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T-Mobile's flagship offers a lot of features at an attractive price. An included Netflix subscription, unlimited HD video streaming, 10GB of LTE mobile data and unlimited Gogo onboard Wi-Fi make this unlimited plan worthwhile even for heavy data users.
The Best Cell Phone Plans
For those who fly solo, don't need unlimited data, or use a family plan, Verizon's 5GB for $55 is the best option. Verizon has great network quality and fast download speeds. We believe that 5GB of data is sufficient for most users. The best part is that you can carry over unused data to the next month!
Consumer Cellular Reviews
Whether you're buying an unlimited plan, a limited data plan, or a family plan, MetroPCS offers reliable coverage and fast downloads at a much lower price than others. MetroPCS closely matches the network performance of its parent company, T-Mobile, making it an attractive option for prepaid customers looking to save money.
You might not know that Google has a wireless network called Project Fi, and it's a great option for world travelers thanks to its flexibility, free LTE roaming, and unlimited international texting. Data only costs $10 per GB, so Project Fi is a good choice even for moderate data users!
Republic Wireless offers the cheapest and most reliable service money can buy. It costs just $5 for every gigabyte of 4G LTE data you use, and you can add or remove data anytime from the free app. There are no hidden fees or overages in this budget plan.
Choosing a cell phone plan doesn't have to be as complicated as it is. Unfortunately, each one has a lot of fine print that describes its limitations. If you need help, we've worked hard to make it easy for you to decide on a plan. We compared all four national carriers and their many mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) — carriers that don't operate their own towers — and identified the best cell phone plans based on coverage, price, and included features. Our options help you create the right plan for your situation and lifestyle. If you know your budget and have a good idea of your usage patterns, you've already started the process! For a more in-depth look at the best options, check out our picks below.
Best Cheap Cell Phone Plans 2023
Bottom line: T-Mobile's plan is one of the most popular deals in the industry for good reason—it offers a lot of features at an attractive price.
T-Mobile's OnePlus plan is the best unlimited plan for individuals and families. While it's $10 more than T-Mobile's standard One plan, we think you should go for the Plus plan, as it includes unlimited HD video streaming, 10GB of LTE cellular coverage, and unlimited Gogo in-flight Wi-Fi . The best part is that this plan is cheaper than Verizon's unlimited offering, and T-Mobile doesn't factor additional taxes and fees into its pricing like other carriers. You can pay $80 per month for one line and $200 per month for four lines.
In addition to unlimited data, text and domestic calls, the plan includes competitive international roaming options and a Netflix subscription (if you have two or more phone lines). T-Mobile also has a rewards program called T-Mobile Tuesdays where customers can get free things like movie tickets, coffee, or pizza every week. Another discount worth mentioning: Customers over 55 get two lines for $60. However, this offer does not include a Netflix subscription or HD video streaming, and sharing is limited to 3G speeds. T-Mobile has made significant improvements to its network over the past few years, so it's definitely worth your attention.
Bottom line: Verizon offers great network quality and fast download speeds, and its plan's 5GB of data should be enough for most people.
Best Cheap Cell Phone Plans 2021
For individuals, the best plan is Verizon Wireless' 5GB plan for $55. Truth be told, most people don't need unlimited data and 5GB should be enough for most users. The plan includes unlimited calls, texts and calls to Mexico and Canada. Any unused data will be carried over to the next month. If you're worried about going over your 5GB limit, Verizon has a "Safe Mode" option that, if enabled, will reduce your speed until the next billing cycle so you don't get overcharged. Our biggest gripe with the plan is that Verizon limits video resolution to 720p on smartphones and 1080p on tablets. Additionally, users must be enrolled in AutoPay, which means your bill must be paid through a checking account or debit card, so you can't earn extra points if you pay your phone bill with a credit card. It cannot be collected.
Bottom line: MetroPCS is an attractive option for prepaid customers looking to save money because of its fast data speeds and affordable yet flexible pricing.
If you're looking for affordable monthly rates, MetroPCS is a great choice. The prepaid service works on T-Mobile's network, so you get reliable coverage and impressive speeds. The carrier offers several affordable plans, including a $30 monthly plan that includes 2GB of LTE data, and another option that includes 5GB of data for just $10. Up to five family members can combine any combination of phone plans and take $10-$30 off each added line each month without having to share data. We especially like that MetroPCS has a data maximization feature that streams low-resolution video to help users make the most of their limited data.
For those who want unlimited data, MetroPCS offers a $60 unlimited data plan that doesn't interrupt video and music streaming. As an added bonus, MetroPCS also offers 10GB of mobile data. If you find the hotspot unnecessary and don't mind the lower resolution 480p video, there's also a $50 unlimited plan. MetroPCS also has a special offer for four lines with unlimited data for $100.
Best Prepaid Cellphone Plans Of 2023
We're fans of this carrier's low prices, but we love its carrier even more. MetroPCS essentially matches its parent company T-Mobile's download and upload speeds, making it a great prepaid option to get the most bang for your buck.
Bottom line: If you travel internationally frequently, you'll love the flexibility and affordability of Google's Project Fi plans.
Project Fi is Google's attempt to create a wireless service. Google itself does not operate cell towers. Instead, it's T-Mobile, Sprint and the U.S. Depends on cell towers. For $20 a month, you get unlimited domestic voice calls and texts, and unlimited voice calls and international texts to over 135 different countries, making it a great option for travelers.
Google sells monthly data for $10 per GB that can be used anywhere, meaning you can use data abroad the same way you would at home. You also get fast 4G LTE speed! If you want a family package, you can add up to five people for an additional $15 per month per line. Any data you don't use will be credited back to your bill. The only problem: this service is only for Google Pixel, Pixel XL, Pixel 2, Pixel 2 XL and Moto, you're out of luck.
Tips To Get The Best Price On A Cell Phone
Bottom Line: If you don't think unlimited is necessary, and you're willing to track usage and pay per gigabyte, Republic Wireless simply can't be beat for value.
If you're money-conscious and want the cheapest, most reliable service money can buy, we recommend you sign up for a Republic Wireless cell phone plan. Republic recently launched a brand new plan called My Choice. Get unlimited calls and texts at home for just $15 a month, and that's $5 for every GB of 4G LTE data you use. You can add or remove data at any time - even from your phone. Republic has an app that makes it easy to check your usage, make changes, and pay your bill. There are no hidden fees or overages. The only downside is that Republic does not offer cellular service internationally. If you're traveling, you'll need to make calls over Wi-Fi instead. Like Project Fi, Republic Wireless supports a limited number of smartphones.
Brandon Carte has been covering technology since 2017, where he writes about the latest gadgets, gizmos, and products that make life easier online. Her reporting has been featured on TopTenReviews.com, Good Housekeeping, and USA TODAY. When he's not researching washing machines or testing robotic vacuum cleaners, you can find him at concerts, swimming laps or the cinema. He thinks smartphones are too big, prefers MP3s to Spotify, and misses the headphone jack on his iPhone.
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