It is easier to switch to a better phone plan. Most of the time, it only takes a few minutes to move your number over; and with unlocked phones getting cheaper and more accessible, you can probably keep using your phone the same way. With more money in the bank.

There are more ways to save money on your cell phone plan than ever before. Alternative carriers lease coverage from the larger networks and resell it for less. Depending on your usage and needs, a plan from one of the Big Three could be your least expensive option. The best cheap cell phone plans are here.

What do you really need in a phone plan?

Before selecting a carrier or a wireless plan, it's a good idea to think about your needs. Most of the plans come with unlimited talk and texting, so the real question is data. Most phones will tell you how much data you use in the settings, or you can check your phone bill. If you use a lot, think about whether or not you can use less by connecting to the internet. Data used on the internet is not counted towards your phone plan.

An unlimited plan may be necessary if you use more than 30 gigabytes of data in a month. If you are over the age of 55, a 55+ plan could save you money. Some carriers have made it possible for everyone to have unlimited data, with discounts for buying multiple months or joining their community platform.

The phone is the second thing to think about. If you already have an unlocked phone, you can start looking at plans. If you are stuck with a carrier-locked phone or just ready for a new one, you can get nearly any phone unlocked so it can be activated on any carrier. There are a lot of cheap phones to choose from that will give you the freedom to explore different plans before making a decision. If you want, you can bring the latest and greatest of the best phones.

If you paid off your phone at your old carrier, you can have it unlocked to use on another carrier. If you want to use a carrier that uses the same network, keep in mind that some carrier- branded phones will work best on that network.

Plans

The best phone plan is the one that works the best for you, and that is not always the cheapest option. If you get something too small, you may run out of data when you need it. Pick something that matches your usage and not try to match it to the plan.

The best cheap cell phone plan overall

Mint Mobile logo on a Zenfone 8

(Image credit: Samuel Contreras / Android Central)

Americans use less data than they think. Reducing your monthly bill and getting only what you need from your cell phone plan is a good idea if this is the case for you.

Mint Mobile's 4GB plan is the best cheap cell phone plan because it has enough data for most light users, as well as unlimited talk and text. Mint Mobile has a three-month plan with a low introductory rate. They have to pay the total amount upfront if they want to keep this rate. The price will be a bit higher after that, but you can go with a shorter renewal.

When using a compatible 5G phone, Mint Mobile has great coverage and speed. If your phone is unlocked and paid off, you can bring it with you to Mint Mobile. It is possible to check to be sure before you complete your purchase.

Mint Mobile allows you to use your data as a hotspot and doesn't restrict video streaming quality. If you need more data, you can either add it at a time or upgrade to a larger plan.

Other cheap cell phone plans.

Mint Mobile's multi-month approach isn't for everyone, and the T-Mobile network might not be the perfect fit either. Cricket is an AT&T pre-paid carrier that offers a solid set of plans with some great family discounts. Getting on the right network is more important than paying more in the long run. It isn't the best value, but it has some helpful international features for travelers.

Best unlimited cheap cell phone plans

Visible app on a Galaxy S20+

(Image credit: Samuel Contreras / Android Central)

Many people just want a lot of data without having to think about how much they use. There are a number of great unlimited options available. If you use too much data, most of these plans can reduce your speeds, though you won&t be completely cut off, and hitting these upper limits is difficult.

There are no contracts or hidden fees for Visible on the 5G network. The only plan that Visible has is one, and it has unlimited features. Some of the most popular phones, including the Pixel 6 series and most newer ones, will need to be approved by the carrier to get signed up.

You can save a lot of money if you join a Visible Party. When you join a party with four or more people, your monthly price goes down to $25 per month. It is easy to join a party on the website.

Cheap unlimited cell phone plans.

Almost every carrier offers an unlimited plan, even if they just bought a good phone. Mint Mobile's unlimited plan can be more expensive per month even with a 12-month renewal, though it is more flexible with the T-Mobile network. Metro by T-Mobile's cloud storage is one of the nice extras you can find on a plan.

Best cheap prepaid phone plans

Ultra Mobile SIM card

(Image credit: Samuel Contreras / Android Central)

Sometimes less is more with data. Many people don't use a lot of data. If you are trying to save money on your phone bill, you can use the internet to reduce your usage.

Tello allows you to choose from 500MB to 25GB of data for your phone plan. You can choose your talk time from 100 minutes to an hour. Texts are unlimited when you add minutes to your plan. T-Mobile has a network with both 5G and 4G support.

The Economy plan has 1gigabyte of high-speed 4G and 5G data, as well as unlimited minutes and texts for $10 per month. You will get free tethering and calls to the U.S., Canada, Mexico, China, and Romania. If you prefer to build your own plan, you can do it at a reasonable price.

