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Tired of the big three's lack of choice, confusing bills, and wallet-vacuuming prices?
With the big wireless companies spending January celebrating record profits while also announcing further price hikes, they seem to have underestimated today's empowered consumers.
I've worked within the wireless industry for over a decade; the price gap is wider than ever, but switching carriers has never been simpler.
I have reviewed 30 alternative carriers and over 100 prepaid phone plans, so you don't have to.
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
Surprisingly, there are still plenty of carriers remaining, and perhaps even more surprising is these low-cost carriers operate on the same wireless networks you already know.
The best plan depends on your network preference and cell phone usage - so I have listed the best value phone plans on each of the 3 networks for low, medium, and heavy data users.
I have also included what I consider to be the best overall value plan, but the choice is yours.
Best prepaid plans 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
Keep it simple with Tello prepaid phone plans while accessing the 5G & 4G LTE T-Mobile wireless service.
All plans offer free international calls to over 60 countries, including Canada and Mexico, and a variety of data allowances that cater to both light and heavy users. Check out our review about best prepaid phone plans on T-Mobile.
Pros
- T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE wireless coverage
- Free international calling to 60+ countries
- Free mobile hotspot included
- Excellent score on Trustpilot
- eSIM compatible
Cons
- No international roaming
- No multi-line discounts
- Customize your own plan. Depending on your usage, you can choose the amount of data, minutes, and texts that you require. It's always worth checking your average data usage, as a set data plan can help cut costs.
- Mobile hotspot is available with a limit of 5GB.
- Tello doesn't provide any discounts for purchasing multiple lines. Therefore, if you're considering getting a plan for another family member, each line will be billed individually at the full price. But you can still save money with their affordable individual plans.
- Being an online-based service provider means that activating an eSIM prepaid plan requires just a few clicks, or you can choose to have a SIM card delivered to your address.
Best family plan on T-Mobile
Mint Mobile 15GB plan
- T-Mobile coverage
- Unlimited talk and text
- Instant eSIM activation
Choose from a variety of Mint Mobile prepaid plans to build your unique family plan. Powered by the T-Mobile network, it provides the same great quality service at half the price.
Choose from a range of data allowances, including an unlimited plan with 40GB of high-speed data and unlimited talk and text. Mint Mobile has clear messaging sharing how you can save more money the longer you commit. Check out our review about best family plans on T-Mobile.
Pros
- T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE wireless coverage
- Free calls to Mexico and Canada
- Free mobile hotspot with all plans
- eSIM compatible
Cons
- No international roaming
- Limited customer service
- 3-month minimum sign-up
- Mobile hotspot access is available with all plans, and the unlimited plan includes a 10 GB hotspot data limit.
- A minimum 3-month upfront commitment is required to subscribe. The longer commitment period means more savings. Choose a 3, 6, or 12-month pricing structure available after initial commitment.
- They offer a 7-day money-back guarantee if you're not satisfied with the service.
- You can bring your own phone or choose from various smartphone options like a new iPhone or Samsung with a 0% finance over 1-2 years.
- Manage usage and multiple line plans through the Mint Mobile app.
- International roaming comes at an additional cost but calls to Canada and Mexico are included, while other international calls incur extra charges.
Best unlimited plan on T-Mobile
Tello unlimited data plan
- T-Mobile coverage
- Unlimited talk and text
- Instant eSIM activation
Keep it simple with Tello prepaid phone plans while accessing the 5G & 4G LTE T-Mobile wireless service.
All plans offer free international calls to over 60 countries, including Canada and Mexico, and a variety of data allowances that cater to both light and heavy users. Check out our review about best unlimited data plans on T-Mobile.
