The new year is here, and it’s the perfect moment to re-evaluate your mobile expenses, starting with your cell phone plan. Are you truly getting the best value, or could you potentially save money while enjoying more data and better service? Exploring and Compare Wireless Plans available in the market can reveal significant savings and improved benefits, ensuring you’re not overpaying for your mobile connectivity.
For over a decade, I’ve been immersed in the world of cell phone plans at Tom’s Guide, constantly tracking price fluctuations and plan features. One key insight I’ve gained is the immense value hidden beyond the well-known major carriers. While giants like AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon offer solid plans – and we’ll highlight some of their best options – smaller carriers often provide a more compelling proposition: more data for less money.
Coverage concerns? Put them aside. These smaller, often referred to as MVNOs (Mobile Virtual Network Operators), operate on the very same networks as the big three. So, if you experience reliable coverage from a major provider in your area, you’ll receive the same dependable service from any discount carrier utilizing that network. We’ll clearly identify which network each smaller carrier uses, simplifying your choice.
When evaluating cell phone plans, my primary focus boils down to value: how much data am I receiving for my monthly expense? Beyond data, network performance and extra perks also play crucial roles in determining the overall best plans.
My top recommendations for the best wireless plans lean towards budget-friendly options like Mint Mobile and Visible. Visible, in particular, is currently offering an exceptional deal extending through January, significantly reducing your monthly bill for two years. However, for those who prefer the stability of established providers, I’ll also detail the best plans from Verizon, T-Mobile, and AT&T.
Quick Overview: Top Wireless Plan Picks
- Mint Mobile: Best Overall Wireless Plan
- Visible: Best Cheap Unlimited Data Plan
- Verizon: Best Tiered Data Plan
- T-Mobile: Best Family Wireless Plan
- AT&T: Best Pay-in-Advance Plan for Bulk Data
- Boost Mobile: Guaranteed Price Wireless Plan
Written by
Written by Philip Michaels, Managing Editor, Mobile at Tom’s Guide. With extensive experience covering mobile technology since 1999 and specializing in phones and cell phone plans since 2015, Philip offers expert insights into the wireless industry. Based in Northern California, he continuously monitors carrier offerings to provide up-to-date comparisons and recommendations.
Mint Mobile: The Best Overall Wireless Plan
1. Mint Mobile
Best Overall Plan
Mint Mobile stands out as the best overall wireless plan for individuals seeking significant savings on their monthly cell phone bill. Their plans are exceptionally affordable, especially when considering the data allowances provided.
Plan Specifications:
- Data Amount: 5GB
- Monthly Cost: $15
- Parent Network: T-Mobile
Why Choose Mint Mobile?
- Unbeatable Affordability: Mint Mobile’s plans are among the most budget-friendly available, starting at just $15 per month.
- Generous Data Options: While the $15 plan offers 5GB, Mint provides a range of plans up to unlimited data, all competitively priced.
Things to Consider:
- Annual Prepayment Required for Best Rates: To secure the lowest monthly rates, Mint Mobile requires prepayment for a year of service. While this upfront cost is higher, the long-term savings are substantial.
Mint Mobile has carved a niche by offering incredibly low monthly payments for cell phone service, with a unique payment structure.
Let’s delve into Mint Mobile’s plan lineup. You’ll find options ranging from 5GB of data up to an unlimited data plan. The pricing structure starts at $15/month for 5GB, incrementally increasing by $5 for 15GB ($20), 20GB ($25), and their unlimited plan ($30). For most users, 5GB is generally sufficient for everyday use, making the base plan an excellent value. Even if you exceed your data limit, Mint doesn’t impose overage fees; instead, they simply reduce your data speeds for the remainder of the month.
For new customers, Mint Mobile offers an enticing introductory rate: the first three months of any plan are priced at just $15 per month, requiring an initial payment of $45. However, to unlock Mint’s truly rock-bottom rates – like the $15/month for the 5GB plan – you need to commit to a full year of service. This annual commitment translates to a one-time payment of $180 for the 5GB plan. Similarly, the unlimited plan requires a $360 upfront payment to lock in the $30 monthly rate. While this lump-sum payment might seem significant, it results in considerable long-term savings compared to traditional monthly billing from other carriers.
Currently, Mint Mobile features an exceptional limited-time offer on their unlimited data plan. By committing to a year of service upfront, the monthly cost is slashed in half. This means you can secure a full year of unlimited data for just $180, a substantial discount from the regular $360 annual price. However, this offer is time-sensitive and typically has an expiration date.
