Are you tired of feeling uncertain about whether you’re getting the best value from your current mobile plan? Do you suspect you might be overspending on your monthly wireless service? Comparing cell phone packages is the first step to eliminating those doubts and potentially discovering a more suitable and cost-effective option for you and your family.
After years of experience at Tom’s Guide examining countless cell phone plans, I’ve learned that the most attractive deals often lie beyond the well-known offers from major carriers. While giants like AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon provide solid plans – and we will highlight top picks from each – venturing into the realm of smaller carriers can frequently unlock access to larger data allowances at significantly lower prices.
Coverage concerns? Put them aside. These smaller providers, known as MVNOs (Mobile Virtual Network Operators), operate on the infrastructure of the major networks. Therefore, if you experience strong signal strength from a Big Three carrier in your area, you can expect the same reliable coverage from any discount carrier utilizing that network. To simplify your choice, we’ll clearly identify which network each smaller carrier uses in our cell phone package recommendations.
When evaluating cell phone packages, my primary focus is determining the data value for your monthly payment. I also consider network performance and any additional perks that enhance the overall plan value.
My top recommendations for the best cell phone packages emphasize budget-friendly options from providers like Mint Mobile and Visible. Visible currently has a compelling promotional offer extending into March, making their premium plan even more affordable. For those who prefer the established reliability of larger providers, we’ll also highlight excellent cell phone packages from Verizon, T-Mobile, and AT&T.
Quick Overview: Top Cell Phone Packages
[](Best overall)
- Mint Mobile: Best Overall
The Best Plan Overall
Starting at just $15 per month, Mint Mobile offers substantial savings on your cell phone expenses. These low rates apply to your initial three months of service, after which committing to a year-long plan secures your discounted rate.
[](Best cheap unlimited data)
2. Visible: Best Value Unlimited Data
Best Unlimited Plan
Visible presents two straightforward plans, both featuring unlimited data. The more economical option delivers Verizon network coverage for only $25 monthly – even more affordable than Mint. A current promotion reduces the cost of Visible’s premium unlimited plan to $35 per month.
[](Best tiered data plan)
3. Verizon: Best Tiered Data Package
Best Tiered Data Plan
Verizon’s prepaid plan is a standout, priced at just $35 per month with auto-payment enrollment. It includes 15GB of data, usable as hotspot data, and Verizon’s nationwide 5G coverage.
[](Best family plan)
4. T-Mobile: Best Family Cell Phone Package
Best Family Plan
T-Mobile’s Go5G plan is an excellent unlimited choice, particularly advantageous for families. While four lines are typically $200 monthly, a current discount eliminates the third line cost, generating significant savings. This family package also includes a Netflix subscription and covers taxes and fees.
[](Bulk data)
5. AT&T: Best Pay-in-Advance Package
Best Pay-in-Advance Plan
AT&T excels with its substantial data offering when you prepay for a year. This lowers your monthly expense to $25 for unlimited data, with 16GB at high speeds.
[](Guaranteed rate)
6. Boost Mobile: Guaranteed Rate Package
Locked-in Rate
Boost Mobile presents three plan options, with their most appealing being the most affordable. The $25 unlimited plan lacks frills but guarantees your rate will remain constant as long as you maintain active service.
Explore Boost Mobile in Detail
Written by Philip Michaels
The Best Cell Phone Plan Overall
1. Mint Mobile
The Best Cell Phone Plan Overall
Plan Specifications
Data Allowance: 5GB
Monthly Price: $15
Network Provider: T-Mobile
Advantages
- Highly Affordable
- Generous Data Options
Disadvantages
- Annual Prepayment Required for Best Rate
Mint Mobile is a prime choice if you are seeking a low monthly bill for your cell phone service. However, this affordability comes with a condition.
