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With everything going on, the last thing you need right now is to be stung by a supersized cell phone bill.
There are over 50 cell phone carriers in the United States. Known as MVNOs, these alternative carriers are powered by one or more of the big three networks.
Stay on the same network, keep your phone and number, plus get greater flexibility. Everything you need comes at a much better price with a low-cost carrier.
We'll help you find the best cell phone plan from the cheapest phone service providers out there.
Best cheap cell phone providers on T-Mobile
These are the top 3 plans from low-cost carriers with T-Mobile coverage to consider.
Cheap T-Mobile plan
Tello 2GB plan
- T-Mobile coverage
- Unlimited talk and text
- Instant eSIM activation
Keep things simple with Tello prepaid plans. Their plans cater to all budgets, and you have the flexibility to build your own plan according to your specific needs. This allows you to choose the amount of data, minutes, and texts that fit your usage, making sure that you only pay for what you actually use.
When it comes to data, it's worth checking how much data you use as a set data plan can help you get the cheapest plan. Check out our review about T-Mobile MVNOs: best carriers on the T-Mobile network.
Pros
- T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE wireless coverage
- Free international calling to 60+ countries
- Free mobile hotspot included
- Excellent score on Trustpilot
- eSIM compatible
Cons
- No international roaming
- No multi-line discounts
- Customize your own plan. Depending on your usage, you can choose the amount of data, minutes, and texts that you require. It's always worth checking your average data usage, as a set data plan can help cut costs.
- Mobile hotspot is available with a limit of 5GB.
- You won't have to worry about any hidden fees or long-term contracts that will make you feel trapped.
- They offer free international calls to over 60 countries, including Canada and Mexico, on all their plans.
- Tello doesn't provide any discounts for purchasing multiple lines. So, if you want to get a plan for another family member, each line will be billed at the full price as a single line. However, you can still save money because Tello offers low-cost individual plans.
- Since Tello is an online-based service, you can easily activate an eSIM plan with just a few clicks. Alternatively, you can choose to have a SIM card sent to you by mail.
Best family plan on T-Mobile
Mint Mobile 15GB plan
- T-Mobile coverage
- Unlimited talk and text
- Instant eSIM activation
A Mint Mobile prepaid plan is powered by the T-Mobile network, so you'll get access to their 5G & 4G LTE wireless network at a lower price. Mint Mobile provides a range of data allowances, which includes an unlimited plan offering up to 40GB of high-speed data and unlimited text and talk.
Through their transparent messaging, Mint Mobile shows how you can increase your savings by committing for longer. Check out our review about best family plans on T-Mobile.
Pros
- T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE wireless coverage
- Free calls to Mexico and Canada
- Free mobile hotspot with all plans
- eSIM compatible
Cons
- No international roaming
- Limited customer service
- 3-month minimum sign-up
- Mint Mobile includes mobile hotspot access with all of their plans, allowing you to connect your phone to other devices when Wi-Fi is unavailable. And their unlimited plan comes with a 10GB limit on hotspot data usage.
- To subscribe to Mint Mobile, you must commit to a minimum of 3 months in advance. While their plans are cheaper compared to T-Mobile, this upfront commitment may not be preferable for some. But the longer you commit, the more money you can save.
- After the initial three months, you have the flexibility to choose between 3, 6, or 12-month pricing structures.
- They offer a 7-day money-back guarantee if you're not satisfied with the service.
- You don't need to purchase an expensive iPhone as you can bring your own phone to Mint Mobile. However, if you prefer a new smartphone, there are various options available, such as iPhones, Samsung phones, and other Android models like Google Pixel, with a 0% finance over 1-2 years.
- The Mint Mobile app is also a great feature that allows for easy monitoring of your usage and managing multiple plans.
- On the downside, international roaming comes at an additional cost. While calls to Canada and Mexico are free with Mint Mobile, calls made to other international countries will incur extra charges.
