There are so many plans and carriers in the US that it can seem like you’re trying to find a needle in a maze. You might be able to see the need for data and determine what your spending habits are. It can be easier to decide to make a change than it is to actually do so. This article summarizes the top cell phone plans currently available.
Tello Mobile
Pricing: $10/mo – $39/mo | Data options: 1GB – Unlimited | Talk & Text: Unlimited | Perks: 5G, mobile hotspot, Free calls to 60+ Countries
Tello’s prepaid service is a great way to save money on your monthly phone bill. Tello offers nationwide 4G LTE coverage for an unbelievable price, with no commitments or contracts.
Tello’s Prepaid Plans can be tailored to meet your specific needs. You can select the data and talk time that you need and create your own phone plan. Tello offers plans starting at $5/month and ending at $39/month. All with side-dish savings. Tello is distinguished by its competitive pricing, flexible service, and no strings attached.
Tello relies on T-Mobile’s wireless network for service. This means that switching to Tello is possible if you have Sprint and are happy with your coverage. Check to see if Sprint 4G LTE coverage is available in your area.
Tello allows you to bring your own device. However, first, you will need to visit the Bring Your Own Phone Page in order to determine if your existing phone can be enrolled in the Tello Mobile network. The system will guide you through a simple process to determine if your phone is compatible.
You can also manage your account via Tello’s app or website. You can sign up quickly with no credit checks or contracts. Tello also allows you to change or upgrade your plan at any time, even during the middle of the month without additional fees. There are no fees for canceling or changing your Tello Plan if you decide not to continue with it.
✔ Unlimited Talk and Text
✔ 4G/5G data range 1GB to Unlimited
✔ Free mobile hotspot access
✔ Free international calls to 60+ countries
Xfinity Mobile
Pricing: $15/mo – $60/mo | Data options: 1GB – Unlimited | Talk & Text: Unlimited | Perks: 5G, free 18 million Wi–Fi hotspots.
If you are an Xfinity customer or plan to become one, you will get a great deal on your cell phone plan. Xfinity offers unlimited 5G network access (data, calls, and texts) for $45/month, which is a lot slower than the average plan on the major three networks. Although you will be adding it to your monthly fiber bill, the total at the end of each month might seem astronomical, you are actually saving money on two essential services.
Even better, Xfinity runs on Verizon’s network so you have access to the fastest and most comprehensive network coverage in the US. Verizon was rated the best 5G provider in America this year, which is a huge draw. This is a minor issue, but it’s hard to fault Xfinity for their offering on Verizon’s network.
You have a good selection of phones and you can pay on a monthly basis for cell phone plans starting at $15 per 1GB. The unlimited calls are still included in that plan. It’s a simple decision for anyone with Xfinity Mobile. If you plan to add your cell plan, it is a must.
✔ Unlimited Talk and Text
✔ 4G/5G data range 1GB to Unlimited
✔ Free access to 18 million Wi-Fi hotspots
✔ Multi Line Discount
Visible
Pricing: $40mo | Data options: Unlimited | Talk & Text: Unlimited | Perks: 5G, mobile hotspot, free Mex & CA calling
Verizon’s Visible prepaid carrier is available. This single plan is great for people who don’t want data caps. This prepaid plan includes unlimited data and Verizon 5G LTE coverage. It may slow down in times of congestion but at $40 per month Verizon’s network, it is definitely worth it. You can lower your monthly bill by joining Party Pay with Visible. Your monthly bill will drop to $25 if you have four lines at a party. Taxes and fees are included so you will get what you see. Each account pays its own bill, so you won’t be affected if a friend, family member, or roommate fails to make a payment. This plan is great whether you only need one line or wish to take advantage of Party Pay.
A Visible plan includes unlimited data and unlimited hotspot data. Although speeds are limited to 5Mbps, this is enough for basic browsing and streaming from your local cafe. Streaming will be done in SD and you won’t get the entertainment perks that are available with a core Verizon plan. Visible is proud to offer only one plan. It’s easy to see why. The best part is that you can cancel at any time if you are unhappy with how things are working. Visible does not have physical stores but can be reached 24/7 via the Visible app or website.
