boost Mobile logo
  • AT&T & T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE networks
  • Unlimited talk and text
  • Unlimited data
  • $612.50 in annual savings

$12.50/mo*

$25/mo
See at Boost Mobile

*50% Off 1st Mth

4.5 Read our Boost Mobile review

6. Best cheap phone plan: Ultra Mobile 3GB

Ultra Mobile logo
  • T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE networks
  • Unlimited talk and text
  • 3GB data
  • $699 in annual savings

$10/mo*

$19/mo
See at Ultra Mobile

*$30 for 3 Mths Service

3.5 Read our Ultra Mobile review

7. Best T-Mobile plan: Mint Mobile Unlimited

Mint Mobile logo
  • T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE networks
  • Unlimited talk and text
  • Unlimited data
  • $630 in annual savings

$15/mo*

$30/mo
See at Mint Mobile

*50% Off: $90 for 6 Mths

4.5 Read our Mint Mobile review

8. Best AT&T plan: Boost Infinite Unlimited

Boost Infinite logo
  • AT&T & T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE networks
  • Unlimited talk and text
  • Unlimited data
  • $600 in annual savings

$25/mo*

See at Boost Infinite

* $25/mo Forever

4.5 Read our Boost Infinite review

9. Best Verizon plan: Twigby 5GB

Twigby logo
  • Verizon 5G & 4G LTE networks
  • Unlimited talk and text
  • 5GB data
  • $690 in annual savings

$10/mo*

$20/mo
See at Twigby

* Only $10/mo for First 3 Months

4.5 Read our Twigby review

10. Best eSIM plan: Boost Mobile 5GB

Boost Mobile logo
  • AT&T & T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE networks
  • Unlimited talk and text
  • 5GB data
  • $750 in annual savings

$5/mo*

$15/mo
See at Boost Mobile

*$15 for 3 Mths Service

4.5 Read our Boost Mobile review

Best T-Mobile MVNO plans

Mint Mobile 15GB plan
  • T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE network
  • Unlimited talk and text
  • 15GB data
$10/mo*
*50% Off: $60 for 6 Mths
See at Mint Mobile

T-Mobile vs Mint Mobile comparison

Keep your T-Mobile phone, number & coverage: Save $720 per year

Carrier Network Coverage 4G/5G Data Price Annual Cost
T-Mobile T-Mobile 4G & 5G Unlimited $75/mo $900/yr
Mint Mobile T-Mobile 4G & 5G 15GB $20/mo $180/yr
Savings $55/mo $720/yr

Check out our comparison of the best T-Mobile MVNO plans


Best Verizon MVNO plans

US Mobile 12GB plan
  • Verizon & T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE networks
  • Unlimited talk and text
  • 12GB data
$25/mo*
*50 Day FREE Trial
See at US Mobile

Verizon vs US Mobile comparison

Keep your Verizon phone, number & coverage: Save $600 per year

Carrier Network Coverage 4G/5G Data Price Annual Cost
Verizon Verizon 4G & 5G Unlimited $75/mo $900/yr
US Mobile Verizon 4G & 5G 12GB $25/mo $300/yr
Savings $50/mo $600/yr

Check out our comparison of the best Verizon MVNO plans


Best AT&T MVNO plans

Boost Mobile 5GB plan
  • AT&T & T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE networks
  • Unlimited talk and text
  • 5GB data
$5/mo*
*$15 for 3 Mths Service
See at Boost 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 Unlimited $75/mo $900/yr
Boost Mobile AT&T 4G & 5G 5GB $15/mo $150/yr
Savings $60/mo $750/yr

Check out our comparison of the best AT&T MVNO plans


Network coverage comparison

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 RootScore 2022 report

When it comes to 5G network coverage T-Mobile scores the highest according to the J.D. Power 2023 wireless network study.

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MVNO customer service comparison

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 TrustPilot score 4.9
Tello TrustPilot score 4.6
US Mobile TrustPilot score 4.6
T-Mobile TrustPilot score 1.5
Verizon TrustPilot score 1.3
AT&T TrustPilot score 1.2

MVNO plan features

  • 4G LTE & 5G data speeds: MVNOs operate on big cellular networks, so you pay less without sacrificing speed. As the big networks roll out 5G, smaller carriers are able to offer 5G coverage too. So you can expect the same high-speed data.
  • Unlimited talk and text messaging: It's never been easier to find a new unlimited plan. Pretty much all no-contract carriers include unlimited text and calling as standard with plans. Compare unlimited talk and text plans with or without data.
  • International calls to Canada and Mexico: Keeping in touch with loved ones around the world has never felt more important, making international calling a must-have feature. Luckily MVNOs offer some of the best international phone plans, including free calling to countries like Canada and Mexico, plus discounted rates or affordable add-ons for other countries.
  • Multiline discounts: If you're used to your multi-line plan, low-cost carriers have got you. They offer the best family phone plans out there. With many, you'll get a multi-line discount for each line added.
  • Wi-Fi calling: If you're stuck for a signal, or out of your service area when out and about, you can still make calls using this feature. With this feature, calls are made over the internet instead of your cellular connection.
  • Tethering/hotspot data: Many low-cost carriers allow you to turn your phone into a hotspot and get another device online. Pick an MVNO with the best mobile hotspot plans and share your mobile hotspot data with other devices.
  • HD video streaming: Just like the big guys, some of these alternative carriers offer HD video streaming and some don't. Our articles cover which features do and don't come with a plan.

MVNO 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.
  • 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 cheapest phone plans for one person.
  • Talk and text only plans: Don't need data? No problem - compare the cheapest 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 the best phone plans for seniors for the perfect fit.

Cheapest MVNO plans

Carrier Network Data Price
Tello 2GB plan T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage 2GB $10/mo
Boost Mobile 5GB plan AT&T & T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage 5GB $5/mo $15/mo
Mint Mobile 15GB plan T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage 15GB $10/mo $20/mo
Mint Mobile unlimited data plan T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage Unltd $15/mo $30/mo
US Mobile unlimited data plan Verizon & T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage Unltd $0/mo $25/mo

How to switch to a cheap MVNO plan

It's never been easier to switch. Let's break it down.

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.

MVNO carrier list

T-Mobile MVNOsVerizon MVNOsAT&T MVNOs
Boost MobileRed PocketBoost Mobile
Mint MobileTwigbyRed Pocket
Red PocketUS MobileGood2Go Mobile
TelloAffinity CellularBoost Infinite
Ultra MobileSpectrum MobileTracfone
US MobileStraight TalkOptimum Mobile
Good2Go MobileTotal by Verizon
Boost InfiniteTracfone
LycamobileVisible
Kroger WirelessXfinity Mobile
WOW! MobileCox Mobile
Gotalk WirelessMobileX

MVNO plans FAQs


Recap

Plans direct with Verizon, AT&T, or T-Mobile can cost you anywhere from $70-90 per month, excluding taxes and fees.

With MVNOs, there's no need to be stuck in an expensive contract. You can pay for what you need with their customizable plans and with prices starting as low as $10 a month, you could be saving up to $600 a year.

The best MVNO plan will depend on our needs but whatever you decide, it's going to be at least half the price of buying direct.

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