The best cell phone plans under $20

We compared the best phone plans under $20 on the AT&T, Verizon & T-Mobile networks. Here are our top picks to cut your phone bill and keep your wireless coverage.

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 30GB
US Mobile SIM card - Vertical
30GB 4G/5G data
FREE*
$50/mo
Verizon & T-Mobile 5G & 4G networks *30 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 30GB plan *30 Day FREE Trial
Unlimitedmins Unlimitedtexts
30GB 4G/5G data
FREE* $50/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
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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.

1. Best prepaid phone plan under $20: 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

2. Best phone plan for one under $20: 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

3. Best phone plan for kids under $20: Mint Mobile 15GB

Mint Mobile logo
  • T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE networks
  • No 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

4. Best phone plan for seniors under $20: US Mobile 12GB

US Mobile logo
  • Verizon & T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE networks
  • Unlimited talk and text
  • 12GB data
  • $600 in annual savings

$25/mo*

See at US Mobile

*30 Day FREE Trial

4.5 Read our US Mobile review

5. Best phone family plan under $20: US Mobile 12GB

US Mobile logo
  • Verizon & T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE networks
  • Unlimited talk and text
  • 12GB data
  • $600 in annual savings

$25/mo*

See at US Mobile

*30 Day FREE Trial

4.5 Read our US Mobile review

How to choose the best cell phone plan under $20

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 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. Many low-cost carriers now offer further discounts for multi-line plans.

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 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?

Most MVNOs offer free international calls to many countries. If this is important to you, make sure to choose a carrier that includes this.

Are there parental controls?

Some Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) provide parental controls that allow parents to monitor their children's cell phone usage and data consumption. By using these features, you have the ability to establish limits on data usage, limit access to specific apps or websites, and even keep track of your child's whereabouts. These capabilities are accessible either through subscription plans or can be adjusted in the settings of your mobile device.

Compare the cheapest cell phone plans to ensure you find the best deal.


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Compare the best phone plans under $20 per month

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

$20 phone plan FAQs


Recap: What is the best $20 cell phone plan?

Plans direct from Verizon, T-Mobile, and AT&T are expensive, but with low-cost carriers that are powered by the same network, you could save up to $600 a year on your cell phone bill.

With a range of plans at $20 or under, there's something for all needs and budgets.

MVNOs offer prepaid plans, so there are no more long-term commitments, and you can change your plan or cancel and switch if your needs or finances change.

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