Top 5 Best & Most Affordable Cell Phone Plans in the US

Nationwide Coverage
5G Plans
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  • Written by Richard Davis
1
Hive Fave
9.9
Honeycombs
Premium Wireless for just $15/month!
  • 5G for FREE and no extra overhead
  • GET 6 MONTHS OF FREE WIRELESS SERVICE When you buy a new phone and a 6-month plan
  • We'll help you find your perfect wireless plan
2
9.7
Honeycombs
One-line wireless for only $25/month
  • Unlimited data, talk, text, and hotspot!
  • Taxes and fees included
  • Verizon 5G and 4G LTE nationwide coverage
3
Sweet Pick
9.5
Honeycombs
3GB multi-month plans for just $10/month!
  • Unlimited Talk & Text to 90+ Countries, Free Wi-Fi Calling & Free Mobile Hotspot
  • 10GB multi-month plans for just $20/month
  • 20% off 15GB or Unlimited 1 month plans
4
9.2
Honeycombs
There's two easy ways to get started...
  • Bring your own phone - starts at $15/mo.
  • Buy a new phone + plan - starts at $19/mo.
  • Want to see more options?
5
8.8
Honeycombs
Phones and Smartwatches for Kids
  • No internet. No social media. No worries!
  • Nationwide coverage
  • Customizable phones for your kid

Get the BEST Phone Insurance

  • Get 1st month FREE + $50 Claim Credit! (Code: SAVE4 at checkout)
  • AKKO makes protecting your stuff easier and more affordable.
  • Choose to protect just your phone, or cover all your stuff with our “Everything Protected” AKKO Plan.
1
Mint Mobile
Unlimited Premium Wireless just $15/mo.
  • We'll help you find your perfect wireless plan
  • 5G for FREE
  • Flexible Plan Options

WHY CHOOSE MINT MOBILE? 

We took what’s wrong with wireless and made it right. Everything we do is to help you save money on wireless, so you can spend your cash on other stuff.

WHEREVER YOU GO, THERE WE ARE. On the T-Mobile 5G Network. With Mint, you can enjoy coverage on America’s largest and fastest 5G network. A nationwide 5G network that covers over 90% of Americans and the most interstate highway miles in America (yeah, truckers love us). Plus, the 4G LTE network connects you to 99% of Americans.

WE’VE GOT ALL YOUR FAVORITE FEATURES

  • Unlimited talk and text: Even your Mom might ask you to stop calling so much
  • High speed data: Your service will switch seamlessly between 5G & 4G LTE, whichever signal is stronger
  • Free calls to Canada and Mexico: Give your neighbors to the North and South a call, they’d love to hear from you
  • Free mobile hotspot: Use your data however you like, even where coffee shops don’t exist. (10GB mobile hotspot on unlimited plans)
  • Free 3-in-1 SIM Card: It may not seem like a big deal, but other carriers charge for this…kind of a rip-off
  • Wi-Fi Calling: Perfect for when you’re in an underground world with bad reception, but excellent Wi-Fi

Switch to Mint with (or without) your phone. Attached to your phone? Bring it with you when you switch to Mint and keep your number. 

Find Your Plan

2
Visible by Verizon
One-line wireless for only $25/month
  • Unlimited data, talk, text, and hotspot!
  • Taxes and fees included
  • Verizon 5G and 4G LTE nationwide coverage

A simpler way to wireless. 

Wireless was more complicated (and more expensive) than we needed it to be. So, we reimagined it as a radically simple, accessible and inclusive digital service. Meet Visible.

Putting unlimited at everyone’s fingertips. 

We created app-based wireless for people, like us, who do everything on their phones. It runs on our parent company Verizon’s award-winning 5G and 4G LTE networks. But our business model is much simpler – with less cost built in. That lets us put reliable unlimited coverage within reach for more people. Your only regret will be not switching sooner.

