Compare mobile phone plans for December 2025

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Name	Data	Minutes	Texts	Can I bring my own phone?	Cell phone plans starting at:
Mint Mobile		Starting at 3 GB	Unlimited	Unlimited	Yes	$15	Go to site	New customers can take advantage of a 3-month introductory plan starting at $15/month. Cancel within 7 days and get your money back.	loading Fetching your data...
Tello		Starting at 500 MB	Starting at 100 minutes	Unlimited	Yes	$6	Go to site	Customize your own plan and upgrade or downgrade talk, text and data options at anytime for no fee. New customers only pay $3 for their first month.	loading Fetching your data...
US Mobile		Starting at 100 MB	Starting at 40 minutes	Starting at 40 texts	Yes	$1.50	Go to site	Pay as you go 30-day plans with options for unlimited talk and text starting at $10/month. Add 1GB of data or a mobile hotspot for $10 each per pay cycle.	loading Fetching your data...
Visible by Verizon		Starting at MB	Starting at minutes	Starting at texts			Go to site	loading Fetching your data...
AT&T		Starting at 3 GB	Unlimited	Unlimited	Yes	$35	Go to site	Shop online and AT&T will waive the activation fee and ship your phone for free. Upgraded plans include HBO and 15/30 GB mobile hotspots.	loading Fetching your data...

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How to compare mobile plans: a step-by-step guide

It can be overwhelming to sift through all the options. Don’t worry though, we’ve simplified the process to help you find a mobile plan that works for you.

1. Do you want a new phone or just a phone plan?

This is the first question to ask yourself when choosing a phone plan.

New phone on a plan
If you’re looking for a new phone along with your plan, your main options are the big three networks: AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile. They let you bundle the cost of a new device with your monthly service.

SIM-only / bring your own device (BYOD)
If you’re happy with your current phone or want to buy one outright, you can save by going with a prepaid or postpaid SIM-only plan. Many smaller providers called MVNOs (mobile virtual network operators) offer strong value. For example, Mint Mobile, Visible, and Tello often run plans starting around $20–$30/month, compared to $60+ with the major carriers.

2. How much data do you actually need?

Start by checking how much data you use, because there’s a good chance you’re paying for more than you need (and could save money!).

According to CTIA (the US wireless industry association), the average US smartphone user consumes about 22GB per month. But many people pay for unlimited data plans even if they don’t use anywhere near that amount.

3. Do you have a network preference?

Coverage matters, especially if you live outside a major metro area. Price and data won’t matter much if you’re constantly losing signal!

• Verizon is known for the widest coverage, especially in rural parts of the US.
• AT&T and T-Mobile both have strong coverage in cities and suburban areas, but rural reach can vary depending on location.

4. Do you want extra perks or a no-frills plan?

Some mobile plans come with extras like free international calling, hotspot data, streaming service bundles (like Netflix or Apple TV+), or travel roaming in Canada and Mexico.

What types of mobile phone plans can you get in the US?

In the US, there are three main types of mobile phone plans:

• Prepaid mobile plans
• Postpaid mobile plans
• Mobile plans bundled with a new phone

Each has its benefits depending on your needs.

Prepaid vs postpaid mobile plans

The line between prepaid and postpaid has blurred in recent years, especially with many carriers offering no-contract options. Here’s a quick breakdown:

Phones bundled with a mobile plan

Buying a phone outright is usually cheaper in the long run, but dropping $800–$1,200 upfront isn’t always realistic, especially if you’re eyeing the latest flagship from Apple, Samsung, or Google.

AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile all allow you to pay for your phone in monthly installments over 12, 24, or 36 months. These plans usually have no lock-in contract for the service itself, and you can leave anytime by paying off the remaining phone balance.

2025 phone launches to watch

This year has been packed with big launches across the major brands:

• Samsung launched its flagship Galaxy S25 series and expanded its Galaxy A lineup.
• Apple introduced the iPhone 16e, replacing the long-running iPhone SE.
• Google unveiled the Pixel 9a in March 2025, followed by the Pixel 10 lineup in August.
• Samsung dropped the Galaxy S25 Edge in May the slimmest S-series phone yet plus the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Galaxy Z Flip 7 in July.
• Apple launched the iPhone 17 series on September 10, 2025.

Whether you’re after the latest iPhone, Samsung Galaxy, or Google Pixel, you’ll find a range of plans from the major carriers as well as smaller MVNOs. Comparing across providers can help you save on monthly costs while still getting the phone you want.

How much data do you really need?

