Cheapest GSM SIM card in 2022
Looking for a SIM card for your GSM phone? You've come to the right place.
GSM (Global System for Mobiles) is one of the technologies used worldwide for cell phones and is used by AT&T and T-Mobile.
There's a range of low-cost carriers, also known as MVNOs, that can save you money on your GSM SIM card. Powered by AT&T and T-Mobile networks, you'll receive the same quality coverage at half the price.
Take a look below for a break down of carriers and plans available, to find the best GSM SIM card deal for you.
| Prepaid GSM SIM | Tello |
| Unlimited GSM SIM | Mint Mobile |
| Family GSM SIM | PureTalk |
| Senior GSM SIM | Good2Go Mobile |
| Best data SIM | US Mobile |
Cheap GSM SIM cards
Best prepaid GSM SIM card
- Minutes
- Unlimited
- Texts
- Unlimited
- Data
- 1GB
- Price
- $10
This Tello SIM kit includes unlimited mins, unlimited texts and 1GB data for $10 for 1 month of wireless service. Tello plans offer wireless coverage on the T-Mobile 5G and 4G LTE network. To learn more about why this is one of the best cell phone plans, check out MoneySavingPro's Tello review
Pros
No contract. No bulk buying.
24/7 friendly customer support
4G LTE/5G nationwide coverage
Free Hotspot & Wi-Fi Calling
Free international calls to 60+ countries
Cons
No roaming
Coverage in rural areas
Benefits
Service on the nationwide T-Mobile network
Money-back guarantee on phones (no refunds on plans)
Prepaid - no contract, credit check, or activation fee
Bring your own phone or choose from a modest selection of new or refurbished devices
Keep your current phone number
Use of your plan data as a mobile hotspot through your phone is allowed
Use your minutes to call Canada, China, and Mexico
Minutes to other countries available as add-on
24/7 customer service
Best GSM SIM card for unlimited data
- Minutes
- Unlimited
- Texts
- Unlimited
- Data
- Unlimited
- Price
- $30** 3 Months FREE: $90 for 6 mths service
This Mint Mobile SIM kit includes unlimited mins, unlimited texts and unlimited data for $30 for 3 months of wireless service. Mint Mobile plans offer wireless coverage on the T-Mobile 5G and 4G LTE network. To learn more about why this is one of the best cell phone plans, check out MoneySavingPro's Mint Mobile review
Pros
Offers the latest phones with 0% finance
Prepay months in bulk for more savings
Reliable network coverage
Works with most GSM phones
Cons
No family plans
Minimum 3 months
Benefits
Operates on the nationwide T-Mobile network
7-day money-back guarantee
Prepaid - no contract, credit check, or activation fee
Bring your phone or buy a Mint Mobile device
Keep your phone number
Using your phone as a mobile hotspot is permitted
Free calling to Canada & Mexico, affordable rates to 160+ other locations
Flat-rate international roaming available as an add-on feature
Customer service by phone on weekdays and weekends, 24/7 by virtual chat
Best GSM SIM card for families
- Minutes
- Unlimited
- Texts
- Unlimited
- Data
- 4GB
- Price
- $19** 25% Off for 3 Months
This PureTalk SIM kit includes unlimited mins, unlimited texts and 4GB data for $19 for 1 month of wireless service. PureTalk plans offer wireless coverage on the AT&T 5G and 4G LTE network. To learn more about why this is one of the best cell phone plans, check out MoneySavingPro's PureTalk review
Pros
5G & 4G LTE coverage
30-day risk-free guarantee
Multi-line discounts
0% finance for new phones
US-based customer service
Supports eSIM
Cons
There are cheaper plans out there
May slow speeds at busy times
Benefits
Operates on the AT&T 5G & 4G LTE network
No contract, credit check, or activation fee
30-day risk-free guarantee on plans
14-day return policy on all new devices
Bring your own phone
Keep your phone number
Mobile hotspot/tethering permitted
International calling available as an add-on calling card
US-based customer support
Supports eSIM
Best GSM SIM card for seniors
- Minutes
- Unlimited
- Texts
- Unlimited
- Data
- 1GB
- Price
- $15
This Good2Go Mobile SIM kit includes unlimited mins, unlimited texts and 1GB data for $15 for 1 month of wireless service. Good2Go Mobile plans offer wireless coverage on the AT&T & T-Mobile 5G and 4G LTE networks. To learn more about why this is one of the best cell phone plans, check out MoneySavingPro's Good2Go Mobile review
Pros
4G LTE coverage
No contract
No credit checks
Cons
No unlimited data options
No app interface
Benefits
