The 5 best cell phone plans for students for 2023
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About Rob
Rob has 15+ years experience running price comparison & review websites that empower consumers to find the cheapest cell phone services, cell phone deals, home phone, and internet providers available. He has been published in Forbes, US News, Entrepreneur, Huffington Post, Inc.
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About Amanda
Amanda has 20+ years of experience as an educator. Her teaching career, paired with her love for research and technology, has led her to MoneySavingPro. Her personal experience with eSIMs and MVNOs after switching her entire family away from big wireless in the last few years has taught her the ins and outs of the industry. And saved her hundreds per month.
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Last updated on November 8th, 2023
We compared cheap student phone plans on the AT&T, Verizon & T-Mobile networks. Here are our top picks to save you money and keep your wireless coverage.
We helped over 2 million users compare cell phone plans in 2022
We've reviewed 30 carriers & compared over 120 phone plans
Over 15 years of experience helping people save money on their phone bills
Top plans list
- US Mobile 30GB: Best phone plan for students with free trial
- Tello 1GB: Best prepaid plan for students
- Mint Mobile 5GB: Best student phone plan for one
- Mint Mobile 15GB: Best family plan for students
- Boost Mobile Unlimited: Best unlimited data plan for students
- Ultra Mobile 3GB: Cheap phone plan for students
- Mint Mobile Unlimited: Cheap T-Mobile plan for students
- Boost Infinite Unlimited: Cheap AT&T plan for students
- Twigby 5GB: Cheap Verizon plan for students
- Boost Mobile 5GB: Cheap eSIM plan for students
Table of contents
- Cell phone plans for students reviewed & rated in December
- How to choose the best phone plan for students
- What network coverage do you prefer?
- How much data do you need?
- Is hotspot data included?
- What's the monthly price?
- How many lines do you need?
- Can I bring my own phone or buy a new device?
- Are there any deals or promotions?
- What perks or add ons can I expect?
- Is international calling included?
- Find the best phone service in your area
- Compare the cheapest cell phone plans
- Student phone plans FAQs
- What cell phone carriers offer student discounts?
- What is the best unlimited data plan for students?
- What features should a student look for in a cell phone plan?
- Is it possible to share a family plan with other students to save money?
- Recap: What is the best phone carrier for students?
- Phone plan guides
- MoneySavingPro methodology
1. Best phone plan for students with free trial: US Mobile 30GB
- Verizon & T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE networks US Mobile operates on the Verizon & T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE networks. This allows you to receive the same wireless coverage but at a fraction of the cost.
- Unlimited talk and text
- 30GB data
- $350 in annual savings Savings are calculated comparing the cost of the US Mobile 30GB vs an unlimited data plan from T-Mobile, AT&T or Verizon over the first 12 months.
FREE*
$50/mo*30 Day FREE Trial
US Mobile phone plans offer affordable deals on the Verizon and T-Mobile networks, with good customer service and customizable options. You can build the best phone plans to suit specific needs, with unlimited talk and text and even international roaming options.
Plus, they don't lock you into any long-term contracts, giving you the freedom to switch whenever you like. Check out our review about the best free eSIM service.
Pros
- T-Mobile and Verizon 5G & 4G LTE network coverage
- Multi-line discounts for family plans
- Free trial available
- Excellent score on Trustpilot
- TV, music, & gaming subscription perks on unlimited plans
- eSIM compatible
Cons
- International calling is an extra cost
- International roaming is an extra cost
- Mobile hotspot allowance only available on unlimited plans
- US Mobile stands out with its exceptional customer service, offering 24/7 support by phone or online chat.
- Try before you buy on a 50-day trial period.
- Mobile hotspot data allowance is dependent on the unlimited plan you choose. You'll get either 5 GB, 10 GB, or 50 GB.
- With their family plans, you can save hundreds of dollars on your cell phone bill by adding multiple lines. The more lines you add, the more discount you receive.
