How to choose the best basic phone plan
What network coverage do you prefer?
Network access is a key consideration wherever you live, but especially in rural areas. Luckily, low-cost carriers operate on the same 5G & 4G LTE networks as major carriers. T-Mobile scores the highest for 5G coverage, according to an Opensignal 5G Experience Report (2023). If there is a particular network you prefer, choose an MVNO that operates on that network. Use our coverage checker to find the best cell phone service in your area.
What's the monthly price?
While big wireless unlimited plans cost around $75-90 per month, the best MVNOs offer budget-friendly plans, ranging from $5-35 per month without sacrificing wireless coverage and data speeds. Watch out for hidden fees & taxes; some carriers 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 advertised price if you buy four lines. With MVNOs, the price you see is the price you pay, even for one line. Many low-cost carriers now offer further discounts for multi-line plans.
Can I bring my own phone or buy a new device?
While the big three love keeping their customers locked into a constant phone upgrade cycle, MVNOs encourage you to bring your own phone. This means you take back control and only change your phone when it suits you. If you do want to purchase a new phone, many MVNOs offer an affordable and easy way with 0% financing over 1-2 years.
Are there any deals or promotions?
Big wireless promotions can seem good at a glance. But once you read the small print, it often leads to buying things you don't need and committing to 3-year phone contracts. Many MVNOs offer short-term introductory promotional pricing for new customers, and their pricing is much more transparent.
Is international calling included?
Most MVNOs offer free international calls to many countries. If this is important to you, make sure to choose a carrier that includes this.
Are there parental controls?
Some Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) provide parental controls that allow parents to monitor their children's cell phone usage and data consumption. By using these features, you have the ability to establish limits on data usage, limit access to specific apps or websites, and even keep track of your child's whereabouts. These capabilities are accessible either through subscription plans or can be adjusted in the settings of your mobile device.
Check out our cell phone plan comparison to ensure you find the best deal.
Best cheap Verizon basic plan
Best cheap T-Mobile basic plan
Best cheap AT&T basic plan
- AT&T & T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE networks
- Unlimited talk and text
- 1GB data
Compare basic cell phone plans
| Carrier | Network | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Red Pocket 1GB plan | Verizon, AT&T & T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage | 1GB | $10/mo |
| Twigby Mobile 2GB plan | Verizon 5G/4G Coverage | 2GB | $5/mo |
| Tello 2GB plan | T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage | 2GB | $10/mo |
| Twigby Mobile unlimited talk & text plan | Verizon 5G/4G Coverage | 0GB | $5/mo |
| Tello unlimited talk & text plan | T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage | 0GB | $8/mo |
Basic phone plans FAQs
With MVNOs, like Tello and Twigby Mobile, you'll find cell phone plans starting from around $10 a month. These carriers operate on the same main networks, so you don't have to sacrifice quality to save money.
If you're looking for a basic cell phone plan, the best will depend on what you need from your phone plan. There are plenty of talk & text plans with no data, or there are low-data options available.
We love MVNOs because you're not overpaying for features you don't need. With many of these low-cost carriers, you can customize your plan to fit your needs. They have plans starting from around $10 a month.
You can use any cell phone with a basic plan. You'll need to make sure it's unlocked from its current carrier and make sure that it's compatible with your new carrier's network.
Talk & text plan guides
- Best Talk & Text Plans
- The Cheapest Talk & Text Plans
- 10 Best Talk & Text Plans
- 10 Best Flip Phone Plans
- Best Talk & Text Plans on AT&T
- Best Flip Phone Plans on AT&T
- Best Talk & Text Plans on T-Mobile
- Best Flip Phone Plans on T-Mobile
- Best Talk & Text Plans on Verizon
- Best Flip Phone Plans on Verizon
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.