Coverage on the nationwide AT&T & T-Mobile networks
Prepaid cell phone plans - no contract, credit check, or activation fee
Bring your own phone or buy a Good2Go Mobile phone
Mobile hotspot/tethering not supported
International calling to over 60 countries available as affordable plan add-on; calling to other countries via add-on calling card
Customer service available by phone 7am - 1am EST every day
Best GSM SIM card for tablet data
- Minutes
- 0
- Texts
- 0
- Data
- 2GB
- Price
- $10* FREE 10-Day Trial
This US Mobile SIM kit includes 0 mins, 0 texts and 2GB data for $10 for 1 month of wireless service. US Mobile plans offer wireless coverage on the Verizon & T-Mobile 5G and 4G LTE networks. To learn more about why this is one of the best cell phone plans, check out MoneySavingPro's US Mobile review
Pros
Flexible, no contract plans
24/7 customer service
5G coverage available
Cons
No international calling
Phone selection
Benefits
Coverage on either the T-Mobile or Verizon network
Risk-free trial: Full refund within 14 days or before 1000 talk, text, or MB's is used
Prepaid - no contract, credit check, or activation fee
Bring your own GSM or CDMA phone or choose from a small selection of phones for sale
Keep your own phone number
Mobile hotspot use available as add-on option with unlimited data plans
International roaming plans available with eSIMs
Add-ons available for talk, text, and data, with rollover
24/7 customer support
Prepaid GSM SIM cards
| Carrier | Data | Network | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| US Mobile 500MB SIM kit | 500MB | Verizon & T-Mobile | $5* FREE 10-Day Trial |
| Tello 1GB SIM kit | 1GB | T-Mobile | $10 |
| Mint Mobile 4GB SIM kit | 4GB | T-Mobile | $15** 3 Months FREE: $45 for 6 mths service |
| US Mobile 15GB SIM kit | 15GB | Verizon & T-Mobile | $20* FREE 10-Day Trial |
| Mint Mobile unlimited data SIM kit | Unltd | T-Mobile | $30** 3 Months FREE: $90 for 6 mths service |
GSM SIM card benefits
- Powered by the major US networks: GSM MVNOs provide wireless plans on the same major telecoms service you can trust. AT&T and T-Mobile are the two networks that run on GSM.
- Save up to 50%: cut your cell phone bill in half and only pay for what you need.
- No contracts: if you're not happy you can cancel at any time. No early termination fees.
- Keep your phone: you can bring your own phone and keep your phone number with a hassle-free switch over. Saving even more money.
Best GSM SIM card on T-Mobile
Unlimitedmins
Unlimitedtexts
4GB
4G/5G data
$15/mo*
Powered by: T-Mobile
T-Mobile vs Mint Mobile comparison
Keep your T-Mobile phone, number & coverage: Save $660 per year
| Carrier | Network Coverage | 4G/5G Data | Price | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| T-Mobile | T-Mobile 4G & 5G | Unltd* | $70/mo | $840/yr |
| Mint Mobile | T-Mobile 4G & 5G | 4GB | $15/mo | $180/yr |
| *Don't waste money on unlimited data - Avg. data usage is only 3-5GB | Savings | $55/mo | $660/yr | |
Best GSM SIM card on AT&T
Unlimitedmins
Unlimitedtexts
3GB
4G/5G data
$10/mo*
$20/mo
Powered by: AT&T & T-Mobile
AT&T vs Good2Go Mobile comparison
Keep your AT&T phone, number & coverage: Save $690 per year
| Carrier | Network Coverage | 4G/5G Data | Price | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AT&T | AT&T 4G & 5G | Unltd* | $75/mo | $900/yr |
| Good2Go Mobile | AT&T 4G & 5G | 3GB | $20/mo | $210/yr |
| *Don't waste money on unlimited data - Avg. data usage is only 3-5GB | Savings | $55/mo | $690/yr | |
What is a GSM SIM card?
All GSM phones use a SIM card. This tiny card is sent by your carrier when you sign up for their cell phone plan. It stores all your phone information, like contacts and personal data. It also makes it super easy to switch carriers.
If you're a frequent traveler, a GSM phone is ideal. You can purchase a local SIM for your unlocked device and save some extra dollars while you're away from home.
Depending on your phone, there are three types of SIM cards;
- Standard SIM
- Micro SIM
- Nano SIM
The Nano SIM card is the most common and is used in newer smartphones like the latest Samsung Galaxy and Apple iPhones.
Don't forget to check which size SIM card your phone uses before signing up.
Which carriers are GSM?
Below is a list of carriers compatible with the GSM network piggybacking off AT&T or T-Mobile. If you're not sure which network is the best for your area, use our coverage map to check.
