Best MVNO carrier Android Central 2021
By leveraging the networks of major carriers, the best MVNO providers can offer great value and solid coverage. If you don't want any particular carrier, this setup can allow you to choose from a wide range of plans. This can be a great way to test out new networks and get the best cell phone plans, without having to spend too much time or money. Metro by T-Mobile is the best overall MVNO, with great data options and many ways to save money on multiple lines.
Source: Samuel Contreras / Android Central
Metro by T-Mobile, owned by T-Mobile, uses the T-MobileLTE network. This would have been an argument to not buy the carrier in years past, but T-Mobile has grown its network into one of the most powerful networks in densely populated areas. Thanks to its 600Mhz spectrum, 5G and LTE, the network continues to gain ground in rural locations. Despite all the improvements, it is important to check the coverage map to make sure you are covered. If your phone supports 5G, all plans include it. Metro by T-Mobile plans start at $30 per month for 2GB LTE data. However, a smartphone user would be better off with a 10GB plan starting at $40 per monthly for one line. This plan does not consume data allowance for music streaming and saves data for large streamers. You can save money by adding more lines. The price for the top unlimited plan, which includes four lines, is $120 per month. Unlimited data is included. Additional features include unlimited data, hotspot data (15GB), an Amazon Prime membership and 100GB Google One. Metro works with any unlocked phone because it uses the T-Mobile network. Metro by T-Mobile also has locations across the country that can help you set up your plan or phone. It works with all phones
Fast T-Mobile network using 5G
Multi-line savings
Unlimited music streaming with the 10GB plan
15GB hotspot data with unlimited plan
There are not all smartphones available online.
SD video streaming
Metro by T-Mobile Best Overall Metro Plan Starting at $30/mo Metro by T-Mobile
Best single line: Mint Mobile
Source: Samuel Contreras / Android Central
Mint Mobile is a unique MVNO as the minimum service that you can purchase is only three months. Mint Mobile offers the best savings by allowing you to purchase up to one year of service for $25 per month. If you only require 4GB, then it is $15 per month. Mint now offers unlimited plans, with 35GB high-speed data and fiveGB hotspot data. An unlimited plan costs $40 per month and has an initial rate of $30 per months for three months. This introductory rate can be locked in if you sign-up for a year. Mint Mobile shares many of the same network strengths as T-Mobile-based mobile virtual networks, but should provide solid coverage for most people. You can check your coverage by entering your address on Mint's website. T-Mobile's network is fast and, with 5G, it is also one of the best. You can buy additional data at $10 per 1GB, or upgrade to a larger plan during the cycle. Mint Mobile allows you to bring your T-Mobile device, provided it supports 4G LTE or VoLTE. Mint Mobile's compatibility tester can help you determine if your phone is compatible. However, most unlocked GSM phones should be compatible with Mint. You can activate your SIM card using the Mint Mobile app. You can also buy a new phone. Mint Mobile offers a variety of phones from budget to high-end. These are the top phones you can use with Mint. The pros: You can save money by buying in bulk
Fast T-Mobile network using 5G
Great phone compatibility
It is easy to activate
Multiple plans options Cons: Unlimited plan only offers 5GB hotspot data
You must buy bulk
Mint Mobile's best single-line deal: Mint Mobile offers minimum three months of service and up to 35GB data. Buy more months to save money Starting at $15/mo at Mint Mobile
Google Fi is the best for travel
Source: Android Central
Many MVNOs are a cheaper alternative to the base carrier, but they offer fewer features. Google Fi makes use of the fastest connection from Sprint, T-Mobile or U.S. Cellular within the U.S. Although less phones support the entire network, compatible devices such as the Google Pixel 5 and Galaxy S21 should be able to enjoy great 5G service. Unlocked phones will still work with Google Fi but they will only be able to use 5G on T-Mobile. You can purchase a phone that will work on the entire network. These phones are among the most popular for Google Fi. Google Fi offers three plans: Flexible, Simply Unlimited and Unlimited Plus. You won't pay more than you use with Bill Protection, even if you don't have an unlimited plan. Your data speeds will slow down after 15GB of Flexible plan use. However, you can add high-speed data for $10 per gigabyte. After 22GB of usage, unlimited plans will slow down your data speeds. Fi's international service is the most important feature. It offers unlimited and flexible plans. Your data costs the same in foreign countries as at home if you are traveling to any of the 200+ countries supported. Unlimited texts will be available, but calls will cost $0.20 per minute. The Simply Unlimited plan does not include international perks and hotspot tethering. Three networks are used.
