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Cheapest prepaid phone plans
All plans have unlimited talk and text, plus you can bring your own phone and keep your old phone number.
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If you’re looking to save money on your mobile bill, a prepaid plan is often the way to go. By paying up front, you don’t have to worry about excess charges or cancellation fees should you decide to switch to a new plan.
We’re here to help you find the right prepaid plan for your budget, including unlimited data and 5G data options.
What's in this guide?
Plans $10 per month
Plan | Cost | Learn more |
---|---|---|
Boost Mobile 1GB | $10 | Go to Boost Mobile |
Plans between $11 and $20 per month
Plan | Cost | Learn more |
---|---|---|
T-Mobile Connect 2GB | $15 | Read review |
Boost Mobile 2GB | $15 | Go to Boost Mobile |
Mint Mobile 8GB | $20 | Go to Mint Mobile |
Plans between $21 and $30 per month
Plan | Cost | |
---|---|---|
Mint Mobile 12GB | $25 | Go to Mint Mobile |
T-Mobile Connect 5GB | $25 | Read review |
AT&T 5GB | $30 | Go to AT&T |
Plans between $31 and $40 per month
Plan | Cost | Learn more |
---|---|---|
Verizon 5GB | $40 | Go to Verizon |
AT&T 15GB | $40 | Go to AT&T |
Boost Mobile 10GB | $35 | Go to Boost Mobile |
Cheap plans with unlimited data
Plan | Cost | Learn more |
---|---|---|
Mint Mobile Unlimited | $30 | Go to Mint Mobile |
T-Mobile Unlimited | $50 | Read review |
Boost Mobile Unlimited | $50 | Go to Boost Mobile |
Cheap plans with 5G data
Plan | Cost | Learn more |
---|---|---|
Mint Mobile 3GB | $15 | Go to Mint Mobile |
Verizon 5GB | $40 | Go to Verizon |
Cricket Wireless Unlimited with 15GB Mobile Hotspot | $60 | Go to Cricket Wireless |
See the best prepaid phone plans of January 2021
How to choose the cheapest prepaid plan that’s right for you
Many phone providers offer different features at the same price point. Here are a few things to consider when comparing competitively priced prepaid plans:
- Monthly data allotment. Unlimited talk and text come standard on most prepaid plans. Take a look at how much data you get, including capped and unlimited options.
- Mobile hotspot. Share your phone’s data package with your other devices using a mobile hotspot. Some plans charge extra for this feature or limit how much you can tether before dropping your speeds.
- Coverage. While some brands have attractive pricing, be sure they have a strong network in your area — especially if you’re considering 5G.
- International perks. If you travel a lot or need to text or call people in other countries, make sure your phone’s got you covered.
- Phone compatibility. Confirm that your phone is compatible with the new network and plan, or you might need to purchase one when you sign up.
What type of customer service do these prepaid phone services offer?
You should expect the same level of customer service as customers with long-term contracts. You can walk into any of its retail stores and get help.
For prepaid services that also have postpaid plans, such as Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile, you’ll generally have a separate customer service phone number designated for prepaid customers. Providers like Boost Mobile, Cricket Wireless and Mint Mobile that specialize in prepaid options should have the same customer service phone number for everyone.
What to watch out for with cheap prepaid phone plans
While prepaid plans let you skip the long-term phone contract, it might not always work to your advantage. Here are five factors to consider with cheap prepaid options:
- Limited customer service. While you can contact all prepaid providers over the phone, not all companies, such as Mint Mobile, have physical store locations.
- Limited phone deals. You’ll generally pay full retail price for a phone, and there are fewer phones to choose from. Most companies reserve phone deals for their postpaid customers that they can lock into a contract.
- Pricier. Many prepaid plans charge higher data rates than contract plans, which could mean that you get less data for the same price as a contract plan.
- Limited international roaming. You may not have cell service when you travel internationally — especially with smaller providers like Boost Mobile.
- Fewer perks. While you may get to use a big network, you don’t get the same perks as contract plans, such as free Netflix promotions.
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