There are many ways to save money on your mobile phone plan. These include new savings on both major and smaller prepaid carriers. MVNOs (mobile virtual networks operators) and other carriers can lease coverage from larger networks to resell it at a lower price. However, depending on your usage and needs, one of the Big Three plans could still be the most affordable. These are the top cheap cell phone plans available in the U.S. Before you choose a plan, consider your needs and use habits before choosing a carrier or wireless plan. If this is your first smartphone, welcome to the 21st Century. I also encourage you to explore your options without being tied to any long-term contracts. There are many Android phones that are cheap and will allow you to try out different plans before you settle on one. This is not your first time using an Android phone. Take a look at your past phone habits. What amount of data do you use in an average month? Are you really on Wi-Fi more often than you think? Are you eligible for a 55+ discount on your plan? Many carriers will convince you that you need unlimited coverage when in reality, 90% of Americans don’t. It's much easier to choose the right plan once you know what you need. Plans
While you can opt for the most affordable data plan, if you use more than the plan allows, you may end up paying more for overages. These options may be the best for you. This is the best cell phone plan overall
Source: Samuel Contreras / Android Central
Americans use far less data than they realize. You might consider lowering your monthly bill to get only the data you use from your cell phone plan. Mint Mobile's 4GB plan, which includes unlimited talk and text as well as enough data for most users, is the best cell phone plan. Mint Mobile offers a three month plan at a low rate with an introductory rate. This rate can be kept if customers renew for 12 consecutive months. However, they will need to pay the full amount upfront. You can choose to renew for a shorter period, but your monthly cost will be higher. Mint Mobile utilizes T-Mobile's network including 5G, which allows for excellent coverage and speed when using compatible 5G phones. Mint Mobile can sell you a phone, but you must have your phone unblocked and paid off. Before you make your purchase, check the details. Mint Mobile allows you to use your data for a hotspot. This plan doesn't limit video streaming quality. You can either add more data one to three gigabytes at once or upgrade to a larger plan for a higher price.
Mint Mobile 4GB Data Mint Mobile Renews for a Year to Save More Mint Mobile provides plenty of data to most users on the T-Mobile network, with the option to upgrade at any time. Starting at $15/mo at Mint Mobile
Mint Mobile offers other great cell phone plans, but the multi-month plan is not for everyone. The T-Mobile network may not be the right fit for you either. Cricket, an AT&T Prepaid carrier, offers a variety of plans and great family discounts. While you may pay a little more over the long-term, it is worth getting on the right network to get the best out of your phone. Google Fi, while not the most expensive option, offers some useful international features that are great for travelers. Cricket Wireless Cricket is owned and operated by AT&T. You pay monthly for Cricket and can save more money by using multiple lines. You will pay $100 per month for four lines on the Cricket Core Unlimited plan. You can choose between a 2GB or 10GB plan with unlimited talk, text, and Wi-Fi calling. Upgrade plans are required to access mobile hotspot data and faster data speeds. Starting at $30/mo. Google Fi at Cricket Wireless Google Fi is owned and operated by Google on the T-Mobile and Sprint networks. The best thing about Google Fi is the ability to get a refund for data that you don't use. The cheapest plan costs $20 and each additional $10 for each GB. Additional data is available for free once you have reached 6GB per line. Unlimited calls and texts are included in the plan, as well as unlimited international data, texts and calls abroad. Starting at $20/mo Google Fi Boost Mobile Dish operates on the new T-Mobile network while Dish creates its own 5G network. No contract is required. You only pay monthly. The Expanded network (T-Mobile) plans start at $10 per monthly for 1GB high-speed data, unlimited talk and text, and a free mobile hotspot. Boost Mobile offers plans up to 35GB. They also offer great deals for multiple lines, as well as BYOD discounts if your device is owned. Starting at $10/mo T-Mobile Connect at Boost Mobile T-Mobile Connect T-Mobile Connect starts at $10/mo. This plan has an exclusive feature: it offers a 500MB data cap per year, up to 2025. Although this plan doesn't offer as much as other T-Mobile plans, it still offers unlimited talk and text, Wi-Fi calling, and free mobile hotspot. Keep in mind that taxes, fees and charges are not included. Starting at $15/mo T-Mobile Best Unlimited Cheap Cell Phone Plans
Source: Android Central
People are more dependent on their phones than ever before, and many people simply want to have a lot of data without having to think about how much. There are many great unlimited options. These plans may reduce your speed if you use excessive data. However, you won't lose all of your data and it is not impossible to reach the upper limits. Visible works on Verizon's LTE network and 5G network without any contracts or hidden fees. Visible has only one plan and it is completely unlimited. It also includes a 5Mbps hotspot. To sign up, you will need a Verizon-approved phone that supports VoLTE. However, this plan includes the most popular phones such as the Galaxy S21 and the latest iPhones. Visible does not offer family plans. However, you can save lots of money by joining Visible Parties. Your monthly cost drops to $25 per member if you join a party that has four or more members. Visible's website makes it easy to join a party.
