Best prepaid SIM card in 2025

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.

Tello offers the best SIM card for low data users

Tello 2GB SIM card for $10/mo

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

5

Read our Tello review

See at Tello

Tello strips away the complexity of phone plans-no contracts, no hidden fees, just affordable, flexible service on T-Mobile's network.

Every plan includes free international calls to 60+ countries, including Canada and Mexico, along with a variety of data options to suit both light and heavy users.

You're in full control with customizable plans, letting you pick the exact amount of talk, text, and data you need, so you never overpay. All plans come with mobile hotspot, with unlimited plans offering up to 5GB, but there are no discounts for multiple lines. Each line is billed separately, though Tello's pricing is still highly competitive.

Switching is easy. eSIM activation takes just a few taps, or you can order a physical SIM card if you prefer.

I compared several alternatives. Ultra Mobile excels in international calling but costs more for the same data. Metro by T-Mobile offers solid service but requires in-store visits and comes at a higher price. Boost Mobile has appealing rates, but hidden fees and unreliable customer service make it harder to recommend.

At the end of the day, Tello wins for affordability, customization, and a hassle-free switching experience.

• Tailor-made plans – Pick exactly what you need, nothing more.
• No long-term commitments – Affordable, transparent pricing with easy plan adjustments.
• Seamless setup – Activate instantly with eSIM or get a SIM card shipped.

Visible offers the best value unlimited SIM card

Visible unlimited SIM card for $25/mo

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

3.4

Read our Visible review

See at Visible

Visible takes the complexity out of wireless plans, offering two simple unlimited options with no contracts, no hidden fees, and no extra costs.

For just $25/month, you get unlimited talk, text, and data, plus mobile hotspot access at speeds of 5–10 Mbps. Upgrade to the Visible+ plan, and you'll receive 50GB of premium data and access to Verizon's 5G Ultra Wideband for even faster speeds.

International communication is easy, too. The Visible+ plan includes free international calling to 30+ countries and texting to over 200 destinations. Plus, eSIM activation lets you start service in minutes-no need to wait for a physical SIM card.

While there are no discounts for multiple lines, Visible's low individual pricing makes it a great option for single-line users. Just note that customer support is available online only.

Compared to Tracfone, Xfinity Mobile, and Spectrum Mobile, Visible stands out. Tracfone offers low-cost plans, but data speed limitations make it less appealing for heavy users. Xfinity Mobile and Spectrum Mobile have solid pricing but require internet service from their respective providers.

For a hassle-free, budget-friendly unlimited plan, Visible is a clear winner.

• Unlimited data, no surprises – No contracts, no hidden charges, just straightforward pricing.
• Built-in extras – Every plan includes mobile hotspot, with international calling & texting on Visible+.
• Fast and simple activation – Use eSIM for instant setup, or order a SIM card.

Total Wireless offers the best SIM card with Verizon coverage

Total Wireless unlimited SIM card for $50/mo

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

4

Read our Total Wireless review

See at Total Wireless

Total Wireless delivers affordable, no-contract phone plans on Verizon's 5G & 4G LTE network, ensuring reliable service without the high cost.

Plans include unlimited talk and text, high-speed data options, and mobile hotspot access up to 15GB on select plans.

For international users, Total Wireless offers free calling to 85+ destinations and roaming in Canada and Mexico, making it easy to stay connected.

With no contracts or hidden fees, you have full control over your plan, managing everything online with hassle-free switching.

I compared other low-cost carriers on Verizon's network, and each has drawbacks. Tracfone is budget-friendly but limits high-speed data. Xfinity Mobile and Spectrum Mobile offer good rates, but require home internet service to qualify.

For an easy, budget-friendly wireless experience with solid coverage, Total Wireless is a top choice.

• Verizon coverage for less – Enjoy the same network without the premium price.
• More than just talk & text – Up to 15GB of hotspot data, plus international calling and roaming perks.
• Total flexibility – No contracts, no activation fees, and simple online account management.

Tello offers the best SIM card with T-Mobile coverage

Tello unlimited SIM card for $25/mo

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

5

Read our Tello review

See at Tello

Tello is the perfect solution for those who want affordable, flexible wireless service without hidden fees or unnecessary commitments.

All plans come with free international calling to 60+ countries, including Canada and Mexico, plus a variety of custom data options to match different usage needs.

Instead of forcing you into a pre-set plan, Tello lets you customize exactly how much data, talk, and text you want, so you never pay for what you don't use. Tello includes mobile hotspot with all plans, though unlimited plans have a 5GB cap, and while there are no multi-line discounts, individual plans are already priced so low that you'll still save.

Switching is simple if you have an eSIM-compatible phone and takes 5 minutes. Prefer a physical SIM? Tello will ship one to you.

I compared several carriers. Ultra Mobile offers strong international calling perks but costs more. Metro by T-Mobile requires in-store activation and has higher prices. Boost Mobile has competitive rates but includes hidden fees and has inconsistent customer service.

For budget-conscious users who want flexibility and no surprises, Tello is a top choice.

• Custom-built plans – Choose only the data, talk, and text you need. You can update your plan anytime with no penalties.
• No contracts or hidden charges – No activation fees, no surprise price hikes, and no long-term commitments.
• Fast and easy activation – Activate instantly with eSIM on compatible devices, or order a SIM card for traditional setup.

Red Pocket offers the best SIM card with AT&T coverage

Red Pocket unlimited SIM card for $30/mo

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

4

Read our Red Pocket review

See at Red Pocket

Red Pocket Mobile offers affordable unlimited plans on AT&T's network, making it an excellent choice for families looking to save.

With a $20 discount per additional line, families can reduce their phone bill significantly compared to major carriers. While a setup fee applies, the long-term savings make it well worth the switch.

Enjoy unlimited talk and text with no hidden fees and up to 30GB of high-speed data, including hotspot access.

Red Pocket Mobile also provides free international calling to 80+ countries and roaming in Mexico and Canada, ensuring global connectivity without extra charges. eSIM users can take advantage of a 7-day money-back guarantee, allowing you to test the service risk-free.

I've reviewed other AT&T-based low-cost carriers, including Cricket Wireless, which costs more despite being AT&T's prepaid brand, H2O Wireless, which offers international perks but doesn't match Red Pocket's value, and Good2Go Mobile, which is affordable but has fewer plan choices.

For affordable unlimited plans with strong family savings and international benefits, Red Pocket Mobile is my top pick.

• Multi-line savings – $20 off each additional line, making family plans budget-friendly.
• Free international perks – Stay connected with calls to 80+ countries and roaming in Mexico & Canada.
• Transparent pricing & no risk – No hidden fees, plus a 7-day eSIM money-back guarantee.

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

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

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:

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.