Best unlimited plan on T-Mobile
Tello unlimited data plan
- T-Mobile coverage
- Unlimited talk and text
- Instant eSIM activation
Keep things simple with Tello prepaid plans. Their plans cater to all budgets, and you have the flexibility to build your own plan according to your specific needs. This allows you to choose the amount of data, minutes, and texts that fit your usage, making sure that you only pay for what you actually use.
When it comes to data, it's worth checking how much data you use as a set data plan can help you get the cheapest plan. Check out our review about best unlimited data plans on T-Mobile.
Pros
- T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE wireless coverage
- Free international calling to 60+ countries
- Free mobile hotspot included
- Excellent score on Trustpilot
- eSIM compatible
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 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
 |  |  *$45 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 | $15/mo* | $15/mo* |
| $900/yr | $120/yr | $225/yr | $270/yr |
| 1.4 on Trustpilot | 4.6 on Trustpilot | 3.3 on Trustpilot | 4.6 on Trustpilot |
| Annual savings | $780/yr | $675/yr | $630/yr |
Best cheap cell phone providers on Verizon
These are the top 3 plans from low-cost carriers with Verizon coverage to consider.
Cheap Verizon plan
Twigby Mobile 2GB plan
- Verizon coverage
- Unlimited talk and text
- Instant eSIM activation
With Twigby Mobile prepaid phone plans, you have the option to customize a plan that fits your individual needs. They offer a variety of cheap no-contract plans that are powered by the Verizon network, so you don't have to sacrifice quality for affordability. Check out our review about Verizon MVNOs: best carriers on the Verizon network.
Pros
- Verizon 5G & 4G LTE wireless coverage
- Free international calls to 80+ countries
- Wide range of plan choices
- Free mobile hotspot access
- Excellent score on Trustpilot
Cons
- No multi-line discounts
- No International roaming
- Not eSIM-compatible
- With Twigby Mobile, you can create plans whatever your needs and budget.
- Twigby Mobile provides free international calling to 80 different countries, ideal for those with family or friends living abroad.
- They're 100% online based, so you can order your SIM card from the comfort of your couch and have it delivered straight to your door.
- Mobile hotspot allowance is available and comes out of your monthly data usage, which for unlimited plans is a maximum of 20GB.
- There are no discounts for additional lines, which may not be cheap if you're looking for a family plan.
- Frequent travelers might find the lack of international roaming services less than ideal, as it could lead to a considerably higher monthly bill.
Best family plan on Verizon
Red Pocket 10GB plan
- Verizon coverage
- Unlimited talk and text
- Instant eSIM activation
Red Pocket Mobile prepaid plans are powered by the Verizon and AT&T wireless networks. They excel in family plans, providing a generous $20 discount per additional line for multi-line accounts.
Plus, with free international calling to 80 countries, staying in touch with family and friends overseas is cheaper than ever. Check out our review about best family plans on Verizon.
Pros
- Verizon, and AT&T 5G & 4G LTE network coverage
- Free international calls to 80 countries
- Roaming available in Mexico and Canada
- Mobile hotspot access on all plans
- Excellent score on Trustpilot
- eSIM compatible
Cons
- Limited international roaming
- Red Pocket Mobile's plans are straightforward, with no hidden fees.
- Include features like unlimited talk and text.
- With the unlimited plan, you get up to 30GB high-speed data allowance.
- Mobile hotspot access is available up to 30GB on the unlimited plan, which comes out of your monthly data allowance.
- You get a $20 discount for each additional line added, ideal for family plans. You'll need to pay a setup fee, but after that, choosing a family plan could save you hundreds of dollars a year.
- They offer a 7-day money-back guarantee with their eSIM plans.
- Red Pocket Mobile offers free international calling to 80+ countries, with free roaming in Mexico and Canada.
Best unlimited plan on Verizon
Visible unlimited data plan
- Verizon coverage
- Unlimited talk and text
- Instant eSIM activation
Check out our review about best unlimited data plans on Verizon.
Pros
Cons
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 cheap cell phone providers on AT&T
These are the top 3 plans from low-cost carriers with AT&T coverage to consider.
