The best cell phone plans in 2025

Feeling trapped by the big three's limited options, cryptic bills, and sky-high prices? You're not on your own.

As the major networks spend the new year celebrating their soaring profits and roll out yet another series of price increases, it's clear they've overlooked a significant portion of the market: budget-conscious consumers in search of better value.

With over a decade of experience in the wireless industry, I've witnessed the growing disparity in pricing firsthand. Yet, the journey to a more affordable mobile plan is now easier than ever.

To help your search, I've sifted through 30 alternative carriers and evaluated over 100 prepaid phone plans, so you don't have to.

The landscape is surprisingly rich with options, offering access to the same reliable networks at a fraction of the cost. This revelation is a game-changer for those unaware that such affordable alternatives exist.

The best plans will be based on your preferred network and cell phone usage, so I've compiled a list of the best value cell phone plans across all three major networks, tailored to suit low, medium, and high data users, giving you the freedom to choose a plan that best fits your lifestyle and budget.,

Whether you're a data-heavy user or someone who just wants to stay connected without breaking the bank, there's an option out there for you.

Tello offers the best plan 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 phone plans keep things simple with their wireless service. None of those hidden fees or long-term contracts that'll leave you feeling trapped.

With free international calls to 60+ countries on all plans, including Canada and Mexico, and a range of data allowances suitable for light to heavy users.

Tello keeps costs low with flexible plans that let you choose exactly how much data, talk, and text you need. A set data plan can help you save and manage usage.

All plans come with mobile hotspot, with unlimited plans offering up to 5GB, but there are no multi-line discounts. Each line is billed separately, though Tello's pricing remains competitive.

Activation is quick and easy. With eSIM it takes just a few taps, or you can have a SIM card shipped directly to you.

Tello is one of the most affordable and flexible choices on T-Mobile's network, but I also weighed a few other options.

Ultra Mobile is a solid pick for international calling, but its plans are more expensive for the same amount of data. Metro by T-Mobile, despite being owned by T-Mobile, comes with higher costs and often requires an in-store visit. While Boost Mobile has competitive pricing, but hidden fees and inconsistent customer service make it harder to recommend.

In the end, Tello's combination of affordability, customization, and hassle-free switching makes it the best choice.

• Build-your-own plan – Tello lets you customize your plan, so you only pay for the data, minutes, and texts you actually need-no wasted money on extras.
• Affordable, contract-free pricing – Tello keeps costs low with transparent pricing and no long-term commitments, making it easy to switch or adjust your plan anytime.
• Quick and simple activation – With eSIM, you can activate your plan in just a few taps. If you prefer a physical SIM, Tello ships it for a small fee.

Visible offers the best unlimited data plan

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

Visible keeps things easy with two affordable unlimited plans on Verizon's network. There are no contracts and no hidden fees.

With unlimited talk, text, and data starting at just $25/month, plus mobile hotspot included, you get great value without surprises. The Visible+ plan offers 50GB of premium data and access to Verizon's 5G Ultra Wideband for even faster speeds.

Visible keeps it simple with two unlimited plans that have no contracts, hidden fees, or surprise costs. Both plans come with mobile hotspot access at 5–10 Mbps speeds.

The Visible+ plan includes free international calling to 30+ countries and texting to 200+ destinations. eSIM activation allows for instant setup, eliminating the wait for a SIM card.

While there are no multi-line discounts, the affordable pricing makes it ideal for individuals. However, customer support is only available online.

If you want a budget-friendly carrier on Verizon's network, Visible is the best option for unlimited data without extra fees-but I also reviewed a few others.

Tracfone offers low-cost prepaid plans, but speed restrictions make it less appealing for heavy data users. Xfinity Mobile has competitive pricing, but it's limited to Xfinity internet customers. Spectrum Mobile is another affordable alternative, but you need Spectrum home internet to sign up.

Thanks to its transparent pricing and unlimited data, Visible remains the best overall pick.

• Straightforward unlimited plans – No contracts, hidden fees, or surprise charges-just simple, all-inclusive pricing.
• Built-in extras at no extra cost – Get mobile hotspot access on all plans, plus international calling and texting perks with Visible+.
• Fast and easy setup – eSIM activation lets you start service in minutes without needing to wait for a SIM card.

Total Wireless offers the best plan 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 keeps things simple with no contracts, no hidden fees, and affordable plans on Verizon's network.

With unlimited talk and text, generous high-speed data options, and mobile hotspot included. Plus, international calling to 85+ destinations and roaming in Canada and Mexico make staying connected easier than ever.

Get Verizon's reliable coverage without the high cost with Total Wireless. Plans include unlimited talk and text, plus up to 15GB of hotspot data.

