The best cell phone plans for students in 2025: Affordable, flexible, and built for student life

If you're a student trying to juggle classes, work, and social life, the last thing you need is an overpriced phone bill draining your budget. Whether you just need a basic plan to stay connected or unlimited data to stream, study, and scroll, there are better options than the big 3.

Low-cost carriers offer the same coverage at half the price, with no contracts, no credit checks, and no unnecessary extras. Best of all, they offer flexibility that fits student life - so you're never stuck paying for months you don't need.

I've meticulously evaluated 30 alternative carriers and analyzed over 100 prepaid phone plans.

Tello offers the best plan for students for low data

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 phone plans keep things simple with their wireless service. None of those hidden fees or long-term contracts that'll leave you feeling trapped.

With free international calls to 60+ countries on all plans, including Canada and Mexico, and a range of data allowances suitable for light to heavy users.

Tello keeps costs low with flexible plans that let you choose exactly how much data, talk, and text you need. A set data plan can help you save and manage usage.

All plans come with mobile hotspot, with unlimited plans offering up to 5GB, but there are no multi-line discounts. Each line is billed separately, though Tello's pricing remains competitive.

Activation is quick and easy. With eSIM it takes just a few taps, or you can have a SIM card shipped directly to you.

Tello is one of the most affordable and flexible choices on T-Mobile's network, but I also weighed a few other options.

Ultra Mobile is a solid pick for international calling, but its plans are more expensive for the same amount of data. Metro by T-Mobile, despite being owned by T-Mobile, comes with higher costs and often requires an in-store visit. While Boost Mobile has competitive pricing, but hidden fees and inconsistent customer service make it harder to recommend.

In the end, Tello's combination of affordability, customization, and hassle-free switching makes it the best choice.

• Build-your-own plan – Tello lets you customize your plan, so you only pay for the data, minutes, and texts you actually need-no wasted money on extras.
• Affordable, contract-free pricing – Tello keeps costs low with transparent pricing and no long-term commitments, making it easy to switch or adjust your plan anytime.
• Quick and simple activation – With eSIM, you can activate your plan in just a few taps. If you prefer a physical SIM, Tello ships it for a small fee.

Visible offers the best unlimited data plan for students

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 keeps things easy with two affordable unlimited plans on Verizon's network. There are no contracts and no hidden fees.

With unlimited talk, text, and data starting at just $25/month, plus mobile hotspot included, you get great value without surprises. The Visible+ plan offers 50GB of premium data and access to Verizon's 5G Ultra Wideband for even faster speeds.

Visible keeps it simple with two unlimited plans that have no contracts, hidden fees, or surprise costs. Both plans come with mobile hotspot access at 5–10 Mbps speeds.

The Visible+ plan includes free international calling to 30+ countries and texting to 200+ destinations. eSIM activation allows for instant setup, eliminating the wait for a SIM card.

While there are no multi-line discounts, the affordable pricing makes it ideal for individuals. However, customer support is only available online.

If you want a budget-friendly carrier on Verizon's network, Visible is the best option for unlimited data without extra fees-but I also reviewed a few others.

Tracfone offers low-cost prepaid plans, but speed restrictions make it less appealing for heavy data users. Xfinity Mobile has competitive pricing, but it's limited to Xfinity internet customers. Spectrum Mobile is another affordable alternative, but you need Spectrum home internet to sign up.

Thanks to its transparent pricing and unlimited data, Visible remains the best overall pick.

• Straightforward unlimited plans – No contracts, hidden fees, or surprise charges-just simple, all-inclusive pricing.
• Built-in extras at no extra cost – Get mobile hotspot access on all plans, plus international calling and texting perks with Visible+.
• Fast and easy setup – eSIM activation lets you start service in minutes without needing to wait for a SIM card.

Total Wireless offers the best plan with Verizon coverage for students

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 keeps things simple with no contracts, no hidden fees, and affordable plans on Verizon's network.

With unlimited talk and text, generous high-speed data options, and mobile hotspot included. Plus, international calling to 85+ destinations and roaming in Canada and Mexico make staying connected easier than ever.

Get Verizon's reliable coverage without the high cost with Total Wireless. Plans include unlimited talk and text, plus up to 15GB of hotspot data.

International calling to 85+ destinations and roaming in Canada and Mexico are included with select plans. There are no contracts, and you can manage everything online for easy switching.

I've explored other low-cost carriers on Verizon's 5G and 4G LTE networks, but many have limitations.

Tracfone keeps costs low with its pay-as-you-go model, but it offers limited high-speed data and fewer perks. Xfinity Mobile stands out with competitive pricing, but only those with Xfinity internet can sign up. Spectrum Mobile is another affordable choice, but again it's restricted to Spectrum home internet customers.

• Big savings on Verizon's network – Enjoy top-tier coverage without the premium pricing.
• Great extras for everyday use – Up to 15GB of hotspot data, plus international calling and roaming benefits on select plans.
• No commitments, full control – Contract-free plans with easy online management for seamless plan adjustments.

Tello offers the best plan with T-Mobile coverage for students

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 phone plans keep things simple with their wireless service. None of those hidden fees or long-term contracts that'll leave you feeling trapped.

With free international calls to 60+ countries on all plans, including Canada and Mexico, and a range of data allowances suitable for light to heavy users.

Tello offers flexible, budget-friendly plans, allowing you to pick exactly how much data, talk, and text you need.

All Tello plans support mobile hotspot, with unlimited plans limited to 5GB, but they don't offer multi-line discounts-each line is billed separately. However, their low rates make individual plans a great deal.