Most plans have international data
Multi-line discounts
Unlimitable available
5G available on compatible phones
Some phones may not be compatible with all other phones.
Google Fi is the best for travel Google Fi Travel around the world is the best option If you frequently leave the country and need to be connected, there are few options that will work better than Google Fi. Starting at $20/mo. Google Fi
Best unlimited: Visible
Source: Samuel Contreras / Android Central
Visible is simple, with an unlimited plan and a large LTE and 5G network. Visible makes use of Verizon's network to provide great coverage and let its customers forget about how much data it uses. Visible customers may not get all of Verizon's network but they get most of it because they don't have access 3G or an analog service. Visible's PartyPay allows you to save money by getting up to four lines for as low as $35 per line. For two lines, the cost is $35. For three to four lines, it costs $30 to $25. For more lines, the cost is $30 to $25. For five lines and more, the cost is $25. Each line is responsible to its own bill so you can add people without worrying about collecting payment. Visible's community page allows you to join a party and bring down your bill immediately. Visible does not offer roaming, so you won't be able to travel outside of the area covered by the service. Although Android phone support is not as good as some other MVNOs such, the growing number of compatible phones includes big hitters like Pixel 5 and the Galaxy S21 series. Every iPhone, including the iPhone 6, is supported. Visible can also sell you a phone to make sure it works. These phones are among the top Visible. The pros: Unlimited data
Unlimited hotspot (5Mbps).
Verizon LTE and 5G Network
Visible allows you to buy phones
Save with PartyPay Cons: No roaming
Phone selection limited
5G rollout isn't yet available on all 5G phones
Unlimitted Visible Unlimited at the Best Price in the U.S. Unlimited hotspot data is available at 5Mbps. Starting at $40/month Visible
Walmart Family Mobile is the best family plan
Source: Walmart
Walmart Family Mobile is a great MVNO if you have more lines. The top-end unlimited plan, which includes 30GB hotspot data and HD streaming, starts at $50 per month. However you can add up four lines for $25 each. There are three other plans available with either 5GB, 8GB or 40GB data allotment. These plans cost $25, $30, and $40 respectively. The 5GB and 40GB plans will provide enough data for most users. However, not all lines have the same data so ensure you have enough for your primary line. Walmart Family Mobile is powered by T-Mobile, so you will get good data speeds if you are on the magenta network. To be certain, make sure you check your coverage before signing up. Walmart Family Mobile offers a good selection of phones including the Samsung Galaxy S20 Series and Apple devices up until the iPhone 12 Pro. There are also a number of cheaper phones, so you can find something that suits your needs, no matter what your budget. You can bring your own phone, provided it is compatible with T-Mobile's network and unlocked. Pros: Each additional line costs $25/month
Fast T-Mobile network
Unlimited plan available
Unlocked phones work with most other phones
Hotspot data of 30GB and HD streaming on an unlimited plan with HD streaming are both available Cons: You must use the T-Mobile network
Prices for single lines are very high
Walmart Family Mobile is the best family plan. Save up to $24.88 on multiple lines Walmart Family Mobile offers solid speed and coverage over T-Mobile's network. Each additional line costs just $24.88. Starting at $25/mo. Walmart Family Mobile
Best for multi-line perks: US Mobile
Source: Android Central
US Mobile allows you to start with plans starting at 75 minutes, then move up to unlimited data, talk, text and text. US Mobile is a great choice for backup phones or emergency phones. You can also build this plan if your needs are limited to text and minutes, but you still need 6GB data. Unlimited plans are available at $45 per monthly. They offer incredible speeds, 5G and no data caps. You can also add 20GB hotspot data for $10 more. You'll also get unlimited high-speed 4G LTE global data on this plan. With a $25 per line fee, you can get up to three lines and more unlimited data for your whole family. If you have multiple lines, US Mobile will give you a subscription to a streaming services for free. US Mobile will use either T-Mobile's LTE network or Verizon's LTE network, depending on the compatibility of your phone. US Mobile will assist you in choosing the right network based on where you are located or what device you have. Both networks should offer good service for the majority of Americans. Both networks should work with most unlocked phones. If you aren't ready to buy a new phone yet, you can still sign up. The pros: You can create your own plan
Unlimitable available
Verizon and T-Mobile networks
Great phone compatibility
Cons: International data with unlimited plans
Hotspot data comes at an additional charge with certain plans
Best for multi-line perks US Mobile Starting at $3.50/mo. at US Mobile
