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Fed up with the big three's limited options and high prices?
As these telecom giants kick off the year by toasting their hefty profits and simultaneously rolling out price increases, it's clear they've overlooked the savvy consumers of today.
With over a decade of experience in the wireless industry, I've witnessed the growing disparity in pricing firsthand. However, the silver lining is that finding a more budget-friendly carrier has become easier than ever.
To save you the hassle, I've meticulously analyzed over 30 alternative carriers and sifted through more than 100 prepaid phone plans.
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
Selecting the perfect plan comes down to your preferred network and how you use your phone. Therefore, I've compared the cheapest prepaid plans across all three major networks, tailored for light, moderate, and heavy data users.
Moreover, I've highlighted what I believe to be the best overall value prepaid plan. The final decision, however, is yours to make.
Cheapest 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 things simple with Tello prepaid plans. Their plans cater to all budgets, and you have the flexibility to build your own plan according to your specific needs. This allows you to choose the amount of data, minutes, and texts that fit your usage, making sure that you only pay for what you actually use.
When it comes to data, it's worth checking how much data you use as a set data plan can help you get the cheapest plan. 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.
- You won't have to worry about any hidden fees or long-term contracts that will make you feel trapped.
- They offer free international calls to over 60 countries, including Canada and Mexico, on all their plans.
- Tello doesn't provide any discounts for purchasing multiple lines. So, if you want to get a plan for another family member, each line will be billed at the full price as a single line. However, you can still save money because Tello offers low-cost individual plans.
- Since Tello is an online-based service, you can easily activate an eSIM plan with just a few clicks. Alternatively, you can choose to have a SIM card sent to you by mail.
Best family plan on T-Mobile
Mint Mobile 15GB plan
- T-Mobile coverage
- Unlimited talk and text
- Instant eSIM activation
A Mint Mobile prepaid plan is powered by the T-Mobile network, so you'll get access to their 5G & 4G LTE wireless network at a lower price. Mint Mobile provides a range of data allowances, which includes an unlimited plan offering up to 40GB of high-speed data and unlimited text and talk.
Through their transparent messaging, Mint Mobile shows how you can increase your savings by committing for longer. 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
- Mint Mobile includes mobile hotspot access with all of their plans, allowing you to connect your phone to other devices when Wi-Fi is unavailable. And their unlimited plan comes with a 10GB limit on hotspot data usage.
- To subscribe to Mint Mobile, you must commit to a minimum of 3 months in advance. While their plans are cheaper compared to T-Mobile, this upfront commitment may not be preferable for some. But the longer you commit, the more money you can save.
- After the initial three months, you have the flexibility to choose between 3, 6, or 12-month pricing structures.
- They offer a 7-day money-back guarantee if you're not satisfied with the service.
- You don't need to purchase an expensive iPhone as you can bring your own phone to Mint Mobile. However, if you prefer a new smartphone, there are various options available, such as iPhones, Samsung phones, and other Android models like Google Pixel, with a 0% finance over 1-2 years.
- The Mint Mobile app is also a great feature that allows for easy monitoring of your usage and managing multiple plans.
- On the downside, international roaming comes at an additional cost. While calls to Canada and Mexico are free with Mint Mobile, calls made to other international countries will incur extra charges.
Best unlimited plan on T-Mobile
Tello unlimited data plan
- T-Mobile coverage
- Unlimited talk and text
- Instant eSIM activation
Keep things simple with Tello prepaid plans. Their plans cater to all budgets, and you have the flexibility to build your own plan according to your specific needs. This allows you to choose the amount of data, minutes, and texts that fit your usage, making sure that you only pay for what you actually use.