This plan has one drawback: you won’t be able to roam domestically or internationally. You can still call and text your loved ones in Canada, Mexico, or the U.S. Virgin Islands. Visible has one caveat. It does not support unlocked phones. They must be compatible with Visible’s network. You will need to verify. However, if you already have an eSIM it should be easy to switch to Visible. If you want to save money while still getting great coverage and unlimited data, this prepaid plan is a good option.
Visible Best Unlimited Plan
✔ Unlimited Talk and Text
✔ Unlimited 4G/5G data
✔ Free mobile hotspot
✔ Free calls to Mexico and Canada
✔ Multi line Discount
Metro By T-Mobile
Pricing: $30/mo – $60/mo | Data options: 2GB – Unlimited | Talk & Text: Unlimited | Perks: 5G, mobile hotspot, amazon prime membership, 100GB Google one membership
Metro by T-Mobile’s great rewards program, nationwide coverage, and low-priced plans make it the top overall prepaid phone provider. T-Mobile is one of the three largest telecommunications companies. Its 5G network covers over 9,100 cities. T-Mobile owns MetroPCS since 2013. In 2018, it changed its name from Metro by T-Mobile and launched partnerships with Google, Amazon, and others.
Although T-Mobile’s network isn’t as extensive as Verizon’s, it does have the best 5G coverage. This means that more people can get superfast speeds. There are four plans available, which can be used by individuals and families.
Metro by T-Mobile customers generally is satisfied with the service. They also appreciate being able to stop into a local store for help. T-Mobile coverage in rural areas can be limited, so make sure to verify coverage maps before you choose this network.
✔ Unlimited Talk and Text
✔ 4G/5G data range 5GB to Unlimited
✔ Multi line Discount
✔ Mobile Hotspot Access
✔ 100GB Cloud One
Google Fi
Pricing: $17/mo – $50/mo | Data options: 1GB – Unlimited | Talk & Text: Unlimited | Perks: 5G, mobile hotspot, Free International texts & calls while traveling outside US, Canada & Mexico
The Google Fi wireless service is no longer limited to Google’s phones. It supports almost any type of phone (including iPhones). It’s the best choice if you own a Google Pixel phone or a compatible third-party smartphone like the new Samsung Galaxy flagships, Moto G Power, and Moto G Stylus.
These phones can seamlessly switch between US Cellular, Sprint, and T-Mobile carriers to ensure you have the best possible connection. If you bring your device to Google Fi, this is not possible. This phone carrier is worth looking into when Google launches the Pixel 5a/ Pixel 6 later in the year.
Google Fi’s pricing can be quite attractive if you don’t use much data. Google charges $20 for unlimited text and voice, and $10 per gigabyte for data. Google adjusts the price to reflect how much data you use. If you use 2.5GB of data, for example, you will pay $25, instead of Google rounding up $30.
Although unlimited data can be purchased if you wish, Google’s pricing is comparable to what T-Mobile charges for its best unlimited plan at $70 per month. Google Fi offers a $60 unlimited data plan. However, it does not allow you to access your data abroad, which is a key feature of Google Fi.
This feature allows you to access your data and texts while you are abroad in more than 200 countries. You can also access data at reasonable speeds abroad. It is available in Google Fi’s $70 unlimited and by-the-gig pricing plans, but not in its new $60 option.
✔ Unlimited Talk and Text
✔ 4G/5G data range 1GB to Unlimited
✔ Multi line Discount
✔ Free hotspot tethering
✔ Free Calls to Canada & Mexico
✔ Free International texts & calls in Canada & Mexico
US Mobile
Pricing: $10/mo – $30/mo | Data options: 1GB – 30GB | Talk & Text: Unlimited | Perks: 5G, mobile hotspot
If you’re a light user, US Mobile can be very affordable. US Mobile does not offer a set of plans. Instead, each customer can create exactly what they want. To see how much you are using your phone, you can access your bill and choose the best plan. US Mobile offers a completely unlimited plan starting at $40 You can also add 20GB hotspot data for $10 more
If you have service on the Verizon or T-Mobile networks, there is a good chance that you will be covered by US Mobile’s network. You can choose from a variety of free services, such as Disney+, Apple TV, or PS Plus if you bring more than three or four lines. This is a great way for you to save money if you are already paying.
You can make a very affordable plan if you plan well and make good use of Wi-Fi networks to get data. Notable is the fact that US Mobile still sells flip phones.
