Best cheap SIM card plans in 2025

Saving money on your cell phone bill has never been easier with a prepaid SIM card. With such a variety of low-cost carriers to choose from, there's something for everyone.

These cheap phone 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 5G & 4G LTE wireless networks.

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

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Tello makes it easy to ditch overpriced phone plans without sacrificing coverage or features.

With free international calling to 60+ countries, including Canada and Mexico, and a variety of data plans from small to unlimited, there's an option for every type of user.

One of Tello's biggest strengths is customization. You build your own plan, by choosing how much data, talk, and text you need. This means you're never stuck paying for services you won't use. Get mobile hotspot on every plan, with unlimited options capped at 5GB, but there are no multi-line discounts. However, even without them, Tello's pricing remains among the most affordable.

Getting started is quick and easy. With eSIM activation it means you can switch in minutes, or you can opt for a physical SIM card if needed.

When reviewing competitors, Ultra Mobile stood out for international calls but was pricier. Metro by T-Mobile, despite being a T-Mobile brand, has higher costs and requires in-store sign-ups. Boost Mobile had decent rates but lost points due to hidden fees and inconsistent customer support.

For those who want budget-friendly, commitment-free service with full control over their plan, Tello is the best choice.

• Fully customizable plans – Pay only for what you need.
• No contracts, no hidden costs – Affordable pricing with full transparency.
• Instant activation – Get started in minutes with eSIM or choose to have a SIM card mailed to you.

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 gives you unlimited data on Verizon's network at a fraction of the cost, with no contracts, no hidden fees, and no unexpected charges.

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

One major perk? The Visible+ plan includes free international calling to 30+ countries and texting to over 200 destinations. You can also activate instantly with eSIM, meaning no waiting around for a SIM card.

While Visible doesn't offer multi-line discounts, the low monthly price makes it one of the best deals for single-line users. However, customer support is only available online.

I compared Visible to Tracfone, Xfinity Mobile, and Spectrum Mobile. Tracfone is a cheaper alternative, but it limits data speeds. Xfinity Mobile and Spectrum Mobile have good rates, but you need their internet service to qualify.

For unlimited data at a budget-friendly price, Visible is the best choice.

• Unlimited data, simple pricing – No contracts, no hidden fees, no surprises.
• Extra perks included – Every plan has mobile hotspot access, and Visible+ includes free international calling & texting.
• Seamless activation – Get started instantly with eSIM, or request 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 offers affordable prepaid plans that provide Verizon's coverage without the hefty price tag.

Every plan includes unlimited talk and text, along with high-speed data options and mobile hotspot access.

Need to stay connected abroad? Total Wireless includes free international calling to 85+ destinations and roaming in Canada and Mexico on select plans.

With no long-term commitments or surprise fees, you can manage your plan online and switch at any time.

I also explored other low-cost Verizon carriers. Tracfone offers cheaper pay-as-you-go plans but limits high-speed data. Xfinity Mobile and Spectrum Mobile have competitive pricing, but require home internet service.

For affordable coverage, great features, and contract-free flexibility, Total Wireless is an excellent option.

• Big savings on Verizon's network – Stay connected for less with budget-friendly plans.
• Extra perks included – Hotspot data up to 15GB on certain plans, plus international calling & roaming.
• No contracts, no stress – Easily adjust or switch plans online whenever needed.

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 makes switching to a low-cost, no-contract phone plan easy, keeping things simple while offering great value.

Every plan includes free international calls to 60+ countries, including Canada and Mexico, and a range of data options for light to heavy users.

Instead of overpaying for features you don't use, Tello lets you customize your own plan, ensuring you get the exact amount of talk, text, and data that fits your needs. Mobile hotspot is available on all plans, with a 5GB cap for unlimited data users, though there are no discounts for multiple lines. However, with pricing this low, family plan savings aren't needed.

Getting started is simple-eSIM activation means you can switch instantly, or you can request a SIM card if you prefer.

I tested Ultra Mobile, Metro by T-Mobile, and Boost Mobile. Ultra Mobile is excellent for international calling but is more expensive for the same data. Metro by T-Mobile requires in-store sign-ups and costs more overall. Boost Mobile has a small range of plans and inconsistent customer service.

For transparent pricing, easy activation, and a plan that fits your budget, Tello is the way to go.

• No overpaying for extras – Build your own plan with just the talk, text, and data you need. No unnecessary add-ons.
• Zero contracts or surprise fees – No activation charges, no price increases, and no commitment.
• Instant activation – Use eSIM for immediate setup, or get a physical SIM card shipped directly to you.

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

For families seeking affordable unlimited data on AT&T's network, Red Pocket Mobile stands out with its $20 discount per additional line.

Though a setup fee applies, switching to a multi-line plan could save you hundreds of dollars a year compared to other providers.

With unlimited talk and text, no hidden fees, and up to 30GB of high-speed data, Red Pocket ensures affordable, reliable service with hotspot access included.

International perks come standard, with free calling to 80+ countries and roaming in Mexico and Canada. If you opt for an eSIM, you can try the service risk-free with a 7-day money-back guarantee.

Among AT&T-based low-cost carriers, Cricket Wireless costs more despite being AT&T's prepaid brand, H2O Wireless is good for international calling but lacks overall value, and Good2Go Mobile has affordable pricing but fewer plan options.

For budget-conscious families who need flexibility, affordability, and global perks, Red Pocket Mobile is a top choice.

• Family-friendly pricing – Save $20 per extra line, making multi-line plans more affordable.
• International benefits included – Free calls to 80+ countries and free roaming in Mexico & Canada.
• Risk-free sign-up – No hidden fees, plus a 7-day eSIM refund policy.

How to choose the best value SIM card plan

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 service in your area

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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.

SIM card FAQs

Recap: What is the cheapest 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.

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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.