Visible Unlimited Visible One Unlimited Plan Simple and unlimited Get all you need at a low monthly cost with Visible on Verizon's network with LTE/5G support. Starting at $40/mo Visible
There are many other great unlimited plans available. Visible is not the only one that offers unlimited phone plans. Nearly every carrier has an unlimited plan, particularly if they have just purchased the top Android phones. Mint Mobile's unlimited plan is a little more expensive than Mint Mobile's 12-month renewal. However, it's much more flexible as the T-Mobile network works with almost any unlocked smartphone. T-Mobile Metro cloud storage is another option. Mint Mobile Mint Mobile, owned by Ultra Mobile and Ryan Reynolds, operates on the extensive T-Mobile network. Three months, six months or twelve months upfront. You will save more money if you sign up for a longer term. The cheapest unlimited plan costs $30 per month. It includes unlimited talk and text, 35GB high-speed data, and 5GB mobile hotspot data. You can get a Mint service trial for free to ensure that you receive good coverage. Starting at $30/month Mint Mobile US Mobile US Mobile's Unlimited Plan is one of the most popular in the industry. It starts at $45 per month for a single line and has a reasonable price. Families will love the discounts that are available for multiple lines. Unlimited is $25 per month for three lines. It also comes with one free online service, such as Spotify music streaming, Disney Plus video streaming, and gaming services like Playstation Plus. This plan includes 75GB of high speed data on Verizon's network and 50GB on T-Mobile's network. Starting at $45/month At US Mobile Boost Mobile Boost Mobile Boost utilizes two networks. However, most new customers will join the Expanded Network which leverages T-Mobile’s network for 4G and 5G coverage. The cheapest unlimited plan costs $50 per month. It includes 35GB data (speeds drop to 2G after), unlimited text and talk, and 12GB mobile data. You can get 30GB mobile hotspot data for $60 per month. This could be a good deal for those who use a lot of data. Starting at $50/mo. Boost Mobile Cricket Wireless Cricket wireless operates on AT&T's network and offers two unlimited plans at $55/month (Cricket Core), or $60/month (Cricket Plus). The only difference is that Cricket Core speeds are limited at 8Mbps and that Cricket More plans offer 150GB cloud storage and 15GB mobile hotspot data. Both plans include unlimited talk, text and data as well as roaming within the U.S., Mexico and Canada. Starting at $55/mo Cricket Wireless T-Mobile Essentials T-Mobile offers almost unlimited data, including a huge 50GB priority point for the cheapest plan, T-Mobile Essentials. The plan is $60 per month and includes 50GB of premium 4G or 5G LTE data, unlimited text and voice, unlimited mobile hotspot (3G speed), international messaging, and talk, texts, as well as unlimited text and voice. You can add a third line to your monthly bill for no extra cost. Starting at $60/mo at T-Mobile Best cheap prepaid phone plans
Source: Android Central
Data is an example of this. Sometimes, less is more. Many people use less than 4GB data per month. If you want to save money on your phone bill, Wi-Fi can be used to reduce your data usage. Tello lets you customize your phone plan. You can choose from 500MB to 25GB of data. Talk minutes start at 100 minutes. You can send unlimited texts if you add minutes to any plan. All this is possible on T-Mobile's LTE network and 5G support. Tello has a few pre-made plans, starting with the Economy plan which includes 1GB of high speed 4G LTE data and 5G data. You also get unlimited minutes and texts starting at $10 per month. Free tethering to the USA, Canada, Mexico and China will be included. You can also build your own plan, choose how much data or minutes you need, and pay a fair price.
