The best bring your own phone plans in 2025: Save money and keep the phone you love

If you're happy with your phone, there's no reason to pay extra for a new one and there's definitely no reason to lock yourself into a contract.

The best bring your own phone (BYOP) plans let you keep your phone, your number, and your coverage, all while cutting your monthly bill in half.

Whether you need a cheap plan for light use or unlimited data without the big wireless price, there's a plan that fits your needs and your budget.

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

Tello offers the best BYOP 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

Looking for an easy way to cut your phone bill without losing reliable service? Tello offers one of the best low-cost options on T-Mobile's network.

You get unlimited talk and text, plus free international calls to 60+ countries (including Canada and Mexico). Tello's flexible approach allows you to build your own plan, selecting just the right amount of data, talk, and text to match your needs.

Get mobile hotspot use with every plan, but the unlimited plan is capped at 5GB. There are no discounts for multiple lines, but at these prices, bundling isn't necessary.

Getting started is seamless with eSIM. The activation takes just a few taps. Or you can order a physical SIM if preferred.

I also looked into other options. Ultra Mobile is a great choice for international calls but costs more for similar data. Metro by T-Mobile requires in-store activation and is more expensive. Boost Mobile has attractive pricing, but hidden fees and inconsistent service take away its appeal.

For an affordable, flexible, and commitment-free phone plan, Tello remains the top pick.

• Custom plans – Only pay for what you need, with no forced extras.
• Simple, transparent pricing – No contracts, no hidden fees.
• Easy setup – eSIM activation in minutes or a shipped SIM card.

Visible offers the best BYOP 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

Tired of complicated wireless plans? Visible keeps it simple with just two unlimited options, both with no contracts, no extra fees, and no hassle.

For $25/month, you get unlimited talk, text, and data, plus mobile hotspot access with speeds of 5–10 Mbps. If you need faster speeds and premium data, the Visible+ plan gives you 50GB of priority data and Verizon's 5G Ultra Wideband access.

International perks make Visible+ even better. It includes free international calling to 30+ countries and texting to over 200 destinations. Plus, eSIM activation lets you start service in just minutes.

Although multi-line discounts aren't available, Visible's low individual pricing ensures great value for single users. Just keep in mind that customer support is online-only.

Compared to Tracfone, Xfinity Mobile, and Spectrum Mobile, Visible stands out. Tracfone is cheaper but restricts data speeds. Xfinity Mobile and Spectrum Mobile have good pricing, but you must be an internet customer to sign up.

For no-fuss unlimited service with clear pricing, Visible is the best pick.

• Unlimited plans, no surprises – Simple, all-in pricing with no hidden fees.
• Built-in extras – Mobile hotspot included, plus free international calling & texting with Visible+.
• Instant activation – eSIM lets you switch in minutes, or order a SIM card.

Total Wireless offers the best BYOP 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 keeps wireless service simple and affordable, offering no-contract plans with Verizon's coverage.

With unlimited talk and text, generous high-speed data allowances, and hotspot access up to 15GB, you get everything you need at a lower cost.

International features are built in with select plans include free calling to 85+ destinations and roaming in Canada and Mexico.

You can manage your plan easily online, with no activation fees, no contracts, and no hassle.

I compared other budget-friendly carriers on Verizon's network. Tracfone's pay-as-you-go plans limit high-speed data. Xfinity Mobile and Spectrum Mobile provide solid deals, but require home internet service.

For a cost-effective plan with Verizon's coverage and useful extras, Total Wireless is a smart choice.

• Verizon's coverage, lower price – Reliable service without the premium cost.
• Great extras included – Hotspot access up to 15GB on certain plans, plus free international calling & roaming.
• No long-term commitments – Manage your plan online with total flexibility.

Tello offers the best BYOP 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 all about giving you affordable wireless service without the headaches of big carrier contracts.

Every plan includes free international calling to 60+ countries, including Canada and Mexico, along with flexible data options tailored to your needs.

With Tello, you build your own plan-picking just the right amount of data, talk, and text. That means no paying for features you don't use. Every plan includes mobile hotspot access, with a 5GB limit on unlimited plans, and while multi-line discounts aren't available, individual pricing is so competitive that bundling isn't necessary.

Switching is fast and hassle-free-if your phone supports eSIM, you can activate your plan in just a few taps. If not, Tello will send you a physical SIM card for easy installation.

I looked at other options, including Metro by T-Mobile, Ultra Mobile, and Boost Mobile. Metro by T-Mobile requires in-store activation and charges more for similar plans. Ultra Mobile offers good international calling perks but costs more. Boost Mobile has attractive pricing but taxes and fees can vary and customer support is inconsistent.

