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If cheap cell phone plans is on your radar, this short guide cuts through the noise. Here is what is worth knowing, and how to put it to work today.
Key Takeaways
- Looking for a more reliable way to reduce your cell phone bill?
- It could be time for you to switch wireless carriers.
- Fortunately, cheap cell phone plans abound.
Looking for a more reliable way to reduce your cell phone bill? It could be time for you to switch wireless carriers.
Fortunately, affordable cell phone plans abound. Prepaid plans generally cost less than monthly plans, especially if your usage is low. And a number of budget carriers offer cheaper coverage, some while operating as subsidiaries of the “Big Three” , Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile , or using those companies’ networks as online-only “mobile virtual network operators” (MVNOs).
Read on for our list of the best affordable cell phone plans on the market today.
Best Affordable Cell Phone Plans
These are the best affordable cell phone plans available right now.
Each excels at one particular thing, whether it’s offering a guaranteed lifetime cost, favorable pricing for people willing to pay for 6 or 12 months of service in advance, or keeping travelers connected in remote locations. Our top overall pick, Boost Mobile, offers an ideal mix of unlimited data, low cost plans, and a cost-lock guarantee that’s simply unmatched in this space.
Best Overall: Boost Mobile
Boost Mobile has one of the most compelling propositions in prepaid wireless: unlimited talk, text, and data for $25/mo, forever. That cost-lock guarantee - backed by Boost Mobile as long as you stay active with AutoPay - is the rare thing in wireless that actually means what it says. No contracts, no trade-in required, no rate hikes.
The $25/mo base plan includes unlimited talk, text, and data, including 30GB of high-speed premium data. Need more? Boost Mobile’s Unlimited+ plan at $50/mo bumps premium data to 40GB and adds mobile hotspot and purchase now, pay later device financing. The Unlimited Premium plan at $60/mo raises the cap to 50GB and adds North America Connect - unlimited talk and text plus 5GB of data while roaming in Canada and Mexico. All plans run on a reliable 5G network. New shoppers can currently try the Unlimited plan for just $10/mo for the first three months, then $25/mo forever.
Additional features:
- Lifetime cost guarantee on the $25/mo Unlimited plan with AutoPay
- No longterm contracts or trade-in required
- 30-day money-back guarantee on online activations with port-in and AutoPay
- Mobile hotspot available on Unlimited+ and Unlimited Premium plans
- Global talk and/or text to 220+ destinations included at no additional cost with the Unlimited+, Unlimited Premium and Infinite Access plans.
- North America Connect (unlimited talk, text, and 5GB data in Canada and Mexico) on Unlimited Premium
- Boost Protect with AppleCare available for iPhone buyers
- Free store-to-door delivery and expert setup with select device purchases
See our Boost Mobile Review for more information.
Best for Value-Added Features: Metro by T-Mobile
Metro by T-Mobile is the former MetroPCS, a familiar name to seasoned prepaid wireless consumers. Now a subsidiary of T-Mobile, this service stands out for its unusually wide lineup of included and optional value-added features and services:
- 5G phones available for as little as $9.99 when you add a new line
- Discounts on the latest iPhones with a new phone line on an unlimited plan
- A free eligible tablet when you add a tablet line to an unlimited plan
- Exclusive access to tickets for a rotating lineup of A-list shows and festivals
For up-to-date plan pricing and features, see Metro by T-Mobile’s plans page.
Best for Data Network Speed: US Mobile
US Mobile does something no other carrier on this list does: it gives you access to all three major networks under one plan. Its “Dark Star” network runs on AT&T, “Light Speed” on T-Mobile, and “Warp” on Verizon , and you can transfer between them at no charge. Per impartial third-party speed tests, its Warp (Verizon) 5G network delivers some of the fastest data speeds available through any MVNO.
Plans start at $25/mo for Unlimited Starter and $44/mo for Unlimited Premium, with annual plans available at lower effective monthly rates.
Additional features:
- Access to all three major networks with free transfers between them
- Unlimited Premium includes unlimited priority data, 50GB hotspot, and free international calling to 200+ countries
- Free 30-day trial for new shoppers
- 24/7 customer support
Best for Unlimited Data: Visible
Visible is a Verizon-owned carrier with one of the lowest-priced unlimited data plans of any mobile carrier, prepaid or otherwise , and unlike most carriers, what you see is what you pay. Taxes and fees are included in every plan cost.
