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At MoneySavingPro, we like to help you save money without sacrifices, and that's exactly why prepaid SIM cards are growing in popularity.
MVNOs - Mobile Virtual Network Operators offer affordable prepaid cell phone plans powered by the major wireless networks that give you access to the same nationwide coverage.
As there's such a choice of low-cost carriers, we've simplified the offerings to help you find the best deals. Let's take a look below.
Best prepaid SIM cards on T-Mobile
These are the top 3 prepaid SIM cards from low-cost carriers with T-Mobile coverage to consider.
Tello 2GB SIM card
- T-Mobile coverage
- Unlimited talk and text
- Instant eSIM activation
With a Tello SIM card, you'll get access to a straightforward wireless service that eliminates any hidden fees or binding long-term contracts.
With every SIM card, you can enjoy free international calls to over 60 countries, including Canada and Mexico, along with a variety of data options designed for both casual and frequent users.
Pros
- T-Mobile 4G LTE and 5G coverage
- Free international calling to 60+ countries
- Free mobile hotspot included
- Excellent score on Trustpilot
Cons
- No international roaming
- No multi-line discounts
Mint Mobile 15GB SIM card
- T-Mobile coverage
- Unlimited talk and text
- Instant eSIM activation
Mint Mobile SIM cards are prepaid SIMs on the T-Mobile network, allowing customers to benefit from excellent service at a more affordable price. They offer various data packages, including an unlimited SIM card plan with up to 40GB of high-speed data and unlimited talk and text for all SIM cards.
Mint Mobile's clear communication highlights how customers can achieve greater savings by committing to longer-term plans.
Pros
- T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE network coverage
- Free calls to Mexico and Canada
- Free mobile hotspot with all SIM cards
Cons
- No international roaming
- Limited customer service
- 3-month minimum sign-up
Tello Unlimited SIM card
- T-Mobile coverage
- Unlimited talk and text
- Instant eSIM activation
With a Tello SIM card, you'll get access to a straightforward wireless service that eliminates any hidden fees or binding long-term contracts.
With every SIM card, you can enjoy free international calls to over 60 countries, including Canada and Mexico, along with a variety of data options designed for both casual and frequent users.
Pros
- T-Mobile 4G LTE and 5G coverage
- Free international calling to 60+ countries
- Free mobile hotspot included
- Excellent score on Trustpilot
Cons
- No international roaming
- No multi-line discounts
The table below demonstrates that choosing the Tello unlimited data plan would save you $630 per year compared to buying an unlimited data plan from T-Mobile directly.
| T-Mobile | T-Mobile coverage at a fraction of the cost | ||
|---|---|---|---|
 |  |  *$60 for 3 Months | *$10 off for 3 Mths |
| T-Mobile 4G & 5G | T-Mobile 4G & 5G | T-Mobile 4G & 5G | |
| Unlimited data *not unlimited | 2GB data | 15GB data | Unlimited data |
| $75/mo | $10/mo | $20/mo* | $15/mo* |
| $900/yr | $120/yr | $240/yr | $270/yr |
| 1.4 on Trustpilot | 4.6 on Trustpilot | 3.3 on Trustpilot | 4.6 on Trustpilot |
| Annual savings | $780/yr | $660/yr | $630/yr |
Best prepaid SIM cards on Verizon
These are the top 3 prepaid SIM cards from low-cost carriers with Verizon coverage to consider.
Twigby Mobile 2GB SIM card
- Verizon coverage
- Unlimited talk and text
- Instant eSIM activation
With a Twigby Mobile SIM card, you have the choice to personalize your SIM card plan and only pay for the services you require. They offer a selection of budget-friendly SIM cards without any contracts, all of which operate on Verizon's network.
This ensures that you can enjoy both quality and flexibility. Additionally, if you have family or friends overseas, Twigby Mobile provides free international calls to 80 countries.
Pros
- Verizon 5G & 4G LTE network coverage
- Free international calls to 80+ countries
- Free mobile hotspot access
- Excellent score on Trustpilot
Cons
- No multi-line discounts
- No International roaming
- No eSIM support
Red Pocket 10GB SIM card
- Verizon coverage
- Unlimited talk and text
- Instant eSIM activation
Red Pocket Mobile SIM cards are powered by both the Verizon and AT&T wireless networks. If you're interested in obtaining multi-line discounts, they're regarded as one of the top MVNOs for family plans. They offer a $20 reduction for every extra line added.
Additionally, you can enjoy free international calls to 80 countries, enabling you to stay in touch with your loved ones overseas.
