Best prepaid phone plans Android Central 2021
Prepaid phone plans are the best because they eliminate unnecessary features and keep the most important features. There are many prepaid options available that will allow you to pay your phone service monthly, so there is no need to be locked into a long-term wireless contract. This guide will help you understand the best prepaid wireless options.
You should check your coverage coverage is one of the most important things to consider when choosing a prepaid provider. Because of the limited roaming agreements prepaid carriers have, prepaid carriers tend to have a smaller coverage area than postpaid. It's worth checking again if you have used the carrier in the past. Your phone must also support the network used by your prepaid carrier. Most Android phones can be unlocked to support these networks. Unlocked phones make it much easier to change carriers if necessary.
AT&T Prepaid: The Best Prepaid Phone Plan
Source: AT&T
AT&T's Prepaid option allows you to choose from a variety of phones that are compatible with their plans. You can also purchase a SIM card for prepaid SIM cards if you prefer to bring your device. Before signing up, make sure you check your coverage. AT&T prepaid plans are priced at $30 per month and include unlimited text and talk in the U.S., as well as unlimited messaging to over 100 countries. AT&T offers several types prepaid data plans. 5GB LTE with rollover data $30/month
8GB LTE with rollover Data /month.
LTE with rollover data per month (12-month) or /month (three-month). 15GB LTE with rolloverdata $40/month
Unlimited LTE Data $65/month
Unlimited Plus LTE Data and 5G +10GB Hotspot $75/month. The Unlimited Plus plan includes the additional perk of 10GB hotspot, 100GB cloud storage, HD streaming and 22GB premium data. You'll get 22GB data before you are subject to slower speeds because of crowded towers. This plan is guaranteed to give you the best experience, but it's not the most cost-effective. The multi-month 8GB plan, which is available for just a few months, can be a great way of saving some money. This plan is available in 3- or 12-month terms and includes HD streaming as well as many of the same features that a more expensive pre-paid plan. All plans, except the 5GB, include unlimited text and talk within the U.S. and Canada. You can also use your high-speed data allowance when you are in Mexico or Canada. AutoPay allows you to save $5 per month on plans less than $50 and $10 per month on plans $50 and higher. How to reload. Pay online using your myAT&T account with a credit card or debit card or checking account. You can also use an AT&T PREPAID Card (includes GoPhone Refill Cards) which is available online at AT&T wireless locations and more than 200,000 retail locations. Call 611 anytime from your telephone (or 1-800-901-97878) and follow the instructions for Refill.
AT&T Prepaid International Texting One of the Best LTE Networks Access one of our fastest networks with lots of high-speed data, multi-line savings and many months of service. Starting at $25/mo AT&T Prepaid
Best Prepaid Phone Plans: T-Mobile Prepaid
Source: T-Mobile
T-Mobile's Prepaid Service gives you access the T-Mobile network's expanding nationwide coverage and some of the most popular T-Mobile plans. It also offers great coverage that won't break the bank. You have two options: you can either buy a T-Mobile prepaid phone or bring your own device. The SIM card is only $99 Before you go all-in, make sure you check your coverage. Price T-Mobile offers prepaid options for families and individuals, including its Simply Prepaid plans as well as the less expensive T-Mobile Connect plan. Simple prepaid plans include: 10GB LTE + hotspot 40$/month
Unlimited LTE + Hotspot + Unlimited 3G Hotspot $50/Month
Unlimited 3G Hotspot per Month Unlimited Plus + 10GB LTE Hotspot $60/month. T-Mobile's Simply Prepaid plans include unlimited talk, text and data over T-Mobile’s national network. Data speeds are slowed down to 2G once you reach your monthly data allowance. Data is prioritized at 50GB for unlimited plans. Hotspot data and unlimited music are included in the plans. This means that music streaming will not count towards your LTE data limit. For $5 per month, add 5GB 4G data to any plan. For an additional $15 per month, you can add international calling to the United States. You can add more lines to your T Mobile plan to lower your monthly bill. T-Mobile and Ultra Mobile have partnered to offer a plan starting at $3 per month. This includes 100 minutes of talk, 100 text messages, and 100MB 4G data. High-speed data can be added for $5 per day up to 500MB LTE data, or $10 per week up to 1GB LTE data. How to reload. To reload your account online go to My T-Mobile and make a payment. You can also call T-Mobile Refill Center at 1-877-720-5195 or dial ADD. T-Mobile Refill cards can be used to purchase third-party retailers if you don't wish to use credit or debit. T-Mobile Connect T-Mobile offers its low-cost T-Mobile Connect Plan, starting at $15 per month. You get unlimited talk, text, and 2.5GB of data. Hotspot data is also included. You can get 5.5GB data for $25 per month. These plans can be adapted to customer needs, and each year the data limit will increase by 500MB.
