12 Cheap Cell Phone Plans to Save a Ton of Money (2026)
Saving money on cheap cell phone plans does not have to be complicated. We rounded up the essentials so you can spend less and skip the guesswork.
Key Takeaways
- 12 Cheap Cell Phone Plans to Save a Ton of Money There are lots of cheaper cell phone plans out there.
- The amount of money you could save might surprise you, especially if you’re paying for services you don’t need, like unlimited data or unlim...
- Written by Amy Beardsley Last Updated: April 1, 2025 Reviewed by Zina Kumok Home Money Management Save Money Some of the links on DollarSpro...
There are lots of cheaper cell phone plans out there. The amount of money you could save might surprise you, especially if you’re paying for services you don’t need, like unlimited data or unlimited minutes.
Written by Amy Beardsley Last Updated: April 1, 2025 Reviewed by Zina KumokSome of the links on DollarSprout point to products or services from partners we trust. If you choose to make a purchase through one, we may earn a commission, which supports the ongoing maintenance and improvement of our site at no additional cost to you. Learn more.
If you’re frustrated over the cost of your cell phone plan, you’re not alone.
I’ve frequently thought of switching to a cheaper carrier, but I worry about getting service in my area, if I can bring my own phone, and other hidden costs.
But what if a affordable cell phone plan can tick all the boxes without you noticing a drop in coverage?
The different discount plans available have increased competition and driven costs down. A study by the Tax Foundation found that wireless bills dropped 17% from 2008 to 2017.[1] Even the “big four” wireless companies of AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, and Verizon have dropped their prices.
But cost confusion can add to the fear of changing providers. Companies can charge different fees that make it hard to compare plans. A $50 per month plan could end up $60 or more after taxes and other charges.
While the cheapest plan might not be the best pick for you, there are plenty of options to help you cut costs.
12 Affordable Cell Phone Plans for the Budget-Minded Consumer
There are lots of cheaper cell phone plans out there. The amount of money you could save might surprise you, especially if you’re paying for services you don’t need, like unlimited data.
1. Mint Mobile
Starting at just $15 per month, Mint Mobile has plans that come with all the features of a big-name company.
Mint Mobile launched in 2016 as a spin-off of Ultra Mobile and offers the cheapest unlimited data plan for a single line. Go here to see if Mint Mobile is available in your area.
ProsConsFeaturesPlansTrustPilot Rating- Free SIM card
- 7-day money-back guarantee
- Bring your own phone
- Requires 3-month commitment
- Mobile hotspot included
- WiFi calling and text
- 5G & 4G LTE network (whichever is strongest)
- GSM technology
- Uses T-Mobile’s network
- $15 per month for 3GB
- $20 for 8GB
- $25 for 12GB
- $30 for unlimited
2. Republic Wireless
Republic Wireless is a well-known discount provider with some of the best cell phone plans available. The company started in 2011 using Sprint’s network but expanded to include T-Mobile’s service area in 2016.
ProsConsFeaturesPlansTrustPilot Rating- No contracts
- No hidden fees or overages
- 14-day risk-free trial
- Bring your own phone
- $5 charge for SIM card
- Doesn’t support Apple iPhones
- Mobile hotspot available
- WiFi calling and text
- 4G LTE network
- Large coverage area
- GSM and CDMA technology
- Uses Sprint and T-Mobile networks
- $15 per month for unlimited talk and text
- $20 per month for 1GB
- $25 for 2GB
- Additional data is $5 per 1GB
3. Total Wireless
Owned by TracFone, Total Wireless uses Verizon’s network to deliver low-cost plans without a contract. Cell phone and plan options are available to purchase on its website and inside most Walmart, Target, and Dollar General stores.
ProsConsFeaturesPlansTrustPilot Rating- Save 5% with Auto-Refill
- Bring your own phone
- Mobile hotspot not available
- WiFi calling limited to select devices
- Unlimited family plans
- Limited WiFi calling and text
- 4G LTE network
- Nationwide coverage
- CDMA technology
- Relies on Verizon’s network
- $25 for unlimited talk and text per month
- $35 plan includes 5GB
- $50 for unlimited monthly data
- $60 for a 2-line family plan
- $100 for a 4-line family plan
4. Sprint
You’ll recognize Sprint as one of the most popular wireless providers. It’s part of the “big four” cell phone companies and features competitively priced plans.
It offers affordable phone plans with unlimited talk, text, and data.
ProsConsFeaturesPlansTrustPilot Rating- Hulu bundled with most plans
- 30-day satisfaction guarantee
- Bring your own phone
- Limited 5G service
- WiFi calling not available on all phones
- Affordable international calling
- Mobile hotspot included
- WiFi calling
- 4G LTE and 5G network
- Not available in all areas
- CDMA technology
- $60 for unlimited talk, text, and data
- $70 to upgrade to HD video
- Family plans start at $100 per month
5. Ting
Wireless company Ting started in 2012 and has quickly gained popularity. Ting doesn’t have typical monthly plans. Instead, you only pay for what you use which makes it one of the cheapest phone plans for one person.
ProsConsFeaturesPlansTrustPilot Rating- Only pay for actual usage
- No contracts
- Bring your own phone
- SIM card is only $1
- Costs more for heavy users
- Mobile hotspot
- WiFi calling on select devices
- 4G LTE network
- Coverage based on network
- GSM and CDMA available
- Uses Sprint and T-Mobile networks
- $6 per line for access
- Talk minutes vary from $3 to $35
- Pay $3 to $11 for text packages
- Data starts at $3 for 100MB
6. Gen Mobile
Gen Mobile is a lesser-known affordable cell phone service that’s excellent for people who don’t use a lot of data. You aren’t locked into a contract and can enjoy nationwide coverage on Sprint’s network.
ProsConsFeaturesPlansTrustPilot Rating- No annual contract
- Low-cost plans
- 7-day money-back guarantee
- Bring your own phone
- Plans don’t go above 3GB
- Only sells pre-owned phones
- Must contact customer care to check coverage
- Mobile hotspot capable
- 4G LTE network
- Coverage options vary
- CDMA technology
- Runs on Sprint’s towers
- Unlimited texting for $5 a month
- $10 for unlimited talk and text
- $15 to get 1GB
- $25 for 3GB
7. U.S. Cellular
America’s fifth-largest wireless carrier is U.S. Cellular. It offers affordable cell phone service that includes
unlimited everything at a low pric
Final Thoughts
Before you check out, double-check cheap cell phone plans against current offers and any coupons you can stack. Small habits like this add up to real savings over a year.
Originally published at dollarsprout.com.
Amy Beardsley
Our editorial team researches and verifies every money-saving guide before publishing. Editorial policy · About us
