Compare cheap talk & text plans- Switch & save $600/yr

Best talk & text plans in 2024

The key to finding the best value talk and text phone plan is all about leveraging the competitive rates offered by low-cost carriers. You'll get the same coverage for a fraction of the cost without hidden fees and price hikes. Here are the most affordable providers to consider.

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

Are you looking for a basic cell phone plan without data? An unlimited talk and text plan could be just what you need.

The best value talk and text plans are with MVNOs (or Mobile Virtual Network Operators). These low-cost carriers like Tello, Twigby, and US Mobile have basic plans starting from under $10 a month for unlimited talk and text.

Operating on the same US networks, you won't have to sacrifice coverage.

We've compared plans from all MVNOs below, including features and benefits, to help you find the best deal for you.

Image of cell phone with Twigby Mobile
Twigby Mobile unlimited talk & text plan
Best cheap talk & text plan
Image of cell phone with US Mobile
US Mobile unlimited talk & text plan
Best prepaid talk & text plan
Image of cell phone with Tello
Tello unlimited talk & text plan
Best unlimited talk & text plan
$8/mo

Best cheap talk & text plan

Twigby Mobile unlimited talk & text plan

Image of cell phone with Twigby Mobile
  • Verizon coverage
  • Unlimited talk and text
  • Instant eSIM activation
$5/mo*
$10/mo
See at Twigby Mobile

*$5/mo for 1st 3 Mths

4.4 Read our Twigby Mobile review
$795 in annual savings

Best prepaid talk & text plan

US Mobile unlimited talk & text plan

Image of cell phone with US Mobile
  • Verizon, AT&T & T-Mobile coverage
  • Unlimited talk and text
  • Instant eSIM activation
$10/mo*
See at US Mobile

*30 Day FREE Trial

5 Read our US Mobile review
$780 in annual savings

Best unlimited talk & text plan

Tello unlimited talk & text plan

Image of cell phone with Tello
  • T-Mobile coverage
  • Unlimited talk and text
  • Instant eSIM activation
$8/mo
5 Read our Tello review
$804 in annual savings

How to choose the best talk & text only plan

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.

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.

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.

Check out our cell phone plan comparison to ensure you find the best deal.


Find the best cheap phone service in your area

Enter your zip code below to find the best cheap phone service in your area.

Cut your phone bill by up to $600/yr
Find a cheaper plan in seconds
Same coverage - switch instantly

Compare the cheapest talk & text only plans

Carrier Network Data Price
Twigby Mobile unlimited talk & text plan Verizon 5G/4G Coverage 0GB $5/mo $10/mo
Tello unlimited talk & text plan T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage 0GB $8/mo
US Mobile unlimited talk & text plan Verizon, AT&T & T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage 0GB $10/mo
Ultra Mobile unlimited talk & text plan T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage 0GB $15/mo $10/mo

To ensure you get the best phone deal, compare unlimited talk and text plans from multiple low-cost carriers side by side.


Talk & text plans FAQS


Recap: What is the best talk & text carrier?

Whether you're looking for an unlimited talk and text phone plan for emergencies or your kid's first phone, plenty of deals suit everyone.

MVNOs offer a wide variety of options at affordable prices. By operating on the major networks Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile, you'll still get the same nationwide coverage but at a fraction of the cost.

It's always a good idea to compare the best cell phone plans to ensure that you're getting the best deal.

Phone plan guides

How we choose the best carriers and plans

To select the best carriers and plans, MoneySavingPro's team of experts evaluated over 30 different carriers.

Carriers were rated in five categories, with a star rating from 1-5, with 5 stars being the best. We then calculate the overall star rating using the five categories:

  1. Value for money: We compare carriers based on price, features, benefits, and promotions. It's not just about the lowest price but getting the most bang for your buck.
  2. Coverage: We look at network 5G and 4G LTE coverage across the US. We use coverage maps to determine service availability and data speeds in urban, suburban, and rural locations.
  3. Customer experience: We take into account items such as current user experience, website and app usability, ease of switching, and customer service in terms of availability, channels, and satisfaction ratings.
  4. Transparency: We assess whether carrier pricing is clear and straightforward. We examine the fine print to check for hidden fees, confusing terms or conditions, and misleading offers to ensure upfront, honest prices and advertising.
  5. Range of choice: We evaluate the diversity of plan options to determine if they fit the individual needs of all customers.

Read more about our carrier ratings methodology and our editorial process.

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.

Related Content

Phone plans guides
Best 5G cell phone plans in 2024
19 min read
Apr 30, 2024
Best bring your own phone plans in 2024
19 min read
Apr 30, 2024
Best cell phone plans in 2024
20 min read
Apr 29, 2024
Best cell phone plans for kids in 2024
19 min read
Apr 30, 2024
Best cell phone plans for seniors in 2024
20 min read
Apr 29, 2024
Best cell phone plans for students in 2024
19 min read
Apr 29, 2024
Best cell phone plans for two in 2024
19 min read
Apr 30, 2024
Best phone plans for one in 2024
20 min read
Apr 30, 2024
How much could you save?
Calculate your savings now
Same coverage - cut your bill by up to $600/yr
Meditating monkey
Find a cheaper plan in seconds
Switch in minutes