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A tight budget can make it important to find the cheapest MVNO plans that are suitable for your needs as well as your costs.
If you've not heard of MVNOs, you're not alone. Mobile Virtual Network Operators are powered by the same main US networks; Verizon, T-Mobile, and AT&T but have a range of phone plans available starting at around $10 per month.
We can help you find the cheapest MVNO plans, and we've broken down the best deals with all low-cost carriers, keep scrolling to find out more.
Best T-Mobile MVNO plans
These are the top 3 plans from low-cost carriers with T-Mobile coverage to consider.
My list of recommended low-cost MVNO plans for 2025
Cheap T-Mobile plan
Tello 2GB plan
- T-Mobile coverage
- Unlimited talk and text
- Instant eSIM activation
Keep things simple with Tello prepaid plans. Their plans cater to all budgets, and you have the flexibility to build your own plan according to your specific needs. This allows you to choose the amount of data, minutes, and texts that fit your usage, making sure that you only pay for what you actually use.
When it comes to data, it's worth checking how much data you use as a set data plan can help you get the cheapest plan. Check out our review about best T-Mobile MVNO plans.
Pros
- T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE wireless coverage
- Free international calling to 60+ countries
- Free mobile hotspot included
- Excellent score on Trustpilot
- eSIM compatible
Cons
- No international roaming
- No multi-line discounts
- Customize your own plan. Depending on your usage, you can choose the amount of data, minutes, and texts that you require. It's always worth checking your average data usage, as a set data plan can help cut costs.
- Mobile hotspot is available with a limit of 5GB.
- You won't have to worry about any hidden fees or long-term contracts that will make you feel trapped.
- They offer free international calls to over 60 countries, including Canada and Mexico, on all their plans.
- Tello doesn't provide any discounts for purchasing multiple lines. So, if you want to get a plan for another family member, each line will be billed at the full price as a single line. However, you can still save money because Tello offers low-cost individual plans.
- Since Tello is an online-based service, you can easily activate an eSIM plan with just a few clicks. Alternatively, you can choose to have a SIM card sent to you by mail.
Best family plan on T-Mobile
Mint Mobile 15GB plan
- T-Mobile coverage
- Unlimited talk and text
- Instant eSIM activation
A Mint Mobile prepaid plan is powered by the T-Mobile network, so you'll get access to their 5G & 4G LTE wireless network at a lower price. Mint Mobile provides a range of data allowances, which includes an unlimited plan offering up to 40GB of high-speed data and unlimited text and talk.
Through their transparent messaging, Mint Mobile shows how you can increase your savings by committing for longer. Check out our review about best family plans on T-Mobile.
Pros
- T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE wireless coverage
- Free calls to Mexico and Canada
- Free mobile hotspot with all plans
- eSIM compatible
Cons
- No international roaming
- Limited customer service
- 3-month minimum sign-up
- Mint Mobile includes mobile hotspot access with all of their plans, allowing you to connect your phone to other devices when Wi-Fi is unavailable. And their unlimited plan comes with a 10GB limit on hotspot data usage.
- To subscribe to Mint Mobile, you must commit to a minimum of 3 months in advance. While their plans are cheaper compared to T-Mobile, this upfront commitment may not be preferable for some. But the longer you commit, the more money you can save.
- After the initial three months, you have the flexibility to choose between 3, 6, or 12-month pricing structures.
- They offer a 7-day money-back guarantee if you're not satisfied with the service.
- You don't need to purchase an expensive iPhone as you can bring your own phone to Mint Mobile. However, if you prefer a new smartphone, there are various options available, such as iPhones, Samsung phones, and other Android models like Google Pixel, with a 0% finance over 1-2 years.
- The Mint Mobile app is also a great feature that allows for easy monitoring of your usage and managing multiple plans.
- On the downside, international roaming comes at an additional cost. While calls to Canada and Mexico are free with Mint Mobile, calls made to other international countries will incur extra charges.