Tello Economy Custom Plans Just the basics Tello Economy's Economy plan includes unlimited talk and text, 1GB data, and the option to add more as needed. Starting at $10/mo. Tello
Another great prepaid phone plan Tello is also available at a very affordable price, although it isn't the right fit for everyone. T-Mobile's Connect prepaid plan is just one of many options. T-Mobile's network might not be the best fit for you. You can sign up with US Mobile for Verizon and AT&T Prepaid. It might take a bit longer to add data, but it is possible. T-Mobile Connect $15 per month for 2.5GB. The plan includes unlimited talk and text, unlimited mobile hotspot and Wi-Fi calling and 500MB free bonus every year. This plan does not include international features like roaming and calls. However, you can always add data passes if you run low on data. Starting at $15/month T-Mobile Republic Wireless Talk and Text on Republic's only plan is $15/month You'll be charged $5 for each additional GB of data that you add. This plan is ideal for anyone who does not want to spend money on unutilized data. Republic works on T-Mobile's network, making it easy to connect to hotspots across the country. This will help you save data. You can save even more by paying by the year, instead of the month. Starting at $15/mo Republic Wireless Mint Mobile Mint Mobile has four data plans. Each comes with unlimited talk, text, free calling to Mexico or Canada, and free hotspot data. Mint's cheapest plan costs $15 per month and gives you 4GB data. This should be sufficient for most users, though you can always upgrade to get more data. Mint offers the best deals and introductory rates. Sign up for 12 months in advance to get the best deal. Starting at $15/month Mint Mobile US Mobile US Mobile offers high-speed data at "Ludicrous speeds" to customers via either the Verizon and T-Mobile networks. You can get unlimited talk and text for $30 per month with a flexible plan. You will need to pay $5 extra to access mobile hotspot data. You can save more by creating a custom plan that allows you to use unlimited minutes and text messages, or opt for unlimited data and no data caps. Starting at $2/mo At US Mobile Simple Mobile Simple Mobile operates on the T-Mobile network and is owned by TracFone Wireless. The cheapest 3GB plan costs $25 per month and there is no fixed contract. Unlimited talk and text, unlimited tethering and unlimited international calling to 69 nations are included in this plan. You can also roam internationally in 16 countries with international roaming. You can purchase an add-on for 2GB at $5 if you run out. Starting at $25/mo Simple Mobile Boost Mobile: Get a 5GB plan starting at $25/mo. This plan requires that you use the T-Mobile network. Unlimited talk, text, and mobile hotspot are included. After you reach your monthly data limit of 5GB, data speeds will drop to 2G. Starting at $10/mo. AT&T Boost Mobile Prepaid - If you are willing to sign up for a few months, AT&T offers a multimonth 8GB plan for as low as $25 per month. The plan comes in either a 3-month or 12-month contract and includes HD streaming, roaming in Mexico, Canada, and rollover data. Starting at $25/month AT&T T Mobile Prepaid T Mobile Simply Prepaid's cheapest plan starts from $40 per month for a single line, and discounts are available as you add lines. You get 10GB of 4G data and unlimited talk and text. There is also Wi-Fi calling and free data hotspot data. Unlimited music unlimited means streaming music won't consume your data allowance. This plan does not include international features. You can add-on to this plan. Starting at $40/mo T-Mobile Cheapest Cell Phone Plans for Seniors
Source: Samuel Contreras / Android Central
Seniors 55+ will receive a discount on their cell phone plans. This is a great way for seniors to get amazing service at a lower cost. These plans are great for those who don't require a lot of data or fancy perks. T-Mobile offers excellent core plans and, fortunately, all are discounted for seniors 55+. T-Mobile Essentials is the least expensive, at $40 per month (instead $60) and $55 per monthly for two lines (as against $90). This plan is not available for more than one line. However, if you opt for the Magenta Max 55+ or Magenta Max 55+ plans you can add up to four lines. Unlimited talk and text, 50GB premium data, unlimited mobile hotspot speeds at 3G speeds, international messaging, unlimited talk, text and 2G data in Mexico and Canada are all included in this plan. This plan is ideal for seniors who spend a lot of time in the car. There are many retail locations that can help you if you need it.
