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Best pay as you go plans on Verizon
Top 3 most affordable plans 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 cell 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
| Verizon | Verizon coverage at a fraction of the cost | ||
|---|---|---|---|
 |  |  *50% off 1st Mth |  *$5 Off for 25 Mths |
| Verizon 4G & 5G | Verizon, AT&T & T-Mobile 4G & 5G | Verizon 4G & 5G | |
| Unlimited data *not unlimited | 2GB data | 10GB data | Unlimited data |
| $75/mo | $5/mo* | $10/mo* | $20/mo* |
| $900/yr | $150/yr | $230/yr | $240/yr |
| 1.2 on Trustpilot | 4.6 on Trustpilot | 4.4 on Trustpilot | 1.5 on Trustpilot |
| Annual savings | $750/yr | $670/yr | $725/yr |
Verizon vs T-Mobile phone plans
Top 3 most affordable plans 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 pay as you go 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
| Verizon | How do Verizon plans compare? | ||
|---|---|---|---|
|  |  *$45 for 3 Months | |
| 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* | $25/mo |
| $900/yr | $120/yr | $225/yr | $300/yr |
| 1.2 on Trustpilot | 4.5 on Trustpilot | 3.3 on Trustpilot | 4.5 on Trustpilot |
| Annual savings | $780/yr | $675/yr | $600/yr |
Verizon vs AT&T phone plans
Top 3 most affordable plans 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 pay as you go 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
| Verizon | How do Verizon plans compare? | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| | *50% off 1st Mth | *50% off 1st Mth |
| Verizon, AT&T & T-Mobile 4G & 5G | Verizon, AT&T & T-Mobile 4G & 5G | Verizon, AT&T & T-Mobile 4G & 5G | |
| Unlimited data *not unlimited | 1GB data | 10GB data | Unlimited data |
| $75/mo | $10/mo | $10/mo* | $15/mo* |
| $900/yr | $120/yr | $230/yr | $345/yr |
| 1.2 on Trustpilot | 4.4 on Trustpilot | 4.4 on Trustpilot | 4.4 on Trustpilot |
| Annual savings | $780/yr | $670/yr | $555/yr |
Best overall pay as you go plan
Visible unlimited data plan
- Verizon coverage
- Unlimited talk and text
- Instant eSIM activation
Check out our review about the cheapest pay as you go phone plans.
Pros
Cons
Compare Verizon unlimited plans
| Plan | Data | Monthly Price | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Verizon Unlimited Welcome | Unlimited | $70 | $840 |
| Verizon Unlimited Plus | Unlimited | $75 | $900 |
| Verizon Unlimited Ultimate | Unlimited | $85 | $1,020 |
Verizon vs US Mobile comparison
Keep your Verizon phone, number & coverage: Save $600 per year
| Carrier | Network Coverage | 4G/5G Data | Price | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Verizon | Verizon 4G & 5G | Unlimited | $75/mo | $900/yr |
| US Mobile | Verizon 4G & 5G | Unlimited | $25/mo | $300/yr |
| Savings | $50/mo | $600/yr | ||
How to choose the best PAYG plan on Verizon
Does Verizon offer coverage where you live?
Operating on the Verizon 5G & 4G LTE wireless network, Verizon MVNOs offer the same great coverage, which comes out top for 5G gaming and video experience, according to an Opensignal 5G experience report 2023. If you're new to the Verizon network, whether you need coverage in rural areas or cities, you can use our coverage area checker to find the best cell phone service in your area.
How much data do I need?
Do you really need a Verizon unlimited data plan? They want you to believe so. But in reality, the average monthly cellular data consumption is around 10GB. If you tend to use Wi-Fi at home or work, your cellular data usage is likely to be lower, so you could choose a lower data GB allowance that fits your needs with cheap Verizon cell phone plans. So the good news is if you use less, you can pay less.
Is mobile hotspot data included?
Most Verizon low-cost carriers permit the usage of mobile hotspot data, although there's a restriction on how much data can be used through tethering. The specific limit is determined by the carrier and plan that you select. You can get Verizon data only plans for wireless internet service on iPads, tablets, and mobile hotspots.
What's the monthly price?
While Verizon unlimited plans cost around $75-90 per month, the best way to get a Verizon unlimited data plan is from one of their low-cost carriers. Offering budget-friendly plans ranging from $5-40 per month without compromising wireless coverage and data speeds. Be cautious of hidden taxes and fees; some providers incorporate these into the total cost, while others, like Verizon, do not.