Let’s first examine the best Mint Mobile packages. They offer a range of options starting from 5GB of data up to an unlimited data package. Mint’s pricing begins at $15 per month for 5GB and increases in $5 increments for 15GB ($20), 20GB ($25), and unlimited ($30). Since 5GB is adequate for most users, this plan is frequently recommended, though all Mint’s options are competitively priced. Even if you exceed your data limit, Mint simply reduces your data speeds for the remainder of the month, avoiding overage charges.
The initial three months of any Mint plan are offered at their lowest monthly rate. For the 5GB plan, this is $15, totaling $45 for the trial period. After this, you must decide: committing to a full year of service preserves this rate, but requires a one-time payment of $180 for the 5GB plan. For the unlimited plan, a $360 upfront payment locks in the $30 monthly rate. (A current promotion reduces the unlimited monthly rate to $25 when you pay $300 for a year, saving $60 annually.) This is a substantial upfront cost, but the benefit is a lower monthly expense compared to other carriers.
With its attractive introductory rate and low monthly costs, Mint is a compelling option for those who can manage the annual payment. Customers preferring month-to-month billing will need to explore other providers.
Best Overall Cell Phone Package: Mint’s 5GB plan is the top budget-friendly option for most, providing sufficient data for social media, web browsing, and maps. Following a $45 three-month trial, a $180 annual payment secures the lowest $15 monthly rate. Coverage is powered by T-Mobile’s network and includes 5G service on compatible devices.
Mint Mobile | 5GB Plan | $15/month – Best Overall Cell Phone Package
Mint’s 5GB plan is the top budget-friendly option for most, providing sufficient data for social media, web browsing, and maps. Following a $45 three-month trial, a $180 annual payment secures the lowest $15 monthly rate. Coverage is powered by T-Mobile’s network and includes 5G service on compatible devices.
The Best Unlimited Data Package
2. Visible
The Best Unlimited Data Package
Plan Specifications
Data Allowance: Unlimited
Monthly Price: $25
Network Provider: Verizon
Advantages
- Economical Rate
- Excellent Network Performance
Disadvantages
- No Multi-Line Discounts
Visible offers just two plans, both with unlimited data. Either is excellent if you only need a single line. Visible does not offer discounts for multiple lines, so families are better served by carriers like T-Mobile with more aggressive multi-line pricing.
Focusing on Visible, the basic plan is $25 per month. It uses Verizon’s nationwide network – Visible is owned by Verizon – and includes unlimited calls and texts to Canada and Mexico. Mobile hotspot capability is also included. The primary drawback of the basic plan is potential speed throttling during Verizon network congestion.
The $45 Visible Plus plan guarantees 50GB of premium data without speed reductions and offers access to Verizon’s faster 5G Ultra Wideband network where available. The absence of data throttling is a significant advantage, as Verizon’s nationwide 5G is generally fast enough unless you are a heavy data user.
Visible Plus also includes a Global Pass for one day of international use – typically $10 – and the option to add a cellular smartwatch at no additional cost (major carriers usually charge around $10 per extra device). If you own a smartwatch or travel frequently, Visible Plus is preferable to the basic plan.
Visible Plus is currently even more attractive with a promotion reducing the monthly cost to $35 with the code ‘35PLUS’. This offer ends March 31st, making now the opportune time to switch if you’re considering it.
Visible also allows annual service payments, providing further savings over month-to-month billing. For instance, the $25 monthly unlimited plan can be prepaid for $275 annually. Existing Visible customers can also switch to annual billing.
Testing Visible previously, I found performance comparable to Verizon, with occasional slower speeds in certain locations and at peak times. However, with Visible plans costing at least $20 less than Verizon’s cheapest unlimited plan, it represents excellent value.
Best Cheap Unlimited Data Package: Despite the enhanced perks of Visible’s $45 Plus plan, the $25 unlimited plan is our top choice for the most affordable unlimited data without conditions. Visible utilizes Verizon’s network for coverage, including 5G. Both Visible plans include taxes and fees in their prices.
