The new year is the perfect time to evaluate your mobile plan and ensure it still meets your needs and budget. If you’re like many, you might be paying too much for your current service. Exploring and comparing mobile plans can reveal opportunities to get more data, better features, or simply a lower monthly bill. By taking a closer look at all the options available, you could significantly reduce your wireless expenses while enhancing the value you receive.
One key insight gained from years of tracking mobile plan prices is to look beyond the major carriers. While AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon certainly offer solid plans, and we’ll even highlight some of their best options, smaller carriers often provide more generous data allowances at significantly lower prices. These smaller providers, known as MVNOs (Mobile Virtual Network Operators), can be a smart choice for budget-conscious consumers.
Coverage concerns are often a barrier to switching to smaller carriers, but they shouldn’t be. These discount carriers operate on the same networks as the larger providers. So, if you experience strong coverage from a major carrier in your area, you can expect similar coverage from any smaller carrier using that network. We’ll clearly identify which networks these smaller carriers utilize to help you make informed decisions.
Ultimately, when comparing mobile plans, the crucial question is: how much data are you getting for your monthly payment? Beyond data, network performance and extra perks also play a significant role in determining the best plan for your individual needs.
Our top recommendations for the best mobile plans emphasize affordable options from providers like Mint Mobile and Visible. Visible, in particular, is offering an attractive promotional deal running through January, offering even greater monthly savings for the next two years. However, if you prefer the reliability and established reputation of larger providers, we also feature top mobile plans from Verizon, T-Mobile, and AT&T.
The Quick List
- Mint Mobile
The best plan overall
Starting at just $15 per month, Mint Mobile is an excellent choice for significant savings on your mobile bill. These low rates are initially for the first three months, after which you prepay for a year of service to maintain the discounted rate.
- Visible
Best unlimited plan
Visible simplifies choices with only two unlimited data plans. The more affordable option provides Verizon network coverage for only $25 per month, often less than Mint Mobile’s rates for limited data.
- Verizon
Best tiered data plan
Verizon’s prepaid plan stands out, costing just $35 per month with auto-payments. This plan includes 15GB of data, usable as hotspot data, and access to Verizon’s nationwide 5G network.
- T-Mobile
Best family plan
T-Mobile’s Go5G plan is a strong unlimited option, particularly attractive for families. Four lines are priced at $200 per month, with potential discounts for even lower costs. This family plan also includes a Netflix subscription, with taxes and fees incorporated in the price.
- AT&T
Best pay-in-advance plan
AT&T excels with its substantial data offering when you pay for a year upfront. This lowers your monthly cost to $25 for unlimited data, with the first 16GB at high speeds.
- Boost Mobile
Locked-in rate
Boost Mobile’s $25/month unlimited plan is their standout offering. It’s basic but guarantees your monthly rate will remain constant as long as you remain a customer and maintain active service.
Written by Philip Michaels
The Best Cell Phone Plan Overall
1. Mint Mobile
The best cell phone plan overall
Specifications
- Data amount: 5GB
- Monthly cost: $15
- Parent network: T-Mobile
Reasons to Buy
- Highly affordable mobile plans
- Generous data options for the price
Reasons to Avoid
- Requires annual prepayment for the best rates
Mint Mobile is a leading choice for anyone seeking to drastically lower their monthly mobile service costs. The key to Mint’s savings lies in its prepayment model.
Let’s first examine Mint Mobile’s plan offerings. They provide a range of data options, starting from 5GB up to an unlimited data plan. Mint’s pricing begins at $15/month for 5GB, incrementally increasing by $5 for 15GB ($20), 20GB ($25), and unlimited ($30). For most users, 5GB of data is generally sufficient, making that plan our primary recommendation, though all of Mint’s plans offer excellent value compared to competitors. Exceeding your data limit with Mint doesn’t result in overage charges; instead, data speeds are simply reduced for the remainder of the month.
Currently, Mint’s introductory offer prices all plans at $15 per month for the first three months. For instance, the 5GB plan costs an initial $45 for three months of service. (Note that Mint’s website indicates this promotional offer is set to end on February 2nd.) After this initial period, the pricing structure changes. To secure Mint’s lowest advertised rates—like $15/month for the 5GB plan—you need to commit to a full year of service upfront. This means a one-time payment of $180 for the 5GB plan. For the unlimited plan, a $360 upfront payment is required to lock in the $30 monthly rate. While this is a significant upfront cost, the long-term benefit is a substantially lower monthly expense compared to traditional carriers.
