The best cheap cell phone providers in 2025

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.

Tello is the cheapest phone provider 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

Read our Tello review

See at Tello

Tello makes wireless affordable and flexible, so you're never locked into contracts or overpaying for services you don't need.

All plans include free international calls to 60+ countries, including Canada and Mexico. You also get flexible data options, whether you need just a little or unlimited access.

Unlike traditional carriers, Tello lets you customize your own plan, so you're only paying for the talk, text, and data you actually use. All Tello plans support mobile hotspot, with unlimited plans limited to 5GB, though family plan discounts aren't available. Each line is billed separately, but with Tello's pricing, multi-line savings aren't a necessity.

Switching is quick and seamless-eSIM activation lets you get started in minutes, or you can order a SIM card if needed.

I compared Tello to Boost Mobile, Ultra Mobile, and Metro by T-Mobile. Boost Mobile offers low prices but is known for hidden fees and inconsistent customer support. Ultra Mobile is a strong pick for international calls but is pricier for the same data. Metro by T-Mobile charges more and often requires an in-store visit.

If you want low-cost, flexible service with no commitments, Tello is a standout choice.

• Plans tailored to you – Choose exactly what you need.
• No contracts, no hidden fees – Transparent pricing with no surprises.
• Fast, simple setup – Activate instantly with eSIM or get a SIM card shipped to you.

Visible is the cheapest phone provider for unlimited data

Visible unlimited plan 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

Tired of complicated phone plans? Visible makes unlimited data simple and affordable with just two straightforward options, both with no contracts, no hidden fees, and no surprises.

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

Switching is easy. With eSIM activation, you can start using your plan in minutes, no waiting for a SIM card. The Visible+ plan also comes with free international calling to 30+ countries and texting to over 200 destinations, making it ideal for those who stay connected globally.

Although Visible doesn't offer multi-line discounts, its low-cost pricing makes it a great deal for single-line users. Just keep in mind that customer service is online-only.

I compared Visible to Tracfone, Xfinity Mobile, and Spectrum Mobile. Tracfone is cheap but limits data speeds, making it less ideal for heavy users. Xfinity Mobile and Spectrum Mobile have good rates, but require their respective internet services to sign up.

For unlimited data without contracts or hidden fees, Visible is a top choice.

• Simple, unlimited plans – No contracts, no unexpected costs-just clear, predictable pricing.
• Built-in perks – Mobile hotspot access included, plus free international calling & texting on Visible+.
• Instant activation – Switch in minutes with eSIM, or request a physical SIM card.

Total Wireless is the cheapest phone provider with Verizon coverage

Total Wireless unlimited plan 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 provides affordable, contract-free plans that let you access Verizon's network without the premium cost.

Each plan includes unlimited talk and text, high-speed data options, and mobile hotspot usage up to 15GB on select plans.

For those who need international calling, Total Wireless offers free calls to 85+ countries and roaming in Canada and Mexico, making it ideal for frequent travelers.

With no long-term contracts or hidden fees, you can easily switch or adjust your plan online whenever needed.

I reviewed Tracfone, Xfinity Mobile, and Spectrum Mobile and found limitations. Tracfone is cheaper but limits data speeds. Xfinity Mobile and Spectrum Mobile offer good rates, but require home internet service.

For flexible, affordable coverage with premium network access, Total Wireless is a top pick.

• Same Verizon coverage, lower price – No need to overpay for great service.
• Hotspot and international calling included – Up to 15GB of hotspot data on some plans, plus free roaming & calls to 85+ countries.
• Contract-free convenience – Adjust or switch your plan anytime with easy online management.

Tello is the cheapest cell phone provider 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

See at Tello

Tello offers a budget-friendly alternative to expensive wireless carriers, giving you the flexibility to pay only for what you need.

All plans include free international calls to 60+ countries, including Canada and Mexico, plus a variety of data options that work for both light users and those who need more high-speed access.

Tello's build-your-own plan approach means you decide how much talk, text, and data you get-so you're never stuck overpaying for services you don't use. All plans includes mobile hotspot access, with a 5GB limit on unlimited plans, but there are no multi-line discounts. However, with pricing this low, even individual plans remain highly affordable.

Switching is quick and effortless. With eSIM activation you can start using your new plan immediately, or you can order a physical SIM if needed.

I compared Boost Mobile, Ultra Mobile, and Metro by T-Mobile. Boost Mobile offers low-cost plans but sneaks in hidden fees. Ultra Mobile is great for international calling but is pricier. Metro by T-Mobile has higher costs and requires an in-store visit for activation.

For a truly flexible, affordable, and commitment-free wireless plan, Tello is an unbeatable choice.

• No wasted money on unnecessary features – Create a plan that fits your needs, with adjustable talk, text, and data options.
• No contracts, no surprises – Tello's transparent pricing means no hidden fees or long-term commitments.
• Fast and easy activation – eSIM-compatible devices can start service in minutes, or you can receive a SIM card in the mail for traditional setup.

Red Pocket is the cheapest cell phone provider 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

See at Red Pocket

Red Pocket Mobile delivers affordable unlimited plans on the AT&T network, offering multi-line savings and international perks at no extra charge.

Families can save big with a $20 discount per extra line, reducing overall costs significantly. While there's a setup fee, the total savings make it a budget-friendly alternative.

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

For international users, free calling to 80+ countries and roaming in Mexico and Canada make Red Pocket an excellent choice for travelers. eSIM users can also try the service with a 7-day money-back guarantee.

I compared other AT&T-based budget carriers, including Cricket Wireless, which costs more despite being AT&T's prepaid brand, H2O Wireless, which includes international calling but lacks overall value, and Good2Go Mobile, which has affordable pricing but limited plan options.

For families looking for an affordable, flexible, and feature-rich unlimited plan, Red Pocket Mobile is a top recommendation.

• Big savings for families – $20 off per extra line, making it one of the cheapest multi-line plans.
• International perks included – Free calls to 80+ countries and free roaming in Mexico & Canada.
• No hidden fees & easy sign-up – Transparent pricing and a 7-day eSIM money-back guarantee.

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.

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Cheap cell phone service FAQs

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
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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
• The 5 Best Wireless Phone Companies
• 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.