- For extra perks, US Mobile offers streaming services like Disney Plus bundle with Hulu and ESPN, HBO Max, Apple TV, Spotify Family, PlayStation Plus, and more, with an unlimited prepaid plan and at least three additional lines.
- Available to new and existing US Mobile customers with an unlimited plan and at least three additional lines. You'll need to pay for the subscription yourself and verify it every three months for a maximum of 12 months. The extra cost will be credited to your account via Autopay.
- They may not be the best option for frequent travelers seeking reliable international coverage. Their add-on packages for roaming can be expensive, and their international calling features may not be as competitive as other carriers.
2. Best prepaid plan for students: Tello 1GB
- T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE networks Tello operates on the T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE networks. This allows you to receive the same wireless coverage but at a fraction of the cost.
- Unlimited talk and text
- 1GB data
- $792 in annual savings Savings are calculated comparing the cost of the Tello 1GB vs an unlimited data plan from T-Mobile, AT&T or Verizon over the first 12 months.
$9/mo
Tello phone plans keep things simple with their wireless service. None of those hidden fees or long-term contracts that'll leave you feeling trapped.
With free international calls to 60+ countries on all plans, including Canada and Mexico, and a range of data allowances suitable for light to heavy users. Check out our review about the 5 best prepaid cell phone plans.
Pros
- T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE wireless coverage
- Free international calling to 60+ countries
- Free mobile hotspot included
- Excellent score on Trustpilot
- eSIM compatible
Cons
- No international roaming
- No multi-line discounts
- Not only are their plans affordable for all budgets, but you can build your own plan. Depending on your usage, you get to choose how much data, minutes, and texts you need, so you're not paying for stuff you don't use.
- It's always worth checking your data usage as a set data plan could save money and help restrict excessive phone usage.
- Mobile hotspot is available with a limit of 5 GB of data.
- Tello doesn't offer any discounts if you purchase multiple lines, so if you're looking to get a plan for another family member, each line is billed as a single line at full price. However, you can still save money due to the low cost of their individual plans.
- Being online-based means that activation of an eSIM plan can take just a few clicks, or you can have a SIM card mailed to you.
3. Best student phone plan for one: Mint Mobile 5GB
- T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE networks Mint Mobile operates on the T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE networks. This allows you to receive the same wireless coverage but at a fraction of the cost.
- Unlimited talk and text
- 5GB data
- $765 in annual savings Savings are calculated comparing the cost of the Mint Mobile 5GB vs an unlimited data plan from T-Mobile, AT&T or Verizon over the first 12 months.
$7.50/mo*
$15/mo*50% Off: $45 for 6 Mths
Mint Mobile phone plans are powered by the T-Mobile network, providing the same great service at a lower cost. They offer various data allowances, including an unlimited plan with 40GB of high-speed data and unlimited talk and text.
With Mint Mobile, their transparent messaging shows how you can save more money the longer you commit. Check out our review about best cell phone plans for one person.
Pros
- T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE wireless coverage
- Free calls to Mexico and Canada
- Free mobile hotspot with all plans
- eSIM compatible
Cons
- No international roaming
- Limited customer service
- 3-month minimum sign-up
- Mint Mobile offers mobile hotspot access with all of their plans. So you can use your phone to tether to tablets or other mobile devices, and the unlimited plan includes a 10 GB hotspot data limit.
- A minimum 3-month upfront commitment is required to subscribe. The longer commitment period means cheaper prices. Choose a 3, 6, or 12-month pricing structure available after initial commitment.
- If you're unsatisfied, Mint Mobile offers a 7-day money-back guarantee.
- You can bring your own device, so there's no need to buy an expensive iPhone. However, if you prefer a new smartphone, there are many options available, including iPhones, Samsung, and other Android models like Google Pixel, with a 0% finance over 1-2 years.
- With the Mint Mobile app, you can easily monitor your usage and manage multiple lines and plans.
- One downside is that international roaming is an additional cost, and although you get free calls to Canada and Mexico, other international countries are extra.