Cheap cell phone plans.

Tello is cheap, but it is not a perfect fit for everyone. T-Mobile has a lot of other options, starting with the Connect plan. If T-Mobile's network isn't the right fit, you can sign up with another carrier. It might be more difficult to add data if you need it.

Cheapest cell phone plans for seniors

Visible speed test on LTE

(Image credit: Samuel Contreras / Android Central)

Many carriers will offer a discount to seniors over the age of 55 on their cell phone plans, which is a great way to take advantage of amazing service at a lower price. If you are someone who does not need a lot of data or perks, these plans will guarantee that you get what you need, and you won't have to pay more.

If you are over the age of 55, T-Mobile has excellent core plans. T-Mobile's cheapest option is T-Mobile Essentials, which will cost $40 per month for one line, instead of $60, or $55 per month for two lines, instead of $90. If you choose the larger Magenta 55+ or Magenta Max 55+ plans, you can bring up to four lines, though this plan is only available for one or two lines.

When in Mexico and Canada, this plan includes unlimited talk and text, 50GB of premium data, unlimited mobile hotspot at 3G speeds, international texting, and 2G data. If you are a senior that spends a lot of time on the go, this is a plan that can keep up with you with plenty of retail locations if you need help.

Cheap cell phone plans for seniors.

Most of the major postpaid carriers end up costing more than the pre-paid options. Thanks to its simple plan and great coverage, Visible is an excellent choice for anyone. Consumer Cellular is known for its customer service and has discounts for seniors.

Cheapest data-only plan

US Mobile SIM cards

(Image credit: Android Central)

If you don't spend a lot of time talking or texting, or if you find that you're perfectly satisfied using services such as Telegram to call your friends, then a data-only plan might be something to consider.

The US Mobile plan is one of the most changeable plans out there, making it a great option for a data only plan. You can get up to 15 gigabytes of data for $26 per month if you build your own plan. $10 per month is what it will cost if you only need 2GB.

US Mobile allows you to use either T-Mobile or the other, so you can pick which is best for you. If you want to use most of your data in a hotspot, you'll only be able to add a smaller plan to an unlimited plan.

If you have an eSIM compatible device, US Mobile will let you purchase international data packs at low rates.

There are other cheap cell phone plans.

Some carriers allow you to not talk or text. There are a variety of data-only options, from a shared sim card for your primary phone to a true data-only plan. The most important thing is to make sure you have good coverage where you live, so that you can actually use the data you are paying for.

Cheapest International Plans

Google Fi SIM card

(Image credit: Samuel Contreras / Android Central)

If you frequently travel internationally or have family abroad, you will want a carrier with a solid international calling plan, cheap data abroad, and easy online account management.

When you are abroad, the data rate is the same as when you are at home. You can stay connected no matter where you go with partnerships from many different carriers. Data costs a flat $10 per gigabyte if you start with the Flexible plan. If you go with the biggest unlimited plan, you can use 22GB of high-speed data at home or abroad. Your phone data is shared with the hotspot data.

In the U.S., T-Mobile is the primary network used by Google Fi, though it can use UScellular if it provides a better signal. To get this network switch, you need an approved phone, including the Google Pixel line, as well as the S21 series. You can still get all the international perks on other phones, but you will be stuck with the T-Mobile network.

When using the internet from around the world, you can be sure that your data is safe with the help of a virtual private network.

Cheap cell phone plans for travelers.

For those that travel a lot, but don't need to travel very often, there is a lot of money that can be saved by using Google Fi. One of the best international options is Boost Mobile. You can call and travel in Mexico for cheap with a plan add-on. Simple Mobile has an unlimited calling plan.

Cheapest Family Plans

OnePlus Nord N20 5G

(Image credit: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)

You can save money on your monthly phone plan by entering into family plans with different carriers. You can get a discount on subsequent lines if you pay full price for the first line. T-Mobile has a lower cost per line if you bring more than one line.

One of the best family plans is offered by T-Mobile. It is not as cheap as the Essentials plan, but it is a better fit for families thanks to a bunch of extra perks. If you have a compatible phone, T-Mobile has full 5G support.

If you use a lot of data each month, your usage will not be slowed down. Most people on a cell phone screen will be able to see the quality of the streaming.

If you get at least three lines, T-Mobile will give you a third line for free. If you need four lines, you will pay $35 per line with taxes and fees included.

Mentions of honorable nature.

The best family plan is dependent on your family's needs. For a family that plays sports, unlimited data and hotspot data is very valuable for long trips to and from games. It is important to pick a carrier that has good coverage for your family. Party Pay is cheap enough for a family, and separate members can even pay their own lines.