When it comes to data, it's worth checking how much data you use as a set data plan can help you get the cheapest plan. 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 $600 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 | |
| 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 |
| 1.4 on Trustpilot | 4.5 on Trustpilot | 3.3 on Trustpilot | 4.5 on Trustpilot |
| Annual savings | $780/yr | $675/yr | $600/yr |
Cheapest 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
With Twigby Mobile prepaid phone plans, you have the option to customize a plan that fits your individual needs. They offer a variety of cheap no-contract plans that are powered by the Verizon network, so you don't have to sacrifice quality for affordability. 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
- With Twigby Mobile, you can create plans whatever your needs and budget.
- Twigby Mobile provides free international calling to 80 different countries, ideal for those with family or friends living abroad.
- They're 100% online based, so you can order your SIM card from the comfort of your couch and have it delivered straight to your door.
- 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 cheap if you're looking for a family plan.
- Frequent travelers might find the lack of international roaming services less than ideal, as it could lead to a considerably 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 are powered by the Verizon and AT&T wireless networks. They excel in family plans, providing a generous $20 discount per additional line for multi-line accounts.
Plus, with free international calling to 80 countries, staying in touch with family and friends overseas is cheaper than ever. 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.
- Include features like unlimited talk and text.
- 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.
- You get a $20 discount for each additional line added, 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.
- 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 $725 per year compared to buying an unlimited data plan from Verizon directly.
| 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 |
Cheapest 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 are powered by the Verizon and AT&T wireless networks. They excel in family plans, providing a generous $20 discount per additional line for multi-line accounts.
Plus, with free international calling to 80 countries, staying in touch with family and friends overseas is cheaper than ever. 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 are powered by the Verizon and AT&T wireless networks. They excel in family plans, providing a generous $20 discount per additional line for multi-line accounts.
Plus, with free international calling to 80 countries, staying in touch with family and friends overseas is cheaper than ever. 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 are powered by the Verizon and AT&T wireless networks. They excel in family plans, providing a generous $20 discount per additional line for multi-line accounts.
Plus, with free international calling to 80 countries, staying in touch with family and friends overseas is cheaper than ever. 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 $555 per year compared to buying an unlimited data plan from AT&T directly.
| AT&T | AT&T coverage at a fraction of the cost | ||
|---|---|---|---|
 | | *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 |
| 1.3 on Trustpilot | 4.4 on Trustpilot | 4.4 on Trustpilot | 4.4 on Trustpilot |
| Annual savings | $780/yr | $670/yr | $555/yr |
Best overall value prepaid plan
Tello unlimited data plan
- T-Mobile coverage
- Unlimited talk and text
- Instant eSIM activation
Keep things simple with Tello prepaid plans. Their plans cater to all budgets, and you have the flexibility to build your own plan according to your specific needs. This allows you to choose the amount of data, minutes, and texts that fit your usage, making sure that you only pay for what you actually use.
When it comes to data, it's worth checking how much data you use as a set data plan can help you get the cheapest plan. Check out our review about best 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, and 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 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 | $25/mo | $300/yr | $600/yr | See at Tello |
| 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 | $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 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
Check out our prepaid cell phone comparison to help find the best deal.
How to choose the best value carrier for prepaid phone plans
- Network preference: Network reliability remains a crucial factor when you're searching for a prepaid phone plan, especially in less urbanized areas. Fortunately, MVNOs operate on the same 5G & 4G LTE wireless networks as the big guys. According to an Opensignal 5G Experience Report (2023), T-Mobile currently leads in 5G coverage, but you can choose an MVNO on your preferred network for peace of mind.
- Data allowance: Contrary to the push for unlimited data plans by big wireless, the actual data needs for many users are considerably lower, particularly with frequent Wi-Fi access. In fact, the average monthly cellular data use is around 10GB.
- Hotspot data: Hotspot functionality is a common feature among most carriers but comes with varying data limits for tethering, depending on the carrier and specific plan chosen. Some providers also offer dedicated data-only plans, ensuring connectivity for devices like tablets and mobile hotspots even when Wi-Fi isn't available.
