For those who are looking to switch, it can be difficult to navigate the maze of data, minutes, and prices. This guide lists the best monthly cell phone plans. We created it to help our readers make informed decisions. To compile this list, we’ve spent a lot of time researching all the major companies, carriers, and services, in order to find the best cell phone plans.
The page’s top will show a quick overview of our options and a few top tips to help decide which plan you prefer. We’ve provided a detailed breakdown of each selection below. In their own sections, we’ll be covering topics such as the best unlimited plan, the best value overall, the best plans for seniors and the best family plans. If you already have an idea of what you want, skip the relevant section.
Here’s a quick overview of the top cell phone companies in America based on our assessment of their strengths.
- Verizon – The best coverage overall
- (opens new tab) – The best unlimited plan
- Mint Mobile – The best overall value
- Verizon – The best family plan
- Ultra Mobile – The best plan for seniors
- Twigby
Cell phone plans can be divided into two types: prepaid options are cheaper and postpaid options are more expensive. Prepaid plans are free of contracts, have lower data allowances and have much lower monthly costs. Postpaid plans, on the other hand, are better if you’re data hungry and don’t mind paying a bit more. There are options for both, as well as a frequently asked questions section at the bottom of the page. We recommend the FAQ section if you are having trouble deciding on the right cell phone plan or need money-saving tips.
- Do you also need a handset? Check out our guide to the top phones in the US (opens new tab)
Best cell phone plans: quick tips
- Decide budget
First, decide the maximum amount you are willing to spend each month.
- Determine data usage
You will pay more for data if you have more data. So, calculate how much data you use each month.
- Verify coverage
Nearly all carriers use Verizon and AT&T networks. You can check which one you have the best coverage with right here.
- Compare the market
You can check both prepaid and postpaid options for the network that offers the best coverage.
Low-cost cell phone plans
If you are a single-line user and only need the basics, then cheap cell phone plans will be a great choice. Although the options are very limited, they still offer a little bit of data allowance each monthly.
Mint Mobile | $15pm | 4GB | T-Mobile network
Mint mobile has great entry-level prepaid plans that are affordable for budget-conscious users and light users. It is a piggyback of the T-Mobile network which currently covers 62% and allows access to 5G when applicable. Mint is a popular choice because of its combination of data and value. It also offers access to mobile hot-spots for free. Users can bring their own phones. This offer for data plans is only good for the first three months. After that, you will have to pay for one year of service. ” data-widget-type=”deal”>
Best value: Mint Mobile | $15pm | 4GB | T-Mobile network
Mint mobile has great entry-level prepaid plans that are affordable for budget-conscious users and light users. It is a piggyback of the T-Mobile network which currently covers 62% and allows access to 5G when applicable. Mint is a popular choice because of its combination of data and value. It also offers access to mobile hot-spots for free. Users can bring their own phones. This offer for data plans is only good for the first three months. After that, you will have to pay for one year of service.
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Tello Economy | $10pm | 1GB | T-Mobile network
We mean the cheapest if you are looking for the best. Tello is the best option for a low-cost plan that still offers some data. Tello Economy plans offer unlimited text, calls and 1GB data for $10 per month. This is a great deal. Sprint’s network is being used, so some may have limited coverage. However, Tello allows you to switch between minutes and text for more data or vice versa. ” data-widget-type=”deal”>
$10pm
Tello is the best option if you are looking for the most affordable plan, which we mean one that still has some data. Tello Economy plans offer unlimited text, calls and 1GB data for $10 per month. This is an exceptional deal. Sprint’s network is being used, so some may have limited coverage. However, Tello allows you to switch between minutes and text for more data or vice versa.