These are the values that guide us:
  • Transparency: Say it like it is. Honesty is the most important part of a relationship. We’re committed to giving it to you – and to each other – straight. No BS. No fine print “gotchas.” No crazy corporate politics.
  • Connection: Focus on the essentials. Offering connectivity for all isn’t a side project, it’s central to our business. We keep costs low with smart, creative, digital-first solutions and pass the savings to our members.
  • Community: Put members first. We’re an amazing wireless network, and an amazing network of people — members and team members. We focus on getting that right so they’re our greatest champions.
  • Innovation: Rewrite the playbook. If making wireless simple and exceptional was easy, someone else would have done it already. We don’t look to other telecom companies for ideas, we look to the future.
  • Impact: Give back. We actively support the social good. We want all people to be seen, heard and empowered – regardless of race, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation or socio-economic status.
  • Fun: Don’t take it too seriously. It’s said that creativity is intelligence having fun. We agree. Fun is a core part of who we are, helping us to create a new way to wireless that makes people happy.
3
Ultra Mobile
3GB multi-month plans for just $10/month!
  • Unlimited Talk & Text to 90+ Countries, Free Wi-Fi Calling & Free Mobile Hotspot on all plans
  • 10GB multi-month plans for just $20/month
  • 20% off 15GB or Unlimited 1 month plans

Why Ultra Mobile? All mobile plans include everything you want in wireless!

  • Unlimited Talk & Text to 80+ Countries, Free Wi-Fi Calling & Free Mobile Hotspot on all plans
  • Flexible Purchase Options: buy online or in-store
  • Reliable Speed: free 5G on the T-Mobile 5G Network with all plans
  • Multilingual Quality Care Team: Supports English, Spanish and Mandarin

Ultra makes wireless accessible and affordable for all, with plans that keep you connected and coverage you can trust on the T-Mobile 5G Network. Whether you need unlimited talk, text and data or a minimal data plan, Ultra Mobile has the right plan for you.

Ultra is committed to providing the best service in wireless with the most affordable and flexible plans to fit your needs. Save even more when you buy 3, 6 or 12 months!

  • Ultra-Amazing Nationwide Coverage: All plans include free 5G on the T-Mobile Network.
  • Save More When You Bring Your Own Phone: Keep your number, contacts and apps! Find out if your unlocked device and current phone number are compatible with Ultra Mobile.
4
Kroger Wireless
There's two easy ways to get started...
  • Bring your own phone - starts at $15/mo.
  • Buy a new phone + plan - starts at $19/mo.
  • Want to see more options?
With Kroger Wireless, you save money on your cell phone bill and even your gas! You can keep the same phone, same number and get 4X Fuel Points on all plan purchases.
  • Step 1: Choose your phone! Choose from our wide variety of phones (or bring your own compatible phone).
  • Step 2: Choose your plan. Choose the annual/monthly plan that fits your specific needs. Save 20% with our annual plans.
  • Step 3: Activate. Insert the KW SIM card into your phone and follow the text with instructions on how to activate.

Bring your own phone

Already have a phone that you love? Bring it with you! Go to Check Phone Eligibility and get started today.

Never worry about renewing your plan on each monthly plan renewal! They do the hard work for you! To opt out of Auto-Pay, simply sign in to My Account and disable auto-pay.

They also have the latest phones from all the top brands! Get started with Kroger Wireless by purchasing a phone today, then sign up for one of their prepaid plans.

5
Gabb Wireless
Phones and Smartwatches for Kids
  • No internet. No social media. No worries!
  • Nationwide coverage
  • Customizable phones for your kid

There is a growing problem among children with unlimited access to the internet and other online platforms. Kids are being exposed to harmful content and unhealthy interactions. These dangers come in all shapes and sizes.

Screen Time: Excessive screen time can cause setbacks in children’s health and their social and emotional development. This can hinder their ability to engage in the typical everyday activities that enable them to learn about the world and themselves.

Social Media: Social media is the most common place where kids are exposed to mature content, bad language, extreme ideas, and damaging interactions. Kids can even fall victim to perpetrators, cyberbullies, and sex crimes.

Cyberbullying: Cyberbullying is the use of technology to harass, threaten, or embarrass a person. This abuse includes sending compromising message, hacking, rumors, posting embarrassing photos, and this list goes on and on.

Gabb is equipping families with products that keep kids safe while still connecting them to friends and family. 

This results in freeing up time to experience the world in a positive way. Because Gabb Phones have an innovative spam filter for texting, no internet browser, no social media apps, no app store, and no games kids are protected from falling prey to sexual predators, stumbling on explicit content, being victims of cyberbullying, or becoming screen addicted.