4. Best family plan for students: Mint Mobile 15GB
- T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE networks Mint Mobile operates on the T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE networks. This allows you to receive the same wireless coverage but at a fraction of the cost.
- Unlimited talk and text
- 15GB data
- $720 in annual savings Savings are calculated comparing the cost of the Mint Mobile 15GB vs an unlimited data plan from T-Mobile, AT&T or Verizon over the first 12 months.
$10/mo*
$20/mo*50% Off: $60 for 6 Mths
Mint Mobile phone plans are powered by the T-Mobile network, providing the same great service at a lower cost. They offer various data allowances, including an unlimited plan with 40GB of high-speed data and unlimited talk and text.
With Mint Mobile, their transparent messaging shows how you can save more money the longer you commit. Check out our review about the 5 best family phone plans.
Pros
- T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE wireless coverage
- Free calls to Mexico and Canada
- Free mobile hotspot with all plans
- eSIM compatible
Cons
- No international roaming
- Limited customer service
- 3-month minimum sign-up
5. Best unlimited data plan for students: Boost Mobile Unlimited
- AT&T & T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE networks Boost Mobile operates on the AT&T & T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE networks. This allows you to receive the same wireless coverage but at a fraction of the cost.
- Unlimited talk and text
- Unlimited data
- $612.50 in annual savings Savings are calculated comparing the cost of the Boost Mobile Unlimited vs an unlimited data plan from T-Mobile, AT&T or Verizon over the first 12 months.
$12.50/mo*
$25/mo*50% Off 1st Mth
Boost Mobile phone plans are powered by the AT&T and T-Mobile 5G & 4G networks, giving you the same wireless coverage at a fraction of the price.
With a range of data allowances from 2GB up to unlimited, there's something for the light to heavy data users. Check out our review about the 5 best unlimited data plans.
Pros
- AT&T & T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE network coverage
- Multi-line discounts for family plans
- Mobile hotspot access
- eSIM compatible
Cons
- No free international calls
- International roaming is limited
- All of Boost Mobile's prepaid plans come with unlimited calling and text.
- If you use a lot of data, unlimited plans include up to 30GB of high-speed data.
- Most plans include mobile hotspot data, but be sure to check. The allowance depends on the plan, but the maximum is 30GB, which comes out of your monthly data allowance.
- Discounts are available for additional lines, so you can save on a plan for the whole family.
- When it comes to devices, they provide a wide range of phones to choose from. Including the latest models from popular brands like Apple and Samsung, with financing options of 0% financing over 1-2 years. Helping to make it affordable to purchase a new phone.
- Boost Mobile's international features are not as strong. Their international roaming options are limited compared to other carriers, and international calls are an extra add-on, which means you'll have to pay extra if you want to make calls to friends and family overseas.
6. Cheap phone plan for students: Ultra Mobile 3GB
- T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE networks Ultra Mobile operates on the T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE networks. This allows you to receive the same wireless coverage but at a fraction of the cost.
- Unlimited talk and text
- 3GB data
- $699 in annual savings Savings are calculated comparing the cost of the Ultra Mobile 3GB vs an unlimited data plan from T-Mobile, AT&T or Verizon over the first 12 months.
$10/mo*
$19/mo*$30 for 3 Mths Service
Ultra Mobile phone plans offer low-cost access to the T-Mobile network. Offering a range of data allowances from 2GB up to 40GB of high-speed data on their unlimited plan, there's something to suit light and heavy data users.
There are no contracts, and if you've got loved ones abroad, they offer free international calls to 80 countries. Check out our review about best cheap cell phone plans.
Pros
- T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE wireless coverage
- Free international calls to 80 countries
- Mobile hotspot access included
- eSIM compatible
Cons
- Extra cost for International roaming
- Ultra Mobile offers a variety of options for affordable cell phone plans with good coverage on the T-Mobile network.
- You'll get free international calls to 90+ countries, and cheap family plans with multi-line discounts are available.
