Choosing the right mobile phone provider is crucial for reliable service, affordable costs, and responsive customer support. The ideal carrier should offer plans that fit your budget and data needs, provide strong coverage in your frequently visited areas, and address any service or device inquiries promptly. Perks and extra benefits are always a welcome bonus.
For over a decade, we at compare.edu.vn have been evaluating the landscape of cell phone plans to guide our readers to the best options. We meticulously examine plan costs, data allowances, and added perks like streaming service subscriptions and international coverage. Our ongoing price monitoring ensures you get the most up-to-date information.
Coverage reliability is a key factor in our evaluations. While pinpointing exact coverage in every location is challenging, we track overall network performance based on third-party testing and assess the expansion of 5G networks by major carriers.
Based on comprehensive testing and analysis, we recommend Verizon as the top mobile phone provider for its plan flexibility and extensive network reach. (Full disclosure: our team members use Verizon for personal service and can attest to its reliability.) However, T-Mobile stands out as a strong alternative, particularly for its wide array of unlimited plans and leading 5G coverage. It’s also wise to explore smaller carriers known as MVNOs (Mobile Virtual Network Operators) like Visible or Mint Mobile. These providers utilize the networks of larger carriers, often offering more budget-friendly monthly bills and dependable service.
Top Mobile Phone Providers: At a Glance
[](Best overall mobile phone provider: Verizon)
1. Verizon
Best Overall
Verizon excels with its adaptable plans and customizable add-on perks. Its network boasts widespread coverage, and the rapidly expanding 5G network delivers enhanced speeds.
[](Best alternative mobile phone provider: T-Mobile)
2. T-Mobile
Best Verizon Alternative
T-Mobile leads in 5G coverage and provides fast overall speeds. Its diverse unlimited data plans come with attractive pricing and perks, offering consumers a wealth of choices.
[](Best low-cost unlimited coverage mobile phone provider: Visible)
3. Visible
Best Low-Cost Unlimited Data
Visible provides affordable unlimited data through its two simple plans, inclusive of taxes and fees, leveraging Verizon’s extensive network.
[](Best value mobile phone provider: Mint Mobile)
4. Mint Mobile
Best Value for Money
Mint Mobile offers significant savings with low monthly rates, especially when you commit to a year of prepaid service, utilizing T-Mobile’s robust network.
[](Solid plans mobile phone provider: AT&T)
5. AT&T
Solid Plan Variety
AT&T provides appealing prepaid and unlimited options, particularly cost-effective when opting for annual service prepayment. Its 5G network is growing, and overall speeds are impressive.
[](Best mobile phone provider for globe trotters: Google Fi)
6. Google Fi
Best for International Travelers
Google Fi is an excellent choice, especially for Pixel phone users, offering seamless international usage at no extra cost.
Philip Michaels
I’m Philip Michaels, Managing Editor for Mobile Devices at compare.edu.vn. I lead our smartphone coverage and have been tracking the mobile phone carrier industry in the U.S. for a decade. I’ve directed multiple rounds of cellular network testing for compare.edu.vn and was present for the initial U.S. 5G network launch in Chicago in 2019 to assess its performance firsthand (it has improved significantly since). I have informed opinions on virtually every mobile phone provider, regardless of size.
Best Mobile Phone Provider Overall
(Image credit: Verizon)
1. Verizon
The Best Mobile Phone Provider Overall
Specifications:
- Best Unlimited Plan: Unlimited Plus plan at $80/month
- Best Tiered Data Plan: Not Applicable
- Best Prepaid Plan: 15GB plan at $35/month
- 5G Coverage: 250 million people (Ultra Wideband 5G)
- Parent Network: Verizon
Reasons to Choose Verizon:
- Extensive network coverage across the US
- Expanding Ultra Wideband 5G network availability
- Excellent prepaid plan options
Reasons to Consider Alternatives:
- Add-on costs of $10 to wireless plans can accumulate
- Base plan pricing is higher than some competitors
Verizon earns its top ranking as the best mobile phone provider due to its flexible unlimited plans and a rapidly advancing 5G network. Verizon’s Ultra Wideband 5G now reaches approximately 250 million people, delivering superior speeds. While past LTE speed tests placed Verizon at the forefront, recent reports, such as the Rootmetrics report for the first half of 2024, currently position AT&T as the leader in overall speed. However, the same Rootmetrics report still recognizes Verizon as the top overall carrier, and a separate report focusing on 5G speed specifically ranks Verizon as number one.