Pros
- T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE wireless coverage
- Free international calling to 60+ countries
- Free mobile hotspot included
- Excellent score on Trustpilot
- eSIM compatible
Cons
- No international roaming
- No multi-line discounts
The table below demonstrates that choosing the Tello unlimited data plan would save you $630 per year compared to buying an unlimited data plan from T-Mobile directly.
| T-Mobile | T-Mobile coverage at a fraction of the cost | ||
|---|---|---|---|
 |  |  *$45 for 3 Months | *$10 off for 3 Mths |
| T-Mobile 4G & 5G | T-Mobile 4G & 5G | T-Mobile 4G & 5G | |
| Unlimited data *not unlimited | 2GB data | 15GB data | Unlimited data |
| $75/mo | $10/mo | $15/mo* | $15/mo* |
| $900/yr | $120/yr | $225/yr | $270/yr |
| 1.4 on Trustpilot | 4.6 on Trustpilot | 3.3 on Trustpilot | 4.6 on Trustpilot |
| Annual savings | $780/yr | $675/yr | $630/yr |
Best prepaid plans 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
Customize Twigby Mobile prepaid phone plans and only pay for what you really need. With a variety of affordable no-contract plans that are powered by the Verizon network, you don't have to sacrifice quality for flexibility.
With unlimited calling and texts, you can choose as much data as you want from a range of data allowances. Check out our review about best prepaid phone plans on Verizon.
Pros
- Verizon 5G & 4G LTE wireless coverage
- Free international calls to 80+ countries
- Wide range of plan choices
- Free mobile hotspot access
- Excellent score on Trustpilot
Cons
- No multi-line discounts
- No International roaming
- Not eSIM-compatible
- Twigby Mobile provides free international calling to 80 different countries, ideal for those with family or friends living abroad.
- You can conveniently purchase your plan online and have the SIM card delivered by mail.
- Mobile hotspot allowance is available and comes out of your monthly data usage, which for unlimited plans is a maximum of 20GB.
- There are no discounts for additional lines, which may not be cost-effective for those requiring more than one line.
- There are no international roaming services, which may not be ideal for frequent travelers as it could result in a significantly higher monthly bill.
Best family plan on Verizon
Red Pocket 10GB plan
- Verizon coverage
- Unlimited talk and text
- Instant eSIM activation
Red Pocket Mobile prepaid plans operate on the Verizon and AT&T wireless networks and offer good quality at half the price. Their family plans offer excellent multi-line discounts, with $20 off for every added line.
Additionally, plans include the bonus of free international calls to 80 countries, helping to keep you close to your overseas family and friends. Check out our review about best family plans on Verizon.
Pros
- Verizon, and AT&T 5G & 4G LTE network coverage
- Free international calls to 80 countries
- Roaming available in Mexico and Canada
- Mobile hotspot access on all plans
- Excellent score on Trustpilot
- eSIM compatible
Cons
- Limited international roaming
- Red Pocket Mobile's plans are straightforward, with no hidden fees, and include features like unlimited talk and text.
- You get a $20 discount for each additional line added, which is ideal for family plans. You'll need to pay a setup fee, but after that, choosing a family plan could save you hundreds of dollars a year.
- With the unlimited plan, you get up to 30GB high-speed data allowance.
- Mobile hotspot access is available up to 30GB on the unlimited plan, which comes out of your monthly data allowance.
- They offer a 7-day money-back guarantee with their eSIM plans.
- Red Pocket Mobile offers free international calling to 80+ countries, with free roaming in Mexico and Canada.
Best unlimited plan on Verizon
Visible unlimited data plan
- Verizon coverage
- Unlimited talk and text
- Instant eSIM activation
Check out our review about best unlimited data plans on Verizon.
Pros
Cons
The table below demonstrates that choosing the Visible unlimited data plan would save you $600 per year compared to buying an unlimited data plan from Verizon directly.
| Verizon | Verizon coverage at a fraction of the cost | ||
|---|---|---|---|
 |  *$5/mo for 1st 3 Mths |  |  |
| Verizon 4G & 5G | AT&T 4G & 5G | Verizon 4G & 5G | |
| Unlimited data *not unlimited | 2GB data | 10GB data | Unlimited data |
| $75/mo | $5/mo* | $20/mo | $25/mo |
| $900/yr | $150/yr | $240/yr | $300/yr |
| 1.2 on Trustpilot | 4.7 on Trustpilot | 4.4 on Trustpilot | 1.4 on Trustpilot |
| Annual savings | $750/yr | $660/yr | $600/yr |
Best prepaid plans 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
Red Pocket Mobile prepaid plans operate on the Verizon and AT&T wireless networks and offer good quality at half the price. Their family plans offer excellent multi-line discounts, with $20 off for every added line.
