Looking to cut your cell phone bill without sacrificing quality service? Comparing prepaid mobile plans is the smartest way to achieve significant savings this year. Prepaid plans offer a predictable monthly cost, eliminating bill surprises, and often provide incredible value compared to traditional postpaid contracts from major carriers. The best part? Many of today’s top prepaid options rival even the best overall cell phone plans in terms of data allowances and features.
For a decade, we’ve been immersed in the world of mobile plans at Tom’s Guide, witnessing firsthand the evolution of prepaid services. Gone are the days of limited data and bare-bones features. Now, you can find prepaid plans with generous data options, including unlimited data, at surprisingly affordable prices. Leading the pack is Mint Mobile, boasting unlimited data for as low as $30, and even more budget-friendly options exist for those seeking maximum value.
The secret to these savings lies in Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs). These providers leverage the existing networks of major carriers, allowing them to offer competitive pricing. While some perks might be trimmed to keep costs down, the core service remains robust, delivering reliable coverage and data.
When evaluating prepaid plans, key factors come into play: the amount of data for the price, and what happens once you’ve used your monthly allowance. Do speeds get throttled, or do you need to purchase extra data? Furthermore, understanding which network an MVNO utilizes is crucial for ensuring strong coverage in your area.
Mint Mobile consistently ranks as a top choice for prepaid plans, particularly if you’re comfortable with an annual commitment for the best rates. For unlimited data seekers, Visible stands out, while Total Wireless provides excellent value for families. Even major players like Verizon and AT&T offer compelling prepaid options worth considering.
If budget is your primary concern, explore our dedicated guide to the best cheap cell phone plans under $40, where you’ll find even more cost-effective solutions, some of which overlap with the recommendations below.
Quick Comparison: Top Prepaid Mobile Plans
| Plan | Best For | Data | Starting Price | Network |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mint Mobile | Overall Value | 15GB | $20/month | T-Mobile |
| Verizon Prepaid | Big Carrier Coverage | 15GB | $35/month | Verizon |
| AT&T Prepaid | Annual Plan & Unlimited Data | Unlimited | $25/month | AT&T |
| Visible | Unlimited Data on a Budget | Unlimited | $45/month | Verizon |
| Total Wireless | Family Plans | Unlimited (4 lines) | $110/month | Verizon |
| Boost Mobile | Price Lock Guarantee | Unlimited | $25/month | T-Mobile/AT&T/Dish |
Dive deeper into each of these top prepaid mobile plans to find the perfect fit for your needs and budget.
Best Overall Prepaid Phone Plan: Mint Mobile
Ideal for: Value-conscious users seeking a balance of data and affordability.
Mint Mobile stands out as the best overall prepaid phone plan provider due to its exceptional value and flexible plan options. Their 15GB plan hits the sweet spot for most users, offering a generous data allowance at a remarkably low monthly price. New customers can even snag an introductory rate of just $15/month for the first three months, making it an even more enticing deal.
To unlock Mint’s lowest prices long-term, you’ll need to commit to a full year of service. For the 15GB plan, this translates to $20 per month, billed as a single annual payment of $240. While the upfront cost might seem significant, the monthly savings are substantial. A six-month commitment is also available, but the monthly rate increases to $25, highlighting the value of the annual plan.
For even tighter budgets, Mint Mobile offers a 5GB plan for just $15 per month with an annual payment of $180. If the annual commitment is a hurdle, consider T-Mobile Connect’s 5GB plan, also priced at $15, which allows for monthly payments. However, T-Mobile requires you to purchase more data if you exceed your limit, while Mint simply reduces your data speeds, offering more flexibility.
Mint Mobile leverages T-Mobile’s extensive network, ensuring fast and reliable coverage, particularly with T-Mobile’s strong 5G network.
Pros: Unbeatable affordability, includes free mobile hotspot data.
Cons: Best prices require a longer-term commitment (annual payment).
Best Prepaid Plan from a Major Carrier: Verizon Prepaid
Ideal for: Users prioritizing network coverage and reliability from a major carrier without a contract.
Verizon Prepaid offers the best prepaid option directly from a major carrier, delivering Verizon’s renowned network coverage and performance in a flexible prepaid format. Their 15GB prepaid plan is a standout, priced at $45 per month. However, enrolling in autopay reduces the monthly bill by $10, bringing the cost down to a competitive $35.
While slightly more expensive than Mint Mobile’s 15GB plan, Verizon Prepaid offers the convenience of month-to-month payments without a long-term contract. You gain access to Verizon’s expansive nationwide 5G network, ensuring broad coverage and fast speeds in supported areas. It’s worth noting that access to Verizon’s fastest Ultra Wideband 5G network is reserved for more expensive unlimited plans.
If you exceed your 15GB data allowance within the month, Verizon will throttle your speeds to 2G for the remainder of the billing cycle.
Pros: Generous data allowance, excellent coverage and speeds on Verizon’s network, includes 5G access.
Cons: Not the absolute cheapest prepaid option, access to Ultra Wideband 5G requires a pricier plan.