Mint Mobile’s blend of low introductory pricing and deeply discounted monthly rates presents a compelling option for budget-conscious consumers who are comfortable with an annual payment structure. However, those who prefer the flexibility of month-to-month billing will need to explore alternative providers.
Mint Mobile | 5GB Plan | $15/month – Best Overall Wireless Plan: Mint’s 5GB plan is an ideal budget-friendly option for most users, providing ample data for social media, web browsing, and navigation apps. After an initial $45 payment for the first three months, a $180 annual payment unlocks the lowest monthly rate of $15. Mint Mobile utilizes T-Mobile’s network, ensuring broad coverage and 5G service on compatible devices.
Visible: Best Cheap Unlimited Data Plan
2. Visible
Best Unlimited Plan
Visible stands out as the best choice for individuals seeking affordable, truly unlimited data. With straightforward plan options and competitive pricing, Visible provides excellent value, especially for single-line users.
Plan Specifications:
- Data Amount: Unlimited
- Monthly Cost: $25
- Parent Network: Verizon
Why Choose Visible?
- Budget-Friendly Unlimited Data: Visible’s base plan offers unlimited data at a remarkably low price of $25 per month, significantly undercutting many competitors.
- Reliable Network Performance: Visible leverages Verizon’s extensive nationwide network, ensuring strong coverage and dependable service.
Things to Consider:
- No Multi-Line Discounts: Visible’s plans are primarily designed for single lines. Families seeking multi-line discounts may find better value elsewhere.
Visible simplifies wireless plan selection with just two unlimited data plans. Both are excellent choices for individuals needing a single line of service. Families needing multiple lines might find carriers like T-Mobile, which offer per-line discounts, more economical.
Visible’s basic plan is priced at $25/month, providing unlimited data, talk, and text on Verizon’s expansive network (Visible is owned by Verizon). It also includes unlimited calls and texts to Canada and Mexico, and mobile hotspot capability. However, a potential drawback is that data speeds may be temporarily slowed during periods of network congestion.
For users demanding guaranteed high-speed data, Visible offers the $45 Visible+ plan. This premium option provides 50GB of guaranteed premium data without any throttling, along with access to Verizon’s faster 5G Ultra Wideband network where available. In my experience, Verizon’s nationwide 5G network is generally fast enough for most users, unless you’re consistently engaging in very data-intensive activities.
Visible+ also includes a Global Pass for international roaming for one day (normally a $10 add-on) and the ability to add a cellular smartwatch to your plan at no additional cost – a feature that typically costs around $10 per month with major carriers. For frequent travelers or smartwatch users, Visible+ offers significant added value.
Visible frequently offers promotions, making their plans even more attractive. For example, using the code “SWITCH25” may significantly reduce monthly rates for a limited time, potentially dropping the standard Visible plan to $20/month and Visible+ to just $30/month for an extended period.
Visible also offers annual payment options, providing further savings compared to month-to-month billing. For instance, the $25/month unlimited plan can be prepaid annually for $275. Existing Visible customers can also switch to annual billing.
Having tested Visible previously, I found its performance to be generally consistent with Verizon’s network, with occasional speed variations depending on location and time of day. However, with Visible plans costing significantly less than Verizon’s own unlimited plans, it’s a worthwhile trade-off for budget-conscious consumers.
Visible | Visible Unlimited | $25/month – Best Cheap Unlimited Data: While the $45 Visible+ plan offers enhanced perks, Visible’s standard $25 unlimited plan is the top choice for those seeking the most affordable unlimited data without long-term contracts. Both plans become even cheaper with promotional codes. Visible utilizes Verizon’s extensive network, including 5G coverage, and both plans include taxes and fees in the quoted monthly rate.
Verizon: Best Tiered Data Plan
3. Verizon
Best Tiered Data Plan
For users who prefer the reliability and extensive coverage of a major carrier and need a solid tiered data plan, Verizon’s prepaid options offer a compelling balance of data, coverage, and value.
Plan Specifications:
- Data Amount: 15GB
- Monthly Cost: $35
- Parent Network: Verizon
Why Choose Verizon Prepaid?
- Generous Data Allowance: The 15GB data plan provides ample data for most average users.
- Excellent Coverage and Speed: Verizon is renowned for its robust network, offering excellent coverage and fast speeds nationwide.
- Nationwide 5G Coverage: Access to Verizon’s nationwide 5G network is included.
Things to Consider:
- Not the Cheapest Prepaid Option: While competitive, Verizon’s prepaid plans might not be the absolute cheapest available compared to some MVNOs.
