Best no contract phone plans in 2024

Written by

Rob Webber

+2 others

Edited by

Amanda Webber

Reviewed by

Brian Webber

Updated October 12, 2024

MoneySavingPro independently researches the products & services to bring you our recommendations. We may earn money when you click our links - disclosure policy.

Fed up with being tethered by contracts, baffling fees, and skyrocketing prices from the big three?

As they rake in unprecedented profits and hint at more price increases, it's clear they've overlooked a crucial fact: today's consumers are more empowered than ever.

Drawing from a decade of insider experience in the telecom industry, I've witnessed the disparity in costs firsthand. However, the journey to a more liberating mobile experience, free from the shackles of contracts, has never been more straightforward.

I've meticulously evaluated 30 alternative carriers and over 100 no-contract phone plans to spare you the deep dive.

To save you time, I have excluded carriers that:

• Only offer unlimited data plans
• Only advertise multi-line prices
• Have confusing phone bills with unexpected fees
• Lure customers with "free" phones
• Constantly try to upsell additional lines
• Bundle plans with unnecessary subscriptions
• Need loads of small print to explain their offers
• Want you to go to a store
• Need a commission-based salesperson
• Reward customer loyalty with increased prices

What might come as a surprise is the robust selection of carriers still in play. They offer service on the same high-quality networks you've become accustomed to but without the hefty price tag.

Choosing the right plan is about aligning with your usage habits and network preferences. That's why I've compiled the most cost-effective, best value no contract phone plans across all usage levels and networks.

Additionally, I've highlighted what I see as the pinnacle of value in the no contract plan arena, though the ultimate choice remains yours!

Best no contract plans on T-Mobile

These are the top 3 plans from low-cost carriers with T-Mobile coverage to consider.

Cheap T-Mobile plan

Tello 2GB plan

• T-Mobile coverage
• Unlimited talk and text
• Instant eSIM activation

2GB

data

$10/mo

See at Tello

5

Read our Tello review

$780 in annual savings

Pros & cons

Plan details

Best family plan on T-Mobile

Mint Mobile 15GB plan

• T-Mobile coverage
• Unlimited talk and text
• Instant eSIM activation

15GB

data

$15/mo*

$20/mo

See at Mint Mobile

*$45 for 3 Months

4.2

Read our Mint Mobile review

$675 in annual savings

Pros & cons

Plan details

Best unlimited plan on T-Mobile

Tello unlimited data plan

• T-Mobile coverage
• Unlimited talk and text
• Instant eSIM activation

Unlimited

data

$25/mo

See at Tello

5

Read our Tello review

$600 in annual savings

Pros & cons

How T-Mobile compares

Best no contract plans on Verizon

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

2GB

data

$5/mo*

$15/mo

See at Twigby Mobile

*$5/mo for 1st 3 Mths

4.4

Read our Twigby Mobile review

$750 in annual savings

Pros & cons

Plan details

Best family plan on Verizon

Red Pocket 10GB plan

• Verizon coverage
• Unlimited talk and text
• Instant eSIM activation

10GB

data

$20/mo

See at Red Pocket

4.1

Read our Red Pocket review

$660 in annual savings

Pros & cons

Plan details

Best unlimited plan on Verizon

Visible unlimited data plan

• Verizon coverage
• Unlimited talk and text
• Instant eSIM activation

Unlimited

data

$25/mo

See at Visible

3.4

Read our Visible review

$600 in annual savings

Pros & cons

How Verizon compares

Best no contract plans on AT&T

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

1GB

data

$10/mo

See at Red Pocket

4.1

Read our Red Pocket review

$780 in annual savings

Pros & cons

Best family plan on AT&T

Red Pocket 10GB plan

• AT&T coverage
• Unlimited talk and text
• Instant eSIM activation

10GB

data

$20/mo

See at Red Pocket

4.1

Read our Red Pocket review

$660 in annual savings

Pros & cons

Best unlimited plan on AT&T

Red Pocket unlimited data plan

• AT&T coverage
• Unlimited talk and text
• Instant eSIM activation

Unlimited

data

$30/mo

See at Red Pocket

4.1

Read our Red Pocket review

$540 in annual savings

Pros & cons

How AT&T compares

Best overall no contract phone plan

Tello unlimited data plan

• T-Mobile coverage
• Unlimited talk and text
• Instant eSIM activation

Unlimited

data

$25/mo

See at Tello

5

Read our Tello review

$600 in annual savings

Pros & cons

Big wireless: Big prices, big profits, little value

With the average phone bill of $155 per month and the prices of other basic needs rising, it's no wonder nearly 38 million Americans are living in poverty. The government's recent response? To cut funding to the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), which helps 22 million low-income families access affordable internet and cell phone service.