Best Annual Prepaid Plan: AT&T Prepaid
Ideal for: Data-heavy users seeking significant savings with an annual commitment on AT&T’s network.
AT&T Prepaid joins Mint Mobile in offering substantial savings through annual plan options. Their unlimited data prepaid plan is available for a one-time annual payment of $300, averaging out to just $25 per month. This price point undercuts Mint Mobile’s unlimited data plan, making it an incredibly attractive option for heavy data users willing to pay upfront.
While advertised as unlimited, AT&T’s annual plan includes 16GB of high-speed data per month. After exceeding this threshold, data speeds are reduced for the rest of the month. While Mint Mobile also has a data cap on their “unlimited” plan, it’s significantly higher at 40GB. However, AT&T Prepaid compensates with perks like mobile hotspot data, HD video streaming, and 5G network access.
Pros: Exceptional value for unlimited data, especially with annual payment, includes hotspot data and 5G.
Cons: Requires a full year prepayment, high-speed data limited to 16GB per month.
Best Prepaid Unlimited Data Plan: Visible
Ideal for: Unlimited data users on a budget, seeking robust features and Verizon’s network.
Visible, owned by Verizon, offers the best prepaid unlimited data plan for those who prioritize unlimited data without a hefty annual commitment. Visible offers two unlimited plans: a standard unlimited plan and Unlimited Plus. While the base unlimited plan is cheaper, Visible Plus, priced at $45 per month (taxes and fees included), provides significantly more value.
Visible Plus grants access to Verizon’s faster Ultra Wideband 5G network for enhanced 5G speeds and a premium data experience. It also includes international calling to over 30 countries from the U.S., and a generous 50GB premium data allowance before potential speed throttling. Additionally, Visible Plus subscribers receive a Global Pass for one day of international talk, text, and data in 140 countries, and the ability to add a smartwatch to their plan at no extra cost.
Currently, a promotional offer using the code “SWITCH25” reduces the Visible Plus rate to $30/month for 25 months, making it an even more compelling deal. The standard Visible plan also sees a discount to $20/month with the same code. This promotion is time-sensitive, ending January 31st.
Pros: Highly affordable unlimited data, access to 5G and Ultra Wideband 5G, smartwatch connectivity included.
Cons: Slightly pricier than some basic prepaid plans, no multi-line discounts.
Best Prepaid Plan for Families: Total Wireless
Ideal for: Families seeking affordable unlimited data plans with multi-line discounts on Verizon’s network.
Total Wireless, also owned by Verizon, breaks the mold by offering exceptional value for families in the prepaid space. Unlike most prepaid providers that lack multi-line discounts, Total Wireless provides significant savings as you add lines. Their Total 5G unlimited plan effectively offers a fourth line for free, bringing the cost for a family of four down to $110 per month, or just $27.50 per line.
This discounted rate is locked in for five years and includes access to Verizon’s fast 5G Ultra Wideband network. Beyond the price, Total Wireless sweetens the deal with perks like six months of the Disney Plus bundle, data roaming in select Central and South American countries, and 15GB of mobile hotspot data.
An alternative for families to consider is Xfinity Mobile, an MVNO using Verizon’s network. While a single line of unlimited data at Xfinity Mobile costs $40, each additional line is only $20, bringing the cost for four lines to $100 per month. However, Xfinity Mobile requires you to be an Xfinity internet customer.
Pros: Excellent multi-line discounts for families, generous perks, access to Verizon’s Ultra Wideband 5G.
Cons: Single-line data plan is relatively expensive compared to other prepaid options.
Explore Total Wireless Family Plans
Best Price-Lock Guarantee: Boost Mobile
Ideal for: Users prioritizing long-term price stability and a guaranteed monthly rate.
Boost Mobile distinguishes itself with a unique price-lock guarantee on its lowest-priced unlimited data plan. By enrolling in autopay for the $25 monthly plan, you secure that rate for as long as you remain a Boost Mobile customer. This provides peace of mind against future price hikes.
While the $25 plan may lack some of the extra perks found in Boost’s pricier plans, it directly competes with Visible and Mint Mobile in terms of price for unlimited data. Unlike Mint Mobile, Boost Mobile doesn’t require an annual commitment. Boost Mobile provides a 30GB high-speed data cap before speeds are reduced. New customers can often find promotions that cut the first month of service in half.
Pros: Lifetime price lock guarantee, extensive network coverage (utilizing T-Mobile, AT&T, and Dish networks).
Cons: Fewer perks compared to higher-tier Boost plans, taxes not included in the advertised price.
Discover Boost Mobile Price Lock Plan
Prepaid Phone Plan Comparison Table
To further simplify your decision, here’s a side-by-side comparison of the top prepaid phone plans highlighted:
| Carrier | Data Amount | Monthly Payment (1 line) | Network | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mint Mobile | 15GB | $20 | T-Mobile | Annual payment for lowest rate |
| Verizon Prepaid | 15GB | $35 | Verizon | Autopay discount included |
| AT&T Prepaid | Unlimited | $25 | AT&T | 16GB high-speed data, annual payment required |
| Visible | Unlimited | $45 | Verizon | Visible Plus plan with more perks, 50GB premium data |
| Total Wireless | Unlimited | $50 | Verizon | Multi-line discounts, family-friendly |
| Boost Mobile | Unlimited | $25 | T-Mobile/AT&T/Dish | Price lock guarantee, 30GB high-speed data |
Note: Prices reflect the monthly cost for a single line. Mint Mobile and AT&T Prepaid require annual upfront payments for the advertised monthly rates.