For low-cost, no-commitment service with full flexibility, Tello is a standout choice.

• Personalized plans – Create a plan with just the right amount of talk, text, and data-no wasted money on extras.
• No hidden fees, no contracts – Pay month to month with transparent pricing and no surprise charges.
• Seamless activation – eSIM allows for instant setup, or you can get a SIM card shipped and activate at your convenience.

Red Pocket offers the best BYOP 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

If you're looking for an unlimited plan for the whole family, Red Pocket Mobile offers major savings on AT&T's network.

You'll get a $20 discount per extra line, helping families cut costs while still enjoying premium network coverage. Although there's a small setup fee, the overall savings make it worth the switch.

Plans come with unlimited talk and text, no hidden fees, and up to 30GB of high-speed data, plus hotspot access for added flexibility.

For international users, Red Pocket Mobile includes free calls to 80+ countries and free roaming in Mexico and Canada, all at no extra cost. eSIM users also get a 7-day money-back guarantee, allowing them to try the service risk-free.

I reviewed other AT&T-powered budget carriers, including Cricket Wireless, which costs more despite being AT&T's own prepaid brand, H2O Wireless, which has international perks but isn't as competitively priced, and Good2Go Mobile, which offers lower prices but limited plan choices.

For an affordable unlimited plan with premium features and great family savings, Red Pocket Mobile is a top choice.

• Multi-line savings – Save $20 per extra line and lower your family's phone bill.
• Built-in global perks – Free calls to 80+ countries and free roaming in Mexico & Canada.
• No contracts, no surprises – Clear pricing with a 7-day eSIM refund policy.

Why switch to a low-cost carrier?

If you're happy with your phone, why should you pay extra just to keep using it?

Big wireless wants you to believe that getting a "free phone" is the only way to get a good deal, but the truth is you can keep your current device, number, and coverage, and without the high price tag.

Low-cost carriers offer bring your own phone plans that let you skip the expensive phone financing, avoid contracts, and cut your bill in half. While keeping the same service you already trust.

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

• You keep your phone and number: There's no need to pay for an unnecessary upgrade when you can bring your current phone and number hassle-free.
• You get the same coverage: Low-cost carriers run on the same networks as big wireless, so you get the same service at a fraction of the price.
• You won't be locked into a contract: No commitments, no hidden fees, and no strings attached-just affordable plans that work for you.

Common misconceptions about bring your own phone plans

There's a lot of confusion about how BYOP works, but here's the truth

1: Myth: Bring your own phone plans have worse coverage

Truth: BYOP plans from low-cost carriers use the same networks as the big 3 - so coverage is the same.

2: Myth: You need to buy a new SIM card every month

Truth: Once you sign up, you keep using the same SIM card - just like any other plan.

3: Myth: You need to unlock your phone every time you switch

Truth: You only need to unlock your phone once. After that, you're free to move between compatible carriers anytime.

4: Myth: You lose features when you bring your own phone

Truth: Most modern phones work just fine with BYOP plans - including features like Wi-Fi calling, 5G, and hotspot use.

5: Myth: Switching is a hassle

Truth: Most people can activate a bring your own phone plan in under 10 minutes, either online or through an app.

Compare BYOP cell phone plans

Check out our bring your own phone plan 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 and tested many low-cost carriers, including Tello, Total Wireless, Mint Mobile, and Twigby, to compare coverage, pricing, and customer experience.

How I picked the winners

Not all bring your own phone plans are created equal-some come with restrictions, hidden fees, or unreliable coverage. I evaluated over 30 carriers based on five key factors:

• Value for money: The best BYOP plans offer lower prices without forcing you into a phone upgrade or financing plan.
• Coverage: Your phone is only as good as the network it runs on. I reviewed 5G and 4G LTE network coverage to ensure strong service no matter where you are.
• Customer experience: Switching should be quick and painless. I factored in real customer reviews, ease of activation, and overall satisfaction.
• Transparency: No activation fees, no fine print, no gimmicks. The best plans offer straightforward pricing with no unnecessary extras.
• Range of choice: Whether you just need talk & text or a high-data unlimited plan, a good BYOP plans let you customize your service to fit your needs.

Final thoughts: Keep your phone

If you're still paying big wireless prices just to keep using your own phone, it's time to stop.

Switching to a low-cost bring your own phone plan is one of the easiest ways to cut your phone bill in half and you don't have to give up coverage, features, or flexibility.

Check out these best bring your own phone plans and see how much you could save today.

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