At the same time, the big three spent January celebrating record profits and multi-billion dollar shareholder dividend payouts. To add insult to injury, they are simultaneously announcing yet more price hikes. With consumers outnumbering shareholders, the math doesn't add up.

Awareness is power - there are other 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.

An unlimited data plan with a major provider 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 plans 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?

Big wireless companies tack their extra expenses onto your bill.

Essentially, you are paying for multi-billion dollar ad campaigns, stadium sponsorships, and thousands of stores with commission-based salespeople - all these costs are passed onto the many to maximize profits and dividend payouts of the few.

With the next generation of MVNOs, you instantly switch online and simply pay for phone service - none of the extras.

Cut your phone bill, not your coverage

Low-cost carriers are an unbeatable alternative. They offer transparent pricing, a wide range of customizable data plans to fit your needs, and higher-rated customer service experiences.

The best news? Keep your phone, number, coverage, and most importantly, your money!

It's quick and easy. You can complete the entire switching process online in minutes with an eSIM-compatible phone.

Now is the time to reevaluate your options and take back control of your phone bill. Free yourself from price hikes forever!

Compare the cheapest no contract cell phone plans

Check out our no contract cell phone plans comparison to find the best deal.

How to choose the best value no contract carrier

• Seeking a network that adapts to your pace? Dependable coverage is essential wherever you are. Luckily, there are cost-effective carriers that access the same vast 5G and 4G LTE networks as the industry behemoths. The latest Opensignal 5G Experience Report (2023) may spotlight T-Mobile for its expansive 5G coverage, but choosing any MVNO allows you the freedom of network choice without sacrificing quality.
• Wondering about your actual data needs? You might be surprised to learn your actual data usage is quite modest, courtesy of home Wi-Fi and public networks. In fact, the average monthly cellular data usage is 10GB. Budget-friendly, no-contract carriers craft plans that truly fit your usage, debunking the myth that more data is always better.
• Is the ability to tether a necessity for you? For those who check work emails or stream playlists on the move, hotspot capability is not a luxury. Rest assured, this feature is usually standard, though the specifics may differ by plan and provider.
• Worried about costs? While traditional plans might see costs skyrocketing to $75 or even $90, savvy shoppers can find no-contract MVNO deals ranging from $5 to $35 per line, ensuring significant savings without cutting corners on quality.
• Considering how many lines are needed? Ditch the restrictive multi-line deals of major carriers. MVNOs offer the flexibility of single-line pricing with the added advantage of multi-line discounts, making it easier to keep your world connected affordably.
• Thinking about your device options? I understand the importance of economizing. MVNOs allow you to bring your existing device, freeing you from the cycle of endless upgrades with big wireless. And if it's time for a new device, there are affordable options with 0% financing available.
• Searching for straightforward deals or promotions? Avoid the often misleading and complex "deals" from the major players. MVNOs offer clear, straightforward promotions, so you understand exactly what you're getting - no hidden surprises.
• What about those extra perks or services? The appeal of "free" subscriptions or trials can be enticing, but it's crucial to assess whether these benefits truly enhance your lifestyle or just clutter your bill. Select perks that genuinely match your needs, avoiding needless costs.
• Need international calling in your plan? Staying connected with family and friends around the globe is important. Many no-contract MVNOs include international calling to a variety of countries, making global communication easier for everyone.
• Is parental control a key factor? Monitor and manage your children's cell phone usage. Track and limit their access as needed. Utilize this feature using the plan choice or adjust the settings of your mobile device.

Find the best phone service in your area

No contract phone plan FAQs

Recap: What is the best no contract phone carrier?

The big three's steady march towards higher prices, a maneuver more aimed at lining their pockets than meeting consumer demands, stands in stark contrast to the budget strains families are facing today. From grocery bills to utility costs, every cent matters to everyone regardless of station in life.

However, there's a beacon of hope in the realm of mobile communications. By choosing a carrier that aligns with your needs, you can enjoy the same dependable service you're accustomed to at a significantly reduced cost. Picture the potential of trimming up to $600 annually from your cheap no contract phone plan.

For those ready to shift towards a more flexible and budget-friendly option, making an informed choice is essential. Our comprehensive cell phone plan comparison tool is specifically designed for you. I aim to help you sift through the plethora of options to discover the ideal no contract plan that fits your specific needs.

Prepaid plan guides

• Best Prepaid Phone Plans
• Best Prepaid Unlimited Data Plans
• Best Prepaid Family Phone Plans
• Best No Contract Phone Plans
• Best Pay As You Go Phone Plans
• Best Prepaid Phone Plans on Verizon
• Best Prepaid Phone Plans on AT&T
• Best Prepaid Phone Plans on T-Mobile
• Best Prepaid Data Plans for Tablets
• Best Prepaid Data Plans for iPad
• Best Prepaid Hotspot 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.