If the cost of an unlimited data plan is more than you need for your phoneyou may want to consider a prepaid plan with fixed costs. Or maybe you don’t want to tie yourself to a long-term commitment that a traditional postpaid cell phone plan carries. A prepaid plan offered by carriers like Mint Mobile or US Mobile might be a better solution.
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What is the best prepaid phone plan?
We answer this question a lot and it would be great to point to a prepaid plan and say, “Get this one.” But as you’ve probably discovered, phone plans involve a lot of factors. Which major cellular network (AT&T, T-Mobile, or Verizon, which together cover almost the entire United States) is strongest in your area? Do you need unlimited data? How many people will benefit from your package? That said, we have some biases: We prefer unlimited plans over those that measure wireless data by the gigabyte, but we rarely opt for the ones that offer the most features. So, for example, check out US Mobile Unlimited Flex for a single line and Google Fi Wireless Unlimited Standard for multiple lines. These are good places to start, and as you read through the rest of our selection, you can hopefully zero in on the features and prices that best suit your needs.
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Best unlimited prepaid plans for a single line
Benefits
- Works on the Verizon network for “Warp” service, AT&T for its “Dark Star” or T-Mobile for “Light Speed”
- 10 GB of high-speed data, then unlimited at lower speeds
- Taxes and fees are included in the sticker price
- 5 GB of hotspot data
Disadvantages
- Limited periods during which you can change networks for free
- The Multi-Network add-on is only available in the Premium Unlimited plan
- Phone data slows down to 1 Mbps after high-speed data runs out
- Cheapest rate requires annual purchase
With the three major US carriers, you use their infrastructure, and if there are no high-speed towers in your area, you’re out of luck. On the other hand, US Mobile considers itself a Super Carrier because, without its own network, it uses these three networks. They’re given special names – presumably to avoid publicity for the competition – and they break down like this: Dark Star is AT&T, Warp is Verizon, and Light Speed is T-Mobile.
It sounds complicated, but it means you can upgrade to a better network for your area if needed without switching to a whole new carrier. You still have to choose one, but you get two free network transfers, then pay $2 per transfer if you want to switch again later: it’s a good way to see which one works best in your area.
OK, to be honest, it can get more complicated, depending on the network. Dark Star data speeds have a reduced priority (called QCI 9) during times of network congestion; for $12 more per month you can upgrade to a higher priority (QCI 8). With the Warp tier, data speeds are at QCI 9 as of August 18, 2025, with the option to pay more for a QCI-8 add-on; plans in place before this date are grandfathered to QCI 8 speed. The light speed level is an even higher priority at QCI 7.
The Unlimited Flex plan gives you 10GB of high-speed data, then unlimited at 1Mbps, for just $17.50 per month if you buy an annual plan (otherwise, it’s $25 per month). Hotspot data is 5 GB, then unlimited, but limited to 8 Mbps, then 600 Kbps if you use more than 200 GB in a month. International calls and texts from the US are included, but if you’re traveling you’ll need to purchase add-on roaming plans costing either $15 (1GB, 150 minutes, 150 texts) or $30 (5GB, 500 minutes, 500 texts).
Why we love it
It’s an inexpensive plan with taxes and fees built into the price, and you also have the option of surfing through major carrier networks to find the one that’s best for your area.
Who is it best for?
Someone looking for a simple phone line and not expecting to use a lot of data.
Who shouldn’t have it
If you’re often away from Wi-Fi, this data can drain quickly. It’s also not a good option if you need consistently high speeds or don’t want the complexity of choosing one of three networks.
