The best phone plans for one person in 2025: Stop overpaying for a single line

If you're paying big wireless prices for just one phone line, you're almost certainly paying too much. The big 3 networks build their pricing to favor families with multiple lines - leaving solo users stuck with higher per-line costs and loaded with features they didn't ask for.

The good news? Low-cost carriers offer the same coverage at half the price, whether you need just a little data or you want an unlimited plan. And because these plans are prepaid, you're not locked into a contract or stuck with hidden fees.

To make things easier, I've reviewed over 100 plans and narrowed it down to the best phone plans for one person - including both the cheapest option and the best unlimited data plan on each network.

To ease your search, I've looked into 30 alternative carriers and analyzed over 100 prepaid phone plans.

Tello offers the best single-line 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 strips away the complexity of phone plans-no contracts, no hidden fees, just affordable, flexible service on T-Mobile's network.

Every plan includes free international calls to 60+ countries, including Canada and Mexico, along with a variety of data options to suit both light and heavy users.

You're in full control with customizable plans, letting you pick the exact amount of talk, text, and data you need, so you never overpay. All plans come with mobile hotspot, with unlimited plans offering up to 5GB, but there are no discounts for multiple lines. Each line is billed separately, though Tello's pricing is still highly competitive.

Switching is easy. eSIM activation takes just a few taps, or you can order a physical SIM card if you prefer.

I compared several alternatives. Ultra Mobile excels in international calling but costs more for the same data. Metro by T-Mobile offers solid service but requires in-store visits and comes at a higher price. Boost Mobile has appealing rates, but hidden fees and unreliable customer service make it harder to recommend.

At the end of the day, Tello wins for affordability, customization, and a hassle-free switching experience.

• Tailor-made plans – Pick exactly what you need, nothing more.
• No long-term commitments – Affordable, transparent pricing with easy plan adjustments.
• Seamless setup – Activate instantly with eSIM or get a SIM card shipped.

Visible offers the best single-line 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 takes the complexity out of wireless plans, offering two simple unlimited options with no contracts, no hidden fees, and no extra costs.

For just $25/month, you get unlimited talk, text, and data, plus mobile hotspot access at speeds of 5–10 Mbps. Upgrade to the Visible+ plan, and you'll receive 50GB of premium data and access to Verizon's 5G Ultra Wideband for even faster speeds.

International communication is easy, too. The Visible+ plan includes free international calling to 30+ countries and texting to over 200 destinations. Plus, eSIM activation lets you start service in minutes-no need to wait for a physical SIM card.

While there are no discounts for multiple lines, Visible's low individual pricing makes it a great option for single-line users. Just note that customer support is available online only.

Compared to Tracfone, Xfinity Mobile, and Spectrum Mobile, Visible stands out. Tracfone offers low-cost plans, but data speed limitations make it less appealing for heavy users. Xfinity Mobile and Spectrum Mobile have solid pricing but require internet service from their respective providers.

For a hassle-free, budget-friendly unlimited plan, Visible is a clear winner.

• Unlimited data, no surprises – No contracts, no hidden charges, just straightforward pricing.
• Built-in extras – Every plan includes mobile hotspot, with international calling & texting on Visible+.
• Fast and simple activation – Use eSIM for instant setup, or order a SIM card.

Total Wireless offers the best single-line 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 delivers affordable, no-contract phone plans on Verizon's 5G & 4G LTE network, ensuring reliable service without the high cost.

Plans include unlimited talk and text, high-speed data options, and mobile hotspot access up to 15GB on select plans.

For international users, Total Wireless offers free calling to 85+ destinations and roaming in Canada and Mexico, making it easy to stay connected.

With no contracts or hidden fees, you have full control over your plan, managing everything online with hassle-free switching.

I compared other low-cost carriers on Verizon's network, and each has drawbacks. Tracfone is budget-friendly but limits high-speed data. Xfinity Mobile and Spectrum Mobile offer good rates, but require home internet service to qualify.

For an easy, budget-friendly wireless experience with solid coverage, Total Wireless is a top choice.

• Verizon coverage for less – Enjoy the same network without the premium price.
• More than just talk & text – Up to 15GB of hotspot data, plus international calling and roaming perks.
• Total flexibility – No contracts, no activation fees, and simple online account management.

Tello offers the best single-line 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 is the perfect solution for those who want affordable, flexible wireless service without hidden fees or unnecessary commitments.

All plans come with free international calling to 60+ countries, including Canada and Mexico, plus a variety of custom data options to match different usage needs.

Instead of forcing you into a pre-set plan, Tello lets you customize exactly how much data, talk, and text you want, so you never pay for what you don't use. Tello includes mobile hotspot with all plans, though unlimited plans have a 5GB cap, and while there are no multi-line discounts, individual plans are already priced so low that you'll still save.

Switching is simple if you have an eSIM-compatible phone and takes 5 minutes. Prefer a physical SIM? Tello will ship one to you.

I compared several carriers. Ultra Mobile offers strong international calling perks but costs more. Metro by T-Mobile requires in-store activation and has higher prices. Boost Mobile has competitive rates but includes hidden fees and has inconsistent customer service.