Best unlimited plan on T-Mobile
Tello unlimited data plan
- T-Mobile coverage
- Unlimited talk and text
- Instant eSIM activation
Keep things simple with Tello prepaid plans. Their plans cater to all budgets, and you have the flexibility to build your own plan according to your specific needs. This allows you to choose the amount of data, minutes, and texts that fit your usage, making sure that you only pay for what you actually use.
When it comes to data, it's worth checking how much data you use as a set data plan can help you get the cheapest plan. Check out our review about best unlimited data plans on T-Mobile.
Pros
- T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE wireless coverage
- Free international calling to 60+ countries
- Free mobile hotspot included
- Excellent score on Trustpilot
- eSIM compatible
Cons
- No international roaming
- No multi-line discounts
| T-Mobile | T-Mobile coverage at a fraction of the cost | ||
|---|---|---|---|
 |  |  *$45 for 3 Months | |
| T-Mobile 4G & 5G | T-Mobile 4G & 5G | T-Mobile 4G & 5G | |
| Unlimited data *not unlimited | 2GB data | 15GB data | Unlimited data |
| $75/mo | $10/mo | $15/mo* | $25/mo |
| $900/yr | $120/yr | $225/yr | $300/yr |
| 1.4 on Trustpilot | 4.5 on Trustpilot | 3.3 on Trustpilot | 4.5 on Trustpilot |
| Annual savings | $780/yr | $675/yr | $600/yr |
Best Verizon MVNO plans
These are the top 3 plans from low-cost carriers with Verizon coverage to consider.
Cheap Verizon plan
Twigby Mobile 2GB plan
- Verizon coverage
- Unlimited talk and text
- Instant eSIM activation
With Twigby Mobile prepaid phone plans, you have the option to customize a plan that fits your individual needs. They offer a variety of cheap no-contract plans that are powered by the Verizon network, so you don't have to sacrifice quality for affordability. Check out our review about best Verizon MVNO plans.
Pros
- Verizon 5G & 4G LTE wireless coverage
- Free international calls to 80+ countries
- Wide range of plan choices
- Free mobile hotspot access
- Excellent score on Trustpilot
Cons
- No multi-line discounts
- No International roaming
- Not eSIM-compatible
- With Twigby Mobile, you can create plans whatever your needs and budget.
- Twigby Mobile provides free international calling to 80 different countries, ideal for those with family or friends living abroad.
- They're 100% online based, so you can order your SIM card from the comfort of your couch and have it delivered straight to your door.
- Mobile hotspot allowance is available and comes out of your monthly data usage, which for unlimited plans is a maximum of 20GB.
- There are no discounts for additional lines, which may not be cheap if you're looking for a family plan.
- Frequent travelers might find the lack of international roaming services less than ideal, as it could lead to a considerably higher monthly bill.
Best family plan on Verizon
Red Pocket 10GB plan
- Verizon coverage
- Unlimited talk and text
- Instant eSIM activation
Red Pocket Mobile prepaid plans are powered by the Verizon and AT&T wireless networks. They excel in family plans, providing a generous $20 discount per additional line for multi-line accounts.
Plus, with free international calling to 80 countries, staying in touch with family and friends overseas is cheaper than ever. Check out our review about best family plans on Verizon.
Pros
- Verizon, and AT&T 5G & 4G LTE network coverage
- Free international calls to 80 countries
- Roaming available in Mexico and Canada
- Mobile hotspot access on all plans
- Excellent score on Trustpilot
- eSIM compatible
Cons
- Limited international roaming
- Red Pocket Mobile's plans are straightforward, with no hidden fees.
- Include features like unlimited talk and text.
- With the unlimited plan, you get up to 30GB high-speed data allowance.
- Mobile hotspot access is available up to 30GB on the unlimited plan, which comes out of your monthly data allowance.
- You get a $20 discount for each additional line added, ideal for family plans. You'll need to pay a setup fee, but after that, choosing a family plan could save you hundreds of dollars a year.
- They offer a 7-day money-back guarantee with their eSIM plans.
- Red Pocket Mobile offers free international calling to 80+ countries, with free roaming in Mexico and Canada.
Best unlimited plan on Verizon
Visible unlimited data plan
- Verizon coverage
- Unlimited talk and text
- Instant eSIM activation
Check out our review about best unlimited data plans on Verizon.