- No Ultra Wideband 5G Access on this Plan: This specific prepaid plan doesn’t include access to Verizon’s fastest Ultra Wideband 5G network.
Verizon’s postpaid plans primarily focus on unlimited data, with entry-level options starting at a higher price point. However, for cost-conscious consumers seeking value from Verizon, their prepaid plans are the ideal choice. Verizon prepaid plans not only offer more attractive pricing but also help maintain predictable wireless expenses.
Verizon offers three prepaid plans, with two being unlimited. However, the 15GB plan stands out as the most balanced option. 15GB is typically sufficient for the average user, preventing overspending on unnecessary data. The standard monthly rate for this plan is $45, but enrolling in autopay immediately reduces the cost to $35 per month, bringing Verizon’s pricing closer to discount carriers like Mint and Visible.
Perks are minimal with the 15GB prepaid plan, but it does include Verizon’s reliable nationwide 5G coverage. For users desiring more features from Verizon prepaid, the $60/month unlimited plan offers faster Ultra Wideband 5G speeds and 25GB of hotspot data. However, the $35 15GB plan remains the more affordable and practical choice for most users’ data needs.
Verizon | 15GB Prepaid | $35/month – Best Tiered Data Plan: Verizon’s prepaid 15GB plan offers an excellent mix of price and data. 15GB is generally sufficient for most users, and the autopay discount lowers the monthly rate to $35. (Loyalty discounts can also reduce the rate to $35 over time even without autopay). Perks are basic, but 5G coverage and mobile hotspot functionality are included.
T-Mobile: Best Family Wireless Plan
4. T-Mobile
Best Cell Phone Plan for Families
T-Mobile’s Go5G plan is an excellent choice for families seeking a feature-rich unlimited plan with attractive multi-line discounts and valuable perks.
Plan Specifications:
- Data Amount: Unlimited
- Monthly Cost: $200 (4 lines)
- Parent Network: T-Mobile
Why Choose T-Mobile Go5G for Families?
- Significant Multi-Line Discounts: T-Mobile offers substantial discounts as you add lines to your Go5G plan, making it highly cost-effective for families.
- Valuable Perks Included: Go5G includes a Netflix subscription and taxes & fees are typically included in the price.
- Reliable Unlimited Data: Data speeds are not throttled unless you exceed a generous 100GB monthly data usage.
Things to Consider:
- Plan Flexibility: T-Mobile doesn’t allow mixing and matching different unlimited data plan tiers within family plans.
T-Mobile’s Go5G plan is a strong contender for individuals seeking an unlimited plan with more benefits than basic options like Visible, while remaining reasonably priced. A single Go5G line costs $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 shines when adding multiple lines for families.
As you add lines to the Go5G plan, T-Mobile progressively discounts the cost per line. For a family of four, the total cost is currently $155/month for four lines, as T-Mobile is temporarily waiving the cost of the third line. This brings the per-line cost down to an attractive $38.75. Even at the standard rate without the waived line, the per-line cost would still be just $45 for four lines. This multi-line discount structure solidifies T-Mobile Go5G as a top pick for the best family cell phone plan, as the per-line cost decreases with each added member.
Within T-Mobile’s extensive unlimited plan portfolio, Go5G strikes an optimal balance of price and features. A Netflix Standard subscription is bundled with plans of two or more lines, and six months of Apple TV Plus are also included. Go5G travel perks include free in-flight texting and video & music streaming on four flights annually.
The upgraded Go5G Plus plan is available for a slightly higher price, offering even more premium streaming and travel benefits. However, for most families, the standard Go5G plan provides the most compelling combination of features and affordability.
T-Mobile Go5G | 4-Line Family Plan | $155/month – Best Family Plan: In addition to unlimited data and attractive per-line discounts for families, Go5G offers appealing perks including 15GB of hotspot data and enhanced data roaming in Canada and Mexico. Go5G Plus offers even more premium perks, but Go5G remains the more affordable option. With T-Mobile waiving the cost of the third line, a four-line plan drops to $155/month (including a $20 autopay discount), down from the standard $180.
AT&T: Best Pay-in-Advance Plan for Bulk Data
5. AT&T
Best Value for Paying in Advance
AT&T’s prepaid annual plan offers exceptional value for users who are comfortable with a one-time upfront payment in exchange for a significantly reduced monthly rate and a generous data allowance.