- Mobile hotspot access is available with a limit of 10GB on unlimited plans.
- While the plan doesn't include international data roaming, you have the option to purchase the UpRoam add-on, which allows you to access roaming services at a discounted rate by adding credit.
7. Cheap T-Mobile plan for students: Mint Mobile Unlimited
- T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE networks Mint Mobile operates on the T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE networks. This allows you to receive the same wireless coverage but at a fraction of the cost.
- Unlimited talk and text
- Unlimited data
- $630 in annual savings Savings are calculated comparing the cost of the Mint Mobile Unlimited vs an unlimited data plan from T-Mobile, AT&T or Verizon over the first 12 months.
$15/mo*
$30/mo*50% Off: $90 for 6 Mths
Mint Mobile phone plans are powered by the T-Mobile network, providing the same great service at a lower cost. They offer various data allowances, including an unlimited plan with 40GB of high-speed data and unlimited talk and text.
With Mint Mobile, their transparent messaging shows how you can save more money the longer you commit. Check out our review about the best T-Mobile phone plans for students.
Pros
- T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE wireless coverage
- Free calls to Mexico and Canada
- Free mobile hotspot with all plans
- eSIM compatible
Cons
- No international roaming
- Limited customer service
- 3-month minimum sign-up
8. Cheap AT&T plan for students: Boost Infinite Unlimited
- AT&T & T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE networks Boost Infinite operates on the AT&T & T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE networks. This allows you to receive the same wireless coverage but at a fraction of the cost.
- Unlimited talk and text
- Unlimited data
- $600 in annual savings Savings are calculated comparing the cost of the Boost Infinite Unlimited vs an unlimited data plan from T-Mobile, AT&T or Verizon over the first 12 months.
$25/mo*
* $25/mo Forever
One plan, one price. That's the Boost Infinite phone plan. Using the AT&T and T-Mobile network Boost Infinite is keeping it simple. With a cost of $25, you'll get super fast 5G on one of the top networks with their unlimited plan. Check out our review about the best AT&T phone plans for students.
Pros
- AT&T and T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE wireless coverage
- Unlimited plan (capped at 30GB high-speed data)
- Set price of $25 per month forever
- eSIM compatible
Cons
- No multi-line discounts
- International add-ons available
- For only $25 a month, you can get unlimited talk, text, and data (capped at 30GB of high-speed data).
- You won't have to worry about surprise charges or hidden fees, just taxes.
- With no contract, you can switch at any time if it's not working for you anymore.
- For an additional cost, you can roam in Mexico and Canada (although it's capped at 1GB), along with having unlimited international calls to 80+ countries and texts to 200+ countries.
- We can't dismiss the low-cost plan that Boost Infinite offers. But if you're looking to get your whole family in on the action, don't expect any additional discounts. The cost stays at $25 per person, per line.
- Mobile hotspot is available at an additional cost of $10 a month for up to 30GB, with the allowance coming out of your monthly data allotment.
9. Cheap Verizon plan for students: Twigby 5GB
- Verizon 5G & 4G LTE networks Twigby operates on the Verizon 5G & 4G LTE networks. This allows you to receive the same wireless coverage but at a fraction of the cost.
- Unlimited talk and text
- 5GB data
- $690 in annual savings Savings are calculated comparing the cost of the Twigby 5GB vs an unlimited data plan from T-Mobile, AT&T or Verizon over the first 12 months.
$10/mo*
$20/mo* Only $10/mo for First 3 Months
Twigby phone plans give you the option to customize your plan and only pay for what you need. They have a range of affordable no-contract plans that are powered by the Verizon network, so you don't have to sacrifice quality for flexibility.
Plus, if you have loved ones abroad, Twigby offers free international calling to 80 countries. Check out our review about the best Verizon phone plans for students.