You'll be sent your GSM SIM card kit in the post with simple activation instructions to help you get started. If you're looking to bring your own phone, check on the carrier's website to make sure your phone is compatible.
T-Mobile GSM carriers list
| Carrier | Network(s) |
|---|---|
| Boost Mobile | AT&T & T-Mobile |
| Boom! Mobile | Verizon & T-Mobile |
| Consumer Cellular | T-Mobile |
| FreeUP Mobile | T-Mobile |
| Metro by T-Mobile | T-Mobile |
| Mint Mobile | T-Mobile |
| Red Pocket | AT&T, T-Mobile & Verizon |
| Republic Wireless | T-Mobile |
| Simple Mobile | T-Mobile |
| Straight Talk | T-Mobile, AT&T & Verizon |
| Tello | T-Mobile |
| Ting | T-Mobile & Verizon |
| Tracfone | Verizon, AT&T & T-Mobile |
| Ultra Mobile | T-Mobile |
| Unreal Mobile | AT&T & T-Mobile |
| US Mobile | Verizon & T-Mobile |
| Gen Mobile | T-Mobile |
| Wing | AT&T, Verizon & T-Mobile |
| Good2Go Mobile | AT&T & T-Mobile |
| Hello Mobile | T-Mobile |
| GoSmart Mobile | T-Mobile |
| Reach Mobile | T-Mobile |
| Lycamobile | T-Mobile |
| Walmart Family Mobile | T-Mobile |
| Speedtalk Mobile | T-Mobile |
AT&T GSM carriers list
| Carrier | Network(s) |
|---|---|
| Boost Mobile | AT&T & T-Mobile |
| Cricket Wireless | AT&T |
| Freedompop | AT&T |
| H2O Wireless | AT&T |
| PureTalk | AT&T |
| Red Pocket | AT&T, T-Mobile & Verizon |
| Straight Talk | T-Mobile, AT&T & Verizon |
| Tracfone | Verizon, AT&T & T-Mobile |
| Unreal Mobile | AT&T & T-Mobile |
| Wing | AT&T, Verizon & T-Mobile |
| Good2Go Mobile | AT&T & T-Mobile |
| Black Wireless | AT&T |
| easyGO Wireless | AT&T |
| Airvoice Wireless | AT&T |
| Optimum Mobile | AT&T |
Switch to a cheap GSM carrier
Some carriers lock a cell phone to their network. But if you want to unlock your phone, in most cases it's an easy fix. Then, you can use it across any network.
If your current provider is one of the big three telecoms companies, AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile or Sprint, you'll want to make sure your phone is fully paid off before switching.
With an unlocked phone, you can switch carriers hassle-free. With a low-cost alternative carrier, there's no contract. So, if you sign up and it's not what you expected you're free to switch.
Until a few years ago CDMA phones didn't use SIM cards, but they've now been built to use both CDMA and GSM. This makes it easier to change between the networks.
Considerations when comparing GSM carriers
- How much talk, text and data do you need? With a low-cost carrier, you can tailor a plan to your needs. By keeping track of your usage you can save money and easily update your plan if needed. Use our free tool to check your average data usage.
- Bringing your own phone? If your phone is unlocked and compatible with a GSM SIM card this is a great way to save money.
- Who offers the best coverage? You can use our coverage map to find out which network and carrier work best in your area.
GSM vs CDMA
CDMA and GSM technology was developed for old school 2G connectivity back in the early 90's. While the GSM network is used worldwide, CDMA is used mainly in the US.
But there's a newer technology in town, LTE.
As technology evolved, 4G LTE was created for data only. Still relying on GSM and CDMA for voice and text to fill in the gap when 4G was not available.
So because LTE phones need a SIM card, and the latest CDMA handsets now include SIMs, it's easier than ever to switch with a CDMA carrier.
GSM SIM card FAQs
What is a GSM SIM card?
GSM means Global System for Mobile Communications. All GSM phones have SIM card slots for storing phone information.
Which carriers use GSM SIM cards?
AT&T and T-Mobile use the GSM network. So any MVNOs running on these networks are GSM compatible.
How do I know if my SIM card is GSM?
If your current provider is AT&T or T-Mobile then your SIM card will be a GSM SIM card.
Recap
Saving money on your cell phone bill is easy with low-cost carriers. And with a great selection of plans there's something for everyone.
GSM MVNOs make it easy for you to bring your own phone, as long as it's compatible. If you're not sure your phone is compatible you can find out with our IMEI checker.
GSM SIM cards are great if you travel abroad as unlike CDMA, the GSM technology is used worldwide for cell service.
If you're not sure which carrier has the best coverage for you, just pop your ZIP code into our coverage checker to find the best for your area.