The base Visible plan at $25/mo includes unlimited talk, text, and data on Verizon’s 5G and 4G LTE network, plus unlimited mobile hotspot. Step up to Visible+ at $35/mo for priority data and access to Verizon’s 5G Ultra Wideband network, international calling to 85+ countries, and roaming in 140 countries. The premium Visible+ Pro plan at $45/mo adds even faster hotspot speeds and more international data. Annual plan options are available on all tiers.
Additional features:
- Verizon 5G and 4G LTE network
- Taxes and fees included in all plan prices
- Unlimited mobile hotspot on all plans
- No contracts or credit checks
- Bring-a-friend referral credits available
Best for Multi-Month Discounts: Mint Mobile
Mint Mobile is a popular MVNO that runs on the T-Mobile network. While it has a lot going for it, the standout feature is a generous pricing structure that rewards shoppers willing to pay for longer service terms in advance.
New shoppers start with an introductory rate for the first three months, then can renew on 3-, 6-, or 12-month terms , with the best rates locked in for those who prepay a full year. The unlimited plan drops to just $30/mo when paid annually. Plans start at $15/mo for 5GB and scale up through 15GB, 20GB, and unlimited tiers, so there’s a fit for nearly every usage level.
Additional features:
- Free 5G Wi-Fi hotspot included on all plans
- Free calling to Canada and Mexico
- Wi-Fi calling and texting at no additional charge
- eSIM activation available
- Owned by T-Mobile, backed by T-Mobile’s nationwide 5G network
Best for Simplicity and Store Access: Cricket Wireless
Cricket Wireless is a fully owned AT&T subsidiary , not just an MVNO renting network access , which means shoppers get broad, reliable 5G and 4G LTE coverage with the added convenience of thousands of retail locations nationwide. It’s the closest thing to a major carrier experience at budget carrier prices.
Unlimited plans start at $35/mo (after a $5 AutoPay credit, applied starting the second month), with the top-tier Supreme Unlimited plan at $55/mo adding 50GB of hotspot data and an HBO Max Basic with Ads subscription. Taxes and fees are included in most advertised prices. Multi-line discounts are strong , four lines of Select Unlimited run just $100/mo total , and multi-month prepay plans bring the cost down to a $25/mo equivalent on an annual basis.
Additional features:
- Taxes and fees included in advertised prices
- Free 14-day trial via the TryCricket app without interrupting your current service
- Unlimited calls and texts to Mexico and Canada on Smart Unlimited and above
- International texting to 200+ countries on premium plans
- Thousands of retail store locations nationwide
Best for Non-Smartphone Users: Consumer Cellular
Consumer Cellular is one of the few discount carriers that still caters to light users and non-smartphone shoppers, with plans starting at just $20/mo for unlimited talk and text plus 1GB of data. Throw in award-winning U.S.-based customer service and no-contract flexibility, and it’s the best bet for anyone who wants a simple, reliable plan without the frills.
Plans run on AT&T’s network and scale up to $45/mo for unlimited data , or $35/mo for shoppers 50 and older. Rather than charging overage fees, Consumer Cellular automatically upgrades you to the next plan tier if you exceed your monthly data, then resets you the following month. AARP members get an additional 5% discount.
Additional features:
- No overage fees , automatic plan upgrades if you go over
- 30-day risk-free trial
- AARP member discount (5% off monthly charges)
- Unlimited plan for shoppers 50+ starting at $35/mo
- Free 5G access where available
Best for Frequent Travelers: Google Fi
Google Fi has the broadest international talk, text, and data allowance of any of the providers on this list.
Its Unlimited Premium plan includes 100GB of high-speed domestic data and 50GB of high-speed international data in 200+ countries worldwide, making it ideal for users who regularly spend time abroad. The Flexible pl
Final Thoughts
The bottom line: a little research on cheap cell phone plans goes a long way. Compare your options, watch for seasonal offers, and never pay full price when a better deal is one click away.
Originally published at moneycrashers.com.