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$10pm
Want Verizon coverage but not willing to spend a lot? Twigby currently offers a 50% discount on their cell phone plans for 6 months. This deal is only available for new lines. However, if eligible, you can get one of the best prepaid plans at a very affordable price. Mint Mobile is also offering a mobile hot-spot service, but you won’t be charged and can use your phone to bring it along if it’s compatible. ” data-widget-type=”deal”>
Best Verizon: Twigby | $10pm | 3GB | Verizon network
Want Verizon coverage but not willing to spend a lot? Twigby currently offers a 50% discount on their cell phone plans for 6 months. This deal is only available for new lines. However, if eligible, you can get one of the best prepaid plans at a very affordable price. Mint Mobile is also offering a mobile hot-spot service, but you won’t be charged and can use your phone to bring it along if it’s compatible.
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$20pm
Pure Talk is another great option for people who are looking for an AT&T carrier. It offers plans starting at $20 per month. The carrier offers phones at huge discounts – up $250 off for new iPhones, and Android devices starting at $50 upfront.
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These cell phone plans are great to
- Users of light phones
- Access to Wi-Fi is easy for people with limited mobility
The down sides of these cell phone plans
- Deprioritization is a term that refers to slower data speeds in busy networks (deprioritization).
- Smaller data allowances
- Zero perks (like free streaming services)
For more options, see our main article.
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Prepaid mobile phone plans
Our list of the best prepaid cell phones plans overlaps heavily with our previous choices, but we have included options with greater data allowance. All the options below are prepaid plans and do not include credit checks or contracts.
Mint Mobile | $20pm |10GB | T-Mobile network
Mint Mobile offers a variety of great prepaid options, including an unlimited data plan that costs $30 per month. We recommend the 10GB data plan to get the most bang for your buck. It offers a good amount of data and isn’t too expensive. Mint offers many perks beyond the low price. Mint provides free mobile hot spotting and speeds up to 5G/4G where available. Mint Mobile uses T-Mobile’s 4G LTE network. It covers 62% of the country, which is slightly less than Verizon and AT&T, but still within reach for most users. ” data-widget-type=”deal”>
Best value: Mint Mobile | $20pm |10GB | T-Mobile network
Mint Mobile offers a variety of great prepaid options, including an unlimited data plan that costs $30 per month. We recommend the 10GB data plan to get the most bang for your buck. It offers a good amount of data and isn’t too expensive. Mint offers many perks beyond the low price. Mint provides free mobile hot spotting and speeds up to 5G/4G where available. Mint Mobile uses T-Mobile’s 4G LTE network. It covers 62% of the country, slightly less than AT&T and Verizon, but still within reach for most users.
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Visible | $30 – $45pm | Verizon network
Visible Wireless offers the best value for unlimited data prepaid phone plans. The basic Visible standard plan, which costs $30 per month, is the only plan offered by this Verizon subsidiary. This plan is our choice for the best unlimited value. This plan will be subject to deprioritization, as with many prepaid plans. However, the Visible standard plan provides unlimited access to Verizon 5G network and no data caps. You also get free wi-fi calling and mobile hot-spotting. It’s an amazing value if you are looking for unlimited plans on a tight budget. ” data-widget-type=”deal”>
$30 – $45pm
Visible Wireless offers the best value for unlimited data prepaid phone plans. The basic Visible standard plan, which costs $30 per month, is the only plan offered by this Verizon subsidiary. This plan is our choice for the best unlimited value. This plan will be subject to deprioritization, as with many prepaid plans. However, the Visible standard plan provides unlimited access to Verizon 5G network and no data caps. You also get free wi-fi calling and mobile hot-spotting. It’s an amazing value if you are looking for unlimited plans on a tight budget.
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$25pm
AT&T is the leader in prepaid options. While big carriers tend to be quite stingy, they offer a wide range of flexible options that are competitively priced and very flexible. Mint Mobile’s best pricing is for customers who purchase their data in large chunks. However, you can pay for single months for $5-$10 less per month depending on how much data you need. H20 Wireless is a great option for those looking for a lower data plan. Premium plan 15GB for $36 per month ” data-widget-type=”deal”>
$25pm
AT&T is the leader in prepaid options. While big carriers tend to be quite stingy, they offer a wide range of flexible options that are competitively priced and very flexible. Mint Mobile’s best pricing is for customers who purchase their data in chunks. However, you can pay for single months for $5-$10 less depending on how much you need. H20 Wireless offers a compelling option for those looking for a lower data plan. It costs $36 per month and has a great 15GB premium program.