For budget-conscious users who want flexibility and no surprises, Tello is a top choice.

• Custom-built plans – Choose only the data, talk, and text you need. You can update your plan anytime with no penalties.
• No contracts or hidden charges – No activation fees, no surprise price hikes, and no long-term commitments.
• Fast and easy activation – Activate instantly with eSIM on compatible devices, or order a SIM card for traditional setup.

Red Pocket offers the best single-line 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

Red Pocket Mobile offers affordable unlimited plans on AT&T's network, making it an excellent choice for families looking to save.

With a $20 discount per additional line, families can reduce their phone bill significantly compared to major carriers. While a setup fee applies, the long-term savings make it well worth the switch.

Enjoy unlimited talk and text with no hidden fees and up to 30GB of high-speed data, including hotspot access.

Red Pocket Mobile also provides free international calling to 80+ countries and roaming in Mexico and Canada, ensuring global connectivity without extra charges. eSIM users can take advantage of a 7-day money-back guarantee, allowing you to test the service risk-free.

I've reviewed other AT&T-based low-cost carriers, including Cricket Wireless, which costs more despite being AT&T's prepaid brand, H2O Wireless, which offers international perks but doesn't match Red Pocket's value, and Good2Go Mobile, which is affordable but has fewer plan choices.

For affordable unlimited plans with strong family savings and international benefits, Red Pocket Mobile is my top pick.

• Multi-line savings – $20 off each additional line, making family plans budget-friendly.
• Free international perks – Stay connected with calls to 80+ countries and roaming in Mexico & Canada.
• Transparent pricing & no risk – No hidden fees, plus a 7-day eSIM money-back guarantee.

Why switch to a low-cost carrier?

If you're paying big wireless prices for just one phone line, you're almost certainly paying too much.

The big three carriers build their pricing to favor families, offering steep discounts when you add more lines, but solo users get stuck paying premium rates. Even worse, they load up plans with features you don't need, then tell you there's no better option.

Here's the truth. Low-cost carriers give you the same coverage for half the price, whether you need just a little data or an unlimited plan. And because these plans are prepaid, you're not locked into a contract or stuck with hidden fees.

Still on the fence? Here's what you need to know

• You get the same coverage: Low-cost carriers use the same networks as Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile. You're just not paying extra for the brand name.
• You only pay for what you need: Whether you want a cheap talk & text plan or unlimited data, there's an option for you without overpaying for extras.
• No contracts, no commitments: You're not locked into an overpriced plan that's hard to change later.

If you're tired of being overcharged just because you have a single line, it's time to switch to a low-cost carrier that actually makes sense.

Common misconceptions about low cost carriers

Big wireless loves to plant doubts about prepaid plans - especially for single-line customers. Here's what's really true:

Myth 1: Prepaid plans have worse coverage

Truth: Low-cost carriers use the exact same networks as the big 3. Same towers, lower prices.

Myth 2: Prepaid plans are for people with bad credit

Truth: most people switch just to save money - not because they have to.

Myth 3: Prepaid plans don't include 5G

Truth: almost all low-cost carriers now offer full-speed 5G, as long as your phone supports it.

Myth 4: Switching is difficult

Truth: switching takes about 10 minutes, and you can keep your phone and number.

Myth 5: There must be hidden fees

Truth: most low-cost carriers show you the full price upfront - unlike big wireless.

Compare the cheapest 1 line plans

Check out our cell phone plans for one comparison to help find the best deal.

Why you can trust me

I've spent over 15 years helping people cut their phone bills in both the UK and US. For the last 8 years, I've run MoneySavingPro, helping over 50,000 people switch to cheaper, better phone plans.

I've personally reviewed over 100 phone plans and tested dozens of low-cost carriers, including Tello, Red Pocket, Visible, and Twigby, to compare coverage, pricing, and customer experience.

If there's a way to save money without sacrificing coverage, you'll hear about it here first.

How I picked the winners

Most single-line phone plans are priced unfairly compared to multi-line plans, so I made sure to find the ones that actually offer value. I evaluated over 30 carriers based on five key factors:

• Value for money: I looked for plans that offer affordable single-line pricing without the need to bundle multiple lines to get a discount.
• Coverage: Your plan shouldn't mean sacrificing service quality. I reviewed 5G and 4G LTE coverage across urban and rural areas to ensure reliability no matter where you are.
• Customer experience: I factored in real customer reviews, ease of switching, and overall satisfaction to avoid plans with hidden downsides.
• Transparency: The best single-line plans have clear, upfront pricing, without surprise fees, activation costs, or sudden rate hikes.
• Range of choice: The best plans offer options for every type of user, from low-data budget plans to high-data unlimited options, so you're not stuck paying for features you don't need.

Final thoughts: Stop overpaying for your single line

If you're still paying big wireless prices just because you have a single line, it's time to stop.

Switching to a low-cost carrier is one of the easiest ways to cut your phone bill in half-without giving up coverage, features, or flexibility.

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