Pros
Cons
| Verizon | Verizon coverage at a fraction of the cost | ||
|---|---|---|---|
 |  *$5/mo for 1st 3 Mths |  |  *$5 Off for 25 Mths |
| Verizon 4G & 5G | Verizon, AT&T & T-Mobile 4G & 5G | Verizon 4G & 5G | |
| Unlimited data *not unlimited | 2GB data | 10GB data | Unlimited data |
| $75/mo | $5/mo* | $20/mo | $20/mo* |
| $900/yr | $150/yr | $240/yr | $240/yr |
| 1.2 on Trustpilot | 4.6 on Trustpilot | 4.4 on Trustpilot | 1.5 on Trustpilot |
| Annual savings | $750/yr | $660/yr | $660/yr |
Best AT&T MVNO plans
These are the top 3 plans from low-cost carriers with AT&T coverage to consider.
Cheap AT&T plan
Red Pocket 1GB plan
- AT&T coverage
- Unlimited talk and text
- Instant eSIM activation
Red Pocket Mobile prepaid plans are powered by the Verizon and AT&T wireless networks. They excel in family plans, providing a generous $20 discount per additional line for multi-line accounts.
Plus, with free international calling to 80 countries, staying in touch with family and friends overseas is cheaper than ever. Check out our review about best AT&T MVNO plans.
Pros
- Verizon, and AT&T 5G & 4G LTE network coverage
- Free international calls to 80 countries
- Roaming available in Mexico and Canada
- Mobile hotspot access on all plans
- Excellent score on Trustpilot
- eSIM compatible
Cons
- Limited international roaming
Best family plan on AT&T
Red Pocket 10GB plan
- AT&T coverage
- Unlimited talk and text
- Instant eSIM activation
Red Pocket Mobile prepaid plans are powered by the Verizon and AT&T wireless networks. They excel in family plans, providing a generous $20 discount per additional line for multi-line accounts.
Plus, with free international calling to 80 countries, staying in touch with family and friends overseas is cheaper than ever. Check out our review about best family plans on AT&T.
Pros
- Verizon, and AT&T 5G & 4G LTE network coverage
- Free international calls to 80 countries
- Roaming available in Mexico and Canada
- Mobile hotspot access on all plans
- Excellent score on Trustpilot
- eSIM compatible
Cons
- Limited international roaming
Best unlimited plan on AT&T
Red Pocket unlimited data plan
- AT&T coverage
- Unlimited talk and text
- Instant eSIM activation
Red Pocket Mobile prepaid plans are powered by the Verizon and AT&T wireless networks. They excel in family plans, providing a generous $20 discount per additional line for multi-line accounts.
Plus, with free international calling to 80 countries, staying in touch with family and friends overseas is cheaper than ever. Check out our review about best unlimited data plans on AT&T.
Pros
- Verizon, and AT&T 5G & 4G LTE network coverage
- Free international calls to 80 countries
- Roaming available in Mexico and Canada
- Mobile hotspot access on all plans
- Excellent score on Trustpilot
- eSIM compatible
Cons
- Limited international roaming
| AT&T | AT&T coverage at a fraction of the cost | ||
|---|---|---|---|
 | | | |
| Verizon, AT&T & T-Mobile 4G & 5G | Verizon, AT&T & T-Mobile 4G & 5G | Verizon, AT&T & T-Mobile 4G & 5G | |
| Unlimited data *not unlimited | 1GB data | 10GB data | Unlimited data |
| $75/mo | $10/mo | $20/mo | $30/mo |
| $900/yr | $120/yr | $240/yr | $360/yr |
| 1.3 on Trustpilot | 4.4 on Trustpilot | 4.4 on Trustpilot | 4.4 on Trustpilot |
| Annual savings | $780/yr | $660/yr | $540/yr |
Best overall value MVNO plan
Tello unlimited data plan
- T-Mobile coverage
- Unlimited talk and text
- Instant eSIM activation
Keep things simple with Tello prepaid plans. Their plans cater to all budgets, and you have the flexibility to build your own plan according to your specific needs. This allows you to choose the amount of data, minutes, and texts that fit your usage, making sure that you only pay for what you actually use.