Verizon’s plan options, while generally pricier than competitors like T-Mobile, have been streamlined for simplicity. The Unlimited Welcome plan, priced at $65/month, provides nationwide 5G coverage with basic features. For enhanced speed and features, the Unlimited Plus plan at $80/month includes faster Ultra Wideband 5G and 30GB of hotspot data. The top-tier Unlimited Ultimate plan ($90/month) doubles hotspot data to 60GB and incorporates international high-speed data.
Verizon offers plan customization through add-ons. For an extra $10 per month, subscribers can choose perks like the Disney streaming bundle or TravelPass benefits for international travel. (The Verizon Disney bundle offers a $12 monthly savings compared to subscribing separately.) These add-ons are flexible, allowing users to activate and deactivate them monthly as needed. Currently, our team members using Verizon do not utilize any add-ons, but anticipate activating the TravelPass for upcoming European travel.
Verizon’s prepaid plans are among the best from major carriers. The 15GB prepaid plan drops to $35 per month with autopay, providing ample data for most users. Unlimited prepaid plans start at $50. Verizon now supports multi-line prepaid accounts with discounts on unlimited data plans.
To encourage 5G adoption, Verizon accepts any phone trade-in, even damaged devices, towards 5G phone upgrades. They have transitioned to 36-month agreements for phone installments and promotional deals, extending the commitment period for customers purchasing phones through Verizon or taking advantage of Verizon phone deals.
Verizon consistently performs well in customer service assessments and offers a broad selection of devices, including Ultra Wideband-compatible phones optimized for their network. Despite a slightly higher monthly cost, Verizon’s superior performance and service quality establish it as the best overall mobile phone provider.
Best Alternative Mobile Phone Provider
(Image credit: T-Mobile)
2. T-Mobile
A Strong Alternative to Verizon
Specifications:
- Best Unlimited Plan: Go5G plan at $75/month
- Best Tiered Data Plan: Not Applicable
- Best Prepaid Plan: 5GB plan at $15/month
- 5G Coverage: 330 million people (nationwide)
- Parent Network: T-Mobile
Reasons to Choose T-Mobile:
- Attractive unlimited plan options
- Affordable tiered data plans
- Excellent subscriber perks
Reasons to Consider Alternatives:
- T-Mobile Connect prepaid plans have data hard caps
While Verizon holds the top position, T-Mobile is a close second, offering compelling plans and extensive 5G coverage. T-Mobile’s plans are generally more affordable than Verizon’s, making T-Mobile an appealing alternative, particularly for users in areas with strong T-Mobile network performance.
T-Mobile boasts some of the best unlimited data plans available, with the Go5G plan at $75/month being a standout. Frequent promotions often waive the cost of a third Go5G line for new customers, making T-Mobile also a strong contender for the best family cell phone plan. For seniors aged 55 and older, T-Mobile offers some of the best cell phone plans for seniors, starting at $60/month for two unlimited data lines. T-Mobile’s senior plans are accessible nationwide to individuals 55 and older, unlike Verizon and AT&T, which restrict senior plans to Florida residents in the same age group.
For enhanced benefits, the Go5G Plus plan offers improved travel and streaming perks compared to Go5G, including an Apple TV Plus subscription. The Go5G Next plan, T-Mobile’s most premium option at $100/month for a single line, allows annual phone upgrades and includes subscriptions to multiple streaming services like Apple TV Plus, Netflix, and Hulu.
