AT&T MVNOsBest carriers on the AT&T network

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How to choose the best AT&T MVNO

1. Network coverage: 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.
2. Data allowance: Do you really need an unlimited data plan? The big wireless companies want you to believe so, but in reality, the average monthly cellular data consumption is around 10GB. However, 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 choose a data plan tailored to your needs with cheap cell phone providers, meaning you can pay less if you use less.
3. Hotspot data: Most carriers allow hotspot data usage but limit the amount of data that can be used via tethering. The limit depends on the carrier and plan you choose. Some carriers also offer data only plans for iPads, tablets, and mobile hotspots.
4. 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.
5. Number of lines: With big wireless, you only get the advertised price if you buy 4 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.
6. Bring your 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 0% financing over 1-2 years.
7. Deals & 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 discounts for new customers, and their pricing is much more transparent.
8. Perks & add-ons: Most big wireless plans include "free" TV subscriptions; however, these usually turn into a paid subscription that is automatically added to your bill a few months down the line. A few low-cost carriers, such as US Mobile, do offer plan options with free subscription services, but we generally recommend keeping these subscriptions separate so you don't end up paying for things you don't need.
9. International calling: Most MVNOs offer free international calls to many countries. If this is important to you, make sure to choose a carrier that includes this.
10. Parental controls: Some MVNO carriers offer parental controls for monitoring phone usage and data limits.

Check out our comparison of the cheapest AT&T MVNO plans before you decide.

Find the best cell phone service in your area

If AT&T isn't giving you the best coverage, you still have options. Take a look at some of the best Verizon MVNOs and T-Mobile MVNOs to see if they've got a better plan offering for you.

Compare the best AT&T MVNO plans

AT&T MVNO list

• Boost Mobile

• Cricket Wireless

• Freedompop

• PureTalk

• Red Pocket

• Straight Talk

• Tracfone

• US Mobile

• Good2Go Mobile

• Boost Infinite

AT&T MVNO FAQs

Recap: What is the best AT&T MVNO carrier?

AT&T MVNOs offer plans at substantially lower prices with the same features and quality, including unlimited.

With cheap AT&T MVNOs their plans are prepaid, meaning you're free to switch at any time without any additional fees, plus swapping to an MVNO is a cinch – just pop in a new SIM card, and you're good to go.

Best of all, by only paying for what you need, you could save even more money. That can include changing from an unlimited high-speed data plan to a more custom plan with a set data limit.

MVNO guides

• The 10 Best MVNOs
• 10 Best MVNO Plans
• MVNO List: What Carriers Run What Networks?
• AT&T MVNOs: Best Carriers on the AT&T Network
• Verizon MVNOs: Best Carriers on the Verizon Network
• 10 Cheap AT&T MVNO Plans
• 10 Best T-Mobile MVNO Plans
• 10 Best Verizon MVNO Plans

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:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.