Pros
- AT&T 5G & 4G LTE wireless coverage
- Free international calls to 80 countries
- Roaming available in Mexico and Canada
- Mobile hotspot access on all plans
- Excellent score on Trustpilot
Cons
- Limited international roaming
Visible Unlimited SIM card
- Verizon coverage
- Unlimited talk and text
- Instant eSIM activation
The table below demonstrates that choosing the Visible unlimited data plan would save you $600 per year compared to buying an unlimited data plan from Verizon directly.
| Verizon | Verizon coverage at a fraction of the cost | ||
|---|---|---|---|
 |  *$5/mo for 1st 3 Mths |  |  |
| Verizon 4G & 5G | AT&T 4G & 5G | Verizon 4G & 5G | |
| Unlimited data *not unlimited | 2GB data | 10GB data | Unlimited data |
| $75/mo | $5/mo* | $20/mo | $25/mo |
| $900/yr | $150/yr | $240/yr | $300/yr |
| 1.2 on Trustpilot | 4.7 on Trustpilot | 4.4 on Trustpilot | 1.4 on Trustpilot |
| Annual savings | $750/yr | $660/yr | $600/yr |
Best prepaid SIM cards on AT&T
These are the top 3 prepaid SIM cards from low-cost carriers with AT&T coverage to consider.
Red Pocket 1GB SIM card
- AT&T coverage
- Unlimited talk and text
- Instant eSIM activation
Red Pocket Mobile SIM cards are powered by both the Verizon and AT&T wireless networks. If you're interested in obtaining multi-line discounts, they're regarded as one of the top MVNOs for family plans. They offer a $20 reduction for every extra line added.
Additionally, you can enjoy free international calls to 80 countries, enabling you to stay in touch with your loved ones overseas.
Pros
- AT&T 5G & 4G LTE wireless coverage
- Free international calls to 80 countries
- Roaming available in Mexico and Canada
- Mobile hotspot access on all plans
- Excellent score on Trustpilot
Cons
- Limited international roaming
Red Pocket 10GB SIM card
- AT&T coverage
- Unlimited talk and text
- Instant eSIM activation
Red Pocket Mobile SIM cards are powered by both the Verizon and AT&T wireless networks. If you're interested in obtaining multi-line discounts, they're regarded as one of the top MVNOs for family plans. They offer a $20 reduction for every extra line added.
Additionally, you can enjoy free international calls to 80 countries, enabling you to stay in touch with your loved ones overseas.
Pros
- AT&T 5G & 4G LTE wireless coverage
- Free international calls to 80 countries
- Roaming available in Mexico and Canada
- Mobile hotspot access on all plans
- Excellent score on Trustpilot
Cons
- Limited international roaming
Red Pocket Unlimited SIM card
- AT&T coverage
- Unlimited talk and text
- Instant eSIM activation
Red Pocket Mobile SIM cards are powered by both the Verizon and AT&T wireless networks. If you're interested in obtaining multi-line discounts, they're regarded as one of the top MVNOs for family plans. They offer a $20 reduction for every extra line added.
Additionally, you can enjoy free international calls to 80 countries, enabling you to stay in touch with your loved ones overseas.
Pros
- AT&T 5G & 4G LTE wireless coverage
- Free international calls to 80 countries
- Roaming available in Mexico and Canada
- Mobile hotspot access on all plans
- Excellent score on Trustpilot
Cons
- Limited international roaming
The table below demonstrates that choosing the Red Pocket unlimited data plan would save you $540 per year compared to buying an unlimited data plan from AT&T directly.
| AT&T | AT&T coverage at a fraction of the cost | ||
|---|---|---|---|
 | | | |
| AT&T 4G & 5G | AT&T 4G & 5G | AT&T 4G & 5G | |
| Unlimited data *not unlimited | 1GB data | 10GB data | Unlimited data |
| $75/mo | $10/mo | $20/mo | $30/mo |
| $900/yr | $120/yr | $240/yr | $360/yr |
| 1.3 on Trustpilot | 4.4 on Trustpilot | 4.4 on Trustpilot | 4.4 on Trustpilot |
| Annual savings | $780/yr | $660/yr | $540/yr |
Tello Unlimited SIM card
- T-Mobile coverage
- Unlimited talk and text
- Instant eSIM activation
With a Tello SIM card, you'll get access to a straightforward wireless service that eliminates any hidden fees or binding long-term contracts.
With every SIM card, you can enjoy free international calls to over 60 countries, including Canada and Mexico, along with a variety of data options designed for both casual and frequent users.
Pros
- T-Mobile 4G LTE and 5G coverage
- Free international calling to 60+ countries
- Free mobile hotspot included
- Excellent score on Trustpilot
Cons
- No international roaming
- No multi-line discounts
How to choose the best prepaid SIM card
Which network do you prefer?
Low-cost carriers are powered by the same 5G and 4G LTE networks as the big 3. According to a 5G Experience Report (2023) by Opensignal, T-Mobile has the most extensive 5G coverage in the United States. If you have a preference for a specific network, you can find an MVNO that operates on that network. To discover the best cell phone service in your area, make sure to use our coverage checker.
How much data do you need?
Do you really need a prepaid SIM card for unlimited data? The big 3 wireless companies want you to believe so, but in reality, the average monthly cellular data consumption is around 10GB. Because 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 pick a plan with enough data to fit your needs with cheap cell phone providers, meaning if you use less, you can pay less. But if you do choose an unlimited data SIM card, be aware that high-speed data is normally capped.
Is mobile hotspot data included?