Currently, Mint’s most compelling deal is on its unlimited data plan, offered at half price for a year of service when prepaid annually. This reduces the yearly cost to just $180 for unlimited data, a considerable saving from the usual $360. However, this is a limited-time offer, expiring on January 24th.
With its combination of a generous introductory rate and low long-term monthly costs, Mint presents a highly attractive option for those capable of making an annual payment. For those who prefer month-to-month billing, exploring other providers is necessary.
Best cell phone plan overall: Mint Mobile’s 5GB plan is the best budget-friendly plan for most individuals, providing adequate data for social media, web browsing, and navigation apps. Following a $45 three-month trial, a $180 annual payment secures the lowest $15 monthly rate. Coverage is provided via T-Mobile’s network, including 5G service on compatible devices.
Mint Mobile | 5GB | $15/month – Best cell phone plan overall Mint’s 5GB plan is the best cheap plan for most people, as it provides enough data for social media, internet searches and Maps. After a three-month trial totaling $45, you’ll need to pay $180 for a full year of service at its lowest $15 monthly rate. Coverage comes via T-Mobile’s network and includes 5G service on compatible phones.
The Best Unlimited Data Plan
2. Visible
The best unlimited data plan
Specifications
- Data amount: Unlimited
- Monthly cost: $25
- Parent network: Verizon
Reasons to Buy
- Very low monthly rate for unlimited data
- Reliable network performance on Verizon
Reasons to Avoid
- No multi-line discounts for families
Visible simplifies mobile plan choices by offering only two options, both featuring unlimited data. Either plan is an excellent choice if you need a single line of unlimited data. Families seeking multi-line discounts will find better value with carriers like T-Mobile, which reduces per-line costs as you add more lines.
Visible’s basic unlimited plan costs $25/month, providing coverage on Verizon’s extensive nationwide network (Visible is owned by Verizon). It includes unlimited talk and text to Canada and Mexico, and mobile hotspot capability. A primary drawback is potential network slowdowns during periods of Verizon network congestion.
The upgraded $45 Visible Plus plan guarantees 50GB of premium high-speed data without throttling and provides access to Verizon’s faster 5G Ultra Wideband network where available. The guaranteed high-speed data is a significant advantage, although Verizon’s nationwide 5G is generally fast enough for most users unless engaged in heavy data consumption.
Visible Plus also includes a Global Pass for one day of international use (normally $10) and the option to add a cellular smartwatch to your plan at no extra charge, a feature that typically costs around $10 monthly with larger carriers. For smartwatch users or frequent travelers, Visible Plus offers considerable added value over the basic plan.
A current promotional offer makes Visible particularly appealing, especially for those considering the Visible Plus plan. By using the code ‘SWITCH25‘ at sign-up, Visible reduces monthly rates for 25 months. The standard Visible plan drops to $20/month, and Visible Plus becomes just $30/month. For Visible Plus, this represents a potential saving of $375 over 25 months. This offer is valid until January 31st, so immediate action is recommended.
Beyond monthly plans, Visible also offers annual payment options, further reducing costs compared to month-to-month payments. For example, the $25/month unlimited plan can be prepaid for a year at $275 total. Existing Visible customers can also switch to annual billing.
Personal testing of Visible revealed performance consistent with Verizon, with occasional speed reductions in certain locations or at peak times. However, with Visible plans costing at least $20 less than Verizon’s cheapest comparable unlimited plan, the trade-off is often worthwhile.
Best cheap unlimited data: While Visible’s $45 Plus plan offers enhanced features, the standard $25 unlimited plan is our top pick for the most affordable unlimited data without long-term contracts. (Both plans are even more affordable with the ‘SWITCH25‘ promotion through January 31st.) Visible’s use of Verizon’s network ensures broad coverage, including 5G. Both Visible plans include all taxes and fees in the advertised price.
Visible | Visible Unlimited | $25/month – Best cheap unlimited data Even though Visible’s $45 Plus plan has the better perks, Visible’s $25 unlimited offering is our pick if you want the cheapest unlimited data with no strings attached. (Both plans are even cheaper with that ‘SWITCH25‘ promotion running through January 31.) It helps that Visible uses Verizon’s network for coverage, including 5G coverage. Both Visible and Visible Plus plans include taxes and fees in their rates.