T-Mobile Prepaid: Big Data Savings Starting at $15/month at T-Mobile
Best Prepaid Phone Plans: Verizon Prepaid
Source: Verizon
Verizon's prepaid plan gives you unlimited access to its nationwide LTE network and 5G network, without the need for a long contract or postpaid plan. You can choose to buy a prepaid smartphone from Verizon or BYOD. Before signing up, check your coverage. Price Verizon offers monthly smartphone plans with no annual contracts and no activation fees. There are no credit checks. You have two options: 5GB LTE or 5G Nationwide Data $40/month
LTE and Nationwide Data /month 15GB LTE, 5G Nationwide Data $50 Month
Unlimited LTE Nationwide Data Month $65/month
Data /month Unlimited, 5G Nationwide and 5G Ultra Wideband data $75/month Verizon's Prepaid Plans include data on Verizon’s 5G Nationwide network as well as unlimited talk in the U.S., unlimited text to over 200 destinations, and unlimited texting. Although the 5GB plan is most affordable, once you have used your 5GB, 2G data speeds will be available. After you have used your allotment, the same applies to the 15GB plan. The good news is that almost all plans include mobile hotspot data, except the lower-tier unlimited plan. Unlimited hotspot data on Verizon’s 5G Ultra Wideband network and 10GB hotspot on Verizon’s LTE or Nationwide networks are included in the top unlimited plan. Unlimited plans include unlimited talk, text and data to and fro Canada and Mexico. After three months of service, all plans are eligible for a $5 per-month loyalty discount. If you have a plan of $40 or more, you can save $5 per month after nine months. You can reduce your monthly bill by taking advantage of the AutoPay discount and easily reducing the cost. Reloading your plan is easy. You can do this by visiting My Verizon online, through the app, or by using a refill card at a Verizon store. Call #BAL (#225), or (888) 294-6804 to check your account balance.
Verizon Prepaid Data and Verizon 5G Verizon offer a great way to save money and still get coverage on its LTE and 5G networks. Starting at $40/mo at Verizon Wireless
Cricket Wireless: The Best Prepaid Phone Plan
Source: Cricket
Cricket Wireless was acquired by AT&T and has been supporting devices that use AT&T’s HSPA+ or LTE networks. Cricket and BYOD are two options for purchasing a phone. Make sure you check your coverage to ensure that you get strong signal strength in your local area. Price Cricket Wireless offers four plans, ranging from unlimited talk and text to unlimited data. Unlimited talk and text, 2GB LTE data, $30 per month
Unlimited talk and text on LTE, 10GB LTE, $40 per month
Unlimited talk and text on LTE (unlimited) $55/month Unlimited data up to 8Mbps
Up to 8Mbps/month Unlimited Data +15GB Mobile Hotspot $60/month All plans, except the 2GB plan, are eligible for a discount of up to 5 lines. This makes it a great family plan. AutoPay allows you to receive $5 off your monthly bill. It's easy to choose the right plan for you, thanks to so many options. Unlimited data plans from Cricket include unlimited text to 37 countries as well as unlimited calls and texts to Canada and Mexico. However, Canada usage cannot exceed 50% of your monthly total usage. Only the top-tier unlimited plan has 15GB mobile hotspot data and 150GB cloud storage. There are no data speed caps, except for times when there is congestion. You can customize your plan with many add-on options. These features include Cricket International, mobile hotspot and extra data. How to reload Log into My Account on Cricket Wireless to pay your bill, sign up for AutoPay or download the My Cricket App for Android or iOS. Quick Pay on Cricket's site allows you to pay by credit, debit or a refill card.
AT&T Cricket Wireless Access to AT&T's vast wireless network allows for access to cricket through a variety of plans that can all be customized to suit your needs. Starting at $30/mo. Cricket Wireless
Metro by T-Mobile: The Best Prepaid Phone Plan
Source: T-Mobile
Metro is one the most popular MVNOs you can join. It is owned by T-Mobile and can offer great coverage and T-Mobile's LTE network. Metro offers two options: you can either purchase a phone or bring your device to use with the T-Mobile network. Check the coverage map to ensure you have good coverage. Pricing for Price Plans is determined by how much high-speed data your monthly usage will be. Prices include taxes and fees, but there are no annual contracts. 2GB high-speed data $30 per month
High-speed data per month 10GB high-speed data 40$ /month
High-speed data at 50/month Unlimited LTE, 5G + 5GB Hotspot
+ 5GB Hotspot /month Unlimited 5G and 5G + $15GB Hotspot $60/month Music streaming on the 10GB plan is unlimited, which can help keep data from getting too fast. This plan, as well as all Metro plans, gives you access to T-Mobile’s nationwide 5G network, as long as your phone is compatible. Unlimited data plans come with a free Google One membership that includes 100GB cloud storage on Google Drive. The $60 plan also comes with an Amazon Prime membership. Hotspot data will only be available with the $60 plan (15GB) or the $50 plan (5GB), so make sure you stick with these plans if you are interested. Metro also includes taxes and fees in the pricing. This is a T-Mobile carryover and a first in the prepaid market. Metro will allow you to enjoy multi-line discounts and new customer offers. How to reload Log in to the Metro website to make a purchase or to set up AutoPay. Online payments can be made without logging in. You can also pay in person at any Metro store.