For users needing limited data, T-Mobile’s Connect plans offer 5GB, 8GB, and 12GB data options at competitive prices. The 5GB plan is particularly attractive at just $15/month—matching Mint Mobile’s 5GB plan cost without requiring a year-long commitment. However, T-Mobile Connect plans impose hard data caps; once the data limit is reached, service is suspended until the next billing cycle unless more data is purchased. In contrast, many prepaid carriers throttle data speeds upon reaching data limits.
Network performance tests by Ookla in the first half of 2024 showed T-Mobile achieving the fastest speeds among U.S. carriers. Rootmetrics reports T-Mobile leading in 5G availability, though Verizon’s 5G service is now considered faster. Opensignal’s January 2025 report recognized T-Mobile with a clean sweep of overall experience awards, including download speed, and also cited T-Mobile’s 5G coverage and availability as best overall.
T-Mobile’s 5G network extends to over 330 million people nationwide, with 300 million having access to its faster Ultra Capacity 5G. T-Mobile has partnered with SpaceX to launch satellites to expand cellular coverage to remote areas with limited signal.
T-Mobile distinguishes itself with customer perks, such as weekly T-Mobile Tuesday giveaways and the Magenta Status program offering additional benefits. Their Team of Experts program, launched several years ago, aims to enhance customer service experiences.
Best Mobile Phone Provider for Low-Cost Unlimited Data
(Image credit: Visible)
3. Visible
A More Affordable Way to Get Unlimited Data
Specifications:
- Best Unlimited Plan: $45/month
- Best Tiered Data Plan: Not Applicable
- Best Prepaid Plan: Not Applicable
- 5G Coverage: 250 million people (Ultra Wideband 5G)
- Parent Network: Verizon
Reasons to Choose Visible:
- Unlimited data plans starting at $25
- Visible Plus plan includes international calling and faster 5G
- Utilizes Verizon’s extensive network
Reasons to Consider Alternatives:
- Speeds may be slowed during network congestion
- Multi-line discounts are no longer available
Visible, a discount carrier owned by Verizon, makes unlimited data more accessible. The base Visible plan starts at just $25 per month, including all taxes and fees. While basic, the Visible Plus plan, at $45/month, offers significant enhancements for a modest price increase.
The Visible Plus plan is currently even more appealing due to a promotion reducing the monthly cost for 25 months. By using the code ‘SWITCH25’, the monthly cost of Visible Plus drops to $30, and the standard Visible plan becomes $20/month. This promotion is set to end on January 31st, creating a limited-time opportunity to take advantage of these lower rates.
Visible Plus subscribers receive 50GB of premium data before potential slowdowns. Additional perks include international calling to over 30 countries, data roaming in Mexico and Canada, and one Global Pass per month for international data use. Visible Plus also provides faster mobile hotspot speeds and free smartwatch connectivity. A key advantage is access to Verizon’s Ultra Wideband 5G network (the standard plan uses Verizon’s nationwide 5G, which is slower).
Visible now mirrors other budget carriers like Mint Mobile by offering annual prepayment options for lower monthly rates. A year of the standard Visible plan costs $275, saving $25 annually. The savings are greater with a prepaid annual Visible Plus plan, costing $395 and saving $145 off the regular price. Existing customers can also switch to these annual plans.
Initially an iPhone-only carrier, Visible now supports a range of Android phones, from flagship Samsung Galaxy S24 models to budget-friendly options like the Galaxy A35. An early upgrade program allows device upgrades after 50% of the phone is paid off. Customers can also bring their own devices. For Samsung Galaxy and Google Pixel phones with eSIM support, Visible offers a 15-day free trial, a perk previously available only to iPhone users.
Personal experience with Visible’s service has shown network performance comparable to Verizon in terms of reliability. Visible operates with online-only customer service, which has been adequate for many users, although some have reported dissatisfaction with support experiences.