Additionally, plans include the bonus of free international calls to 80 countries, helping to keep you close to your overseas family and friends. Check out our review about best prepaid phone plans on AT&T.
Pros
- Verizon, and AT&T 5G & 4G LTE network coverage
- Free international calls to 80 countries
- Roaming available in Mexico and Canada
- Mobile hotspot access on all plans
- Excellent score on Trustpilot
- eSIM compatible
Cons
- Limited international roaming
Best family plan on AT&T
Red Pocket 10GB plan
- AT&T coverage
- Unlimited talk and text
- Instant eSIM activation
Red Pocket Mobile prepaid plans operate on the Verizon and AT&T wireless networks and offer good quality at half the price. Their family plans offer excellent multi-line discounts, with $20 off for every added line.
Additionally, plans include the bonus of free international calls to 80 countries, helping to keep you close to your overseas family and friends. Check out our review about best family plans on AT&T.
Pros
- Verizon, and AT&T 5G & 4G LTE network coverage
- Free international calls to 80 countries
- Roaming available in Mexico and Canada
- Mobile hotspot access on all plans
- Excellent score on Trustpilot
- eSIM compatible
Cons
- Limited international roaming
Best unlimited plan on AT&T
Red Pocket unlimited data plan
- AT&T coverage
- Unlimited talk and text
- Instant eSIM activation
Red Pocket Mobile prepaid plans operate on the Verizon and AT&T wireless networks and offer good quality at half the price. Their family plans offer excellent multi-line discounts, with $20 off for every added line.
Additionally, plans include the bonus of free international calls to 80 countries, helping to keep you close to your overseas family and friends. Check out our review about best unlimited data plans on AT&T.
Pros
- Verizon, and AT&T 5G & 4G LTE network coverage
- Free international calls to 80 countries
- Roaming available in Mexico and Canada
- Mobile hotspot access on all plans
- Excellent score on Trustpilot
- eSIM compatible
Cons
- Limited international roaming
The table below demonstrates that choosing the Red Pocket unlimited data plan would save you $540 per year compared to buying an unlimited data plan from AT&T directly.
| AT&T | AT&T coverage at a fraction of the cost | ||
|---|---|---|---|
 | | | |
| AT&T 4G & 5G | AT&T 4G & 5G | AT&T 4G & 5G | |
| Unlimited data *not unlimited | 1GB data | 10GB data | Unlimited data |
| $75/mo | $10/mo | $20/mo | $30/mo |
| $900/yr | $120/yr | $240/yr | $360/yr |
| 1.3 on Trustpilot | 4.4 on Trustpilot | 4.4 on Trustpilot | 4.4 on Trustpilot |
| Annual savings | $780/yr | $660/yr | $540/yr |
Best overall prepaid phone plan
Tello unlimited data plan
- T-Mobile coverage
- Unlimited talk and text
- Instant eSIM activation
Keep it simple with Tello prepaid phone plans while accessing the 5G & 4G LTE T-Mobile wireless service.
All plans offer free international calls to over 60 countries, including Canada and Mexico, and a variety of data allowances that cater to both light and heavy users. Check out our review about the cheapest prepaid phone plans.
Pros
- T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE wireless coverage
- Free international calling to 60+ countries
- Free mobile hotspot included
- Excellent score on Trustpilot
- eSIM compatible
Cons
- No international roaming
- No multi-line discounts
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 most 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, 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 prepaid cell phone plans
| Carrier | Data | Monthly Price | Annual Price | Savings | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tello | 2GB | $10/mo | $120/yr | $780/yr | See at Tello |
| Mint Mobile | 15GB | $15/mo* | $225/yr | $675/yr | See at Mint Mobile *$45 for 3 Months |
| Tello | Unlimited | $15/mo* | $270/yr | $630/yr | See at Tello *$10 off for 3 Mths |
| Carrier | Data | Monthly Price | Annual Price | Savings | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Twigby Mobile | 2GB | $5/mo* | $150/yr | $750/yr | See at Twigby Mobile *$5/mo for 1st 3 Mths |
| Red Pocket | 10GB | $20/mo | $240/yr | $660/yr | See at Red Pocket |
| Visible | Unlimited | $25/mo | $300/yr | $600/yr | See at Visible |
| Carrier | Data | Monthly Price | Annual Price | Savings | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Red Pocket | 1GB | $10/mo | $120/yr | $780/yr | See at Red Pocket |
| Red Pocket | 10GB | $20/mo | $240/yr | $660/yr | See at Red Pocket |
| Red Pocket | Unlimited | $30/mo | $360/yr | $540/yr | See at Red Pocket |
Check out our prepaid cell phone comparison to help find the best deal.