Visible | Visible Unlimited Plan | $25/month – Best Cheap Unlimited Data Package
Despite the enhanced perks of Visible’s $45 Plus plan, the $25 unlimited plan is our top choice for the most affordable unlimited data without conditions. Visible utilizes Verizon’s network for coverage, including 5G. Both Visible plans include taxes and fees in their prices.
The Best Tiered Data Package
3. Verizon
Best Tiered Data Package
Plan Specifications
Data Allowance: 15GB
Monthly Price: $35
Network Provider: Verizon
Advantages
- Substantial Data Allocation
- Excellent Coverage and Speeds
- Nationwide 5G Coverage
Disadvantages
- Not the Cheapest Prepaid Option
- No Access to Verizon’s Ultra Wideband 5G
Verizon’s postpaid plans are primarily focused on unlimited data, with the most affordable option starting at $65 per month. While these are among the best unlimited data plans available, those seeking the best value from Verizon should consider their prepaid packages, where you pay for data upfront. 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 option is particularly compelling. 15GB is generally sufficient data for average users, preventing overpaying for unused data. Furthermore, Verizon’s $45 monthly rate for 15GB drops by $10 upon enrolling in autopay, making it comparable in price to discount providers like Mint or Visible.
Perks are minimal with the 15GB prepaid plan, though it includes Verizon’s nationwide 5G coverage. (As noted with Visible, 5G speeds are generally sufficient for most users.) For more features in a Verizon prepaid plan, the $60 unlimited plan provides faster Ultra Wideband 5G speeds and 25GB of hotspot data. However, $35 is considerably more affordable, and 15GB should satisfy most data needs.
Best Prepaid Package: Verizon’s prepaid plan strikes a good balance between price and data. 15GB per month is more than adequate for most users, and autopay discounts reduce the monthly rate to $35. (Without autopay, loyalty discounts eventually bring the rate to $35 after nine months of service.) Perks are limited, but 5G coverage and mobile hotspot capability are included.
Verizon | 15GB Prepaid Plan | $35/month – Best Prepaid Package
Verizon’s prepaid plan strikes a good balance between price and data. 15GB per month is more than adequate for most users, and autopay discounts reduce the monthly rate to $35. (Without autopay, loyalty discounts eventually bring the rate to $35 after nine months of service.) Perks are limited, but 5G coverage and mobile hotspot capability are included.
The Best Family Cell Phone Package Overall
4. T-Mobile
Best Cell Phone Package for Families
Plan Specifications
Data Allowance: Unlimited
Monthly Price: $200 (4 lines)
Network Provider: T-Mobile
Advantages
- Included Netflix Subscription
- 5G Access
- No Data Throttling Below 100GB Usage
Disadvantages
- No Mix-and-Match Unlimited Data Options
T-Mobile’s Go5G plan is a strong choice for individuals seeking an unlimited plan with more perks than Visible, and who are willing to pay slightly more. A single Go5G line is $75 per month, offering better value than similarly priced plans from AT&T and Verizon due to T-Mobile’s included travel and streaming benefits. However, the plan truly shines when adding multiple lines.
As lines are added, T-Mobile discounts each additional line, reducing the per-line cost. A family of four pays $155 per month for Go5G, as T-Mobile currently waives the third line charge. This averages to $38.75 per line, and even at full price, four lines would only be $45 each. This structure makes T-Mobile’s Go5G the best family cell phone package, as per-line cost decreases with each added line.
Among T-Mobile’s numerous unlimited options, Go5G offers the optimal balance of price and benefits. A standard Netflix subscription is included with plans of two or more lines, along with six months of Apple TV Plus. Go5G travel perks include unlimited in-flight texting and streaming video and music on four flights annually.
The Go5G Plus plan is slightly more expensive – $30 more than Go5G with the third line discount – but offers additional streaming and travel perks. However, for most families, the standard Go5G plan delivers the best combination of features and affordability.