Unlimited data for T-Mobile Essentials Unlimited 55+ Unlimited everything, with room for 2 lines T-Mobile's cheapest unlimited plans is even more affordable for 55+ customers. This plan includes full 5G support as well as unlimited data. Starting at $40/mo at T-Mobile
There are other great low-cost cell phone plans available for seniors. Although there are some 55+ discounts offered by major postpaid carriers, most end up being quite a bit more costly than prepaid. Because of its simplicity and wide coverage, Visible is a great choice for seniors. Consumer Cellular is well-known for its excellent customer service, and offers seniors valuable discounts. Visible Although Visible isn’t technically a plan that offers seniors discounts, it is one the most simple plans on the market and comes with one plan for $40 per month. This plan includes unlimited text, talk, and data as well as unlimited hotspot data of 5Mbps and free calling to Canada and Mexico. This plan is best if you live in an area with great Verizon coverage, and you don't travel a lot (Visible does not offer international roaming). Starting at $40/mo. Visible Consumer Cellular Consumer Cellular is available on T-Mobile's towers. It is a trusted option for retirees due to the 5% discount for members of AARP. Talk-only plans are available starting at $15 per year for 250 minutes. You can still get 250 minutes (or more) of talk, unlimited text and 500MB data for $20 per monthly if you only need a small amount of data. This plan is ideal for users who only need the minimum. Starting at $15/mo. Consumer Cellular Republic Wireless Republic Wireless offers a great senior plan. You can choose from a $15 per month talk and text plan or a build your plan. You can also add data for $5 per gigabyte. Republic Wireless offers an Extend Home service for no additional charge. This will bring your wireless service into your home. Standard features include voicemail, call waiting, CallerID, and voicemail. Starting at $15/mo Republic Wireless Cheapest Data-Only Plan
Source: Android Central
A data-only plan may be worth considering if you don't use texting or talk much, or if you find yourself content using Telegram or WhatsApp to communicate with your friends. US Mobile offers one of the most flexible plans available, making it an ideal choice for a data-only plan. You can create your own plan and get up to 15GB data for only $26 per month. You'll pay $10 per month if you only need 2GB. US Mobile allows you to use either T-Mobile or the Verizon network. This makes it easy for you to choose the one that is most convenient. Although you can purchase an unlimited plan, it is limited in how many hotspot plans you can add to it. If you are planning to use most your data on a hotspot, then building your own plan will give you more. You can purchase international data packs from US Mobile if you are a traveler abroad.
