Best cell phone plans for military in 2024

Written by

Rob Webber

+2 others

Edited by

Amanda Webber

Reviewed by

Brian Webber

Updated October 21, 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 the big three's limited options, perplexing billing, and steep prices that seem only to go up?

As the major wireless companies toast to their booming profits and gear up for yet another round of price increases, it's clear they've not fully considered the unique needs and challenges faced by our military personnel.

If you're one of the brave men and women who serves - or has served - their country in a military capacity, you already know to be on the lookout for retailers that offer military discounts.

To help, I've reviewed 30 alternative carriers and over 100 prepaid phone plans.

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's remarkable is the abundance of carriers offering the same 5G & 4G LTE wireless networks at a fraction of the cost, a fact that might surprise many.

Understanding the diverse needs of military personnel, from those stationed domestically to those deployed overseas, I've identified the best value phone plans for the Military across all three major networks, catering to varying levels of data usage.

Of course, the best plan will depend on the network you prefer and your cell phone usage. So whether you're looking for the most data for your dollar or need reliable international communication options, there's an option for you.

Best plans for military 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 military 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 plans for military 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 value plan for Military

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

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, and 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 Military cell phone plans

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

How to pick the best value carrier for Military

What network coverage do you prefer?

As military personnel, having reliable network coverage is crucial. Whether you're stationed domestically or deployed abroad. MVNOs offer access to the same 5G & 4G LTE networks as the big three. ensuring you stay connected. Selecting a low-cost carrier that operates on your preferred network can provide the coverage you need without the high cost.

How much data do you need?

Unlimited data plans are often marketed as a necessity, but real usage might be less, especially with Wi-Fi access on base or at home. Affordable plans tailored to your actual data needs can significantly reduce your bill, as it's reported the average monthly cellular data use is around 10GB. If you're considering unlimited data, be mindful there are often caps on high-speed data.

Is hotspot data included?

If hotspot functionality is essential for you, most low-cost carriers offer hotspot data, but the amount varies by plan. Some also have data-only plans, ideal for staying online with tablets or laptops when Wi-Fi isn't available, ensuring you have the flexibility you need.

What's the monthly price?

Forget the steep prices of big wireless unlimited plans. MVNOs offer competitive plans from $5-35 per month without compromising on coverage or features. Be aware of hidden fees and taxes to ensure you're truly saving, as policies vary between carriers.

How many lines do you need?

Big carriers often advertise lower prices for multiple lines, but MVNOs provide straightforward, affordable pricing even for single lines. This is particularly beneficial for military members managing their own plans or needing additional lines for family members, with discounts available for adding more lines.

Can I bring my own phone or buy a new device?

MVNOs break the cycle of constant upgrades, allowing you to bring your own device and upgrade on your terms. For those needing a new phone, many MVNOs offer affordable options with flexible financing, aligning with the mobile flexibility military life sometimes requires.

Are there any deals or promotions?

While promotions from big carriers can be enticing, they often come with strings attached. MVNOs, however, tend to offer more transparent, straightforward deals, especially appealing to those looking for clear savings without long-term commitments.

What perks or add ons can I expect?

Be cautious of "free" subscription offers that may end up costing you. Some low-cost carriers do offer genuine value-adds without hidden costs, but it's important to evaluate whether these services are truly beneficial or just additional expenses.

Is international calling included?

Staying in touch with loved ones internationally can be crucial. Many MVNOs include international calling to a wide range of countries, a valuable feature that helps keep communication costs low.

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

Find the best cell phone service in your area

Military phone plans FAQs

Recap: What is the best Military cell phone plan?

Big wireless continues to signal their intention to escalate prices, a strategy that seems less about economic necessity and more about maximizing profits in a competitive market, often at the expense of their dedicated customers.

As military personnel, managing household expenses may already be a challenge, with little flexibility in the budget for rising costs of essentials like fuel or groceries.

Yet, there's a beacon of hope: the opportunity to access the same quality cell phone service at a significantly reduced cost, potentially saving up to $600 a year per line.

Before you commit to your next cell phone plan, it's worth exploring our comprehensive comparison. It's designed to help you find the most affordable and suitable plans, ensuring you stay connected without stretching your budget.

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.