Best Value Mobile Phone Provider
(Image credit: Mint Mobile)
4. Mint Mobile
Low Rates with Upfront Payment
Specifications:
- Best Unlimited Plan: Unlimited data plan at $30/month
- Best Tiered Data Plan: Not Applicable
- Best Prepaid Plan: 15GB plan at $20/month
- 5G Coverage: 330 million people (nationwide)
- Parent Network: T-Mobile
Reasons to Choose Mint Mobile:
- Very low monthly rates, particularly for unlimited data
- Utilizes T-Mobile’s extensive network
- Increased data amounts in April (based on original article date)
Reasons to Consider Alternatives:
- Low rates require a year’s commitment
- Minimal additional perks
Mint Mobile provides some of the most affordable rates in the market, provided you are willing to prepay for service. Currently, a promotional offer allows new customers to pay just $15/month for the first three months, regardless of the chosen plan. (This offer is indicated to end on February 2nd based on the original article’s context.)
After the initial three months, to maintain Mint’s lowest monthly rates, a full year prepayment is required. For the 5GB plan, this equates to $15 per month, or $180 upfront. The unlimited data plan’s best rate is $30/month, requiring a $360 annual payment. It’s worth considering the pros and cons of annual prepayment for cell service.
Another time-sensitive promotion from Mint currently halves the price of unlimited service when prepaid annually, reducing the cost to $180 instead of $360, but this offer expires January 24th (based on the original article context).
Mint offers family plans, although without tiered discounts for adding lines (unlike parent company T-Mobile). Instead, each line on a family plan receives Mint’s discounted prepaid rates. Mint does allow mixing and matching of different data plans across lines, a feature not offered by T-Mobile’s family plans.
Mint’s appeal lies in its low costs and coverage through T-Mobile’s network. Users can expect fast performance where T-Mobile coverage is strong. Mint advertises 5G or 4G LTE coverage availability depending on signal strength, assuming a 5G-compatible device is used.
Mint sells a range of iPhones and Android devices at various price points, and also supports bringing your own phone to their service.
Best Range of Mobile Phone Plans
(Image credit: AT&T)
5. AT&T
Solid Plans if You Know Where to Look
Specifications:
- Best Unlimited Plan: Value Plus plan at $51/month
- Best Tiered Data Plan: 4GB plan at $50/month
- Best Prepaid Plan: Unlimited plan at $25/month (with 12-month prepayment)
- 5G Coverage: 295 million people (nationwide), 230 million people (high-speed)
- Parent Network: AT&T
Reasons to Choose AT&T:
- Extensive network coverage
- Growing 5G network
- Affordable unlimited plan for single users
Reasons to Consider Alternatives:
- No longer includes free HBO Max with plans
- Main plan pricing can be high
While AT&T is a major carrier, it can be easily overlooked compared to Verizon’s network size and T-Mobile’s marketing. However, AT&T offers significant value upon closer inspection.
AT&T’s plan lineup might seem expensive if focusing on the Unlimited Premium plan at $86/month. This plan offers truly unlimited data and free talk, text, and data in 20 Latin American countries. The Unlimited Extra ($76/month) and Unlimited Starter ($66/month) plans offer fewer perks.
However, for single-line users, the Value Plus plan at $51/month is highly competitive. It lacks extra perks beyond 5G access and usage in Mexico and Canada, but provides unlimited data and 5G coverage at a significantly lower price than other AT&T unlimited plans. (Previously, multi-line discounts were not available for Value Plus, but AT&T now offers discounts starting with the third line.)
AT&T also has attractive prepaid options, including an unlimited data plan with a 16GB high-speed data cap for $300 upfront payment, averaging to $25/month. A monthly prepaid unlimited data option with a 30GB high-speed cap is available for $45/month without prepayment.
