When you buy through our links, Insider may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more
The best cheap cell phone plans offer dependable coverage and service speeds at a range of affordable prices. Choosing the right mobile virtual network operator (or MVNO) for you, though, will come down to your budget, your location, and your priorities.
Overall, it’s hard to beat our top pick, Mint Mobile’s promotion for its three-month prepaid plans, as it offers 5GB, 15GB, 20GB, or “unlimited” data (40GB) to new customers for discounted rates, starting at just $15 per month. If you’re looking to extend your savings further, we recommend Tello Mobile’s Build Your Own plan, which can cost as low as $5 per month.
Our top picks for the best cheap phone plans
Best overall plan: Mint Mobile (Any 3-month plan) – See at Mint Mobile
All of Mint Mobile’s three-month plans are currently discounted for new customers, so you can get anywhere from 5GB to “unlimited” data (40GB) from our favorite MVNO at low prepaid costs.
Best true budget plan: Tello Mobile (Build Your Own plan) – See at Tello
Tello’s unique Build Your Own plan allows you to customize your data and minutes to your specific needs, and offers a low base price of $5 per month.
Best unlimited plan: Visible Wireless (Visible+ plan) – See at Visible
If you’re looking for a large amount of monthly data at a reasonable price, the Visible+ plan from Visible Wireless stands alone in offering up to 50GB of guaranteed high-speed data for just $35 per month with a limited-time promotion.
Best international plan: Google Fi Wireless (Flexible plan) – See at Google
The Flexible plan at Google Fi Wireless includes international data for the same price as domestic data, along with free international texting and international calling at an affordable rate.
