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Best value phone plans

Same coverage 3x cheaper!

  • Switch online in minutes
  • No contract or credit checks
  • Keep your phone & number
Tello

T-Mobile coverage

1GB

$5/mo

See Deal
Red Pocket

AT&T coverage

3GB

$10/mo

First month $5

See Deal
Twigby

Verizon coverage

Talk & Text

$10/mo

First month $5

See Deal
Switch online in minutes: Be free from price hikes forever!
Coverage
Data
Price

52 plans from 7 carriers

Tello

Tello 1GB

4.4

Unlimited calls & texts

Coverage
T-Mobile
Data
1GB
Price
$5
See at Tello
Plan details
Save $840/yr vs big wireless
Red Pocket

Red Pocket 3GB

4.4

Unlimited calls & texts

Coverage
AT&T
Data
3GB
Price
$5
$10
Promo: *50% off for 3 Mths
See at Red Pocket
Plan details
Save $780/yr vs big wireless
Twigby

Twigby Talk & Text

4.3

Unlimited calls & texts

Coverage
Verizon
Data
Talk & Text
Price
$5
$10
Promo: *$5/mo for 1st 3 Mths
See at Twigby
Plan details
Save $780/yr vs big wireless
US Mobile

US Mobile 2GB

4.0

Unlimited calls & texts

Coverage
Verizon & AT&T & T-Mobile
Data
2GB
Price
$10
See at US Mobile
Plan details
Save $780/yr vs big wireless
Mint Mobile

Mint Mobile 5GB

4.1

Unlimited calls & texts

Coverage
T-Mobile
Data
5GB
Price
$15
Promo: *$45 for 3 Months
See at Mint Mobile
Plan details
Save $720/yr vs big wireless

Disclaimer: MoneySavingPro is a free price comparison service but we do not provide service directly. We do our best to keep all the information up to date but offers and availability can change. Plans and pricing shown may not be available in all areas and are subject to change. Pricing excludes taxes and fees unless stated otherwise. The content on this site is informational and is not financial advice. If you click or call a link on this site, MoneySavingPro may earn a commission.

Best plans on T-Mobile

Cheap
Tello
Tello 2GB
$10/mo
  • T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE
  • Unlimited talk & text with 2GB data
  • Instant online activation
See at Tello →
Family
Mint Mobile
Mint Mobile 15GB
$15/mo
  • T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE
  • Unlimited talk & text with 15GB data
  • Instant online activation
See at Mint Mobile →
Unlimited
Tello
Tello Unlimited
$25/mo
  • T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE
  • Unlimited talk & text with unlimited data
  • Instant online activation
See at Tello →

T-Mobile vs Tello comparison

Keep your T-Mobile phone, number & coverage: Save $600 per year

T-Mobile plan Monthly Yearly vs Tello ($25/mo)
T-Mobile Essentials $65/mo $780/yr Save $480/yr
Magenta $75/mo $900/yr Save $600/yr
Go5G $80/mo $960/yr Save $660/yr
Magenta MAX $90/mo $1080/yr Save $780/yr
Go5G Plus $95/mo $1140/yr Save $840/yr
Compare the cheapest T-Mobile phone plans →

Best plans on Verizon

Cheap
Twigby
Twigby 2GB
$10/mo
  • Verizon 5G & 4G LTE
  • Unlimited talk & text with 2GB data
  • Instant online activation
See at Twigby →
Unlimited
US Mobile
US Mobile Unlimited
$25/mo
  • Verizon 5G & 4G LTE
  • Unlimited talk & text with unlimited data
  • Instant online activation
See at US Mobile →

Verizon vs US Mobile comparison

Keep your Verizon phone, number & coverage: Save $600 per year

Verizon plan Monthly Yearly vs US Mobile ($25/mo)
Verizon Unlimited Welcome $70/mo $840/yr Save $540/yr
Verizon Unlimited Plus $75/mo $900/yr Save $600/yr
Verizon Unlimited Ultimate $85/mo $1020/yr Save $720/yr
Compare the cheapest Verizon phone plans →

Best plans on AT&T

Unlimited
Boost Mobile
Boost Mobile Unlimited
$25/mo
  • AT&T 5G & 4G LTE
  • Unlimited talk & text with unlimited data
  • Instant online activation
See at Boost Mobile →

AT&T vs Boost Mobile comparison

Keep your AT&T phone, number & coverage: Save $600 per year

AT&T plan Monthly Yearly vs Boost Mobile ($25/mo)
AT&T Unlimited Starter $65/mo $780/yr Save $480/yr
AT&T Unlimited Extra $75/mo $900/yr Save $600/yr
AT&T Unlimited Premium $85/mo $1020/yr Save $720/yr
Compare the cheapest AT&T phone plans →

How it works

3 simple steps to switching carriers

Step 1

Pick your coverage & plan

Compare plans by price, data, and network coverage.

