Alex Dobie is from the Android Central.

Best MVNO carrier Android Central 2022

The bestMVNO carriers work fast to offer a great value with solid coverage in a very competitive market by using the network of one of the major carriers. If you don't want to be tied to any carrier, this setup can lead to a wider range of plans and keep you out of a contract. It is a good way to try out a new network without spending a lot of money. Metro by T-Mobile is the best overallMVNO offering great data options and plenty of ways to save money with multiple lines.

The source is Samuel Contreras.

T-Mobile owns Metro and uses the T-Mobile network. This would have been a reason to pass on the carrier a long time ago, but T-Mobile's network has become one of the strongest in populated areas in recent times. Thanks to its 600Mhz spectrum, the network has gained ground in rural areas. You should check the coverage map to make sure you are covered. If you have a phone that supports it, 5G is available with all plans.

Metro by T-Mobile starts at $30 per month for 5 gigabytes of high-speed data, but most users will be better off with a 10gigabyte plan at $40 per month. Saving data for big streamers is one of the reasons this plan doesn't consume your data allowance with music streaming.

Adding more lines to your account can save you money. If you sign up for the top unlimited plan with four lines, the price is just $120 per month. Along with unlimited data, you will also get extra features such as Amazon Prime membership, and more.

Metro uses the T-Mobile network so unlocked phones should work. If you need help setting up your phone or plan, Metro by T-Mobile has physical stores across the country.

  • Works with most phones
  • Fast T-Mobile network with 5G
  • Multi-line savings
  • Unlimited music streaming on the 10GB plan
  • 15GB of hotspot data on the unlimited plan
  • Coverage isn't great for everyone
  • Not all phones are available online
  • SD video streaming

Save with more lines.

Metro by T-Mobile is a great option for a family with savings for more lines and a great unlimited data plan.

The source is Samuel Contreras.

The minimum amount of service you can buy is three months for Mint Mobile. If you only need a small amount of data, you can purchase up to a year for $25 per month, which is the most savings. If you are one of the few people that requires more data each month, you can get an unlimited plan through Mint, which comes with 35GB of high-speed data and 5GB of hotspot data. The unlimited plan has an introductory rate of $30 per month for three months. You can lock in this introductory rate if you sign up for a year.

Mint Mobile has many of the same network strengths and weaknesses as other T-Mobile-based MVNOs, but coverage should be solid for most people. You can check your coverage by typing in your address. T-Mobile's network is close to being one of the fastest you can get, and with 5G, one of the most advanced. If you run out of data or need more, you can either upgrade to a larger plan or buy more at a higher price.

If you have a T-Mobile device, you can bring it to Mint Mobile. Most unlocked phones should work with Mint if you are not sure. You can use the Mint Mobile app on your phone to get your sim card activated. You can buy a new phone if you want to. Mint Mobile sells a wide range of phones. These are some of the best phones to use.

  • Save in bulk
  • Fast T-Mobile network with 5G
  • Great phone compatibility
  • Easy to activate
  • Multiple plan options
  • Unlimited plan only gets 5GB of hotspot data
  • Must buy a minimum of three months

Purchase more to save.

Mint Mobile has a minimum of three months of service. You can save money by buying more months.

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Most carriers are a lower cost alternative. If you have a compatible device, like the Google Pixel 6 or the S22 series, you should have great service.

Most unlocked phones still work with T-Mobile, but they won't be able to use 5G. The best phones for Fi will be labeled as Designed for Fi on the website. You can check your phone before you sign up if you are not sure.

There are three plans for Google Fi. If you don't have an unlimited plan, you'll only pay for the data you use, and you won't pay for more than 6GB of data. You can always add more high-speed data at that time if you want, but your data speeds will slow after 15GB. The speeds on the unlimited plans will slow after 22 gigabytes of use.

Fi has an international service on its plans. If you are traveling in any of the countries that support it, your data will be the same as it is at home. You will get unlimited texts, but you will have to pay for calls. The Simply unlimited plan doesn't include most of these international perks, and it doesn't include hotspot tethering like the other plans.

  • Uses three networks
  • International data on most plans
  • Multi-line discounts
  • Unlimited available
  • 5G on compatible phones
  • Expensive for heavy data users
  • Only approved phones work with network switching
Google Fi logo

Travel the world.

If you leave the country a lot and want to stay connected, few options will work as well as Google Fi.

The source is Samuel Contreras.

There is a single unlimited plan and a large all-digital network. Using the power of the network, Visible provides great coverage while letting users forget how much data they are using. Since they don't have access to 3G or analog service, the majority of the network goes to Visible customers. One of the best cell phone plans is available from Visible. This also includes unlimited data at 5Mbps.

You can save money by joining a group that will bring your bill down to $25 per month. You don't have to worry about the other people in the party because you only have to worry about your own bill. You can join a party and bring your bill down right away.

If you want to travel to an area out of the coverage map or out of the country, you will have no service.

The growing list of compatible phones include heavy hitters like the S22 series and the Pixel 6 series. The iPhone 6 is supported. You can purchase a phone from Visible to be sure it works.