When it comes to data, it's worth checking how much data you use as a set data plan can help you get the cheapest plan. Check out our review about the 10 best MVNOs.
Pros
- T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE wireless coverage
- Free international calling to 60+ countries
- Free mobile hotspot included
- Excellent score on Trustpilot
- eSIM compatible
Cons
- No international roaming
- No multi-line discounts
Best T-Mobile MVNO plans
- T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE network
- Unlimited talk and text
- 15GB data
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 comparison of the best T-Mobile MVNO plans
Best Verizon MVNO plans
Check out our comparison of the best Verizon MVNO plans
Best AT&T MVNO plans
Check out our comparison of the best AT&T MVNO plans
Network coverage comparison
| NETWORK | OVERALL | RELIABILITY | SPEED | DATA | CALL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Verizon Coverage | 95 | 96 | 94 | 96 | 94 |
| AT&T Coverage | 94 | 94 | 95 | 96 | 92 |
| T-Mobile Coverage | 86 | 88 | 82 | 89 | 82 |
Source: RootMetrics RootScore 2022 report
When it comes to 5G network coverage T-Mobile scores the highest according to the J.D. Power 2023 wireless network study.
Find the cheapest cell phone service in your area
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MVNO customer service comparison
Concerned that low-cost carriers won't have good customer service? Don't be, on average MVNOs score much higher customer ratings than the big networks as you'll see in the comparison chart below:
| CARRIER | TRUSTPILOT USER RATING |
|---|---|
| Reach Mobile TrustPilot score | 4.9 |
| Tello TrustPilot score | 4.6 |
| US Mobile TrustPilot score | 4.6 |
| T-Mobile TrustPilot score | 1.5 |
| Verizon TrustPilot score | 1.3 |
| AT&T TrustPilot score | 1.2 |
MVNO plan features
- 4G LTE & 5G data speeds: MVNOs operate on big cellular networks, so you pay less without sacrificing speed. As the big networks roll out 5G, smaller carriers are able to offer 5G coverage too. So you can expect the same high-speed data.
- Unlimited talk and text messaging: It's never been easier to find a new unlimited plan. Pretty much all no-contract carriers include unlimited text and calling as standard with plans. Compare unlimited talk and text plans with or without data.
- International calls to Canada and Mexico: Keeping in touch with loved ones around the world has never felt more important, making international calling a must-have feature. Luckily MVNOs offer some of the best international phone plans, including free calling to countries like Canada and Mexico, plus discounted rates or affordable add-ons for other countries.
- Multiline discounts: If you're used to your multi-line plan, low-cost carriers have got you. They offer the best family phone plans out there. With many, you'll get a multi-line discount for each line added.
- Wi-Fi calling: If you're stuck for a signal, or out of your service area when out and about, you can still make calls using this feature. With this feature, calls are made over the internet instead of your cellular connection.
- Tethering/hotspot data: Many low-cost carriers allow you to turn your phone into a hotspot and get another device online. Pick an MVNO with the best mobile hotspot plans and share your mobile hotspot data with other devices.
- HD video streaming: Just like the big guys, some of these alternative carriers offer HD video streaming and some don't. Our articles cover which features do and don't come with a plan.
MVNO plan types
- Unlimited plans: Looking for unlimited talk text and data? Alternative carriers have got you covered. Data-hungry users looking for unlimited plus plans can save serious money by switching to one of the cheapest unlimited data plans.
- Basic plans: If you (or a loved one) only use a cell phone to make a few calls, send a couple of messages, and rarely go online then you can opt for a simply prepaid plan. You get basic cell phone functions, an allowance for minutes of talk, and usually around 2GB of data at a great price. Once you run out of your data allotment, speeds slow, but it's usually very easy to add on more.
- Family plans: Need four lines or more? Many MVNOs offer group plans. Compare the cheapest family phone plans so you can pick and choose what each family member needs.
