10 cheap pay as you go phone plans: Starting at $5

We compared cheap pay as you go phone plans on the AT&T, Verizon & T-Mobile networks. Here are our top picks to save you money and keep your wireless coverage.

1. Cheap pay as you go plan with free trial: US Mobile 30GB

US Mobile logo
  • Verizon & T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE networks
  • Unlimited talk and text
  • 30GB data
  • $350 in annual savings

FREE*

$50/mo
See at US Mobile

*30 Day FREE Trial

4.5 Read our US Mobile review

2. Cheap prepaid phone 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. Cheap prepaid plan for one: 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 prepaid family plan: 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 prepaid unlimited 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. Cheap BYOP 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. Cheap prepaid 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. Cheap prepaid 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. Cheap prepaid 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. Cheap 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

The best value pay as you go phone plans in 2023

Getting the cheapest pay as you go plan doesn't have to be hard work. At MoneySavingPro, we're all about helping you find the cheapest plan to save you money.

MVNOs - Mobile Virtual Network Operators have a variety of low-cost prepaid phone cell plans that are powered by the major wireless networks, but with monthly prices starting as low as $10.

We've reviewed the best pay as you go phone plans below so you can find the cheapest deal.

10 Cheap Pay As You Go Phone Plans

How to choose a cheap pay as you go phone plan

What network coverage do you prefer?

MVNOs are powered by the same 5G & 4G LTE wireless networks as the major carriers. The J.D. Power 2023 wireless network study reveals that T-Mobile has the most extensive 5G coverage. If you have a preference for a specific network, you can choose a low-cost carrier that operates on that network. If you're not sure, you can find the best cell phone service in your area with our coverage checker.

How much data do you need?

Do you really need unlimited data? Contrary to what the big 3 networks would have you believe, the average monthly usage of cellular data is approximately 10GB. However, if you primarily use Wi-Fi at home or work, it's probable that your cellular data usage will be significantly lower. By selecting a data plan that suits your requirements from cheap cell phone providers, you can save money by paying less for the amount of data you actually use.

Is hotspot data included?

The majority of low-cost carriers permit the usage of hotspot data but impose restrictions on the amount of data that can be used via tethering. The specific limit depends on the plan and carrier that you choose. In addition, certain MVNOs provide exclusive cheap data plans for tablets, iPads, and mobile hotspots.

What's the monthly price?

Although big wireless unlimited plans can be quite expensive, typically costing between $75-$90 per month, there are cheaper options available from MVNOs that offer cheap prepaid plans ranging from $5-35 per month. These budget-friendly plans still provide reliable wireless coverage and fast data speeds. It is important to be cautious of hidden fees and taxes, as some carriers include these costs in their prices while others, like AT&T and Verizon, don't.

How many lines do you need?

If you opt for a major wireless provider, the price mentioned in their advertisements is only if you buy four lines. On the other hand, MVNOs show the exact price you will pay, regardless of whether you have just one line. Furthermore, some budget-friendly carriers now offer extra discounts for cheap prepaid family plans.

Can I bring my own phone or buy a new device?

The big 3 wireless networks prefer to keep their customers bound to a never-ending cycle of phone upgrades, but MVNOs promote the idea of bringing your own phone. This allows you to regain control and only switch phones when it's convenient for you. In the event that you do decide to buy a new phone, numerous MVNOs provide the option of 0% financing spread over 1-2 years.

What promotions do they offer?

At first glance, promotions from the big three may appear enticing. However, upon closer look at the fine print, they often result in purchasing unnecessary items and agreeing to lengthy 3-year phone contracts. In contrast, most low-cost carriers provide introductory discounts for new customers with cheap no contract plans and provide more transparent pricing.

Do they offer any additional perks?

Many of the major carrier plans come with a complimentary TV subscription, but be aware that this can often transition into a paid subscription that's automatically included in your bill after a few months. While there are some budget-friendly carriers like US Mobile that do offer cheap plan options with free subscription services, it's generally advisable to keep these subscriptions separate to avoid paying for unnecessary items.

What international features are available?

If you're a regular traveler, it's worth making sure your carrier offers these. Calling and roaming are two separate features, and many MVNOs offer free international calling, but the countries will vary by carrier. When it comes to roaming, you'll find this as an add-on option, and the price will depend on the country you're visiting.

Do they have parental controls?

Many MVNO carriers offer parental control features that enable parents to monitor their children's phone usage and data consumption. With parental controls, you can set data limits, restrict access to certain apps or websites, and even track your child's location. Some MVNOs offer these features as part of their standard plans, or you'll find this feature on your cell phone.

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


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Compare the cheapest pay as you go 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

Pay as you go plans FAQs


Recap: What is the cheapest pay as you go plan?

Pay as you go plans are a great way to save money on your cell phone bill and only pay for what you need.

Low-cost carriers like Tello, Mint Mobile, and Boost Mobile provide plans suitable for all budgets. And operating on the main US networks means you don't have to give up quality coverage.

If you're happy with your handset, MVNOs make it easy for you to bring your own phone and save even more of those hard-earned bucks.

Make sure to check the best cell phone coverage in your area to help you choose the perfect MVNO for you.

Cheap phone plan guides

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.

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