The cheapest 5G phone plans

Starting at $10

Written by

Rob Webber

+2 others

Edited by

Amanda Webber

Reviewed by

Brian Webber

Updated October 07, 2024

MoneySavingPro independently researches the products & services to bring you our recommendations. We may earn money when you click our links - disclosure policy.

Ready to step into the future with 5G without draining your wallet? Thanks to the big three's restrictive options, baffling bills, and sky-high prices, the time has never been better!

As these telecom behemoths toast to their latest profit peaks and gear up for more rate raises, it's clear they've overlooked a crucial fact: consumers demand better.

With a decade of insider experience in the wireless sector, I've seen the price disparity balloon, yet moving to a carrier that better meets your needs has never been easier.

I've investigated and evaluated 30 alternative carriers and over 100 prepaid plans, saving you the trouble.

What's more surprising? A hefty roster of carriers still stands strong against the big three's overpriced plans. Plenty of lesser-known carriers offer low-cost plans on the very same high-speed 5G networks you seek without the hefty price tag.

Selecting the perfect plan is all about your network preference and how you intend to use that blazing-fast 5G.

I've curated a list of the best value 5G plans for three levels of data users on the three leading networks.

Finally, I've spotlighted what I consider the pinnacle of value in the 5G space, putting the power of choice squarely in your hands.

Embark on a journey with us to discover the cheap 5G cell phone plan that won't compromise on speed or your budget.

Cheapest 5G 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

2GB

data

$10/mo

See at Tello

5

Read our Tello review

$780 in annual savings

Pros & cons

Plan details

Best family plan on T-Mobile

Mint Mobile 15GB plan

• T-Mobile coverage
• Unlimited talk and text
• Instant eSIM activation

15GB

data

$15/mo*

$20/mo

See at Mint Mobile

*$45 for 3 Months

4.2

Read our Mint Mobile review

$675 in annual savings

Pros & cons

Plan details

Best unlimited plan on T-Mobile

Tello unlimited data plan

• T-Mobile coverage
• Unlimited talk and text
• Instant eSIM activation

Unlimited

data

$25/mo

See at Tello

5

Read our Tello review

$600 in annual savings

Pros & cons

How T-Mobile compares

Cheapest 5G 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

2GB

data

$5/mo*

$15/mo

View Plans

4.4

Read our Twigby Mobile review

$750 in annual savings

Pros & cons

Plan details

Best family plan on Verizon

Red Pocket 10GB plan

• Verizon coverage
• Unlimited talk and text
• Instant eSIM activation

10GB

data

$10/mo*

$20/mo

See at Red Pocket

*50% off 1st Mth

4.1

Read our Red Pocket review

$670 in annual savings

Pros & cons

Plan details

Best unlimited plan on Verizon

Visible unlimited data plan

• Verizon coverage
• Unlimited talk and text
• Instant eSIM activation

Unlimited

data

$20/mo*

$25/mo

See at Visible

*$5 Off for 25 Mths

3.4

Read our Visible review

$660 in annual savings

Pros & cons

How Verizon compares

Cheapest 5G 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

1GB

data

$10/mo

See at Red Pocket

4.1

Read our Red Pocket review

$780 in annual savings

Pros & cons

Best family plan on AT&T

Red Pocket 10GB plan

• AT&T coverage
• Unlimited talk and text
• Instant eSIM activation

10GB

data

$10/mo*

$20/mo

See at Red Pocket

*50% off 1st Mth

4.1

Read our Red Pocket review

$670 in annual savings

Pros & cons

Best unlimited plan on AT&T

Red Pocket unlimited data plan

• AT&T coverage
• Unlimited talk and text
• Instant eSIM activation

Unlimited

data

$15/mo*

$30/mo

See at Red Pocket

*50% off 1st Mth

4.1

Read our Red Pocket review

$555 in annual savings

Pros & cons

How AT&T compares

Best overall value 5G plan

Tello unlimited data plan

• T-Mobile coverage
• Unlimited talk and text
• Instant eSIM activation

Unlimited

data

$25/mo

See at Tello

5

Read our Tello review

$600 in annual savings

Pros & cons

Big wireless: Big prices, big profits, little value

With the average phone bill of $155 per month and the prices of other basic needs rising, it's no wonder nearly 38 million Americans are living in poverty. The government's recent response? To cut funding to the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), which helps 22 million low-income families access affordable internet and cell phone service.