- Monthly price: While unlimited plans from major carriers can be costly, averaging around $75-90 per month, the best MVNOs offer much more affordable prepaid plans, with prices ranging from $5-35 per month.
- Number of lines: Big wireless typically advertises low prices contingent upon purchasing multiple lines. In contrast, MVNOs offer straightforward pricing, even for single lines, while still providing additional discounts for multi-line prepaid plans, making them an attractive option if you're looking for more than one line.
- Bring your own phone: Unlike the big three, which often incentivize a continuous cycle of device upgrades, MVNOs generally encourage you to bring your own phone. This approach offers greater flexibility and control over when to upgrade your device. If you're interested in purchasing a new phone, many MVNOs provide affordable options with flexible financing terms.
- Deals and promotions: Promotions from big wireless might seem appealing at first, but they often come with strings attached, leading to unnecessary expenditures or long-term commitments. Conversely, many MVNOs offer straightforward, short-term promotional pricing for new customers, with more transparent pricing structures.
- Perks and add ons: While many big wireless plans come with "free" TV subscriptions or other perks, these benefits often convert into paid subscriptions added to your bill after a few months. Some affordable carriers do offer plans with free subscription services, but it's generally advisable to manage these subscriptions separately to avoid paying for unwanted services.
- International calling: If you have friends and family abroad, many MVNOs include free international calls to numerous countries in their prepaid plans, providing a cost-effective way to stay connected globally.
- Parental controls: If you're looking for prepaid plans for the whole family, parental controls are an important consideration to allow you to monitor and manage your children's phone usage and data consumption. Several MVNOs offer parental control features, enabling restrictions on data usage, app access, and even location tracking, either through specific subscription plans or device settings.
Check out our cell phone plan comparison to ensure you find the best deal.
Find the best cheap prepaid phone service in your area
Cheap prepaid phone plans FAQs
The Boost Mobile unlimited data plan costs just $25 per month and runs on the AT&T and T-Mobile 4G LTE & 5G networks.
Low-cost carriers, such as Mint Mobile, US Mobile, Tello, and Boost Mobile, offer cheap prepaid phone plans between $5-$30 per month.
Recap: What is the cheapest prepaid phone plan?
The big three are signaling their plans to continue raising prices, a move that seems less about adjusting for inflation and more about boosting their profits in a competitive market, all at the expense of their dedicated customers.
As household expenses continue to climb, with little relief in sight for essentials, the good news is you can still access the same quality cell phone service at a reduced cost with cheap prepaid plans from MVNOs.
I recommend using our cell phone plan comparison before you commit to a new prepaid plan. It's designed to help you sift through the options and ensure you secure the best deal, which could save you up to $600 a year per line.
Prepaid plan guides
- Best Prepaid Phone Plans
- Best Prepaid Unlimited Data Plans
- Best Prepaid Family Phone Plans
- Best No Contract Phone Plans
- The Cheapest Prepaid Phone Plans
- Best Prepaid Phone Plans on Verizon
- Best Prepaid Phone Plans on AT&T
- Best Prepaid Phone Plans on T-Mobile
- Best Prepaid Data Plans for Tablets
- Best Prepaid Data Plans for iPad
- Best Prepaid Hotspot Plans
T-Mobile family plan
- 15GB 5G data
- Unlimited talk & text
- T-Mobile 5G & 4G networks
$15/mo*
$20/mo*$45 for 3 Months
Best overall prepaid plan
- Unlimited 5G data
- Unlimited talk & text
- T-Mobile 5G & 4G networks
$25/mo
Cheap Verizon plan
- 2GB 5G data
- Unlimited talk & text
- Verizon 5G & 4G networks
$5/mo*
$15/mo*$5/mo for 1st 3 Mths
AT&T family plan
- 10GB 5G data
- Unlimited talk & text
- Verizon, AT&T & T-Mobile 5G & 4G networks
$10/mo*
$20/mo*50% off 1st Mth
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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