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If you're looking for a bargain on your cell phone bill, you've come to the right place.
An MVNO can save you hundreds on your bill using the same great network you already know and trust.
Over the last few years, numerous low-cost carriers have come crashing onto the scene to show they're not just about saving money.
An alternative carrier will use at least one - if not more – of the major networks. We've grouped each low-cost carrier below under the network they use. So, if you love Verizon's coverage but are looking to save some money, a Verizon MVNO will be a great option.
T-Mobile MVNO list
Boost Mobile
Boom! Mobile
Consumer Cellular
FreeUP Mobile
Metro by T-Mobile
Mint Mobile
Red Pocket
Straight Talk
Tello
TextNow
Tracfone
Ultra Mobile
US Mobile
Good2Go Mobile
Reach Mobile
Lycamobile
Kroger Wireless
Optimum Mobile
Boost Infinite
WOW! Mobile
Gotalk Wireless
T-Mobile vs Mint Mobile comparison
Keep your T-Mobile phone, number & coverage: Save $675 per year
| Carrier | Network Coverage | 4G/5G Data | Price | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| T-Mobile | T-Mobile 4G & 5G | Unlimited | $75/mo | $900/yr |
| Mint Mobile | T-Mobile 4G & 5G | 15GB | $20/mo | $225/yr |
| Savings | $55/mo | $675/yr | ||
Check out our review of the best T-Mobile MVNOs
Verizon MVNO list
Boost Mobile
Cricket Wireless
Freedompop
PureTalk
Red Pocket
Straight Talk
Tracfone
US Mobile
Good2Go Mobile
Boost Infinite
Check out our review of the best Verizon MVNOs
AT&T MVNO list
Boost Mobile
Cricket Wireless
Freedompop
PureTalk
Red Pocket
Straight Talk
Tracfone
US Mobile
Good2Go Mobile
Boost Infinite
Check out our review of the best AT&T MVNOs
Find the best cell phone service in your area
What are the benefits of MVNOs?
Compared to the four major networks, these low cost cell phone carriers offer several advantages:
- Save Money: cheap cell phone plans give you more bang for your buck. With good coverage from either Verizon, T-Mobile, or AT&T but at half the cost of plans if you go directly to the network.
- Customized cell phone plans: MVNOs offer the cheapest unlimited data plans that typically cost between $25-30 per month. This would save around $600 per year vs the major phone providers.
- No contracts or credit checks: with a low-cost carrier, there are no contracts. This means you can try one carrier, and if it doesn't work for you, leave and try another.
- Keep your freedom: low-cost carriers often require you to bring your own phone – although there are options if you're looking for a new phone. Not being tied down with a leased phone gives you the freedom to move away if the service is not up to scratch.
Big network coverage at small prices
If you're wondering how the best MVNOs can offer plans at half the price of the major networks, you're not alone.
One of the main reasons is that they don't have the huge overheads from owning a store. Low-cost carriers are online only – although a few are available in a handful of stores. You also save money by not purchasing a phone with your plan. So, bringing your own phone or buying a refurbished phone is a way to save you hundreds of dollars.
By owning your own phone and with no contracts, you have the freedom to swap between carriers if your circumstances change. No more worries about being stuck in a long-term contract.
Cut your phone bill in half
We don't like paying out and having nothing to show for it. So, if you're happy with your current network and want to stay, you can still get the same trusted service but cut up to 50% off your monthly phone bill. There are plenty of options for whichever network you prefer.
If you're looking to change networks, you can still save your dollars, but make sure your phone is compatible with that network.
Compare the best MVNO plans
| Carrier | Network | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tello 5GB plan | T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage | 5GB | $10/mo |
| Red Pocket 10GB plan | Verizon, AT&T & T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage | 10GB | $20/mo |
| Mint Mobile unlimited data plan | T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage | Unltd | $15/mo |
| Tello unlimited data plan | T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage | Unltd | $25/mo |
| Total Wireless unlimited data plan | Verizon 5G/4G Coverage | Unltd | $40/mo |
We don't believe you need unlimited data. There we said it! We get it. Running out of data is a headache but on average we only use about 5GB of data a month.
With a low-cost carrier, you can really just pay for what you use. No huge monthly bills with unlimited everything when you're not even using half of it.
If you do want unlimited data, the good news is some low-cost carriers offer unlimited plans that still save you money over a direct plan with one of the big networks.
MVNO list FAQs
Finding the best value MVNO for you can come down to a number of factors including price, what features you need, how many lines, and cell phone coverage in your area.
Most MVNOs have 5G plans available and you'll have access to 5G where it's available with your network Verizon, AT&T, or T-Mobile.
Recap
Saving money does not mean sacrificing quality. Choosing a low-cost MVNO will provide you with the best cell phone plan and save you money in the long run, but provide the same great service you already know and trust. At the same time, keep those extra dollars in your pocket.
Whichever network you prefer, there is still a great deal to be had. Understanding your true cell phone usage can help you nail an even better deal by only paying for what you need and use.