Plan Specifications:
- Data Amount: Unlimited data
- Monthly Cost: $25
- Parent Network: AT&T
Why Choose AT&T Prepaid Annual Plan?
- High Data Allowance: Unlimited data with a substantial 16GB of high-speed data.
- Lowest Monthly Cost: Achieves a very low effective monthly cost of $25.
Things to Consider:
- Large Upfront Payment: Requires a significant $300 annual payment.
- Data Speed Throttling: Speeds may be reduced after 16GB of high-speed data usage within a month.
Similar to Verizon, AT&T’s postpaid plans are primarily focused on unlimited data, but their prepaid options offer better value for budget-conscious users. AT&T mirrors Mint Mobile’s approach by offering an annual prepaid plan that provides substantial data in return for a large upfront payment, but AT&T manages to deliver an even lower effective monthly cost.
Specifically, AT&T’s unlimited data prepaid plan offers a remarkably low $25 monthly rate when you commit to a year of service. This requires a $300 upfront payment, but in return, you secure a lower monthly rate than Mint Mobile’s unlimited data plan.
However, there’s a data limitation with AT&T’s plan: high-speed data is capped at 16GB per month. After exceeding this, speeds are reduced. Mint Mobile offers a more generous 40GB high-speed data cap on their unlimited plan. AT&T anticipates that 16GB will be sufficient for most users, and in many cases, they are likely correct. However, exceeding 16GB will result in reduced speeds of 1.5Mbps for the remainder of the billing cycle.
As mentioned, the full year’s payment is required upfront. But for users comfortable with a $300 payment, the locked-in low monthly rate makes this AT&T prepaid option very appealing.
AT&T | Unlimited 12-Month Prepaid | $25/month – Great Value on AT&T: Major carriers typically don’t offer the best value prepaid plans, which are more common from MVNOs. However, AT&T offers a slightly more affordable and flexible option compared to Verizon. While monthly payments are available, the best value is achieved with the 12-month prepaid plan, costing $300 upfront. This provides unlimited data, though speeds may be reduced after 16GB of monthly usage. For those preferring monthly payments, AT&T offers a 5GB plan for $30 per month.
Boost Mobile: Guaranteed Price Wireless Plan
6. Boost Mobile
Lifetime Price Guarantee
Boost Mobile distinguishes itself by offering a unique price guarantee on its unlimited plan, providing long-term cost certainty in a fluctuating market.
Plan Specifications:
- Data Amount: Unlimited
- Monthly Cost: $25
- Parent Network: Dish (utilizing AT&T and T-Mobile for extended coverage)
Why Choose Boost Mobile’s Price Guarantee Plan?
- Locked-in Low Price: Guarantees the $25/month rate will remain unchanged as long as you remain a Boost customer on this plan.
- Extensive Network Coverage: Leverages a combination of Dish’s own network and partnerships with AT&T and T-Mobile for broad coverage.
Things to Consider:
- Limited Perks: This plan is focused on affordability and price guarantee, with fewer additional perks compared to some competitors.
Boost Mobile has transitioned from an MVNO to a standalone carrier, building its own network to compete with the major players. To highlight its status as a national carrier, Boost offers several unlimited plans, with one standing out due to its unique price guarantee, particularly valuable in a market with shifting prices.
Boost Mobile’s standard unlimited plan is priced at $25/month, matching Visible’s rate for month-to-month unlimited service. However, Boost’s standout feature is its guarantee that customers signing up for this plan will always pay $25/month, as long as they maintain active service with Boost.
This price guarantee provides predictability and cost certainty for your monthly cell phone bill. While some Boost plans include taxes and fees, the $25 unlimited plan typically does not. The plan includes 30GB of high-speed data before potential speed slowdowns, offering a more generous high-speed data allowance than Visible’s $25 unlimited plan, where speeds can be slowed at any time due to network congestion.
Regardless of additional perks, Boost Mobile’s plan prioritizes cost certainty, a valuable feature for many consumers seeking budget stability.
Boost Mobile | Unlimited Data | $25/month — The Same Price Forever: For those prioritizing long-term cost predictability, Boost Mobile’s cheapest unlimited plan offers a locked-in rate. While perks are minimal beyond 30GB of high-speed data, you gain the assurance of a consistent monthly price as long as you maintain service with Boost and enroll in autopay.
Best Cell Phone Plans Compared
To provide a clear side-by-side comparison of the best cell phone plans, the table below summarizes their key features and monthly costs for a single line. It highlights plans like Mint Mobile and AT&T that require annual payments and includes notes on family plan pricing for T-Mobile Go5G.