Our Top Picks
9.9
Premium Wireless for just $15/month!
  • 5G for FREE and no extra overhead
  • GET 6 MONTHS OF FREE WIRELESS SERVICE When you buy a new phone and a 6-month plan
  • We'll help you find your perfect wireless plan
9.7
One-line wireless for only $25/month
  • Unlimited data, talk, text, and hotspot!
  • Taxes and fees included
  • Verizon 5G and 4G LTE nationwide coverage
9.5
3GB multi-month plans for just $10/month!
  • Unlimited Talk & Text to 90+ Countries, Free Wi-Fi Calling & Free Mobile Hotspot on all plans
  • 10GB multi-month plans for just $20/month
  • 20% off 15GB or Unlimited 1 month plans

Discount Mobile Plan Provider FAQs

Discount mobile phone providers are carriers that offer lower-cost alternatives to major carriers. They typically operate on the networks of larger carriers but provide more budget-friendly plans. See some FAQs about these carriers below!

Which are the major discount mobile phone providers in the US?

  • Some major discount providers include Mint Mobile, T-Mobile's Metro by T-Mobile, Cricket Wireless, Boost Mobile, and Visible.

Do discount providers offer the same coverage as major carriers?

  • In most cases, yes. Many discount providers lease network access from major carriers, so coverage is similar. However, it's essential to check the coverage map for your specific area.

What types of plans do discount providers offer?

  • Discount providers offer a variety of plans, including prepaid, no-contract plans, and unlimited data plans. Some may also have family plans.

Can I bring my own phone to a discount mobile phone provider?

  • Yes, many discount providers allow you to bring your own unlocked phone (some even encourage or incentivize it). They may also offer discounted or free phones for new customers.

Are there any hidden fees with discount mobile phone providers?

  • While most discount providers are transparent about their fees, it's crucial to read the terms and conditions. Common fees include activation fees and taxes.

Is international roaming included in discount provider plans?

  • It varies by provider. Some offer international roaming, while others may charge extra for it. Check the provider's website for specific details.

Do discount providers offer 5G coverage?

  • Yes, many discount providers now offer 5G coverage. However, the availability of 5G may vary depending on your location.

Can I keep my phone number when switching to a discount provider?

  • Yes, most discount providers allow you to port your existing phone number. This process is usually straightforward.

Do discount providers perform credit checks?

  • Some do, but many providers focus on prepaid and no-contract plans, making credit checks less common. Check with the specific provider for their policies.

What is the data speed like on discount provider networks?

  • Data speeds can vary, but most discount providers offer 4G LTE speeds. Some may deprioritize your data during peak times if you exceed certain usage limits.

Can I use my phone as a mobile hotspot?

  • Yes, many discount providers allow you to use your phone as a mobile hotspot. However, the amount of data available for hotspot usage may vary by plan.

Are there any data overage charges with discount providers?

  • It depends on the plan. Some providers may throttle your data speed after reaching your monthly limit, while others may charge for additional data.

Do discount providers offer Wi-Fi calling?

  • Yes, many discount providers offer Wi-Fi calling, allowing you to make calls and send texts over a Wi-Fi network when cellular coverage is weak.

Can I switch between plans?

  • Yes, most discount providers allow you to switch between plans as needed, often without penalties.

Is customer service as good as with major carriers?

  • Customer service experiences can vary, but many discount providers aim to offer competitive (and often superior) customer support. Check reviews and testimonials for specific feedback. This is usually one of their competitive advantages.

Are there any discounts for bundling services with a discount mobile provider?

  • Some providers offer discounts for bundling multiple lines or services. Check with the provider for any available promotions.

Can I cancel my plan at any time with a discount provider?

  • Many discount providers offer no-contract plans, allowing you to cancel at any time without penalties. Check the terms of your specific plan.

Do discount providers offer insurance for phones?

  • Some do, but it's not as common as with major carriers. Consider third-party insurance options if it's essential for you.

What should I consider when choosing a discount mobile phone provider?

  • Consider factors such as coverage in your area, plan pricing, data limits, customer service reviews, and any additional features or perks offered by the provider.
Richard Davis
Richard Davis
Passionate about sports, food, and my dog! I write about almost pretty much everything I find interesting. I’ll give my honest opinion, and do my best to lead you down the right path!