AT&T generally performs well in network testing. Rootmetrics’ rankings for the first half of 2024 placed AT&T first for fastest coverage and call quality. However, AT&T slipped to second overall after sharing the top spot with Verizon in the latter half of 2023. AT&T’s 5G network covers 295 million people with low-band spectrum and 230 million with faster mid-band 5G.
Best Mobile Phone Provider for Travelers
(Image credit: Google Fi)
6. Google Fi Wireless
The Best Choice for Pixel Users and International Travel
Specifications:
- Best Unlimited Plan: Unlimited plan at $65/month
- Best Tiered Data Plan: Talk & Text at $20/month + $10/GB data
- Best Prepaid Plan: Not Applicable
- 5G Coverage: 330 million people (nationwide)
- Parent Network: T-Mobile
Reasons to Choose Google Fi:
- Pay only for the data you use on flexible plans
- International data and text included in many plans
- Optimized for Google Pixel phones, and select Samsung and Motorola phones
Reasons to Consider Alternatives:
- Cheaper unlimited data options are available from other providers
Now officially named Google Fi Wireless, the service remains largely the same. Google Fi is particularly recommended for users of Google’s Pixel phones, including the Pixel 8a and Pixel 9 models.
Pixel devices are optimized for Google Fi’s network, enabling seamless switching between T-Mobile (Google Fi’s primary network), extended network partners, and secure Wi-Fi. Google Fi also supports select third-party devices, including Samsung Galaxy S24, Z Fold 6, Z Flip 6, and Motorola handsets. iPhones are compatible with Google Fi but do not benefit from network optimization.
Google Fi’s flexible data pricing is attractive for light data users. The plan charges $20 for unlimited talk and text plus $10 per GB of data used, precisely calculated to usage—e.g., 2.5GB costs $25.
Unlimited data plans are also available, with the Unlimited Plus plan at $65/month including international data usage in over 200 countries at no extra cost, making it one of the best international phone plans, although T-Mobile offers broader international travel perks among major carriers. Unlimited Plus also includes a year of YouTube Premium. The Simply Unlimited plan, at $50/month for one line, is more expensive than unlimited options from Visible and Mint Mobile for users not needing international features.
Google Fi allows adding select devices like the Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 or Pixel Watch 3 to any plan without extra connection fees, a unique benefit among carriers.
Mobile Phone Plan Comparison
Here’s a comparison of the best cell phone plans from each of our top mobile phone provider recommendations. Our rankings consider factors beyond plan cost, which explains why Verizon, our top pick, appears with a more expensive unlimited option. While Verizon offers a cheaper unlimited plan, its Welcome Unlimited plan does not include access to its fastest 5G service or the flexibility to add and remove perks.
Swipe to scroll horizontally
| Carrier | Data Amount | Monthly Cost, Single Line |
|---|---|---|
| Verizon | Unlimited | $80 |
| T-Mobile | Unlimited | $75 |
| Visible | Unlimited | $45 |
| Mint Mobile | 5GB | $15 (after $180 annual payment) |
| AT&T | Unlimited | $25 (after $300 annual payment) |
| Google Fi | Unlimited | $65 |
Visible and Mint Mobile offer the most affordable plans, emphasizing low-cost service over added perks. Mint Mobile’s low monthly cost requires an annual prepayment to achieve the best rate, as does the highlighted AT&T prepaid plan.
T-Mobile’s Go5G plan, while slightly cheaper than Verizon’s, includes richer perks, especially for travel and streaming. Google Fi’s plan also provides significant value for travelers, justifying its $65 price point.
Other Mobile Phone Provider Options
Beyond our top six recommendations, numerous other wireless providers may appeal to specific users. While not universally ranked as the best, these carriers offer unique advantages for certain needs.