Step 2

Bring your phone & number

Keep your current phone and transfer your number.

Step 3

Instant online switch & activation

Activate your new plan in minutes — no store visit needed.

Trusted by 50,000 customers

We've helped families save over $30 million!

50,000+

switched

$30M+

saved

$600

avg. yearly savings

Big savings: Happy customers

"Switching from AT&T to Mint Mobile cut my bill by $50 a month! MoneySavingPro helped me find this deal, and the coverage is perfect."

Kellie from WY

Jan 2025

"I saved $600 a year with Visible, thanks to MoneySavingPro. The service from Visible is just as good as my Verizon, but with no more confusing bills or hidden fees."

Raphael from CA

Dec 2024

"MoneySavingPro helped me discover Twigby, and now I save $40 monthly with the same Verizon coverage. I should've switched sooner!"

Levi from NY

Dec 2024

"Tello's $10 a month plan fits me perfectly as I don't use a lot of data. MoneySavingPro helped me see that prepaid helps me stay in control of my phone bill with no more unexpected charges."

Stan from ME

Nov 2024

"Red Pocket Mobile cut my phone bill in half, plus I got to choose from all major networks. Thanks, MoneySavingPro, for making it so easy!"

Jonathan from NY

Oct 2024

"I was skeptical at first, but MoneySavingPro recommended US Mobile's 30-day free trial, and now I save $50 per month. And the overall service is better than my experience with AT&T."

Twila from HI

Sep 2024

"MoneySavingPro recommended Tello's $25 unlimited plan because of the price and their high customer ratings. We switched multiple lines, and my family now saves over $1,000 a year."

Jude from TN

Aug 2024

"I thought I'd lose service quality, but MoneySavingPro guided me to US Mobile. I save $50 a month, and it's been a great decision."

Tristan from NV

Jul 2024

"Mint Mobile's simple plans and big savings of $720 a year were recommended by MoneySavingPro. Switching was quick and easy."

Ronny from AR

Jun 2024

"Boost Mobile gives me the same service at a fraction of the price, saving me $45 a month with no regrets. Thanks MoneySavingPro."