At the same time, the big three spent January celebrating record profits and multi-billion dollar shareholder dividend payouts. To add insult to injury, they are simultaneously announcing yet more price hikes. With consumers outnumbering shareholders, the math doesn't add up.

Awareness is power - there are other options outside of the big three, 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.

An unlimited 5G data plan with a major provider will cost you $2,700 over the next 3 years for just 1 line. In comparison, unlimited 5G plans from a low-cost carrier over the same period would only cost you $900.

So, buying 5G plans 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?

Big wireless companies pad your bill with their extra expenses. You are essentially footing the bill for their multi-billion dollar ad campaigns, stadium sponsorships, and thousands of stores with commission-based salespeople. These costs are passed onto the many to maximize profits and dividend payouts of the few.

With the next generation of MVNOs, you can instantly switch online and simply pay for phone service without the extras.

Cut your phone bill, not your coverage

Low-cost carriers are an unbeatable alternative. They offer transparent pricing, a wide range of customizable data plans to fit your needs, and higher-rated customer service experiences.

The best news? Keep your phone, number, coverage, and most importantly, your money!

It's quick and easy. You can complete the entire switching process online in minutes with an eSIM-compatible phone.

Now is the time to reevaluate your options and take back control of your phone bill. Free yourself from price hikes forever!

Compare the cheapest 5G cell phone plans

Check out our 5G phone plan comparison to find the best deal.

How to choose the best value 5G carrier

• Which 5G network works best for you? Dive into a sea of carriers that tap into the same powerful 5G & 4G LTE networks as the big leagues. T-Mobile is spearheading the 5G domain according to an Opensignal 5G Experience Report (2023). So, choosing an MVNO means you don't have to sacrifice quality for affordability, regardless of location.
• Pondering data needs? Sidestep the unlimited data trap. Many find their actual consumption is at or below the average monthly cellular data usage, which is around 10GB. I've carefully selected low-cost carriers that offer plans to cater precisely to your usage, ensuring you only pay for what you truly need.
• Hotspot on your must-have list? It's typically included, with varying data limits depending on your selected carrier and plan.
• Is cost king? Forget the sticker shock of $75-90 monthly plans. My lineup of MVNO plans starts at just $5-35, blending top-tier coverage with lightning-fast data speeds at a fraction of the cost.
• How many lines are needed? Forgo the strict multi-line packages of major network providers. 5G plans on low-cost carriers are often available at a lower price than even the discounts of 4+ lines of big wireless companies.
• Thinking about your device options? MVNOs value your savings as much as you do, encouraging you to bring your own phone and escape the endless upgrade cycle of big wireless. And if you're in the market for new tech, most have affordable choices with 0% financing.
• Looking for straightforward deals? Bypass the big three's convoluted offers for clear, simple promotions that make understanding what you're getting easy, with no hidden surprises.
• Extras and add-ons? Filter out the perks that genuinely enhance your 5G experience and eliminate the ones that don't.
• Is international calling a dealbreaker? For those with international ties, rest easy knowing that many cheap 5G plans include free global calling, keeping you connected to loved ones around the world.
• Have kids that use 5G? Parents and guardians can track and limit 5G data usage and access via plan management or phone settings.

Find cheap 5G phone service in your area

Cheap 5G plans FAQs

Recap: What is the best 5G phone plan?

As the cost of just about everything else heads north, we've spotted a way to keep your cell phone bills from doing the same.

With the right carrier choice, you can tap into blazing-fast 5G service without emptying your pockets, potentially saving up to $600 each year for every line.

For those ready to dive into the future without drowning in expenses, I recommend using our cell phone plan comparison tool as your lifeline. Tailored for clarity and simplicity, it sifts through the clutter to highlight the best 5G deals that suit your unique needs and budget.

But at the end of the day, change starts with you!

Cheap phone plan guides

• The Cheapest Prepaid Phone Plans
• The Cheapest Unlimited Data Plans
• The Cheapest Family Phone Plans
• The Cheapest Prepaid Family Phone Plans
• The Cheapest Phone Plans for One Person
• The best MVNO plans
• The Cheapest Phone Plans for Seniors
• The Cheapest No Contract Cell Phone Plans
• The Cheapest Pay As You Go Phone Plans
• The Cheapest 5G Phone Plans
• The Cheapest Talk & Text Plans
• The Cheapest eSIM 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:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.