Metro by T-Mobile Cloud Storage and the Data It Uses Metro by T-Mobile gives you access to T-Mobile’s huge LTE and 5G networks with tons of data and multi-line savings. Starting at $30/mo. Metro by T-Mobile
Best Prepaid Phone Plans: Boost Mobile
Source: Boost Mobile
While you can check your coverage using the Sprint-based national network that Boost uses to verify it, most new customers will opt for the T-Mobile-based extended network map. Following the acquisition of Sprint by T-Mobile, Dish now owns Boost mobile. Boost Mobile had previously used Sprint's network exclusively. Boost Mobile calls this network its Nationwide Network. It's still available with a selection of plans but most people will be steered to the T-Mobile-based Expanded Network. Price Boost Mobile offers four different types of monthly prepaid phones plans that offer LTE high-speed internet. Speeds are cut to 2G after your plan's data allowance has been exhausted. Plans on the Nationwide Network, based upon Sprint, start at 3GB and go upto 35GB. You can add up to five lines to one account. This lowers the cost per line. Before signing up, please ensure you have excellent coverage. It's unlikely that speeds or coverage will improve in the future. 3GB LTE with hotspot $35/month
$6GB LTE with Hotspot per Month (Walmart Exclusive)
Hotspot LTE service with LTE /month (exclusive to Walmart) 35GB + 12GB Hotspot $50/month
+ 12GB Hotspot / Month 35GB + 30GB Hotspot $60/month Boost Mobile makes the most of T-Mobile’s LTE network and 5G network. You can choose from a variety of plans starting at $50, including 1GB to 15GB and unlimited 2G speeds once your data has been used. Shrink-It plans include 15GB of data, $10 per month savings and six consecutive payments.
Source: Boost Mobile
$355, $60, or $50 per month will get you 35GB data. The main difference is HD streaming on the higher-end plan, and more hotspot data (30GB instead of 12GB). You can add lines to either plan for a lower rate.
Source: Boost Mobile
How to reload Data packs are $5 for 1GB. You can also pay in-store at any Boost Mobile store.
Data hogs Boost Mobile Boost Mobile offers a wide variety of plans on either the T-Mobile network or the Sprint network. Boost Mobile has a great network and a plan that fits every user. It starts small with 1GB and goes up to 35GB. Starting at $10/mo at Boost Mobile
Best Prepaid Phone Plans: Mint Mobile
Source: Mint Mobile
Ultra's Mint Mobile subsidiary, which is owned by T-Mobile, sells plans in multi-month bundles. Mint Mobile allows you to purchase a phone or bring your own TMobile-compatible, unlocked GSM handset. Before signing up, make sure you check your coverage. Prices All Mint plans come with a 7-day money back guarantee. You also get unlimited talk, text and at least 4GB data. International calls to Mexico or Canada are included. The unlimited plan includes 5GB of high-speed data hotspot data, and all plans include access to T-Mobile 5G.
Unlimited 3 Months 4GB 10GB 15GB (introductory price $15/mo. ($45) $20/mo. ($60) $25/mo. ($75) $30/mo. ($90) 3 Months $25/mo. ($75) $35/mo. ($105) $45/mo. ($135) $40/mo. ($120) 6 Months $20/mo. ($120) $25/mo. ($150) $35/mo. ($210) $35/mo. ($210) 12 Months $15/mo. ($180) $20/mo. ($240) $25/mo. ($300) $30/mo. ($360)
If you decide to stay with Mint after trying out the 3-month plan, you can keep the introductory pricing and buy a whole year. How to reload Log in to your Mint Mobile Account online. You can also download the Mint App to renew your plan or to set up automatic renewals.
Mint Mobile Bundle: Pay More upfront to Save More Mint Mobile will reward you for your commitment with discounted plans when you pay for a few month upfront. Starting at $15/month at Mint Mobile
Republic Wireless: The Best Prepaid Phone Plan
Source: Republic Wireless
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. Price Republic offers the most straightforward pricing. In fact, only one plan is available. 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. Unlimited talk and text $15/month + $5/GB Republic's plan also includes mobile hotspot and Wi-Fi calling as well as free domestic roaming. You can't call abroad, but you can call the U.S., Canada or "per-call countries" (which could cost as high 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 up your data, you will not only experience a slowdown in your speed, but you will also lose the ability to access your internet. You can either pay $5 for additional data, or wait until next month. How to reload Your phone bill can be paid online through the My Account portal, or via your Republic Wireless app.