Since Tello is online-only, activation is seamless-eSIM setup is near-instant, or you can get a SIM card by mail.

Tello is among the best budget-friendly carriers on T-Mobile's network, but I compared a few others as well.

Ultra Mobile works well for international calls, but its plans cost more for the same data. Metro by T-Mobile, despite being part of T-Mobile, is pricier and often requires an in-store sign-up. Boost Mobile has appealing rates, but its extra fees and spotty customer service make it less reliable.

Thanks to its unmatched affordability, customizable plans, and easy switching process, Tello remains the best pick.

• Personalized plan options – Tello allows you to pick and choose your plan features, so you only pay for what you actually use.
• One of the cheapest carriers available – Tello provides unbeatable value with low-cost plans and no contracts, giving you total flexibility.
• Fast online activation – eSIM lets you activate your plan in minutes, or you can request a free SIM card to be delivered to your door.

Red Pocket offers the best plan with AT&T coverage for students

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

The Red Pocket Mobile unlimited plan is powered by the AT&T wireless network. And if you're looking for an unlimited plan for the whole family, they are one of the best MVNOs for family plans, with a $20 discount for each additional line added.

You'll need to pay a setup fee, but after that, choosing a family plan could save you hundreds of dollars a year.

With Red Pocket Mobile, you get unlimited talk and text, no hidden fees, and up to 30GB of high-speed data, including hotspot access.

Adding extra lines saves you money with multi-line discounts, although there's a setup fee for each line.

They also offer a 7-day money-back guarantee on eSIM plans and free international calling to 80+ countries, plus free roaming in Mexico and Canada.

Many low-cost carriers provide service on AT&T's 5G and 4G LTE networks, and I've reviewed many of them. Cricket Wireless, AT&T's own prepaid brand, tends to be more expensive than its competitors. H2O Wireless includes international calling, but its plans don't offer the same value. While Good2Go Mobile has competitive pricing but lacks variety in its plan options and isn't as well known.

With its ideal blend of affordability, strong features, and flexibility, Red Pocket is my top recommendation for AT&T customers.

• Multi-line discounts – Add extra lines and get a discount off each one, making it easy to save on family plans.
• International perks at no extra cost – Free calls to 80+ countries and roaming in Mexico and Canada add extra value.
• No hidden fees & risk-free sign-up – Simple, transparent pricing and a 7-day eSIM money-back guarantee let you try the service worry-free.

Why switch to a low-cost carrier?

Being a student means balancing a lot-classes, work, social life, and of course, your budget. But if you're still paying big wireless prices, your phone bill is probably costing more than it should.

The big three love to lock students into expensive unlimited plans packed with features you don't need. They assume you won't shop around, so they charge higher prices for single-line users while saving their best deals for multi-line family plans.

The truth is that low-cost carriers let you keep the same coverage for half the price, without the contracts, hidden fees, or unnecessary extras.

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

• You're probably paying for more data than you use: Most students don't need unlimited data, yet big wireless makes it seem like the only option. With a low-cost carrier, you can choose just the right amount of data and stop overpaying.
• You're not tied down: Whether you're moving, studying abroad, or just need a change, low-cost carriers don't lock you into contracts. You can adjust your plan whenever you need to.
• You can still stream, study, and stay connected: Low-cost carriers offer high-speed 5G and hotspot options, so you can watch lectures, FaceTime friends, and scroll endlessly-without the big wireless price tag.

If you're tired of wasting money on an overpriced phone plan, it's time to switch to a low-cost carrier that actually fits your lifestyle.

Common misconceptions about phone plans for students

There's a lot of noise out there about student phone plans. Here's what's actually true:

1: Myth: Students need a special "student plan"

Truth: Most "student deals" are just marketing spin. The best savings come from regular prepaid plans with low-cost carriers.

2: Myth: Prepaid plans have worse coverage

Truth: Prepaid carriers use the same networks as the big 3. Same towers, lower prices.

3: Myth: You need a credit check to get a good plan

Truth: Prepaid plans don't require credit checks, so it doesn't matter if you have limited credit history.

4: Myth: Switching is a hassle

Truth: Switching takes less than 10 minutes, and you can keep your phone and your number.

5: Myth: There must be hidden fees

Truth: Low-cost carriers are typically more transparent than the big 3. No activation fees, upgrade fees, or hidden charges.

Compare the cheapest student cell phone plans

Check out our student cell phone 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

Students need affordable, flexible, and reliable phone plans. I evaluated over 30 carriers based on five key factors:

• Value for money: I looked for plans that offer real savings without requiring family discounts or multi-line pricing. Whether you need a budget-friendly low-data plan or unlimited for studying and streaming, these plans give you the most for your money.

• Coverage: Whether you're on campus, commuting, or traveling, you need reliable service wherever you go. I reviewed 5G and 4G LTE coverage across urban, suburban, and rural areas to ensure strong performance in different locations.

• Customer experience: Students need fast, no-hassle setup and responsive customer service if issues arise. I factored in real customer reviews, ease of switching, and support availability to find the best options.

• Transparency: The best plans have straightforward pricing with no random fees or surprise charges. I only recommend carriers that don't lure students in with misleading promotions or price hikes.

• Range of choice: Some students need basic talk & text, while others want unlimited data for school and entertainment. The best plans offer customization to fit different student budgets and usage needs.

Final thoughts: Why pay more?

If you're still paying big wireless prices, 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.

Check out these best phone plans for students and see how much you could save today.

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