The Best Tiered Data Plan
3. Verizon
Best tiered data plan
Specifications
- Data amount: 15GB
- Monthly cost: $35
- Parent network: Verizon
Reasons to Buy
- Ample data allowance
- Exceptional coverage and speeds on Verizon’s network
- Nationwide 5G network access
Reasons to Avoid
- Not the absolute cheapest prepaid option available
- Does not include Verizon’s fastest Ultra Wideband 5G
Verizon’s primary postpaid plans are focused on unlimited data, with the most affordable option starting at $65/month. While these plans are among the best unlimited data plans available, individuals seeking the best value from Verizon should consider their prepaid plans, where you pay for data in advance. Verizon’s prepaid options are not only more competitively priced but also help maintain a fixed wireless spending budget.
Verizon offers three prepaid plans, two of which are unlimited. However, the 15GB plan is particularly compelling. 15GB provides a generous data allowance for the typical user, avoiding overpayment for excessive data. Moreover, Verizon’s $45 monthly rate for the 15GB plan reduces by $10 upon enrolling in autopay, bringing the monthly cost closer to discount carriers like Mint or Visible.
Perks are minimal with the 15GB prepaid plan, though it does include Verizon’s nationwide 5G coverage. (As noted with Visible, nationwide 5G speeds are adequate for most users.) For enhanced features in a Verizon prepaid plan, the $60/month unlimited plan includes faster Ultra Wideband 5G speeds and 25GB of hotspot data. However, at $35 with autopay, the 15GB plan is significantly more affordable and should meet the data needs of most users.
Best prepaid plan: Verizon’s 15GB prepaid plan effectively balances price and data. 15GB per month is more than sufficient for most users, and autopay reduces the monthly rate to $35. (Without autopay, loyalty discounts eventually reduce the rate to $35 after nine months of continuous service.) Perks are basic with this plan, but it includes 5G coverage and mobile hotspot functionality.
Verizon | 15GB prepaid | $35/month – Best prepaid plan Verizon’s prepaid plan offers the right mix of price and data. That 15GB per month is more than enough for most users, and autopay discounts bring your monthly rate down to $35. (If you don’t enroll in autopay, loyalty discounts eventually drop the rate to $35 if you stick with Verizon for nine months.) Perks are minimal with this plan, but you do get 5G coverage and the ability to use your phone as a mobile hotspot.
The Best Family Plan Overall
4. T-Mobile
Best cell phone plan for families
Specifications
- Data amount: Unlimited
- Monthly cost: $200 (4 lines)
- Parent network: T-Mobile
Reasons to Buy
- Includes a free Netflix subscription
- 5G network access
- Data speeds not reduced unless exceeding 100GB monthly usage
Reasons to Avoid
- No option to mix-and-match different T-Mobile unlimited data plans within a family account
T-Mobile’s Go5G plan is a strong contender for individuals seeking an unlimited plan with more benefits than Visible, and who are willing to pay slightly more. A single line of Go5G is $75/month, offering better value than similarly priced plans from AT&T and Verizon due to its included travel and streaming perks. However, the real value of Go5G emerges when adding multiple lines.
T-Mobile applies discounts as you add lines to the Go5G plan, decreasing the per-line cost. A family of four pays $155/month for four Go5G lines, as T-Mobile is currently waiving the cost of the third line. This equates to $38.75 per line. Even at full price, four lines would only cost $45 per line. This multi-line discount structure makes T-Mobile’s Go5G the best family cell phone plan, significantly reducing the overall per-line cost as you add family members.
Among T-Mobile’s numerous unlimited options, the Go5G plan provides an optimal balance of price and perks. Plans with two or more lines include a standard Netflix subscription, and six months of Apple TV Plus. Travel benefits of Go5G include unlimited in-flight texting and streaming video and music on four flights annually.
The Go5G Plus plan is available at a slightly higher cost—$30 more than Go5G when the third line discount is applied—but offers additional streaming and travel perks. However, for most families, the standard Go5G plan offers the best combination of features and affordability.
T-Mobile Go5G | 4-line family plan | $155/month – Best family plan In addition to unlimited data and escalating per-line discounts as you add people to your plan, Go5G offers families attractive perks, with 15GB of hotspot data and the ability to use more of your data for free when you travel in Canada and Mexico. The perks are even grander with Go5G Plus, but Go5G is the more affordable option — and when T-Mobile waives the cost of a third line, a four-line plan drops to $155/month, instead of the usual $180. (That price includes a $20 autopay discount.)
The Best Pay-In-Advance Plan
5. AT&T
Best value for paying in advance
Specifications
- Data amount: Unlimited data
- Monthly cost: $25
- Parent network: AT&T
Reasons to Buy
- Large data allowance
- Very low monthly cost when prepaid annually
Reasons to Avoid
- Requires a significant upfront annual payment
- Speeds reduced after 16GB of high-speed data usage
Similar to Verizon, AT&T’s postpaid plans primarily focus on unlimited data. However, for the best value from AT&T, prepaid options are worth considering. Specifically, AT&T adopts a strategy similar to Mint Mobile by offering an annual plan that provides substantial data in exchange for a large upfront payment, often resulting in a lower monthly cost.