  • Unlimited data
  • Unlimited hotspot (5Mbps)
  • Verizon LTE and 5G network
  • Can buy phones through Visible
  • Save with Party Pay
  • No roaming
  • Limited phone selection
Visible logo

There is unlimited in the U.S.

You can get unlimited data for a low price. You get unlimited data at 5Mbps.

Walmart

If you have more than one line, Walmart Family Mobile is a great value. You can add up to four additional lines for $25 per month if you choose the top-end unlimited plan. You can choose from three different plans with different amounts of data, starting at $25, $30, and $40 per month. The amount of data on all lines is the same, so make sure you get enough for the heaviest user on the primary line.

Walmart Family Mobile is powered by the T-Mobile network, so you should get good data speeds. Be sure to check your coverage while you sign up.

Walmart Family Mobile sells a good selection of phones. No matter your budget, you should find something that works. You can bring your own phone if it is unlocked and compatible with the T-Mobile network.

  • Each additional line is $25 per month
  • Fast T-Mobile network
  • Unlimited plan is available
  • Most unlocked phones will work
  • 30GB of hotspot data and HD streaming on the unlimited plan
  • Must use the T-Mobile network
  • Single line prices are high
Walmart Family Mobile

Save with many lines.

Walmart Family Mobile has a flat rate of $24.88 for each extra line on the T-Mobile network.

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You can start with 75 minutes and move up to unlimited talk, text, and data with US Mobile. US Mobile is an excellent choice for a backup phone. If you don't need a lot of minutes or texts but want a lot of data, you can build that plan.

One of the most compelling options is the unlimited plan, which costs $45 per month and has amazing speeds, 5G, and no data caps. You can add 20GB of data for $10 extra. You will get free high-speed 4G international data on this plan. You can get three lines or more for the whole family, with each line dropping to $25 per line. If you have more than one line, US Mobile will give you a free subscription to a streaming service.

Depending on your phone's compatibility, US Mobile will use either T-Mobile's or Verizon's networks. When you sign up for US Mobile, they will help you pick the best network for you. Good service should be provided to the majority of Americans. If you have an unlocked phone, you can use it with US Mobile. If you use more than 35GB on the T-Mobile network, your data can be slowed down compared to the larger 75GB on the Verizon network.

  • Create your own plan
  • Unlimited available
  • Verizon or T-Mobile networks
  • Great phone compatibility
  • International data with the unlimited plan
  • Very limited phone selection on site
  • Hotspot data is an extra charge on the certain plans
  • Unlimited plan slowed at 35GB (T-Mobile network)
US Mobile logo

You can modify your plan.

You can create a plan that works for you and your family at US Mobile.

The source is Samuel Contreras.

There are three major carriers in the U.S., and they all offer the same level of coverage. If you live in the country, there may be areas where AT&T's network doesn't reach. If that is the case for you, your family can still take advantage of Cricket Wireless savings. The AT&T-owned carrier has four main phone plans starting with a 5GB plan. Multi-line discounts are given to the two unlimited plans. The plans have a $5 autopay discount.

Cricket Core is a $55 unlimited plan that has unlimited talk, text, and data. For many people, this isn't a big deal because the plan doesn't have any premium data. The Cricket More plan will upgrade the unlimited data to PRemium data so you can stay on a crowded tower. It comes with a lot of data. Cricket plans come with access to AT&T's nationwide 5G network.

If you already own a device, there is a good chance you can bring it with you. If you want a high-end device, you will need to buy or finance it unlocked and bring it with you, because Cricket sells a solid range of mid-range devices.

  • Works on AT&T LTE and 5G
  • Multi-line discounts on most plans
  • Cricket has removed its speed caps
  • Good phone compatibility
  • All plans are limited to 480p video
"> Cricket Logo

There are big multi-line savings.

Cricket is a great option for people who need the AT&T network for good coverage.

There are a lot of good deals withMVNOs that fit all kinds of needs, whether you need unlimited data for a heavy user or just a little for a spare phone. If you already know that T-Mobile and Verizon have great coverage in your area, you can find aMVNO that uses that network. The extra features that a carrier like Google Fi provides for someone that wants great coverage and data abroad is something that many carriers don't have. Visible is focused on delivering data without limits. Since there is no contract associated with these plans, you can try out different networks.

Metro by T-Mobile is one of the best balances when it comes to network and pricing. Metro allows you to bring nearly any unlocked phone and have it work on the T-Mobile network, which is the same service a standard T-Mobile customer would get. Metro has multi-line discounts for larger plans. Metro still has physical stores, so you don't have to do all the setup yourself.

Credits — The team that worked on this guide

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Samuel spends most of his time researching computer components and trying to understand what goes into the ultimate Windows 98 computer. It is the Pentium 3.

Author: Olivia Lipski Headshot

Lipski loves testing out the latest smart home tech and discovering the best cell phone plans. She is in her kitchen trying to make her own food when she is not running around trying to find great food or coffee.

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