Cheap AT&T plan
Red Pocket 1GB plan
- AT&T coverage
- Unlimited talk and text
- Instant eSIM activation
Red Pocket Mobile prepaid plans are powered by the Verizon and AT&T wireless networks. They excel in family plans, providing a generous $20 discount per additional line for multi-line accounts.
Plus, with free international calling to 80 countries, staying in touch with family and friends overseas is cheaper than ever. Check out our review about AT&T MVNOs: best carriers on the AT&T network.
Pros
- Verizon, and AT&T 5G & 4G LTE network coverage
- Free international calls to 80 countries
- Roaming available in Mexico and Canada
- Mobile hotspot access on all plans
- Excellent score on Trustpilot
- eSIM compatible
Cons
- Limited international roaming
Best family plan on AT&T
Red Pocket 10GB plan
- AT&T coverage
- Unlimited talk and text
- Instant eSIM activation
Red Pocket Mobile prepaid plans are powered by the Verizon and AT&T wireless networks. They excel in family plans, providing a generous $20 discount per additional line for multi-line accounts.
Plus, with free international calling to 80 countries, staying in touch with family and friends overseas is cheaper than ever. Check out our review about best family plans on AT&T.
Pros
- Verizon, and AT&T 5G & 4G LTE network coverage
- Free international calls to 80 countries
- Roaming available in Mexico and Canada
- Mobile hotspot access on all plans
- Excellent score on Trustpilot
- eSIM compatible
Cons
- Limited international roaming
Best unlimited plan on AT&T
Red Pocket unlimited data plan
- AT&T coverage
- Unlimited talk and text
- Instant eSIM activation
Red Pocket Mobile prepaid plans are powered by the Verizon and AT&T wireless networks. They excel in family plans, providing a generous $20 discount per additional line for multi-line accounts.
Plus, with free international calling to 80 countries, staying in touch with family and friends overseas is cheaper than ever. Check out our review about best unlimited data plans on AT&T.
Pros
- Verizon, and AT&T 5G & 4G LTE network coverage
- Free international calls to 80 countries
- Roaming available in Mexico and Canada
- Mobile hotspot access on all plans
- Excellent score on Trustpilot
- eSIM compatible
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 |
Best low-cost phone provider
Tello unlimited data plan
- T-Mobile coverage
- Unlimited talk and text
- Instant eSIM activation
Keep things simple with Tello prepaid plans. Their plans cater to all budgets, and you have the flexibility to build your own plan according to your specific needs. This allows you to choose the amount of data, minutes, and texts that fit your usage, making sure that you only pay for what you actually use.
When it comes to data, it's worth checking how much data you use as a set data plan can help you get the cheapest plan. Check out our review about the 10 best MVNOs.
Pros
- T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE wireless coverage
- Free international calling to 60+ countries
- Free mobile hotspot included
- Excellent score on Trustpilot
- eSIM compatible
Cons
- No international roaming
- No multi-line discounts
How to choose the best cheap cell phone service
What network coverage do you prefer?
MVNOs are powered by the same 5G & 4G LTE wireless networks as the major carriers. The J.D. Power 2023 wireless network study reveals that T-Mobile has the most extensive 5G coverage. If you have a preference for a specific network, you can choose a low-cost carrier that operates on that network. If you're not sure, you can find the best cell phone service in your area with our coverage checker.
How much data do you need?
Do you really need unlimited data? Contrary to what the big 3 networks would have you believe, the average monthly usage of cellular data is approximately 10GB. However, if you primarily use Wi-Fi at home or work, it's probable that your cellular data usage will be significantly lower. By selecting a data plan that suits your requirements from cheap cell phone providers, you can save money by paying less for the amount of data you actually use.
Is hotspot data included?
The majority of low-cost carriers permit the usage of hotspot data but impose restrictions on the amount of data that can be used via tethering. The specific limit depends on the plan and carrier that you choose. In addition, certain MVNOs provide exclusive cheap data plans for tablets, iPads, and mobile hotspots.
What's the monthly price?
Although big wireless unlimited plans can be quite expensive, typically costing between $75-$90 per month, there are cheaper options available from MVNOs that offer cheap prepaid plans ranging from $5-35 per month. These budget-friendly plans still provide reliable wireless coverage and fast data speeds. It is important to be cautious of hidden fees and taxes, as some carriers include these costs in their prices while others, like AT&T and Verizon, don't.