The AT&T unlimited data prepaid plan offers a low $25 monthly rate when you commit to a year of service. This requires a $300 upfront payment, but provides a better monthly rate than Mint’s unlimited data plan.
One limitation with AT&T’s plan is a 16GB cap on high-speed data, after which speeds are reduced. Mint Mobile offers a more generous 40GB high-speed data cap. However, AT&T anticipates that most users will not exceed 16GB, and for many, this will be sufficient. Exceeding 16GB reduces speeds to 1.5Mbps for the rest of the billing cycle—still adequate for basic browsing and email, and 16GB remains a substantial data amount for typical users.
As noted, the full year’s payment is required upfront. However, if a $300 annual payment is manageable, the locked-in rate adds to the appeal of this AT&T plan.
AT&T | Unlimited 12-month prepaid | $25/month – Great value on AT&T Main carriers typically don’t offer the best value prepaid plans, which are more common from MVNOs. However, AT&T can be slightly more affordable and flexible than competitors like Sprint or Verizon. While monthly payments are available, the best pricing is achieved with a 12-month prepaid plan from AT&T at $300 upfront. This includes unlimited data, though speeds may slow after 16GB of monthly usage. For those preferring monthly payments, AT&T offers 5GB of data for $30 per month.
AT&T | Unlimited 12-month prepaid | $25/month – Great value on AT&T The main carriers rarely offer the best value prepaid plans and these tend to be more common from MVNOs. However, AT&T can be slightly more affordable and flexible than the likes of Sprint or Verizon. While you can pay for one month at a time, the best price is going to come from investing in a 12-month prepaid plan with AT&T by paying $300 upfront. That gives you unlimited data, though speeds will slow down should you use more than 16GB in a month. If you prefer monthly payments to larger annual ones, you can get 5GB of data from AT&T for $30 per month.
Best Cell Phone Plan Price Guarantee
6. Boost Mobile
Lifetime price guarantee
Specifications
- Data amount: Unlimited
- Monthly cost: $25
- Parent network: Dish (and extended coverage on AT&T and T-Mobile)
Reasons to Buy
- Low, guaranteed monthly price forever
- Extensive network coverage
Reasons to Avoid
- Limited extra perks
Boost Mobile has transitioned from being a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) to a national carrier, directly competing with AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon. While building out its own network, Boost also leverages agreements with AT&T and T-Mobile for extended coverage. To highlight its national carrier status, Boost offers several unlimited plans, with one particularly standing out due to its price guarantee in a market of fluctuating costs.
Boost Mobile’s standard unlimited plan is priced at $25/month, matching Visible’s rate for monthly unlimited service. However, Boost distinguishes itself by guaranteeing that customers signing up for this plan will always pay $25/month, as long as they remain a Boost customer and maintain continuous service.
This offers predictability in your monthly mobile bill, excluding potential tax variations. While some Boost plans include taxes and fees, the $25 unlimited plan does not. This plan includes 30GB of high-speed data before potential slowdowns, which is more generous than Visible’s $25 unlimited plan where speeds can be slowed at any time due to network congestion.
Regardless of limited additional perks, this Boost plan provides cost certainty, a valuable feature for many in today’s economic climate.
The same price forever: For predictable long-term cell phone costs, Boost Mobile’s cheapest unlimited plan is a strong option. While it lacks extensive perks beyond 30GB of high-speed data, it guarantees a locked-in monthly rate as long as you maintain service with Boost and remain enrolled in autopay.
Boost Mobile | Unlimited data | $25/month — The same price forever If you want to know what you’ll be paying for cell phone coverge for the foreseeable future, turn to the cheapest unlimited plan option at Boost. You won’t get many perks apart from 30GB of high-speed unlimited data, but you will get a locked-in rate for however long you keep your service at Boost and stay enrolled in autopay.
Best Mobile Plans Compared
To facilitate easy mobile plans comparison, the table below summarizes the monthly cost for a single line for each plan. It also notes plans like Mint and AT&T that require annual prepayment and the family plan pricing for T-Mobile’s Go5G for four lines.
As shown, AT&T, Boost, and Visible offer the lowest rates for unlimited data, while Mint’s 5GB plan is the most affordable overall. T-Mobile’s advantage is in its multi-line discounts for families seeking wireless coverage.