Understanding Prepaid vs. Postpaid Phone Plans
The world of cell phone plans is broadly divided into two categories: prepaid and postpaid. Prepaid plans operate on a pay-as-you-go system, where you pay for your service upfront at the beginning of each month. This offers several advantages, including predictable budgeting and no surprise bills at the end of the month. Prepaid plans also typically bypass credit checks, making them accessible to individuals with lower credit scores.
Data management is another key aspect of prepaid plans. Upon reaching your monthly data limit, most prepaid carriers will simply reduce your data speeds for the remainder of the billing cycle, avoiding overage charges. Some carriers may require you to purchase additional data if you need more high-speed access. Choosing a prepaid plan with an appropriate data allowance for your usage habits is therefore crucial.
It’s worth noting that some carriers may prioritize network traffic for postpaid customers. This can potentially lead to slightly slower data speeds for prepaid users, particularly during peak network congestion. This is more relevant when using Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs), which rely on the network infrastructure of major carriers like AT&T, T-Mobile, or Verizon. MVNOs like Mint Mobile, Metro by T-Mobile, and Cricket Wireless offer cost-effective prepaid options by leveraging these existing networks.
Key Considerations When Choosing a Prepaid Mobile Plan
When comparing prepaid mobile plans, several factors beyond just price deserve careful consideration:
- Price: While prepaid plans are generally cheaper, carefully evaluate the monthly cost, any upfront commitments (like annual payments), and potential taxes and fees.
- Coverage: Ensure the prepaid provider utilizes a network that offers strong coverage in your primary areas of use, including your home, workplace, and frequently visited locations. MVNOs operate on specific networks (Verizon, AT&T, or T-Mobile), so network strength is directly tied to the underlying carrier.
- Discounts and Special Offers: Keep an eye out for promotions, autopay discounts, and limited-time deals that can further reduce the cost of your chosen plan. Major carriers and MVNOs often adjust discount amounts and introduce new offers to attract customers.
- 5G Access: Confirm that the prepaid plan includes 5G network access, especially if you have a 5G-compatible phone and live in an area with 5G coverage. Most MVNOs now include 5G access on their plans.
- Perks and Features: While prepaid plans traditionally offer fewer perks than postpaid plans, some carriers, like Metro by T-Mobile, are starting to include extra benefits. Consider if features like mobile hotspot data, international calling, or streaming service bundles are important to you.
Free Trials from Prepaid Carriers
To help you make an informed decision, several prepaid carriers offer free trials, allowing you to test their service before committing. These trials are an excellent way to evaluate network coverage and service quality in your specific locations.
- Mint Mobile Free Trial: Mint Mobile provides a 7-day free trial, offering 250MB of data, 250 minutes of talk time, and 250 text messages to sample their service. Try Mint Mobile Free Trial
- Cricket Wireless Free Trial: Cricket Wireless, owned by AT&T, offers a 14-day free trial with up to 3GB of data. Start Cricket Wireless Free Trial
- Visible Free Trial: Visible’s free trial extends for 15 days and is compatible with iPhones, Samsung, and Google Pixel devices supporting eSIM. Begin Visible Free Trial
- Boost Mobile 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee: Boost Mobile offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, allowing you to receive a refund on service fees if you cancel within 30 days of activation. Learn about Boost Mobile Guarantee
Our Methodology for Selecting the Best Prepaid Phone Plans
Our selection process for the best prepaid phone plans goes beyond just looking at major carriers. We thoroughly research plans from both major providers (AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon) and smaller carriers (MVNOs) that utilize their networks. MVNOs often provide significant cost savings, making them key contenders in the prepaid market.
Price is a primary factor in our evaluations, but we also prioritize the data allowance included with each plan. The ideal prepaid plan balances affordability with sufficient data to meet diverse user needs. We consider a range of data options, from minimal data plans for light users to unlimited plans for heavy data consumers.
While prepaid plans are not typically known for extensive perks, we do acknowledge and highlight any valuable add-ons or features included, as these can enhance the overall value proposition of a plan. Our goal is to identify prepaid phone plans that offer the best combination of cost, data, coverage, and helpful features for a variety of users.
Conclusion:
Comparing prepaid mobile plans is essential for anyone seeking to reduce their cell phone expenses without compromising on service quality. The prepaid market offers a diverse range of options, from budget-friendly MVNOs to prepaid offerings from major carriers. By considering factors like price, coverage, data needs, and plan features, you can confidently choose a prepaid mobile plan that delivers exceptional value and keeps you connected without breaking the bank. Explore the top recommendations outlined above to start your journey towards smarter, more affordable mobile service today.