Courtney from TX

May 2024

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a low-cost carrier (MVNO)?
A low-cost carrier, or MVNO (Mobile Virtual Network Operator), is a wireless provider that uses the same cell towers as T-Mobile, Verizon, or AT&T but offers plans at a much lower price. Carriers like Tello, Mint Mobile, and Visible are MVNOs. You get the same coverage without the premium price tag.
How do low-cost carriers manage to offer such low prices?
Low-cost carriers can keep prices lower because they don't own the network infrastructure. They pay the major carriers for network access, which allows them to pass the savings on to you.
Are low-cost carrier plans flexible if my needs change?
Yes. Most low-cost carriers offer flexible plans that allow you to adjust your data, talk, or text limits to suit your needs, as you are not tied into a contract. You can change your plan or cancel anytime.
What types of phones can I use with a low-cost carrier?
You can bring your own unlocked phone to most low-cost carriers or purchase one directly from the carrier. Many low-cost carriers offer popular models, and their network compatibility is usually no issue.
Can I switch to a low-cost carrier easily?
Yes, switching to a low-cost carrier is simple. You can sign up online, bring your own phone, and port your number easily. The process is quick and straightforward, and customer support is available to assist with any issues.
Do I need a contract with a low-cost carrier?
No! Most low-cost carriers offer prepaid, no-contract plans, meaning you're not tied down to long-term commitments. You can switch whenever you like without paying hefty termination fees.
Are there any hidden fees with low-cost carrier plans?
Unlike the big 3, low-cost carriers have transparent pricing. Most fees are included in the monthly cost, and you won't find unexpected charges like activation or "administrative" fees.
How do I pay for my plan?
Most low-cost carriers offer easy payment options, including online billing, autopay, or prepaid options. Many also offer discounts for paying upfront or signing up for autopay.
Can I add family members to my plan?
Yes! Some low-cost carriers offer family plans or multi-line discounts. But just by signing up the whole family to a low-cost carrier without the discount could save you up to $600 a year, per line.
Do low-cost carriers offer custom data plans?
Yes, while the big 3 only offer unlimited data plans, most people actually don't need these. You can choose a plan with a data limit that suits your usage to save even more money or an unlimited data plan. It's up to you.
What happens if I go over my data limit?
Depending on the plan, normally your speeds will be slowed until your next billing cycle — rarely do any charge for overage use. However, some low-cost carriers provide options for purchasing additional data at a reasonable cost.
Do low-cost carriers have worse coverage?
No, low-cost carriers use the same towers as the big networks, so you'll have the same signal strength and coverage as with Verizon, T-Mobile, or AT&T.
Will I still get access to 5G service with a low-cost carrier?
Yes, all low-cost carriers now offer 5G service, as they use the same networks as the big 3. You will need a compatible phone and plan, but 5G is increasingly available across low-cost carriers.
Will I experience slower data speeds with a low-cost carrier?
You may experience slower speeds during peak times if your low-cost carrier deprioritizes data. However, outside of busy periods, you should enjoy the same fast speeds as you would with major carriers.
Will I lose service in rural or remote areas?
No, low-cost carriers provide coverage in rural and remote areas, just like major networks. The coverage is essentially the same, as they all use the same towers and infrastructure.
What if I need customer support?
While customer service experiences can vary, many low-cost carriers offer excellent customer support. They tend to focus on customer satisfaction and transparency without the frustration of endless hold times or high-pressure sales tactics often seen with the big carriers.
Are low-cost carriers reliable for customer support?
Yes, most low-cost carriers offer reliable customer support. It varies by carrier but you'll find they offer online support or phone assistance.
Can I get support in-person at a store with a low-cost carrier?
Most low-cost carriers don't have physical stores, so in-person support may be limited. However, most offer strong online support or call center assistance to resolve issues remotely.
Will I get the same level of customer support?
While low-cost carriers may not offer as many in-store support options as big carriers, they generally provide reliable and helpful customer support through phone and online channels. Their support tends to be more personal and straightforward.
What types of issues can customer support help with?
Customer support can assist with a wide range of issues, including billing inquiries, plan changes, technical issues, device troubleshooting, network connectivity problems, and account management.
Can I keep my current phone and phone number?
Yes, you can keep both your current phone and phone number when switching to a low-cost carrier. The process is easy, and most low-cost carriers offer tools to help you through the transfer.
Is it easy to switch carriers?
Yes, it's quick and easy! Low-cost carriers typically allow you to sign up online, bring your own phone, and transfer your number. The process is simple, and customer support is available to guide you if needed.
Will there be any downtime during the switch?
In most cases, there should be minimal downtime during the switch. The porting process usually takes a few hours to complete, but you can often continue using your current service until the transfer is finalized.
How do I know if my phone is compatible?
You can check if your phone is compatible by looking up the low-cost carrier's compatibility list on their website or using your IMEI number.
What if I want to upgrade my phone?
Many low-cost carriers offer device financing or discounts for purchasing a new phone through them. However, you're also free to bring your own unlocked phone giving you flexibility.
Will I be able to use my phone internationally?
Some low-cost carriers offer international calling and roaming options, but it's important to check with the specific carrier for details. Some carriers may offer affordable add-ons for international calls and data.
Are international calls more expensive with a low-cost carrier?
Many low-cost carriers offer affordable international calling plans or add-ons to help keep costs down, but the exact rates can vary.
Can I use an international calling plan while traveling abroad?
Yes, if your low-cost carrier supports international roaming, you can use your international calling plan while abroad. However, be sure to check roaming rates and coverage before you travel to avoid unexpected costs.
Can I use my phone to call internationally while using Wi-Fi?
Yes, many low-cost carriers allow you to make international calls over Wi-Fi using apps like WhatsApp, Skype, or other VoIP services. This can be a cost-effective way to call internationally, as it doesn't count toward your carrier's voice minutes.

How we choose the best carriers and plans

To select the best carriers and plans, MoneySavingPro's team of experts evaluated over 30 different carriers across five categories — value for money, coverage, customer experience, transparency, and range of choice. Carriers were rated on a 1-5 star scale, with 5 stars being the best. Read more about our carrier ratings methodology and editorial process.

By Rob Webber • Founder & Editor