International calling to 85+ destinations and roaming in Canada and Mexico are included with select plans. There are no contracts, and you can manage everything online for easy switching.

I've explored other low-cost carriers on Verizon's 5G and 4G LTE networks, but many have limitations.

Tracfone keeps costs low with its pay-as-you-go model, but it offers limited high-speed data and fewer perks. Xfinity Mobile stands out with competitive pricing, but only those with Xfinity internet can sign up. Spectrum Mobile is another affordable choice, but again it's restricted to Spectrum home internet customers.

• Big savings on Verizon's network – Enjoy top-tier coverage without the premium pricing.
• Great extras for everyday use – Up to 15GB of hotspot data, plus international calling and roaming benefits on select plans.
• No commitments, full control – Contract-free plans with easy online management for seamless plan adjustments.

Tello offers the best plan 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 phone plans keep things simple with their wireless service. None of those hidden fees or long-term contracts that'll leave you feeling trapped.

With free international calls to 60+ countries on all plans, including Canada and Mexico, and a range of data allowances suitable for light to heavy users.

Tello offers flexible, budget-friendly plans, allowing you to pick exactly how much data, talk, and text you need.

All Tello plans support mobile hotspot, with unlimited plans limited to 5GB, but they don't offer multi-line discounts-each line is billed separately. However, their low rates make individual plans a great deal.

Since Tello is online-only, activation is seamless-eSIM setup is near-instant, or you can get a SIM card by mail.

Tello is among the best budget-friendly carriers on T-Mobile's network, but I compared a few others as well.

Ultra Mobile works well for international calls, but its plans cost more for the same data. Metro by T-Mobile, despite being part of T-Mobile, is pricier and often requires an in-store sign-up. Boost Mobile has appealing rates, but its extra fees and spotty customer service make it less reliable.

Thanks to its unmatched affordability, customizable plans, and easy switching process, Tello remains the best pick.

• Personalized plan options – Tello allows you to pick and choose your plan features, so you only pay for what you actually use.
• One of the cheapest carriers available – Tello provides unbeatable value with low-cost plans and no contracts, giving you total flexibility.
• Fast online activation – eSIM lets you activate your plan in minutes, or you can request a free SIM card to be delivered to your door.

Red Pocket offers the best plan 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

The Red Pocket Mobile unlimited plan is powered by the AT&T wireless network. And if you're looking for an unlimited plan for the whole family, they are one of the best MVNOs for family plans, with a $20 discount for each additional line added.

You'll need to pay a setup fee, but after that, choosing a family plan could save you hundreds of dollars a year.

With Red Pocket Mobile, you get unlimited talk and text, no hidden fees, and up to 30GB of high-speed data, including hotspot access.

Adding extra lines saves you money with multi-line discounts, although there's a setup fee for each line.

They also offer a 7-day money-back guarantee on eSIM plans and free international calling to 80+ countries, plus free roaming in Mexico and Canada.

Many low-cost carriers provide service on AT&T's 5G and 4G LTE networks, and I've reviewed many of them. Cricket Wireless, AT&T's own prepaid brand, tends to be more expensive than its competitors. H2O Wireless includes international calling, but its plans don't offer the same value. While Good2Go Mobile has competitive pricing but lacks variety in its plan options and isn't as well known.

With its ideal blend of affordability, strong features, and flexibility, Red Pocket is my top recommendation for AT&T customers.

• Multi-line discounts – Add extra lines and get a discount off each one, making it easy to save on family plans.
• International perks at no extra cost – Free calls to 80+ countries and roaming in Mexico and Canada add extra value.
• No hidden fees & risk-free sign-up – Simple, transparent pricing and a 7-day eSIM money-back guarantee let you try the service worry-free.

Big wireless: Big prices, big profits, little value

The average phone bill is $155 per month, and while 38 million Americans live in poverty, the government cut funding to the Affordable Connectivity Program, which was assisting 22 million low-income families with subsidized internet and cell phone service.

At the same time, the big three spent January celebrating record profits and multi-billion dollar shareholder dividend payouts while simultaneously announcing yet more price hikes.

So, big wireless continues to raise prices, and the government drops assistance to those in need. However, you do have options, so the power is in your hands.

Take back control of your phone bill

A big wireless unlimited plan will cost you $1,600 extra over the next 3 years compared to getting the same service from an MVNO.

A big wireless unlimited data plan will cost you $2,700 over the next 3 years for just 1 line. In comparison, unlimited plans from a low-cost carrier over the same period would cost only $900.

So, buying directly from Verizon, T-Mobile, or AT&T is now 3 times more expensive for the same coverage. This does not include fees and taxes or future price hikes.

