Best phone plans for 1 line in 2024

Written by

Rob Webber

+2 others

Edited by

Amanda Webber

Reviewed by

Brian Webber

Updated October 06, 2024

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

Ready for a change from the big three's rigid options, cryptic charges, and budget-draining fees?

As these telecom giants revel in their windfall profits and plot yet another round of price increases, they've overlooked one crucial detail: today's consumer is informed and in control.

Leveraging over a decade of industry expertise, I've navigated the vast landscape of wireless plans, analyzing 30 alternative carriers and over 100 prepaid plans, saving you the legwork.

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

The revelation? A wealth of carriers are still in the fray, offering competitive services on those very networks you trust without the premium price tag. Finding the right plan boils down to your personal usage and network preference.

I've curated a list of the best value plans for 1 line across all data usage profiles for each major network. Moreover, I've identified what I believe to be the top value plan out there - but the power to choose is yours alone!

Best plans for 1 Line 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 plans for 1 Line 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

$10/mo*

$20/mo

See at Red Pocket

*50% off 1st Mth

4.1

Read our Red Pocket review

$670 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

$20/mo*

$25/mo

See at Visible

*$5 Off for 25 Mths

3.4

Read our Visible review

$660 in annual savings

Pros & cons

How Verizon compares

Best plans for 1 Line 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

$10/mo*

$20/mo

See at Red Pocket

*50% off 1st Mth

4.1

Read our Red Pocket review

$670 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

$15/mo*

$30/mo

See at Red Pocket

*50% off 1st Mth

4.1

Read our Red Pocket review

$555 in annual savings

Pros & cons

How AT&T compares

Best overall value plan for 1 line

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 only cost you $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 on extra expenses. 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 cell phone plans for 1 line

Check out our 1-line phone plan comparison to find the best deal.

How to choose the best value single line carrier

• Network: Dependable coverage is a must, whether you're navigating city streets or finding peace in rural hideaways. Luckily, cost-conscious carriers provide access to the same wide-reaching 5G and 4G LTE networks as the industry giants. According to the latest Opensignal 5G Experience Report (2023), T-Mobile shines in terms of 5G coverage. Opting for an MVNO on your chosen network means you won't have to compromise on connection quality.
• Data needs: Despite the deluge of unlimited data plans, you might be surprised to learn your actual usage is quite modest. Due to Wi-Fi availability both at home and on public networks, the average monthly cellular data usage is 10GB. Budget-friendly carriers offer plans tailored to your real requirements.
• Hotspot: Tethering is crucial for some people because it allows them to stay connected on the go. Fortunately, hotspot capability is typically standard, although the details can vary across plans and providers. You're never more than a few taps away from the web.
• Price: While traditional plans direct from big networks run you anywhere from $75 to $90, savvy individuals can find MVNO deals from $5 to $35, providing significant savings without cutting corners on quality.
• Lines: Reject the major carriers' push for multi-line bundles. MVNOs excel with straightforward, single-line pricing. They offer great value and simplicity for anyone looking to keep life and their mobile plan uncomplicated.
• Phones: MVNOs encourage using your existing phone, freeing you from the endless cycle of upgrades. But if you're in the market for a new device, there are affordable choices with 0% financing available.
• Promos: Avoid the complex and often misleading "deals" from the big names. MVNOs favor clear, simple promotions, ensuring you understand precisely what you're signing up for without any hidden fees.
• Perks: "Free" or trial subscriptions from big brands may be initially appealing. However, it's important to evaluate whether these bonuses genuinely enhance your lifestyle or will merely end up as another expense. Select benefits that truly meet your needs, avoiding unnecessary costs.
• International features: Staying connected with friends or family abroad is essential. Many MVNOs offer complimentary international calling to several countries, a vital feature for those with international connections. Stay in touch without breaking the bank.

Find the best phone service in your area

Single line phone plan FAQs

Recap: What is the best single line phone plan?

The relentless surge in prices by the big three carriers isn't about meeting consumer demands; it's about boosting their profit margins at the expense of individuals like you. In these times, where every aspect of living from groceries to utilities is becoming more expensive, understanding the value of every penny is crucial.

However, there's a ray of hope for reducing your cell phone bills. By choosing the best cheap cell phone plan for 1 with the right carrier, you can enjoy the quality service you're used to at a significantly lower cost. Imagine the potential of saving up to $600 per year on your single line plan.

For anyone considering a smart move to a more cost-effective plan, the choice is vital. That's why we've developed our comprehensive cell phone plan comparison tool specifically for you. It's designed to sift through a wide range of options, ensuring you find the perfect single line plan to fit your needs and budget precisely.

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.