Pros
- Verizon 5G & 4G LTE wireless coverage
- Free international calls to 80+ countries
- Wide range of plan choices
- Free mobile hotspot access
- Excellent score on Trustpilot
Cons
- No multi-line discounts
- No International roaming
- Not eSIM-compatible
- Offering a selection of customizable wireless plans with a range of data options, with Twigby, you can create plans, whatever your needs and budget.
- Twigby provides free international calling to 80 different countries, ideal for those with family or friends living abroad.
- Being 100% online based, you can purchase your plan from home, and your SIM card will be sent in the mail.
- Mobile hotspot allowance is available and comes out of your monthly data usage, which for unlimited plans is a maximum of 20GB.
- Twigby doesn't offer multi-line discounts, so if you're looking for more than one line, they may not be the low-cost carrier for you.
- There are no international roaming services, which may not be ideal for frequent travelers as it could result in a significantly higher monthly bill.
10. Cheap eSIM plan for students: Boost Mobile 5GB
- AT&T & T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE networks Boost Mobile operates on the AT&T & T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE networks. This allows you to receive the same wireless coverage but at a fraction of the cost.
- Unlimited talk and text
- 5GB data
- $750 in annual savings Savings are calculated comparing the cost of the Boost Mobile 5GB vs an unlimited data plan from T-Mobile, AT&T or Verizon over the first 12 months.
$5/mo*
$15/mo*$15 for 3 Mths Service
Boost Mobile phone plans are powered by the AT&T and T-Mobile 5G & 4G networks, giving you the same wireless coverage at a fraction of the price.
With a range of data allowances from 2GB up to unlimited, there's something for the light to heavy data users. Check out our review about the 5 best eSIM plans.
Pros
- AT&T & T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE network coverage
- Multi-line discounts for family plans
- Mobile hotspot access
- eSIM compatible
Cons
- No free international calls
- International roaming is limited
Cell phone plans for students reviewed & rated in December
As a student, you're no stranger to the constant struggle to save money. Yet you need a dependable cell phone service with plenty of data for music and video streaming.
Although the average cell phone bill sits at about $80 per month, it's easy to cut that down by over half - which can make a huge difference when you're living on pizza and ramen noodles!
We're going to show you how you can save up to $600 per year without sacrificing cell phone service quality or coverage. We'll look at the best cell phone plans for college students along with how to get the best price on top devices.
How to choose the best phone plan for students
What network coverage do you prefer?
Network access is a key consideration wherever you live, but especially in rural areas. Luckily, low-cost carriers operate on the same 5G & 4G LTE networks as major carriers. T-Mobile scores the highest for 5G coverage, according to an Opensignal 5G Experience Report (2023). If there is a particular network you prefer, choose an MVNO that operates on that network. Use our coverage checker to find the best cell phone service in your area.
How much data do you need?
Do you really need an unlimited data plan? The big wireless companies want you to believe so, but in reality, the average monthly cellular data consumption is around 10GB. However, if you spend most of your time at home, college, or work on Wi-Fi, it's likely your cellular data usage will be much lower. You can choose a data plan tailored to your needs with cheap cell phone providers, meaning you can pay less if you use less. But if you do choose an unlimited data plan, be aware that high-speed data is normally capped.
Is hotspot data included?
Most carriers allow hotspot data usage but limit the amount of data that can be used via tethering. The limit depends on the carrier and plan you choose. Some carriers also offer data only plans so you can access the internet on mobile devices like iPads, tablets, and mobile hotspots when Wi-Fi's not available.
What's the monthly price?
While big wireless unlimited plans cost around $75-90 per month, the best MVNOs offer budget-friendly plans, ranging from $5-35 per month without sacrificing wireless coverage and data speeds. Watch out for hidden fees & taxes; some carriers include these in the price, and others, such as Verizon and AT&T, don't.
How many lines do you need?
With big wireless, you only get the advertised price if you buy four lines. With MVNOs, the price you see is the price you pay, even for one line. However, many low-cost carriers now offer further discounts for multi-line plans, so you could set up a family plan with friends for extra savings.
Can I bring my own phone or buy a new device?