US Mobile Best Customized Plans
✔ Unlimited Talk and Text
✔ 4G/5G data range 1GB to Unlimited
✔ Multi line Discount
Mint Mobile
Pricing: $15/mo – $30/mo | Data options: 4GB, 10GB, 15GB, Unlimited | Talk & Text: Unlimited | Perks: 5G, mobile hotspot, free Mex & CA calling
Mint Mobile offers a low-cost plan that includes unlimited data and is a good option for those who are looking for a reliable plan. Mint Mobile offers unlimited talk, text, and data for $30 per month. You can seamlessly switch between 4G LTE and 5G LTE data using the strongest signal in your area.
Mint also offers a basic mobile phone plan for $15 per month that includes unlimited talk, text, and 4GB of data. Mint plans come with a mobile hotspot for no additional charge. You can also add more data to your Mint plan at any time if you run low on data.
Mint Mobile is a T-Mobile customer. You can bring your phone to Mint Mobile or buy a new one. Mint also offer senior cell phone plan include unlimited nationwide talk and text, plus free international calling to Mexico and Canada.
Mint requires customers to sign a contract, whether it’s for a 3-month, 6-month, or 12-month plan, unlike other low-cost cell phone plans. Mint Mobile offers a 3-month plan that is great for testing the service. You can also sign up for a 12-month contract to lock in Mint Mobile’s low initial prices.
✔ Unlimited Talk and Text
✔ 4G/5G data range 4GB to Unlimited
✔ Free mobile hotspot
✔ Free calls to Mexico and Canada
✔ Bulk Savings
Republic Wireless
Pricing: $15/mo + $5 per GB | Data options: 1GB – 15GB | Talk & Text: Unlimited | Perks: 5G, mobile hotspot
Republic Wireless is an MVNO that uses WiFi calling by default. It also utilizes the T-Mobile as well as Sprint networks. Republic Wireless can provide a phone or you can bring your own, as long as it is unlocked and GSM compatible. Before signing up, check your coverage on Republic’s map.
Republic offers the most straightforward pricing. There is only one plan. Pay only for what you use, up to 15GB per month. You can also increase your data plan at any time. Paying by the year rather than by the month can save you money.
Republic’s plan offers Wi-Fi calling and mobile hotspot as well as free domestic roaming. You can’t call abroad, but you may be able to call the U.S., Canada, or “per call countries” for as low as $0.50 per minute from any location in the world via Wi-Fi.
You can buy an additional GB of data for $5 if you have exhausted your monthly data allowance. Once you have used all your data, you will not only experience a slowdown in your internet speeds, but also the ability to add GBs for $5.
✔ Unlimited Talk and Text
✔ 4G/5G data range 1GB to Unlimited
✔ Mobile hotspot access
✔ Unlimited international texting
✔ Wi-Fi calling
✔ Multi line Discount
Cricket Wireless
Pricing: $30/mo – $60/mo | Data options: 2GB – Unlimited | Talk & Text: Unlimited | Perks: 5G, mobile hotspot, 150GB cloud storage, unlimited texts to 37 countries, free Mex & CA calling
Cricket Wireless, AT&T’s prepaid brand is not perfect, but it does meet the needs of some Google Fi users. It has excellent coverage across the country thanks to AT&T’s network. It should work with nearly every unlocked smartphone sold in the U.S. today.
The plans are simple and flexible and offer unlimited U.S. text, talk, and data. You can also roam in Canada or Mexico with two of the more expensive plans (but still affordable at $55 and $60). These plans include unlimited texting to 37 countries, including Australia, China, and India. Access to AT&T’s 5G network is included in the top plan.
However, there are some caveats. The Unlimited plan costs $55 per month and has data speeds limited to 8Mbps. This is slower than regular LTE speeds from AT&T. Unlimited Extra plans for $60/month have access to Cricket’s fastest 4G LTE. The $60/month plan includes a 15GB free mobile hotspot.
Cricket’s plans include taxes and fees, which is a significant advantage. This means that if you sign up for the $60/month plan, your total cost will be $60.
✔ Unlimited Talk and Text
✔ 4G/5G data range 5GB to Unlimited
✔ Multi line Discount
✔ Unlimited texts from the U.S. to 37 countries
✔ Mobile Hotspot Access
✔ 150GB Cloud Storage