Understanding how much data you need is key to avoiding overpaying.

Activities like browsing and social media don’t use as much data as you might think, so you can often get by with 10–15GB a month if you’re on Wi-Fi most of the time.

Streaming and downloads, however, can burn through data quickly. If you’re out and about a lot, travel frequently, or stream during your commute, you may want a bigger buffer: 20–25GB per month.

Anything above 40GB is considered a high-data plan in the US, though unlimited plans are very common.

If you’re worried about going over your allowance, consider an unlimited data plan. Most US carriers slow your speeds (often down to 128Kbps–2Mbps) after you hit your cap, which is fine for emails and messaging but frustrating for video or gaming.

Which mobile network should I choose?

The US has three main nationwide networks: AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile. Most smaller carriers (MVNOs) rent access to these networks.

Network coverage is important because it determines how smoothly you can browse, stream, and use your phone on the go.

Verizon

Verizon offers the widest coverage in the US, with particularly strong service in rural and suburban areas. Its 4G LTE network reaches more than 99% of the population, while its 5G network covers over 230 million people nationwide, combining ultra-fast mmWave in select cities with broad low-band coverage. Although typically the most expensive option, Verizon is known for delivering premium reliability.

MVNOs on Verizon’s network include:

AT&T

AT&T provides strong nationwide coverage, second only to Verizon in overall reach. Its 4G LTE service covers more than 99% of Americans, while its expanding 5G network now reaches over 190 million people. With growing mid-band 5G availability in metro areas, AT&T balances reliable coverage with competitive pricing, making it a solid choice for both urban and rural users.

MVNOs on AT&T’s network include:

• Cricket Wireless
• H2O Wireless, Pure Talk
• Consumer Cellular
• Tracfone
• Red Pocket

T-Mobile

T-Mobile is known for offering the largest 5G network in the US, covering more than 300 million people. Its coverage is especially strong in cities and suburban areas, with rural reach steadily improving after its merger with Sprint. T-Mobile generally comes in as the most affordable of the big three carriers, offering wide 5G availability at lower prices than Verizon or AT&T.

MVNOs on T-Mobile’s network include:

• Metro by T-Mobile
• Mint Mobile
• Google Fi
• Ultra Mobile
• Tello
• Boost Mobile
• Simple Mobile

Do you need a 5G mobile plan?

A 5G mobile connection offers faster speeds and lower latency, especially in crowded areas. If you stream HD or 4K video on the go, use mobile hotspot often, or game online, 5G can make a noticeable difference.

That said, if you don’t use much data, have an older phone that doesn’t support 5G, or live in an area where 5G coverage is spotty, 4G LTE is still more than enough for everyday use.

The good news? Many plans now include both 4G and 5G by default, especially since 3G has been phased out, so you won’t usually pay extra for faster speeds.

Frequently asked questions

• Can I keep my current phone number?

  Yes, most providers allow you to port your number, so you can keep your existing number when switching plans.

  If your current mobile number isn't registered under your name, you'll need to change ownership of your phone number first.

• How long does it take to get a new SIM?

  Delivery times vary: Some providers offer same-day delivery while others might take a few days.

  eSIMs can be activated immediately if your phone is compatible.

• How fast are mobile internet speeds in the United States?

  Your phone may connect to 4G LTE or 5G, depending on your device, your plan, and the network coverage in your area.

  Based on the latest national performance reports:

  • T-Mobile currently leads the U.S. in 5G speed, with average download speeds around 220–300 Mbps in major metros.
  • Verizon sits in the middle of the pack, typically reaching 150–200+ Mbps thanks to its growing 5G Ultra Wideband footprint.
  • AT&T trails slightly behind for 5G speeds, averaging 110–150 Mbps across the country.

  For 4G LTE performance:
  All three major carriers generally deliver 25–50 Mbps download speeds on average, though speeds can be much higher in strong-coverage areas and slower in rural regions.

  Network & plan differences to keep in mind:

  • Not every plan includes 5G, especially budget or prepaid options.
  • Many "unlimited" plans may deprioritize speeds during congestion if you're on a low-tier plan or an MVNO.
  • Some plans apply speed caps (for example, limiting 5G or hotspot speeds to 100–150 Mbps).

• What if I want to use my mobile overseas?

  It's usually better to pick up a local SIM because roaming can be an expensive option or excluded as a feature on some mobile plans.

  If you're going on a short trip or you just want to have access to your phone as soon as you land, it's good to look out for mobile plans that offer the ability to add on international roaming packs.