Many MVNOs permit the usage of hotspot data. However, they impose restrictions on the quantity of data that can be used through tethering. The specific limit varies depending on the carrier and plan that you select. Additionally, some low-cost carriers provide exclusive data only SIM cards designed specifically for iPads, tablets, and mobile hotspots.
What's the monthly cost?
While an unlimited data SIM card with the big 3 wireless costs around $75-90 per month, the best MVNOs offer budget-friendly SIM cards, ranging from $5-35 per month without compromising coverage or data speeds. Watch out for hidden fees & taxes; some providers 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 low advertised price if you buy four lines. With low-cost carriers, the price you see is what you pay, even for one line. Some MVNOs also offer further discounts for multi-line plans.
Can I bring my own phone or buy a new device?
While big wireless prioritizes keeping their customers in a perpetual cycle of phone upgrades, MVNOs advocate for bringing your own device. This empowers 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, most MVNOs provide the option for 0% financing spread across 1-2 years.
Are there any promotions?
Promotions from big wireless can seem great at first. But once you read the fine print, it often leads to buying things you don't need and committing to 3-year phone contracts. Most MVNOs offer short-term introductory discounts for new customers, and their pricing is much clearer.
Are there any perks?
The big 3 wireless plans normally come with "complimentary" TV subscriptions, but these often become paid subscriptions that are automatically included on your bill after a few months. Although some budget-friendly carriers like US Mobile do provide plan choices with free subscription services, we generally advise keeping these subscriptions separate to avoid paying for unnecessary months of service.
What international travel features are available?
Most MVNOs offer free international calls to many countries. But when you're traveling abroad, there are different features you'll need, for example, roaming. If this is important to you, you can find a variety of carriers offering SIM cards for international travel.
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 AT&T MVNOs offer these features as part of their standard plans, or you'll find this feature on your cell phone.
What are the SIM card sizes?
The SIM card you need will depend on your device. Most smart devices now use a nano-SIM or eSIM, but some older devices may need a micro-SIM or a standard SIM.
Check out our comparison of the best prepaid SIM cards to ensure you find the best deal.
Find the best prepaid phone plans in your area
Compare the cheapest prepaid SIM card plans
| Carrier | Data | Monthly Price | Annual Price | Savings | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tello | 2GB | $10/mo | $120/yr | $780/yr | See at Tello |
| Mint Mobile | 15GB | $20/mo* | $240/yr | $660/yr | See at Mint Mobile *$60 for 3 Months |
| Tello | Unlimited | $15/mo* | $270/yr | $630/yr | See at Tello *$10 off for 3 Mths |
| Carrier | Data | Monthly Price | Annual Price | Savings | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Twigby Mobile | 2GB | $5/mo* | $150/yr | $750/yr | See at Twigby Mobile *$5/mo for 1st 3 Mths |
| Red Pocket | 10GB | $20/mo | $240/yr | $660/yr | See at Red Pocket |
| Visible | Unlimited | $25/mo | $300/yr | $600/yr | See at Visible |
| Carrier | Data | Monthly Price | Annual Price | Savings | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Red Pocket | 1GB | $10/mo | $120/yr | $780/yr | See at Red Pocket |
| Red Pocket | 10GB | $20/mo | $240/yr | $660/yr | See at Red Pocket |
| Red Pocket | Unlimited | $30/mo | $360/yr | $540/yr | See at Red Pocket |
SIM cards for international travelers
In the quest for affordable and flexible communication, especially when traveling, prepaid SIM cards have become a pivotal part of helping to stay connected. For travelers jetting from the USA to Europe and other various countries, the GSM technology underlying most prepaid SIM cards ensures phone compatibility, catering to both iPhone, Android, and other smartphones.
Whether you're looking to buy a new SIM card on arrival or opt for a travel SIM card, either is a great option. Also, if your phone is compatible, an eSIM can make this process even easier.
However, your current carrier may offer international plans, but they usually come with a hefty price tag. The best option can be getting a local SIM card, which presents a cost-effective option, often providing a substantial GB of data, free mobile hotspot data, and local call minutes, which are invaluable for internet access to navigate via Google Maps or stay connected through WhatsApp and Skype.
A new SIM card can offer an ideal plan tailored for each destination and guarantee the best rates.
Prepaid SIM card FAQs
Your phone information is stored in a SIM card - or subscriber identity module card.
A prepaid SIM card typically costs between $5-40 per month, depending on the carrier and data plan.
There are three types of SIM cards available; Nano SIM, micro SIM, and standard. The Nano SIM is the most common and is used for all the latest smartphones.
SIM cards can be purchased online or in retail stores such as Best Buy, Target, and Walmart.
Recap: What is the best prepaid SIM card?
Saving money on your cell phone bill has never been easier with MVNOS. With such a variety of prepaid SIM cards to choose from, there's something for everyone.
These low-cost carriers can save you up to $600 a year with the same perks. Coverage is one thing you don't have to sacrifice running on the same wireless networks.
Prepaid SIM card guides
- Tello SIM Cards
- Twigby SIM Cards
- Ultra Mobile SIM Cards
- US Mobile SIM Cards
- Lycamobile SIM Cards
- Mint Mobile SIM Cards
- Boost Mobile SIM Cards
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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
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