Why is it so much more expensive to buy the same service directly?

With big wireless, you are paying for multi-billion dollar ad campaigns, stadium sponsorships, and thousands of stores with commission-based salespeople - all these expenses get passed onto you to maximize profits and dividend payouts.

With this next generation of MVNOs, you switch online and just pay for phone service.

Cut your phone bill, not your coverage

These low-cost carriers offer a great alternative with transparent pricing, a range of data plans to customize to your needs, and more highly rated customer service.

You can keep your phone, number, coverage, and most importantly, your money!

Even better, it's quick and easy; you can complete the entire switching process online in minutes with an eSIM-compatible phone.

So, now is the time to re-evaluate your options, take back control of your phone bill, and free yourself from price hikes forever!

Compare the cheapest cell phone plans

Check out our cell phone plan comparison to help find the best deal.

How to choose the best value cell phone plans

• What network coverage do you prefer? Network coverage shouldn't mean settling for less. Budget-friendly carriers operate on the big three 5G & 4G LTE wireless networks. If you have a preferred network, there's likely an affordable MVNO that uses it, ensuring you don't compromise on connectivity. You can find out about the network performances with this Opensignal 5G Experience Report (2023).
• How much data do you need? Do you really need unlimited data plans? While the big three push these as essential, many users find their actual data usage is much lower. The average monthly cellular data use is around 10GB, most likely due to Wi-Fi access at home or work. Opting for a plan that matches your real usage can lead to substantial savings.
• Is hotspot data included? Hotspot data can be a game-changer, allowing internet access on devices beyond your phone. However, be mindful of tethering limits, which vary by plan and carrier. Some offer data-only plans, perfect for when you're out of Wi-Fi range, ensuring you stay connected without overspending.
• What's the monthly price? Ditch the notion that quality service costs $75-90 per month. The best MVNOs break this stereotype with plans ranging from $5-35, all without sacrificing coverage. However, make sure to keep an eye out for hidden fees and taxes to ensure you're truly saving.
• How many lines do you need? Unlike the big carriers, which often advertise lower prices only when bundling lines, MVNOs offer transparent pricing for individual lines. This is ideal for solo users or those coordinating their own plan, with many low-cost carriers also providing discounts for adding more lines later on if needed.
• Can I bring my own phone or buy a new device? Escape the endless upgrade cycle promoted by major carriers by bringing your own device to an MVNO. This choice puts you in control, allowing you to upgrade on your terms. For those looking to buy, many MVNOs offer affordable devices with flexible financing options.
• Are there any deals or promotions? While big wireless deals may seem attractive, they often come with strings attached, like unnecessary purchases or long-term contracts. MVNOs, on the other hand, offer straightforward, transparent promotions, making it easier to understand what you're signing up for and how much you're truly saving.
• What perks or add ons can I expect? Be wary of "free" subscription perks included in some big wireless plans, as they often become paid add-ons. Some budget-friendly carriers do offer add-on, but it's important to assess whether these extras are beneficial or just additional expenses.
• Is international calling included? Staying connected globally shouldn't mean a hefty bill. Many MVNOs include international calling to a wide range of countries, a feature especially valuable for those with friends and family abroad, ensuring you can keep in touch without breaking the bank.
• Are there parental controls? While not directly related to saving money, parental controls offered by some MVNOs can help manage usage and prevent unexpected overages. These features are worth considering for anyone looking to keep a tight rein on their cell phone spending, offering peace of mind and additional control over your plan.

Before making a decision, explore our cell phone plan comparison to ensure you're getting the best deal possible.

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Cell phone plans FAQs

Recap: What is the best cell phone carrier?

Big wireless continue to signal their intention to hike prices, a move that seems more about boosting their bottom lines in a competitive market than responding to economic conditions.

As household expenses climb, with little relief in sight for everyday costs like fuel or groceries, there's a silver lining for savvy consumers.

You now have the opportunity to access the same quality cell phone service at a significantly lower price, potentially saving up to $600 a year on your cell phone bill.

For those looking to make a smart switch without compromising on service, I recommend checking out our cell phone plan comparison. It's designed to help you navigate through the range of options available, to make sure you secure the best cell phone deal for you.

Phone plan guides

• Best Cell Phone Plans
• The best prepaid phone plans for 2025
• The Best Unlimited Data Plans
• The 10 Best MVNOs
• The best phone plans for one person in 2025
• The best cell phone plans for two
• The best phone plans for kids in 2025
• The best cell phone plans for seniors in 2025
• The best cell phone plans for students in 2025
• The best bring your own phone plans for 2025
• The best 5G phone plans for 2025
• The Best Talk & Text Plans

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.