T-Mobile Go5G Family Plan | 4 Lines | $155/month – Best Family Package
In addition to unlimited data and tiered per-line discounts, Go5G provides attractive family perks, including 15GB of hotspot data and enhanced data usage in Canada and Mexico. Go5G Plus offers even greater benefits, but Go5G is more affordable – and with T-Mobile waiving the third line cost, a four-line plan drops to $155 monthly, instead of the usual $180 (including a $20 autopay discount).
The Best Pay-in-Advance Package
5. AT&T
Best Value for Paying in Advance
Plan Specifications
Data Allowance: Unlimited Data
Monthly Price: $25
Network Provider: AT&T
Advantages
- Generous Data Allowance
- Low Monthly Cost
Disadvantages
- Significant Upfront Payment Required
- Speeds Throttled After 16GB Usage
Like Verizon, AT&T offers postpaid unlimited data plans, but their prepaid options provide better value, particularly the annual plan which echoes Mint Mobile’s strategy of trading substantial data for a large upfront payment. AT&T even surpasses Mint with a lower monthly cost.
AT&T’s unlimited data plan offers a low $25 monthly rate with a year-long commitment. This requires a $300 upfront payment, but provides a lower monthly rate than Mint’s unlimited plan.
However, AT&T limits high-speed data to 16GB on this unlimited plan before throttling speeds. Mint recently removed its data cap on unlimited plans, allowing unrestricted usage without slowdowns. AT&T anticipates most users will not exceed 16GB, which is likely accurate. Nevertheless, exceeding 16GB reduces speeds to 1.5Mbps for the rest of the billing cycle.
As mentioned, the full year must be prepaid. But if a $300 payment is manageable, the locked-in rate enhances the appeal of this AT&T package.
AT&T | Unlimited 12-Month Prepaid Plan | $25/month – Great Value on AT&T
Major carriers rarely offer the best value prepaid plans, which are more common from MVNOs. However, AT&T can be slightly more affordable and flexible than providers like Sprint or Verizon. While monthly payments are available, the best pricing comes with a 12-month prepaid plan for $300 upfront. This provides unlimited data, though speeds may slow after 16GB monthly usage. Monthly payments are available with 5GB of data from AT&T for $30 per month.
Best Cell Phone Package Price Guarantee
6. Boost Mobile
Lifetime Price Guarantee
Plan Specifications
Data Allowance: Unlimited
Monthly Price: $25
Network Provider: Dish
Advantages
- Low Price, Guaranteed Permanently
- Broad Network Coverage
Disadvantages
- Limited Perks
Boost Mobile has transitioned from an MVNO to a network operator competing with AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon. Boost has established its own network, supplemented by AT&T and T-Mobile for expanded coverage. To highlight their national carrier status, Boost offers several unlimited options, with one standing out for its price stability.
Boost charges $25 monthly for its standard unlimited plan, matching Visible’s month-to-month rate. However, Boost distinguishes itself by guaranteeing this $25 monthly rate for the plan’s duration, as long as the customer remains with Boost.
This provides predictable monthly cell phone bills, excluding tax fluctuations. While some Boost plans include taxes and fees, the $25 unlimited plan does not. It does offer 30GB of high-speed data before potential slowdowns, unlike Visible’s $25 plan which may throttle speeds at any time.
Beyond perks, this Boost plan offers cost certainty, a valuable feature in today’s market. A current promotion halves the $25 monthly rate for the first month of Boost service.
The Same Price Forever: For predictable long-term cell phone costs, Boost’s most affordable unlimited plan is ideal. Perks are minimal beyond 30GB of high-speed data, but the locked-in rate is guaranteed as long as you maintain service with Boost and remain enrolled in autopay.
Boost Mobile | Unlimited Data Plan | $25/month — The Same Price Forever
For predictable long-term cell phone costs, Boost’s most affordable unlimited plan is ideal. Perks are minimal beyond 30GB of high-speed data, but the locked-in rate is guaranteed as long as you maintain service with Boost and remain enrolled in autopay.