As shown, AT&T, Boost, and Visible offer the lowest rates for unlimited data, while Mint Mobile’s 5GB plan is the most affordable overall. T-Mobile’s strength lies in its multi-line discounts for families.
(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 Select the Best Cell Phone Plans
Our process for identifying the best cell phone plans involves comprehensive research into the offerings of each carrier. We meticulously examine plans from the three major carriers (AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon) and extend our search to include lesser-known MVNOs, which often provide more budget-friendly options. After gathering extensive data on available smartphone plans, we pinpoint the most cost-effective choices.
Beyond just low prices, we also evaluate plans offering attractive data allowances. While unlimited data plans are a primary focus, we also include tiered data plans as not all users require unlimited data. Plan perks and extra features are also factored into our evaluations.
Network coverage is a significant consideration, primarily based on third-party testing and nationwide media averages for download speeds. Coverage can vary significantly by region and even within neighborhoods. Therefore, it’s always advisable to consult with local friends, family, and neighbors to determine the most reliable carrier in your specific area and then choose from the plans we’ve highlighted from various wireless providers.
Given the dynamic nature of cell phone plan offerings, we regularly review and update our rankings at least monthly to reflect any changes in pricing or plan features. When available, we also highlight limited-time promotions that can offer additional savings on new cell phone plans.
Choosing the Right Cell Phone Plan for You
Price is a crucial factor when selecting a cell phone plan, especially if you need multiple lines for family members. Most carriers offer tiered discounts as you add lines, so comparing the total plan cost based on the number of lines needed is essential.
However, cell phone plans encompass more than just the monthly bill. Coverage reliability in your area and compatibility with your desired phone are equally important. Our guide to the best phone carriers can address many of these questions. Additionally, inquiring about specific carrier coverage at your home and workplace is advisable when considering switching providers.
Switching carriers can also unlock savings, as major providers often offer incentives to attract new customers. These promotions are constantly evolving, so monitoring new carrier deals when considering a switch can reveal additional cost-saving opportunities.
Wireless carriers have invested heavily in expanding their 5G networks. If you own a 5G-compatible phone and have 5G coverage in your area, you can experience significantly faster speeds. T-Mobile includes 5G coverage with all its plans, extending to MVNOs like Metro by T-Mobile and Mint Mobile that utilize T-Mobile’s network. AT&T now also includes 5G across its plans, including prepaid options. Verizon provides 5G access as well, although access to their faster 5G Ultra Wideband network is plan-dependent.
Determining Your Ideal Cell Phone Plan
(Image credit: AndreyPopov)
The “best” cell phone plan is subjective and depends entirely on individual needs and priorities. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer.
For budget-conscious users seeking flexibility, prepaid cell phone plans are an excellent option. They are often the most affordable and eliminate the commitment of contracts, which is ideal for those who prefer carrier flexibility.
If you frequently stream video, play online games, or are a heavy data user, an unlimited data plan is highly recommended, especially with the increasing prevalence of 5G networks.
For a deeper dive into data needs, our guide on how much data you need in your cell phone plan provides valuable insights.
Family cell phone plans are a cost-effective way to reduce per-line expenses, as most carriers offer discounted rates for each additional line. Some carriers, like Verizon and AT&T, allow mixing and matching plans, enabling parents to opt for premium unlimited plans while choosing more economical limited data plans for children, optimizing overall cost.
If maximizing savings is your primary goal, carriers like Visible and Boost Mobile offer exceptionally low-cost plans, often with smaller data caps. Paying for a full year of service upfront, as offered by Mint Mobile and AT&T, can also unlock lower monthly rates.
MVNOs vs. Major Carriers: Understanding the Difference
MVNOs offer a budget-friendly route to cell phone service, but understanding their distinctions from major carriers is crucial.
The major carriers are AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile (which absorbed Sprint). Boost Mobile is also striving to establish itself as a nationwide carrier with its own expanding network.
MVNOs (Mobile Virtual Network Operators) do not own and operate their own network infrastructure. Instead, they lease network access from one of the major carriers. This business model allows MVNOs to offer significantly lower prices but often means they experience deprioritization during peak network usage and may have fewer added benefits compared to major carrier plans.
Our MVNO guide provides more in-depth information. 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)
Cell Phone Plans Comparison: Make an Informed Choice
By carefully compare wireless plans and considering your individual data needs, budget, coverage requirements, and desired features, you can confidently select the best cell phone plan to optimize your mobile experience and save money in the process.