Republic Wireless Simple plans are for lighter users. They include unlimited talk and text, and the ability to add data as needed. You can save lots of money if you don't use a lot of data. Starting at $15/mo Republic Wireless
Consumer Cellular: The Best Prepaid Phone Plan
Source: Consumer Cellular
Consumer Cellular is based off AT&T and T-Mobile towers. It focuses on retired people and offers a 5% discount for monthly services. Before signing up, make sure you check your coverage. Consumer Cellular offers a variety of popular phones, but you can also bring your own. Talk only plans include 250 minutes of talk and text for $15/month
Talk and Text Unlimited Minutes $20/month Unlimited Talk and Text Plans nclude 500MB of Data $25/month
Data /month: 3GB data $30/month
Data /month 10GB data $40/month
Data /month: 15GB data $50/month
Unlimited data, $0 per month. You can add up three lines to your account and share data at a reduced cost per line. Consumer Cellular plans include caller identification, call forwarding and call waiting at no additional cost. However, there is no mobile hotspot. How to reload Log into Consumer Cellular's website to pay your bill online.
Consumer Cellular is a customer-focused company. There's a plan for everyone, whether you need a basic phone plan or a package with lots of data. Consumer Cellular can help. Starting at $15/mo. Consumer Cellular
Best Prepaid Phone Plans: US Mobile
Source: US Mobile
US Mobile lets you create your own plan, with only what you need, or upgrade to an unlimited plan. US Mobile uses Verizon's network, and customers have access to T-Mobile's network based on their phone and coverage. Visit the website's coverage map and enter your zip code to check your coverage. Price At US Mobile, you have the option to create your own plan or opt for an unlimited talk and text plan. This plan costs $45 per month. The price of this plan drops as you add more lines. This makes it an excellent family plan, and one the most popular cell phone plans. You can opt for unlimited minutes for $0 to $8. Texts cost $0 to $6. Data costs a little more at $26 per monthly for up to 15GB. You'll need an unlimited plan if you want to use more data than that. Your unlimited plan will allow you to use 5G data speeds that are uncapped and unthrottled. Although this plan does not include hotspot data, you can add $20 per month to get 20GB. You'll also get discounts if you add lines to the unlimited plan. You have the option to upgrade each line with hotspot data or faster data speeds, giving you a lot more flexibility. If you sign up for three lines you have the option to choose an included subscription such as Netflix or Playstation Plus. A fourth line unlocks an additional subscription. The best part is that each US Mobile plan includes up to 10GB international roaming free of charge. How to Reload: You can either sign in to US Mobile to view your bill and pay it, or you can use the app to reload.
There are many options US Mobile. The whole range of options available. From 75 minutes to unlimited data and as low as $75, US Mobile provides great service on Verizon or T-Mobile networks. Get US Mobile for as low as $2
Advertisement: Best Prepaid Phone Plans Visible
Source: Visible
Visible makes use of Verizon's extensive LTE and 5G networks for service. Visible offers two options: you can either purchase a phone from them or bring your own Verizon-compatible smartphone. Before signing up, make sure you check your coverage. The main attraction of Price Visible is its simplicity. Visible offers unlimited talk, text and data, making it one of the most value-oriented plans. There are no hidden fees. There are no fees, and you only pay $40 per month. Visible estimates that you will get between 5 and 12Mbps video streaming at 480p. You can save money by joining Visible party pay and bringing your monthly cost down to $25. Unlimited everything $40/month Visible gives you unlimited access to a hotspot with up to 5Mbps. It also includes international calling to Mexico or Canada. This plan offers great balance for US users, with limited international roaming options.
Unlimited Visible means unlimited. $40/mo Visible
Best Prepaid Phone Plans: Simple Mobile
Source: Simple Logo
Simple Mobile works with T-Mobile's network. It offers the option to buy a new phone, or bring your T-Mobile- or AT&T-compatible GSM handset. Before signing up, check your coverage. Price Simple Mobile offers five pre-paid plans that include unlimited talk, text and international texting. You can also get a discount if you use AutoPay or Auto ReUp. 3GB up to LTE speeds + Hotspot $25 per Month
Hotspot 5GB + LTE speeds up to 5GB. LTE speeds up to 5GB + hotspot $30/month
Hotspot and LTE speeds up to 15GB
Hotspot Unlimited LTE Data + LTE Speeds up to 50GB/Month
Data + 5GB Hotspot Unlimited LTE + $15GB Hotspot $60/month. How to Reload via the Simple Mobile website using credit card or pin. Stash also allows you to pay in advance. This lets you add money to your plan as you need it and you don't have any worries about having to re-up when your service ends.