Boost Mobile
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Boost Mobile, owned by Dish Network, aims to compete with major carriers by focusing on low-cost unlimited plans. Its cheapest unlimited plan starts at $25/month with a “lifetime” price guarantee, locking in your rate. The Boost Infinite Access plan, starting at $65/month, allows annual upgrades to new iPhones or Galaxy flagships.
Boost is developing its own network, while still utilizing AT&T and T-Mobile towers for extended coverage. Boost’s 5G network aimed to cover about 80% of the U.S. by early 2025.
Explore Boost Mobile plans
Consumer Cellular
Consumer Cellular is popular among seniors due to its straightforward plans and a 5% AARP member discount. The 10GB plan at $35 for a single line is attractive, with options ranging from 1GB ($20/month) to unlimited data ($50/month).
Using both AT&T and T-Mobile networks, Consumer Cellular offers broad coverage. While some criticize its customer service, it is generally considered user-friendly for plan management and cost savings.
Explore Consumer Cellular plans
Cricket Wireless
Cricket Wireless, owned by AT&T, provides access to AT&T’s network at lower prices. Data speeds might be throttled during AT&T network congestion, but Cricket no longer imposes speed caps on its plans, making it a more appealing option.
Cricket plans start at $30/month for 5GB of data, with multi-line discounts. The $60/month unlimited plan includes perks like 15GB hotspot data and a free ad-supported Max streaming subscription, uncommon for prepaid carriers.
Explore Cricket Wireless plans
Xfinity Mobile
Xfinity Mobile, from Comcast, is a compelling option for Xfinity internet customers. Unlimited plans start at $40/month, with additional lines at $20 each, making a four-line family plan $100 total ($25 per line).
Xfinity Mobile uses Verizon’s network, including 5G, supplemented by Xfinity mobile hotspots. They offer current flagship phones and support bring-your-own-device.
Explore Xfinity Mobile plans
Key Considerations When Choosing a Mobile Phone Provider
When comparing mobile phone providers, prioritize network coverage in your frequently used locations (home, work, etc.). Ask friends and family about their network experiences in your area. Third-party network testing reports can provide general performance insights.
Consider discount carriers (MVNOs) if you are open to options beyond major providers. MVNOs use larger networks, so verify which network they use to ensure good local coverage.
Evaluate plans and pricing based on your data needs. Determine if you need unlimited data or if a tiered data plan suffices. Our analysis of best cell phone plans can help you find a suitable plan.
(Image credit: 10’000 Hours)
Also, consider plan perks such as streaming service subscriptions, hotspot data, and international usage. Major carriers often offer more perks, while discount and prepaid services typically offer fewer extras.
Our Mobile Phone Carrier Testing Methodology
Our network performance testing has included on-site speed tests in eight U.S. cities using Ookla’s Speedtest app to measure download speeds. We also conduct real-world tests by timing app downloads from Google Play. Due to recent travel limitations, we have emphasized third-party network performance reports from RootMetrics, Opensignal, and Ookla.
Below is a summary of recent data from these firms, showing median download speeds for the major carriers (MVNO speeds are generally similar to their parent network, but may be slower during network congestion).
Swipe to scroll horizontally
| Carrier Speeds | Ookla (5G) | Opensignal (5G) | RootMetrics (5G + LTE) |
|---|---|---|---|
| AT&T | 131.6 Mbps | 155.1 Mbps | 140.7 Mbps |
| T-Mobile | 228.2 Mbps | 238.3 Mbps | 307.6 Mbps |
| Verizon | 191.6 Mbps | 136.5 Mbps | 152.2 Mbps |
| Testing Period | 2Q, 2024 | January 2025 | 1H, 2024 |
We regularly review cell phone plans, comparing data allowances and unlimited plan variations across providers. We also evaluate best prepaid phone plans to assess the trade-offs for lower prices.
Past customer support testing involved anonymous inquiries to carriers about services and phones via phone and social media (Twitter and Facebook).
Finally, we note plan perks, such as streaming service add-ons, hotspot data, regular giveaways, and international data roaming.