How many lines do you need?
Verizon's low-advertised plans may seem a reasonable price, but it's only available if you buy four lines. But with a Verizon Mobile Virtual Network Operator, the price you see is the price you pay, even for a single line. Many low-cost carriers now offer further discounts for multi-line plans.
Can I bring my own phone or buy a new device?
Verizon loves keeping you locked into a constant phone upgrade cycle, especially when there's a new iPhone or Samsung Galaxy. But with their MVNOs, you can bring your own phone to Verizon. This means you take back control and only change your phone when it suits you. If you do want to purchase a new phone, many MVNOs offer 0% financing over 1-2 years.
Are there any promotions?
Promotions on a Verizon plan can seem a great choice at a glance. But once you read the small print, it often leads to buying things you don't need and being stuck in 3-year phone contracts. Most MVNOs on Verizon's network offer short-term introductory discounts for new customers, and their pricing is much clearer.
What perks are included?
Many plans from Verizon come with complimentary TV subscriptions, like the Disney bundle, but these often convert into paid subscriptions that are automatically billed after a few months. Some affordable carriers, like US Mobile, do provide plan choices with free subscription services. However, a good option is to keep these subscriptions separate to avoid paying for unnecessary things.
What international features are available?
Some Verizon MVNOs offer free international calls to a number of countries, including Canada and Mexico. If this is important to you, make sure to choose a carrier that includes this, as some only offer unlimited calling within the United States. If you're a frequent traveler, it's crucial to check the data roaming availability of your carrier's wireless service in order to prevent any unexpected expenses or inconveniences during your time abroad.
Do they offer parental controls?
With easy access to Google, Apple Music, Apple Arcade, YouTube, and Social Media, we understand the importance of internet safety. There are plenty of options for parental controls for monitoring phone usage and data limits. Some low-cost carriers on Verizon's network offer this with their plans, or it's available in the settings of your phone.
Check out our comparison of the cheapest Verizon MVNO plans before you decide.
Find the best cell phone service in your area
You still have options if Verizon isn't giving you the best coverage; check out our reviews of the best AT&T pay as you go plans and T-Mobile pay as you go plans.
Compare the cheapest Verizon PAYG phone plans
| Carrier | Data | Monthly Price | Annual Price | Savings | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Twigby Mobile | 2GB | $5/mo* | $150/yr | $750/yr | |
| Red Pocket | 10GB | $10/mo* | $230/yr | $670/yr | See at Red Pocket *50% off 1st Mth |
| Visible | Unlimited | $20/mo* | $240/yr | $725/yr | See at Visible *$5 Off for 25 Mths |
| 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 | $25/mo | $300/yr | $600/yr | See at Tello |
| Carrier | Data | Monthly Price | Annual Price | Savings | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Red Pocket | 1GB | $10/mo | $120/yr | $780/yr | See at Red Pocket |
| Red Pocket | 10GB | $10/mo* | $230/yr | $670/yr | See at Red Pocket *50% off 1st Mth |
| Red Pocket | Unlimited | $15/mo* | $345/yr | $555/yr | See at Red Pocket *50% off 1st Mth |
Verizon pay as you go plans FAQS
Verizon MVNOs like US Mobile and Twigby Mobile offer the cheapest cell phone plans starting at just $10 per month.
Verizon MVNOs, including US Mobile and Twigby Mobile, provide low-cost phone plans with Verizon 5G and 4G LTE wireless coverage.
Recap: What is the best Verizon pay as you go plan?
It's never been easier to find a pay as you go plan. Best of all? You don't have to sacrifice the service you know and love.
Verizon MVNOs are powered by Verizon wireless networks but don't have the same overhead costs, so they can pass big savings onto you.
Verizon prepaid plan guides
- Best Prepaid Phone Plans on Verizon
- Best Prepaid Unlimited Plans on Verizon
- Best Prepaid Family Plans on Verizon
- Best No Contract Plans on Verizon
- Best Phone Plans on Verizon
- Best Talk & Text Plans on Verizon
- Best Flip Phone Plans on Verizon
- Best Verizon MVNO Plans
- Best Prepaid Phone Plans
- Best Prepaid Unlimited Data Plans
- Best Prepaid Family Phone 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.
It's time to take back your power from big corporations.
Together, we can bring change by making more informed choices.
FAQs
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.
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.