How to choose the best value prepaid carrier
MVNO plans cost around $10-30 per month, saving up to $600 per year, so the cost benefits are clear, but here are the other key factors to consider:
- Network preference: T-Mobile currently leads in 5G coverage according to J.D. Power. However, it depends on your area, and most people have a preferred network, so make sure to pick a low-cost carrier that operates on this network.
- Data needs: Unlike what the big wireless companies want you to believe, one size certainly does not fit all. The average monthly cellular data usage is 10GB. Low-cost carriers offer a range of data plans, so choose a plan that matches your actual usage and save even more.
- Customer service: In general, MVNOs have better customer service ratings than big wireless. However, not all MVNOs are equal, so I recommend checking out our carrier reviews and carrier customer ratings before deciding on your next provider.
- Phone options: I recommended bringing your own phone to avoid upgrade cycles. However, most MVNOs offer 0% financing if you want a new device.
- Number of lines: These low-cost carriers advertise single-line prices, Unlike big wireless, the advertised prices do not require you to purchase multiple lines. Some do offer a further discount if you do want multiple lines.
- Hotspot data: If you intend to use your phone as a hotspot, it's important to check the hotspot data limit of the plan you're considering.
- Promotions: These carriers often run promotions that include further discounts during the first few months. Unlike the big three's offers, they don't require loads of fine print to explain.
- Extra perks: Be wary of "free" subscriptions from big carriers that end up on your bill. Some MVNOs offer more transparent perks, but I recommend keeping subscriptions separate so you don't end up with future extra charges.
- International calls: Most MVNOs offer free international calls, and some provide affordable roaming options for travelers, but if this is important to you, remember to check for details on their site before choosing a carrier.
- Parental controls: Many carriers provide tools to effectively manage your child's phone use.
Find the best cell phone service in your area
Prepaid cell phone plans FAQs
Prepaid cell phone plans range from $5-$40 per month, depending on the data plan and the carrier.
The best value prepaid cell phone plan is Boost Mobile's unlimited data plan, which costs just $25 per month.
The cheapest prepaid phone plans start at just $5 per month, offered by Boost Mobile, Twigby Mobile, and US Mobile.
Prepaid phone carriers all use one of the 3 big networks, Verizon, AT&T, or T-Mobile, for phone coverage. So you will get the same 5G & 4G LTE coverage at a fraction of the cost.
Boost Mobile, Tello, and Mint Mobile offer the best value prepaid unlimited data plans with monthly prices ranging from $25-30. These prepaid carriers offer massive savings compared to AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile, who charge $70-90 per month for unlimited data plans.
Recap: What is the best prepaid cell phone plan?
The big wireless companies are making it clear they intend to keep pushing up prices, which ultimately has nothing to do with inflation but to increase their profits in a saturated market at the expense of their loyal customers.
With ever-increasing household expenses, not much can be done about the cost of gas or groceries. However, now you can get exactly the same cell phone service for a fraction of the cost, saving you up to $600 per year per line.
Before deciding on your next carrier, I recommend checking out our cell phone plan comparison to ensure you find the best deal for your needs.
Phone plan guides
- Best Cell Phone Plans
- Best Prepaid Phone Plans
- Best Unlimited Data Plans
- The 10 Best MVNOs
- Best Phone Plans for One
- Best Cell Phone Plans for Two
- Best Cell Phone Plans for Kids
- Best Cell Phone Plans for Seniors
- Best Cell Phone Plans for Students
- Best Bring Your Own Phone Plans
- Best 5G Cell Phone Plans
- Best Talk & Text Plans
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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
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