Only what you need US Mobile Get the data you need with a customized plan US Mobile. US Mobile utilizes Verizon and T-Mobile networks to offer excellent coverage and great plan flexibility. Starting at $2/mo at US Mobile
You can also skip text and talk with some carriers. You can choose from a shared SIM card that you use for your primary phone, as well as a backup such Google Fi or Cricket. To make sure that you are able to use the data you pay for, it is important to ensure you have sufficient coverage in your area. Google Fi Google Fi's newest plan offers a Simply Unlimited plan. This plan is for people who use a lot of data but don't require any international perks or tethering. Although it's not the most expensive plan, at $60 per month you will get unlimited data in the U.S. and Canada, with speeds up to 22GB. Fi's Flexible plan offers one of the most affordable SIM cards in America. The plan includes a data-only SIM free of charge at $30 per month and one GB. Starting at $20/mo Google Fi Cricket Wireless Cricket Wireless has one of the lowest SIM cards at $9.99 if you are only looking for data and you have an unlocked LTE compatible device. Simply Data plans offer 100GB of high speed data at $55 per month. This includes usage in Mexico, Canada, and pictures and text messages. 35 dollars per month will get you 20GB data if you only need it. Calling and voice add-ons are not an option. For only $39 per mo, Cricket Wireless Tello With Tello offers a data-only plan that includes unlimited data and no minutes on T-Mobile's 4G and 5G networks. You can use your unlocked GSM device to act as a mobile hotspot. Your speeds will drop to 2G once you have 25GB. This data plan offers a great deal with no contract and no additional charges. You can get 8GB for $25/month if you don’t require unlimited data. Starting at $39/mo at Tello Cheapest International Plans
Source: Android Central
You will need a reliable international calling plan and cheap data abroad if you travel often or have relatives abroad. Google Fi is a great choice for international travel, offering the same data rate whether you are abroad or at home. Google Fi has partnerships with many carriers so you can stay connected wherever you are. Data costs just $10 per gigabyte if you start with the Flexible plan. You can access your 22GB high-speed data abroad or at home if you choose the largest unlimited plan. Hotspot data can also be included and shared with your phone data. Google Fi uses the US T-Mobile network, which includes 5G support. However, it can also use UScellular to get better signal. You will need an approved phone to switch networks, which includes the Google Pixel line and the Galaxy S21 series. You'll still be able to enjoy all international perks with T-Mobile, even if you have another phone. Google Fi includes Google's VPN service, so your data will be safe no matter where you are surfing the internet.
Google Fi is designed for travel Google Fi is the best plan for international travel. It feels like Google Fi was created for travelers with static data prices all over the world, with a VPN included and a strong focus on Wi-Fi. Starting at $20/mo. Google Fi
Google Fi is another great option for travelers. It's perfect for people who travel a lot or spend a lot. But, for those who only need international calling or aren't traveling a lot, it's still a good deal. Boost Mobile is a well-known international prepaid option. You can travel to and call abroad cheaply with a plan add-on. A plan that allows unlimited calling, such as Simple Mobile, is also available. Boost Mobile Dish's subsidiary Boost Mobile Mobile offers affordable international plans. Todo Mexico Plus is available for $5 extra per month. The $10 monthly cheapest plan. Unlimited calling to Mexico and unlimited calls to Canada are included in this plan. You also get unlimited text messaging and roaming data of 8GB for Mexico. International Connect Plus costs $10 per month and offers unlimited calling to Mexico, unlimited international SMS (text messaging), unlimited calls to Canada, unlimited international calls to landlines in more than 70 countries, unlimited calls to mobile lines in more than 50 countries, 200 minutes of select mobile lines in over 50, and reduced per minute rates to over 200 destinations. Starting at $10/mo Boost Mobile Simple Mobile Simple Mobile has affordable plans. However, each plan comes with valuable international perks. You'll also get unlimited text and talk, as well as tethering and international calling to at least 69 countries. You can always add more data to your plan or get the unlimited plan if you run out of data at home or abroad. Starting at $25/mo Simple Mobile Cheapest Family Plans
Source: Android Central
By joining family plans with different carriers, you can often save money on your monthly telephone plan. Prepaid carriers offer a discounted rate on all subsequent lines, but you will typically pay full-price for the first line. T-Mobile's postpaid carriers have lower per-line costs if you bring more. The Magenta plan from T-Mobile is one of the most popular family plans. Although it isn't as affordable as the Essentials plan this Magenta plan is a great fit for families. It includes a Netflix subscription, 5GB high-speed hotspot data and 2G data abroad. If you have a compatible smartphone, T-Mobile offers full 5G support. If you don't use a lot of data per month, your data usage will not be affected. Each line receives 100GB premium data. Streaming is limited to SD quality but will still look good enough on most cell phones. T-Mobile's generous offer of a "third line for free", which allows you to get three or more lines, makes the cost significantly lower. You'll pay $35 for four lines with all taxes and fees.
