The best phone plans under $20

A low-cost carrier uses the same towers and coverage as major networks like Verizon, T-Mobile, and AT&T. The difference is that low-cost carriers offer more affordable plans with fewer hidden fees because they don’t have the same overhead costs as the big guys.

Low-cost carriers can keep prices lower because they don’t own the network infrastructure. They pay the major carriers for network access, which allows them to pass the savings on to you.

Yes. Most low-cost carriers offer flexible plans that allow you to adjust your data, talk, or text limits to suit your needs, as you are not tied into a contract. You can change your plan or cancel anytime.

You can bring your own unlocked phone to most low-cost carriers or purchase one directly from the carrier. Many low-cost carriers offer popular models, and their network compatibility is usually no issue.

Yes, switching to a low-cost carrier is simple. You can sign up online, bring your own phone, and port your number easily. The process is quick and straightforward, and customer support is available to assist with any issues.

No! Most low-cost carriers offer prepaid, no-contract plans, meaning you're not tied down to long-term commitments. You can switch whenever you like without paying hefty termination fees.

Unlike the big 3, low-cost carriers have transparent pricing. Most fees are included in the monthly cost, and you won’t find unexpected charges like activation or "administrative" fees.

Most low-cost carriers offer easy payment options, including online billing, autopay, or prepaid options. Many also offer discounts for paying upfront or signing up for autopay.

Yes! Some low-cost carriers offer family plans or multi-line discounts. But just by signing up the whole family to a low-cost carrier without the discount could save you up to $600 a year, per line.

Yes, while the big 3 only offer unlimited data plans, most people actually don’t need these. You can choose a plan with a data limit that suits your usage to save even more money or an unlimited data plan. It's up to you.

Depending on the plan, normally, your speeds will be slowed until your next billing cycle, rarely do any charge for overage use. However, some low-cost carriers provide options for purchasing additional data at a reasonable cost.

No, low-cost carriers use the same towers as the big networks, so you’ll have the same signal strength and coverage as with Verizon, T-Mobile, or AT&T.

Yes, all low-cost carriers now offer 5G service, as they use the same networks as the big 3. You will need a compatible phone and plan, but 5G is increasingly available across low-cost carriers.

You may experience slower speeds during peak times if your low-cost carrier deprioritizes data. However, outside of busy periods, you should enjoy the same fast speeds as you would with major carriers. Your speeds will depend on the network’s traffic at any given moment.

No, low-cost carriers provide coverage in rural and remote areas, just like major networks. The coverage is essentially the same, as they all use the same towers and infrastructure.

While customer service experiences can vary, many low-cost carriers offer excellent customer support. They tend to focus on customer satisfaction and transparency without the frustration of endless hold times or high-pressure sales tactics often seen with the big carriers.

Yes, most low-cost carriers offer reliable customer support. It varies by carrier but you’ll find they offer online support or phone assistance.

Most low-cost carriers don’t have physical stores, so in-person support may be limited. However, most low-cost carriers offer strong online support or call center assistance to resolve issues remotely.

While low-cost carriers may not offer as many in-store support options as big carriers, they generally provide reliable and helpful customer support through phone and online channels. Their support tends to be more personal and straightforward compared to larger, more corporate carriers.

Customer support can assist with a wide range of issues, including billing inquiries, plan changes, technical issues, device troubleshooting, network connectivity problems, and account management.

Yes, you can keep both your current phone and phone number when switching to a low-cost carrier. The process is easy, and most low-cost carriers offer tools to help you through the transfer.

Yes, it’s quick and easy! Low-cost carriers typically allow you to sign up online, bring your own phone, and transfer your number. The process is simple, and customer support is available to guide you if needed.

In most cases, there should be minimal downtime during the switch. The porting process usually takes a few hours to complete, but you can often continue using your current service until the transfer is finalized. Make sure to complete the switch during business hours for faster processing.

You can check if your phone is compatible by looking up the low-cost carrier’s compatibility list on their website or using your IMEI number.

Many low-cost carriers offer device financing or discounts for purchasing a new phone through them. However, you're also free to bring your own unlocked phone giving you flexibility.

Some low-cost carriers offer international calling and roaming options, but it's important to check with the specific carrier for details. Some carriers may offer affordable add-ons for international calls and data.

Many low-cost carriers offer affordable international calling plans or add-ons to help keep costs down, but the exact rates can vary.

Yes, if your low-cost carrier supports international roaming, you can use your international calling plan while abroad. However, be sure to check roaming rates and coverage before you travel to avoid unexpected costs.

Yes, many low-cost carriers allow you to make international calls over Wi-Fi using apps like WhatsApp, Skype, or other VoIP services. This can be a cost-effective way to call internationally, as it doesn’t count toward your carrier's voice minutes or incur additional charges.