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. 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 cheap cell phone plans on the market today.
Best Cheap Cell Phone Plans
These are the best cheap cell phone plans available right now.
Each excels at one particular thing, whether it’s offering a guaranteed lifetime price, favorable pricing for people willing to pay for 6 or 12 months of service in advance, or keeping travelers connected in remote locations.
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 customers
- 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 price.
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 customers willing to pay for longer service terms in advance.
New customers 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 customers 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 price 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 customers, 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 customers 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 customers 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 plan at $20/mo for unlimited talk and text — plus $10/GB of data — charges that same per-GB rate whether you’re home or traveling in over 200 countries, so it’s the most cost-effective choice for users who don’t use much data abroad.
Additional features:
- High-speed hotspot tethering with Flexible and Unlimited Premium
- Unlimited data in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico with Unlimited plans
- Free international texting to 200+ countries
- Google One cloud storage included with Unlimited Premium
- VPN by Google One included on Unlimited Essentials and above
Best for Budget Prepaid on T-Mobile’s Network: T-Mobile Connect
T-Mobile Connect has three straightforward prepaid plans starting at just $15/mo. The $15/mo base plan provides unlimited talk and text plus 5GB of data, while the $25/mo plan steps up to 8GB and the $35/mo plan tops out at 12GB. All plans include 5G access on compatible devices and free Scam Shield protection. And if you need unlimited data, T-Mobile’s broader prepaid lineup offers unlimited plans starting at $40/mo, backed by a 5-year price guarantee on talk, text, and data.
Additional features:
- No contracts or credit checks
- Scam Shield and free caller ID included on all plans
- 5G access on compatible devices
- Data tethering available from your monthly allotment
- Backed by T-Mobile’s nationwide network
Methodology: How We Select the Best Cell Phone Plans
We use 7 key metrics to evaluate wireless carriers and cell phone plans. Each affects the user experience, whether objectively (like cost or network coverage, which are what they are) or subjectively (like plan and hardware options, about which reasonable people can disagree).
Pricing
These cheap cell phone carriers all compare favorably to major carriers’ plans when it comes to pricing. But no two budget carriers’ pricing structures are the same.
To understand a plan’s true value or lack thereof, you need to understand the actual costs you’re likely to incur as a user. That depends on how much you talk, text, and surf the web, and how much your carrier charges for those respective activities.
Network Coverage and Reliability
It’s essential to have a network that keeps you covered in the areas where you spend the most time. Independent testing from RootMetrics and Ookla consistently shows that AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile all operate highly competitive nationwide networks — and the winner shifts depending on the reporting period and the metrics being measured. RootMetrics’ H2 2025 report gave Verizon top marks for overall network performance and 5G leadership, while AT&T held those titles in the H1 2025 report. T-Mobile consistently leads in 5G availability and raw download speeds, particularly in urban markets.
The practical upshot: rather than chasing a national winner, check coverage maps and ask your neighbors how their reception holds up with specific carriers in the areas where you spend the most time.
If you spend most of your time in densely populated areas that fall under the umbrella of Wi-Fi, it’s possible you can get by with Wi-Fi only and you don’t need to worry about network data coverage. On the other hand, if you travel a lot, Google Fi’s flexible network offers a good way to make sure you’re covered wherever you go.
Network Speed
The network you use doesn’t just determine your area of coverage. It also affects your upload and download speeds.
Depending on your location, 4G LTE and/or 5G speeds matter most with uploads, so if you spend a lot of time uploading, access to a 4G LTE or 5G network should be a priority for you. On the other hand, if you use your phone mostly for talking and texting, it’s likely you can get by with slower speeds.
At this point, most populated areas of the United States have reliable 4G LTE coverage, and 5G has expanded rapidly across all three major networks. That said, if you live in an isolated area far from any significant population center, your coverage will vary by carrier — check maps before committing.
Plan Options
Not all of these carriers structure their plans the same way. For those that do offer tiered options, the most important considerations for would-be users include:
- How much data you can use on a monthly basis
- How much free talk and text you get each month
- How much it costs to add a line (and how adding a line affects your total monthly plan cost)
Data Usage
If your phone is truly for emergencies only, then you can get by with a bare-bones plan that offers a limited number of minutes and little or no data use. If you do a lot of calling and texting but little web surfing, you should opt for a plan with unlimited talk and text but not worry too much about data limits.
By contrast, if you spend a lot of time listening to music or watching video on your phone, the best plan is the one that gives you the most data at the best price. AT&T’s data usage calculator can help you figure out how much data you need in your plan.
Hardware Options
If you have your heart set on a particular cell phone, or if you’re strongly attached to the phone you have now, then you need a carrier that supports that phone. However, if you’re willing to switch phones to get the lowest monthly rate, that opens up a wider range of low-cost options.
International Calling and Coverage
If you often make calls to friends abroad, you need a plan that includes international calling.
If you frequently spend time abroad yourself, it’s important to choose a provider that can keep you connected while you’re out of the country. This means you need 4G LTE coverage, the current worldwide standard.
You also need to make sure the phone you’re using is compatible with the specific frequencies used in the countries you visit most often.
Become a Wireless Carrier Expert: Your Cell Phone Plan Questions Answered
You have questions about cheap cell phone plans. We have answers.
Why Do Cheap Cell Phone Plans Cost Less Than Major Carriers Like Verizon?
It depends on the plan. Generally speaking, low-key brands have lower overhead costs than brands that spend millions on advertising and operating retail storefronts every year, and they can pass the savings on to customers.
That only explains part of the difference though. Besides, some of the carriers on this list advertise heavily and have lots of storefronts.
A larger part of the answer relates to how these carriers treat the core products they offer: data, talk, and text.
Prepaid and pay-as-you-go plans essentially ration these products. This allows customers who don’t use their phones very much to keep their costs low by paying only for what they use.
Meanwhile, mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) create their “virtual networks” by buying and reselling minutes and data from the three major carriers. Their plans offer increased flexibility and, in many cases, lower costs. The downside is that they don’t offer the same reliable customer service as the leading providers — another factor in those providers’ higher costs.
Which Cheap Cell Phone Carriers Have the Best Coverage?
All of the cheap cell phone carriers on this list have reliable cellular coverage within the United States. Data coverage is much more variable and depends largely on the extent of the 4G LTE and 5G networks to which the carrier has access.
The speed and scope of 5G expansion means that any definitive answers about “who has the best 5G coverage” become outdated almost immediately. What that means for users like you is that, at any given point in time, you’ll want to compare discount carriers’ data coverage in your geographical area — not on a zoomed-out map of the United States. That’s the best way to find a carrier that you can trust to keep you online without ripping you off.
How Do You Choose the Best Cheap Phone Plan?
Decide which features and capabilities are most important to you, then choose a carrier that ticks as many boxes as possible at a reasonable price. Use our key cell phone plan metrics to guide you:
- Network coverage and reliability
- Network speed
- Plan options and cost to add lines
- Data usage allowance
- Hardware options
- International calling and coverage abroad
- Overall pricing and value
Do These Plans Work With Unlocked Phones?
Yes. In fact, some discount carriers require you to bring an unlocked phone to the relationship. This is as much a technological necessity as anything else — if your discount carrier runs on T-Mobile’s network, you can’t very well expect it to work with a Verizon-locked phone.
Editorial & Advertiser Disclosure: The editorial content on this website is not provided, commissioned, reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any advertiser. Opinions expressed are ours alone, not those of any advertiser. The offers that appear are from companies from which we may receive compensation. However, this compensation does not impact where and how these companies are mentioned on the site. We do not include all companies or all available offers in the marketplace.
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