How many lines do you need?
If you opt for a major wireless provider, the price mentioned in their advertisements is only if you buy four lines. On the other hand, MVNOs show the exact price you will pay, regardless of whether you have just one line. Furthermore, some budget-friendly carriers now offer extra discounts for cheap prepaid family plans.
Can I bring my own phone or buy a new device?
The big 3 wireless networks prefer to keep their customers bound to a never-ending cycle of phone upgrades, but MVNOs promote the idea of bringing your own phone. This allows 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, numerous MVNOs provide the option of 0% financing spread over 1-2 years.
What promotions do they offer?
At first glance, promotions from the big three may appear enticing. However, upon closer look at the fine print, they often result in purchasing unnecessary items and agreeing to lengthy 3-year phone contracts. In contrast, most low-cost carriers provide introductory discounts for new customers with cheap no contract plans and provide more transparent pricing.
Do they offer any additional perks?
Many of the major carrier plans come with a complimentary TV subscription, but be aware that this can often transition into a paid subscription that's automatically included in your bill after a few months. While there are some budget-friendly carriers like US Mobile that do offer cheap plan options with free subscription services, it's generally advisable to keep these subscriptions separate to avoid paying for unnecessary items.
What international features are available?
If you're a regular traveler, it's worth making sure your carrier offers these. Calling and roaming are two separate features, and many MVNOs offer free international calling, but the countries will vary by carrier. When it comes to roaming, you'll find this as an add-on option, and the price will depend on the country you're visiting.
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 MVNOs offer these features as part of their standard plans, or you'll find this feature on your cell phone.
Check out our cheap cell phone plan comparison to ensure you find the best deal.
Find the best phone service in your area
Compare the cheapest cell phone companies
| Carrier | Data | Monthly Price | Annual Price | Savings | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tello | 2GB | $10/mo | $120/yr | $780/yr | See at Tello |
| Mint Mobile | 15GB | $15/mo* | $225/yr | $675/yr | See at Mint Mobile *$45 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 |
Cheap cell phone service FAQs
Cheap cell phone providers, such as US Mobile, Tello, and Boost Mobile, offer low-cost plans starting at just $5 per month. They offer the same wireless coverage and data speeds as the big networks.
Boost Mobile offers unlimited data for just $25 per month. They can save you $600 per year without sacrificing cell phone service coverage.
Recap: What is the cheapest cell phone service?
Paying $70-80 a month for a cell phone service does not make sense when you can get the same wireless coverage for less than half the price. Dodge the rising costs of cell phone plans from the big 3 carriers.
There are so many low-cost carriers emerging in the wireless industry. Offering cheap cell phone plans, they can save you hundreds of dollars each year.
There's no need to sacrifice the wireless coverage you know and trust to cut your phone bill. Bring your own phone to save even more.
Each low-cost cell phone provider offers customized plans, so you'll only pay for what you need. Cutting your phone bill and saving $600 per year has never been easier.
Carrier guides
- The 5 Best Cell Phone Carriers
- Best eSIM Carriers
- The 5 Best Cheap Cell Phone Providers
- The 5 Best Cheap Prepaid Phone Providers
- The 5 Best Prepaid Cell Phone Service
- The 5 Best Wireless Phone Companies
- Best Switch Carrier Deals
How we choose the best carriers and plans
To select the best carriers and plans, MoneySavingPro's team of experts evaluated over 30 different carriers.
Carriers were rated in five categories, with a star rating from 1-5, with 5 stars being the best. We then calculate the overall star rating using the five categories:
- Value for money: We 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: We look at network 5G and 4G LTE coverage across the US. We use coverage maps to determine service availability and data speeds in urban, suburban, and rural locations.
- Customer experience: We 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: We assess whether carrier pricing is clear and straightforward. We 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: We 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.
We regularly update our comparisons. Updating cell phone plans weekly and our content monthly to ensure we are showing the latest and most accurate information.
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