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$17.50pm
Twigby works on both Verizon and Sprint networks. This makes it an easy choice for those who are concerned about compatibility and coverage. Their value plan is a good choice because it offers decent data at a reasonable price, similar to the Mint Mobile offers. The current introductory offer offers 50% off your first 6 months. However, the monthly price of the plan will return to $35 after that period. Tello is our current choice if you are looking for unlimited plans under the Sprint network umbrella. Unlimited plan starting at $39 per month . ” data-widget-type=”deal”>
$17.50pm
Twigby works on both Verizon and Sprint networks. This makes it an easy choice for those who are concerned about compatibility and coverage. Their value plan is a good choice because it offers decent data at a reasonable price, similar to the Mint Mobile offers. The current introductory offer will save you 50% for the first six months. However, the monthly price of the plan will return to $35 after that period. Tello, which currently offers an unlimited plan at $39 per month, is our choice if you are looking for an unlimited plan option within the Sprint network.
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These cell phone plans are great to
- People who do not want a long-term agreement
- People who do not want to have their credit checked for their plan
- For those who need a little bit of data but are on a tight budget
The down sides of these cell phone plans
- Deprioritization results in slower data speeds during busy networks (slower data speeds).
- There are fewer perks, such as HD video streaming, international calls, and free streaming services.
For more options, please visit our main page on best prepaid plans (opens new tab).
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Unlimited mobile phone plans
Unlimited data cell phone plans give you unlimited data, which is what the name implies. This gives you unlimited data to stream and browse, plus tons of bandwidth. These plans are generally more expensive, as they come from the “big names”, but offer the best speed and service, plus tons of extras like third-party streaming subscriptions.
$80pm
Verizon has 70% coverage in the US for 4G LTE, making it the best choice for users who want unlimited data. The Do More Unlimited plan, while it comes at a higher price, is still a great middle-tier option. You get full 5G access, 50GB of priority data, and a 15GB hotspot. There are also nice perks like a Disney+ subscription for one-year and Apple Music. Only two limitations are price and 480p streaming. These are locked in at this subscription level. ” data-widget-type=”deal”>
$80pm
Verizon has 70% coverage in the US for 4G LTE, making it the best choice for users who want unlimited data. The Do More Unlimited plan, while it comes at a higher price, is still a great middle-tier option. You get full 5G access, 50GB of priority data, and a 15GB hotspot. There are also nice perks like a Disney+ subscription for one-year and Apple Music. Only two limitations are price and 480p streaming. These are locked in at this subscription level.
Visible | $30-$45pm | Verizon network
Visible, a subsidiary Verizon, uses the network of its parent companies to provide consistent coverage across the country. It’s a great choice if you only need data and don’t want any of these bundled Verizon perks. You have the option of a $30/month ‘basic’ or a $45 ‘plus’ plan with this service. Although the basic plan offers better value, it will be subject to prioritization in busy areas. If you are willing to pay more, the Plus plan offers 50GB priority 5G data at higher speeds. ” data-widget-type=”deal”>
Best cheap unlimited plan: Visible | $30-$45pm | Verizon network
Visible, a subsidiary Verizon, uses the network of its parent companies to provide consistent coverage across the country. It’s a great choice if you only need data and don’t want any of these bundled Verizon perks. You have the option of a $30/month ‘basic’ or a $45 ‘plus’ plan with this service. Although the basic plan offers better value, it will be subject to prioritization in busy areas. If you are willing to pay more, the Plus plan offers 50GB priority 5G data at higher speeds.
