The best prepaid cell phone service in 2025

Tello is the best prepaid cell phone service for low data users

Tello 2GB plan for $10/mo

• T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE network
• Unlimited talk and text with 2GB data
• Instant online activation

5

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Looking for an easy way to cut your phone bill without losing reliable service? Tello offers one of the best low-cost options on T-Mobile's network.

You get unlimited talk and text, plus free international calls to 60+ countries (including Canada and Mexico). Tello's flexible approach allows you to build your own plan, selecting just the right amount of data, talk, and text to match your needs.

Get mobile hotspot use with every plan, but the unlimited plan is capped at 5GB. There are no discounts for multiple lines, but at these prices, bundling isn't necessary.

Getting started is seamless with eSIM. The activation takes just a few taps. Or you can order a physical SIM if preferred.

I also looked into other options. Ultra Mobile is a great choice for international calls but costs more for similar data. Metro by T-Mobile requires in-store activation and is more expensive. Boost Mobile has attractive pricing, but hidden fees and inconsistent service take away its appeal.

For an affordable, flexible, and commitment-free phone plan, Tello remains the top pick.

• Custom plans – Only pay for what you need, with no forced extras.
• Simple, transparent pricing – No contracts, no hidden fees.
• Easy setup – eSIM activation in minutes or a shipped SIM card.

Visible is the best prepaid cell phone service for unlimited data

Visible unlimited plan for $25/mo

• Verizon 5G & 4G LTE network
• Unlimited talk, text and data
• Instant online activation

3.4

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Tired of complicated wireless plans? Visible keeps it simple with just two unlimited options, both with no contracts, no extra fees, and no hassle.

For $25/month, you get unlimited talk, text, and data, plus mobile hotspot access with speeds of 5–10 Mbps. If you need faster speeds and premium data, the Visible+ plan gives you 50GB of priority data and Verizon's 5G Ultra Wideband access.

International perks make Visible+ even better. It includes free international calling to 30+ countries and texting to over 200 destinations. Plus, eSIM activation lets you start service in just minutes.

Although multi-line discounts aren't available, Visible's low individual pricing ensures great value for single users. Just keep in mind that customer support is online-only.

Compared to Tracfone, Xfinity Mobile, and Spectrum Mobile, Visible stands out. Tracfone is cheaper but restricts data speeds. Xfinity Mobile and Spectrum Mobile have good pricing, but you must be an internet customer to sign up.

For no-fuss unlimited service with clear pricing, Visible is the best pick.

• Unlimited plans, no surprises – Simple, all-in pricing with no hidden fees.
• Built-in extras – Mobile hotspot included, plus free international calling & texting with Visible+.
• Instant activation – eSIM lets you switch in minutes, or order a SIM card.

Total Wireless is the best prepaid cell phone service with Verizon coverage

Total Wireless unlimited plan for $50/mo

• Verizon 5G & 4G LTE network
• Unlimited talk, text and data
• Instant online activation

4

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Total Wireless keeps wireless service simple and affordable, offering no-contract plans with Verizon's coverage.

With unlimited talk and text, generous high-speed data allowances, and hotspot access up to 15GB, you get everything you need at a lower cost.

International features are built in with select plans include free calling to 85+ destinations and roaming in Canada and Mexico.

You can manage your plan easily online, with no activation fees, no contracts, and no hassle.

I compared other budget-friendly carriers on Verizon's network. Tracfone's pay-as-you-go plans limit high-speed data. Xfinity Mobile and Spectrum Mobile provide solid deals, but require home internet service.

For a cost-effective plan with Verizon's coverage and useful extras, Total Wireless is a smart choice.

• Verizon's coverage, lower price – Reliable service without the premium cost.
• Great extras included – Hotspot access up to 15GB on certain plans, plus free international calling & roaming.
• No long-term commitments – Manage your plan online with total flexibility.

Tello is the best prepaid cell phone service with T-Mobile coverage

Tello unlimited plan for $25/mo

• T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE network
• Unlimited talk, text and data
• Instant online activation

5

Read our Tello review

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Tello is all about giving you affordable wireless service without the headaches of big carrier contracts.

Every plan includes free international calling to 60+ countries, including Canada and Mexico, along with flexible data options tailored to your needs.

With Tello, you build your own plan-picking just the right amount of data, talk, and text. That means no paying for features you don't use. Every plan includes mobile hotspot access, with a 5GB limit on unlimited plans, and while multi-line discounts aren't available, individual pricing is so competitive that bundling isn't necessary.

Switching is fast and hassle-free-if your phone supports eSIM, you can activate your plan in just a few taps. If not, Tello will send you a physical SIM card for easy installation.

I looked at other options, including Metro by T-Mobile, Ultra Mobile, and Boost Mobile. Metro by T-Mobile requires in-store activation and charges more for similar plans. Ultra Mobile offers good international calling perks but costs more. Boost Mobile has attractive pricing but taxes and fees can vary and customer support is inconsistent.

For low-cost, no-commitment service with full flexibility, Tello is a standout choice.

• Personalized plans – Create a plan with just the right amount of talk, text, and data-no wasted money on extras.
• No hidden fees, no contracts – Pay month to month with transparent pricing and no surprise charges.
• Seamless activation – eSIM allows for instant setup, or you can get a SIM card shipped and activate at your convenience.

Red Pocket is the best prepaid cell phone service with AT&T coverage

Red Pocket unlimited plan for $30/mo

• AT&T 5G & 4G LTE network
• Unlimited talk, text and data
• Instant online activation

4

Read our Red Pocket review

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If you're looking for an unlimited plan for the whole family, Red Pocket Mobile offers major savings on AT&T's network.