Swipe to scroll horizontally
| Plan | Data amount | Monthly price, 1 line | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mint Mobile 5GB plan | 5GB | $15 (requires $180 annual payment) | $180 annual payment required for $15 monthly rate |
| Visible Wireless Visible plan | Unlimited data | $25 | Plus plan costs $45/month |
| Verizon Prepaid 15GB plan | 15GB | $35 | Rate reflects $10 autopay discount |
| T-Mobile Go5G Family plan | Unlimited data | $75 | Family of four pays $155, or $38.75 per line |
| AT&T Prepaid Unlimited plan | Unlimited data | $25 | $300 annual payment required for plan |
| Boost Mobile Unlimited plan | Unlimited data | $25 | Rate is guaranteed for as long as you remain at Boost |
How We Pick the Best Mobile Plans
Selecting the best mobile plans involves extensive research into the offerings of each carrier. This includes examining plans from the three major carriers, as well as exploring lesser-known MVNOs that often provide more affordable options. After gathering comprehensive data on available smartphone plans, we identify the most cost-effective options.
Beyond pricing, we also evaluate plans based on data allowances—prioritizing unlimited data plans but also including tiered data plans as not all users require unlimited data. Plan perks are also considered in our evaluations.
Network coverage is a significant factor, primarily assessed through third-party testing and national average download speeds. Coverage can vary regionally and even locally, so it’s advisable to consult with friends, family, and neighbors about network reliability in your specific areas and then choose from the plans highlighted here that utilize different wireless networks.
Given the frequent changes in mobile carrier plans, we regularly update our recommendations, typically monthly, to reflect pricing and perk adjustments. We also highlight promotional offers that can further reduce the cost of a new mobile plan.
How to Choose the Best Mobile Plan for You
Price is a critical factor when comparing mobile plans, especially for families needing multiple lines. Most carriers offer tiered discounts for adding lines, so comparing the total plan cost based on the number of lines needed is essential.
However, mobile plans involve more than just monthly costs. As mentioned, consider network coverage in your area and compatibility with your phone. Our guide to the best phone carriers can address many of these considerations. Additionally, inquire about specific carrier coverage at your home and workplace if you’re considering switching providers.
Switching carriers often comes with incentives. Major carriers frequently offer promotions to attract new customers. Monitor these carrier deals when contemplating a switch, as they can provide additional savings.
Wireless carriers have invested heavily in expanding 5G coverage. If you own a 5G-compatible phone, you can benefit from faster speeds in areas with 5G service. T-Mobile includes 5G access in all plans, extending to MVNOs like Metro by T-Mobile and Mint Mobile that use its network. AT&T now also includes 5G in all plans, including prepaid options. Verizon also provides 5G, though access to its faster 5G Ultra Wideband network is plan-dependent.
What Kind of Mobile Plan Do I Need?
(Image credit: AndreyPopov)
Determining the best mobile plan is subjective and depends on individual needs. Consider these factors:
For budget-conscious and flexible users, prepaid mobile plans are an excellent choice. They are often the most affordable and offer contract-free service, ideal for those who switch carriers frequently.
If you frequently stream video, play online games, or use significant amounts of data, an unlimited plan is recommended, especially as 5G availability increases.
For more detailed guidance, refer to our guide on how much data you need in your cell phone plan.
Family mobile plans are a cost-effective way to save per line, with many carriers reducing per-line costs for each added line. Some carriers, like Verizon and AT&T, allow mixing and matching plans, enabling parents to choose premium unlimited plans while selecting more economical data plans for children to optimize overall savings.
If low cost is your primary concern, carriers like Visible and Boost Mobile offer very competitive rates, often with smaller data caps. Prepaying for a year of service, as with Mint Mobile, can also lower monthly costs.
MVNOs vs. Other Carriers
MVNOs offer a budget-friendly approach to mobile service. But what exactly are they, and how do they differ from major carriers?
The primary carriers are AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile (which absorbed Sprint in 2020). Boost Mobile is also evolving into a national provider with its own network infrastructure.
MVNOs (Mobile Virtual Network Operators) do not own their network infrastructure. Instead, they lease network access from one of the major carriers. This business model allows them to offer significantly lower prices but may also mean they experience deprioritization during peak network usage and have fewer added benefits compared to major carriers.
Our MVNO guide provides further details, but key MVNO examples include:
- Mint Mobile (T-Mobile network)
- Metro by T-Mobile (T-Mobile network)
- Tello (T-Mobile network)
- Cricket Wireless (AT&T network)
- Visible (Verizon network)
- Xfinity Mobile (Verizon network)