While the big three love keeping their customers locked into a constant phone upgrade cycle, MVNOs encourage you to bring your own phone. This means you can cut your monthly costs, take back control, and only change your phone when it suits you. If you do want to purchase a new phone, many MVNOs offer an affordable and easy way with 0% financing over 1-2 years.
Are there any deals or promotions?
Big wireless promotions can seem good at a glance. But once you read the small print, it often leads to buying things you don't need and committing to 3-year phone contracts. Many MVNOs offer short-term introductory promotional pricing for new customers, and their pricing is much more transparent.
What perks or add ons can I expect?
Most big wireless plans include "free" TV subscriptions. Initially, these seem like a great deal. However, these usually turn into a paid subscription that is automatically added to your bill a few months down the line. A few low-cost carriers, such as US Mobile, do offer plan options with free subscription services, but we generally recommend keeping these subscriptions separate so you don't end up paying for things you don't need.
Is international calling included?
If you have family and friends abroad, most MVNOs offer free international calls to many countries. If this is important to you, make sure to choose a carrier that includes this.
Check out our cell phone plan comparison to ensure you find the best deal.
Find the best phone service in your area
When it comes to 5G network coverage, T-Mobile scores the highest, according to the J.D. Power 2023 wireless network study.
Compare the cheapest cell phone 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 30GB plan | Verizon & T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage | 30GB | $0/mo $50/mo |
Student phone plans FAQs
Some of the major networks offer student discounts on cell phone plans. However, you could still end up with quite an expensive monthly bill. Whereas MVNOs have cell phone plans starting from as little as $10 a month as standard.
It's worth remembering that unlimited never really means unlimited. All plans have a high-speed data cap, so it's worth checking the carrier's small print. As long as you're aware of the data cap, Mint Mobile's unlimited plan is one of the most affordable.
It's important to consider your needs, but some important features are coverage, international calling if you have family abroad, flexible contract options so you can amend your plan if your needs or budget changes, and affordability.
Recap: What is the best phone carrier for students?
There's no reason for college students to pay premium prices for cell phone service.
Compare cheap cell phone plans starting at just $5 per month from numerous low-cost carriers and save up to $600 per year.
Phone plan guides
- Best Cell Phone Plans
- The 5 Best Prepaid Cell Phone Plans
- The 5 Best Unlimited Data Plans
- Best Cell Phone Plans for One Person
- Best Cell Phone Plans for Two People
- Best Cell Phone Plans for Kids
- Best Cell Phone Plans for Seniors
- Best Cell Phone Plans for Students
- Best Bring Your Own Phone Plans
- Best 5G Cell Phone Plans
- Best Talk & Text Plans
MoneySavingPro methodology
MoneySavingPro is dedicated to analyzing and comparing hundreds of cell phone plans from over 30 carriers to help you find the best value plan based on your individual needs without sacrificing service coverage.
Contrary to what the big 3 wireless companies would like you to believe - one size certainly does not fit all. Our goal is to help you save money by providing affordable alternatives to the expensive unlimited plans from Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile.
With over 15 years of experience working within the telecommunications industry, we believe that big wireless plans offer limited choice with pricing and fees that lack transparency, often resulting in ever-increasing phone bills and long phone contracts for many of their customers. This is why you won't find recommendations for any of the big 3 wireless companies on MoneySavingPro - even though this actually costs us money.
The carriers we do recommend have been researched and evaluated based on price, coverage, data limits, customer service, and additional features. Our goal is to provide a comprehensive view that balances cost and value, helping you find a plan that fits your needs and budget.
We did consider these other alternatives: Cricket Wireless, Total by Verizon, Xfinity Mobile, Spectrum Mobile, Straight Talk, Tracfone, Metro by T-Mobile, Visible, Google Fi, and Consumer Cellular, but we discounted them because we still don't consider these to be good value for money.
We regularly update our comparisons. Updating cell phone plans weekly and our content monthly to ensure we are showing the latest and most accurate information.