You'll get a $20 discount per extra line, helping families cut costs while still enjoying premium network coverage. Although there's a small setup fee, the overall savings make it worth the switch.

Plans come with unlimited talk and text, no hidden fees, and up to 30GB of high-speed data, plus hotspot access for added flexibility.

For international users, Red Pocket Mobile includes free calls to 80+ countries and free roaming in Mexico and Canada, all at no extra cost. eSIM users also get a 7-day money-back guarantee, allowing them to try the service risk-free.

I reviewed other AT&T-powered budget carriers, including Cricket Wireless, which costs more despite being AT&T's own prepaid brand, H2O Wireless, which has international perks but isn't as competitively priced, and Good2Go Mobile, which offers lower prices but limited plan choices.

For an affordable unlimited plan with premium features and great family savings, Red Pocket Mobile is a top choice.

• Multi-line savings – Save $20 per extra line and lower your family's phone bill.
• Built-in global perks – Free calls to 80+ countries and free roaming in Mexico & Canada.
• No contracts, no surprises – Clear pricing with a 7-day eSIM refund policy.

How to choose the best prepaid cell phone service

What network coverage do you prefer?

MVNOs are powered by the same 5G & 4G LTE networks as the big 3 wireless networks. Among the various carriers, T-Mobile obtained the top position in this J.D. Power 2023 wireless network study in terms of 5G coverage. If you have a preference for a particular network, choose an MVNO that operates on that network. Or, to identify the best cell phone service in your area, you can use our coverage checker tool.

How much data do you need?

Do you really need an unlimited data plan? The big 3 may try to persuade you otherwise, but the reality is that the majority of people only consume approximately 10GB of cellular data each month. Furthermore, if you primarily use Wi-Fi at home or work, your consumption of cellular data will probably be even lower. With cheap cell phone providers, you can choose a data plan that fits your requirements and pay a reduced amount if your data usage is lower.

Is hotspot data included?

Most carriers allow the usage of hotspot data; however, there are limitations on the quantity of data that can be used via tethering. The actual limit depends on the prepaid plan you choose and the carrier. Moreover, certain carriers offer prepaid mobile hotspot plans specifically tailored for use on mobile hotspot devices, iPads, and tablets.

What's the monthly cost?

While the big 3 usually charge between $75-90 per month for unlimited plans, the best MVNOs offer inexpensive plans that range from $5-35 per month. Despite their affordability, these options still offer dependable wireless coverage and fast data speeds. It's crucial to be mindful of extra fees and taxes, as some carriers include them in their pricing while others, such as AT&T and Verizon, do not.

What if I need multiple lines?

When it comes to the big wireless networks, the price advertised is only valid if you buy four lines. While with MVNOs, the price displayed is the price you pay, even if you only have one line. Furthermore, plenty of affordable carriers currently offer further reductions for additional lines with prepaid family plans.

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

Despite the big 3's love of keeping their customers locked into a constant cycle of phone upgrades, MVNOs advocate the choice of bringing your own phone. This gives you the power to stay in control and only switch phones when it suits you. If you do choose to purchase a new phone, many MVNOs offer the opportunity of 0% financing for 1-2 years.

What promotions do they offer?

The big wireless promotions may appear appealing at first, but with further scrutiny of the fine print, you'll find they frequently include unnecessary items and the commitment to a lengthy 3-year phone contract. On the other hand, many Mobile Virtual Network Operators provide special discounts to new customers and offer no contract phone plans and clearer pricing structures.

Are there any additional perks?

A lot of the plans from the major networks include "free" TV subscriptions, but these eventually turn into paid subscriptions and are automatically added to your bill if you forget to cancel them after a few months. However, there are some prepaid carriers, like US Mobile, that offer free subscription services. But in our opinion, it's better to keep these subscriptions separate so that you have better control over them.

What international features are available?

If you travel often, it's recommended that you check whether your prepaid carrier offers these services. International calling and roaming are distinct features, and several MVNOs provide free international calls; however, the countries available may vary depending on the carrier. Roaming is typically offered as an optional feature, with the cost differing depending on the country you are traveling to.

Do they have parental controls?

Many MVNOs offer parental control features that enable parents to supervise their children's phone usage and data consumption. With these controls, you can set data limits, restrict access to particular apps or websites, and even track your child's location. These capabilities are available either as part of plans or can be configured in your cell phone's settings.

Check out our prepaid cell phone comparison to help find the best deal.

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Recap: What are the best prepaid cell phone plans?

Online cell phone providers have simplified the process of switching to a new phone plan. By opting for a low-cost carrier, you stand to cut your cell phone bill by over 50%.

These carriers operate on the major networks you already trust, delivering the same benefits. While they may not entice you with complimentary subscriptions to platforms like Disney+, such perks from traditional carriers aren't everlasting and often lead to forgotten, lingering charges.

Review and compare prepaid cell phone plans across various carriers to guarantee you the best deal.

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• The 5 Best Cheap Cell Phone Providers
• The 5 Best Cheap Prepaid Phone Providers
• The 5 Best Prepaid Cell Phone Service
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• Best Switch Carrier Deals

How I choose the best carriers and plans

To select the best carriers and plans, I evaluated over 30 different carriers.

I rate carriers in five categories, with a star rating from 1-5, with 5 stars being the best. I then calculate the overall star rating using the five categories:

1. Value for money: I 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: I look at network 5G and 4G LTE coverage across the US. I use coverage maps to determine service availability and data speeds in urban, suburban, and rural locations.
3. Customer experience: I 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: I assess whether carrier pricing is clear and straightforward. I 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: I 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.

I regularly update the content so that we're always recommending the latest and best value plans and do my best to ensure the information is accurate.