- Bring your own phone plans: BYOP plans are the norm with smaller carriers. Compare cell phone prices and get a great deal to go with your cheap cell phone plan!
- Single-line plans: Stop paying a premium rate just because you only need one line. Find the cheapest phone plans for one person.
- Talk and text only plans: Don't need data? No problem - compare the cheapest talk and text plans. Bonus, you'll save a ton of money if you're not paying for data!
- Tablet plans: Find the cheapest data plan for your tablet or iPad.
- Kids plans: MVNOs offer the best phone plans for kids because you can tailor them to exactly what you want your child to have.
- Senior plans: Senior citizens often have different cell phone needs. Compare the best phone plans for seniors for the perfect fit.
Cheapest MVNO plans
| Carrier | Network | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tello 2GB plan | T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage | 2GB | $10/mo |
| Mint Mobile 15GB plan | T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage | 15GB | $15/mo |
| Visible unlimited data plan | Verizon 5G/4G Coverage | Unltd | $20/mo |
| Total Wireless unlimited data plan | Verizon 5G/4G Coverage | Unltd | $20/mo |
| Tello unlimited data plan | T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage | Unltd | $25/mo |
How to switch to a cheap MVNO plan
It's never been easier to switch. Let's break it down.
- Customize your plan. Whether you're looking for a truly unlimited plan, or in the market for something more basic, choose a plan to suit your cell phone needs.
- Prepare to make the switch. Make sure your old bills are paid up and your phone is unlocked. If you're getting a new device, transferring data from one to another is simple. Even if you're going from an iPhone to Android, and vice versa.
- Set up your new plan. Keep your current carrier account open until your number has ported over. Once you're sure your new plan is up and running, cancel your old account. If you've got a new device with your Tello plan, it should be ready to use when it arrives. If you're bringing your own phone then you'll need to follow the instructions with the new SIM card kit that Tello will send to you in the post.
MVNO carrier list
| T-Mobile MVNOs | Verizon MVNOs | AT&T MVNOs |
|---|---|---|
| Mint Mobile | Red Pocket | Red Pocket |
| Red Pocket | Total Wireless | Cricket Wireless |
| Tello | Twigby Mobile | Freedompop |
| FreeUP Mobile | Visible | PureTalk |
| Metro by T-Mobile | Spectrum Mobile | Straight Talk |
| Straight Talk | Straight Talk | Tracfone |
| TextNow | Tracfone | US Mobile |
| Tracfone | US Mobile | Good2Go Mobile |
| Ultra Mobile | Xfinity Mobile | Boost Infinite |
| US Mobile | Affinity Cellular | |
| Good2Go Mobile | Cox Mobile | |
| Reach Mobile | MobileX | |
| Lycamobile | ||
| Kroger Wireless | ||
| Optimum Mobile | ||
| Boost Infinite | ||
| WOW! Mobile | ||
| Gotalk Wireless |
MVNO plans FAQs
Most MVNOs offer low-cost plans, but Tello provides some of the cheapest prices starting from around $10 a month.
MVNOs like Tello, Mint Mobile, and US Mobile currently offer the best value cell phone plans ranging from just $10-30 per month.
Recap
Plans direct with Verizon, AT&T, or T-Mobile can cost you anywhere from $70-90 per month, excluding taxes and fees.
With MVNOs, there's no need to be stuck in an expensive contract. You can pay for what you need with their customizable plans and with prices starting as low as $10 a month, you could be saving up to $600 a year.
The best MVNO plan will depend on our needs but whatever you decide, it's going to be at least half the price of buying direct.
Cheap phone plan guides
- The Cheapest Prepaid Phone Plans
- The Cheapest Unlimited Data Plans
- The Cheapest Family Phone Plans
- The Cheapest Prepaid Family Phone Plans
- The Cheapest Phone Plans for One Person
- The best MVNO plans
- The Cheapest Phone Plans for Seniors
- The Cheapest No Contract Cell Phone Plans
- The Cheapest Pay As You Go Phone Plans
- The Cheapest 5G Phone Plans
- The Cheapest Talk & Text Plans
- The Cheapest eSIM Plans