Cell Phone Packages Compared
To better illustrate the cost of each cell phone package, the chart below compares monthly rates for a single line. It notes plans requiring annual payments (Mint and AT&T) and the family price for T-Mobile’s four-line Go5G plan.
As shown, AT&T, Boost, and Visible offer the lowest unlimited data rates, while Mint’s 5GB plan is the overall cheapest. T-Mobile’s appeal lies in its multi-line discounts for families.
Swipe to scroll horizontally
| Plan | Data Allowance | 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 |
Our Methodology for Selecting Top Cell Phone Packages
Selecting the best cell phone packages involves thorough research into each carrier’s offerings. This includes examining plans from the three major carriers and extending the search to lesser-known MVNOs that often offer more affordable options. After gathering data on available plans, we identify the most cost-effective choices.
Beyond price, we evaluate plans based on data allowance, focusing on unlimited data while also including tiered data plans for users with lighter data needs. Plan perks are also considered in the overall assessment.
Network coverage is factored in, primarily using third-party testing and national average download speeds. Coverage can vary geographically, even within cities. It’s advisable to consult local contacts about reliable coverage in your area and choose from our recommended plans based on provider performance.
Given the dynamic nature of cell phone plans, we regularly update our rankings monthly to reflect pricing or perk changes. We also highlight promotional offers to maximize potential savings on new cell phone packages.
How to Choose the Right Cell Phone Package for You
Price is a major factor when selecting cell phone packages, especially for families needing multiple lines. Most carriers offer tiered discounts for additional lines, so comparing total plan costs based on the number of lines is essential.
However, cell phone packages encompass more than just monthly costs. Coverage reliability in your area and device compatibility are crucial. Our guide to the best phone carriers addresses these questions, but also consider local feedback on carrier coverage at your home and workplace if switching providers.
Switching carriers often comes with incentives. Major carriers frequently offer promotions to attract new customers. Monitoring these deals when considering a switch can unlock additional savings.
Wireless carriers have invested heavily in 5G network expansion. If you have a 5G-compatible phone, you can benefit from faster speeds in 5G-covered areas. T-Mobile includes 5G access in all plans, extending to MVNOs like Metro by T-Mobile and Mint Mobile. AT&T now includes 5G in all plans, including prepaid, as does Verizon, though faster Ultra Wideband 5G access is plan-dependent.
What Type of Cell Phone Package Do You Need?
(Image credit: AndreyPopov)
There’s no universal answer; the optimal plan is personalized. It depends on various factors.
For budget-conscious and flexible users, prepaid cell phone packages are excellent. They are often the cheapest and contract-free, ideal for frequent carrier changes.
For users who regularly stream video, play mobile games, or consume significant data, unlimited plans are highly recommended – especially with expanding 5G availability.
For detailed guidance, consult our guide on determining your cell phone data needs.
Family cell phone packages offer significant per-line savings, with many carriers reducing costs per additional line. Some carriers, like Verizon and AT&T, allow plan mixing, enabling parents to choose premium unlimited plans while opting for more economical data plans for children to reduce overall costs.
For the lowest possible price, providers like Visible and Boost Mobile offer very competitive rates, though potentially with smaller data allowances. Annual prepayment, as with Mint Mobile, can also lower rates.
MVNOs vs. Major Carriers
MVNOs are a unique concept offering budget-friendly cell phone packages. What are they, and how do they differ from major carriers?
The major carriers are AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile (which absorbed Sprint). Boost Mobile is evolving into another national provider with its own network.
MVNOs (Mobile Virtual Network Operators) do not own network infrastructure. They lease network access from major carriers, enabling lower prices but potentially resulting in deprioritization during peak network usage and fewer added benefits.
Our MVNO guide provides further details. Key MVNOs 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)