Customer Service Options
• Online: mobile in the United States
• Telephone: 878-205-0088
• Store: n/a
• Application: iOS mobile in the United States, Android
Benefits
- Works on the Verizon network
- Unlimited hotspot data
- Unlimited calls and texts to Mexico and Canada
- Taxes and fees are factored into the sticker price
Disadvantages
- Best Price requires a full year commitment and is limited to new customers
- No access to the fastest 5G ultra-wideband network
- Cheapest rate requires promo code and multi-month commitment
- No phone support, although the company touts 24/7 access to “human support” via chat
If Verizon’s network is the strongest in your area, Visible by Verizon’s single-name Visible plan is a competitive option at $25 per month on a monthly payment basis. You can reduce that to almost $22 by paying up front for an entire year at $275, but even that doesn’t turn out to be the best option. When you sign up for 26 months of the monthly plan as a new member, use the code SWITCH26 at checkout to drop the price to $19 per month. You must stay with Visible for 26 consecutive months without changing plans to keep this rate, otherwise it comes back to $25 (which is still cheaper than many competitors). (Visible regularly exchanges its discount codes, so check the site for the latest deals.)
For that price, you get unlimited talk, text, and data on Verizon’s 4G LTE and 5G networks, but not at the fastest 5G ultra-wideband speeds, even if your phone supports it. Hotspot data is also unlimited but limited to speeds of 5 Mbps. Calls and texts to Mexico and Canada while you’re in the US are also unlimited; If you’re traveling, Visible’s Global Pass costs $5 per day in Mexico, Canada, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or $10 per day for 2GB of data in more than 140 countries.
Why we love it
Unlimited data, even if not at the highest 5G and hotspot speeds, is still worth it for the price.
Who is it best for?
Customers in areas of strong Verizon coverage who want to save money.
Customer Service Options
• Online: visible help center
• Phone: n/a, live chat only
• Store: n/a
• Application: visible on iOS, Android
Benefits
- Works on the T-Mobile network
- Can add Samsung or Google cellular smartwatches at no additional cost
- Includes hotspot data
- Free international calls to Mexico and Canada
Disadvantages
- Broadband hotspot data counts toward monthly broadband data usage
- Taxes and fees not included
- No international data
Looking at Google Fi Wireless plans, Ultimate Essentials stands out as a four-line bundle costing $90, or just $23 per person for a month (plus taxes and fees). It is the cheapest choice but not necessarily the value choice. For just $10 more than $100 for four lines, the Unlimited Standard plan includes 50GB of high-speed data, 25GB of hotspot tethering, and free calls to Canada and Mexico for each line. On compatible phones, you get 5G access for unlimited talk and text, widely available through T-Mobile’s network.
The drop in data speeds after exhausting the 50GB of high-speed data isn’t that significant – the service then crawls to 256kbps for the rest of the month. You can pay $10 per gigabyte to get back on the fast lane if necessary, but that can get expensive quickly. Also, that 25GB of high-speed hotspot data counts toward the 50GB of fast data.
Why we love it
Compared to similarly priced prepaid plans from Metro or Cricket, Google Fi Wireless comes out on top at the same price with its 50GB of high-speed data and hotspot feature.
Who is it best for?
This is an affordable plan for a family with average data needs.
Who shouldn’t have it
People who frequently stream video or primarily use cellular data instead of local Wi-Fi.
Customer Service Options
• Online: Google Fi Wireless
• Telephone: 844-825-5234
• Store: n/a
• Application: Google Fi
Benefits
- Works on the T-Mobile network
- 25 GB of hotspot data
- Amazon Prime included
- 5 year price guarantee
- Taxes and fees are factored into the sticker price
Disadvantages
- No video streaming options other than Prime Video included with Amazon Prime membership
The $60/month Metro Prepaid plan with AutoPay is the T-Mobile-owned service’s most expensive unlimited option, but it’s also where most of the benefits lie. If you’re in an area where T-Mobile offers the best signal, this plan might tempt you. (Metro abandoned its old naming system in favor of titling its plans based on cost; this was formerly called Metro Flex Unl imitated More.)
First, the basics: For $60 per month for a single line or $140 per month for four lines (with a free plan for the fourth line), you get unlimited 5G data, unlimited talk and text, and 25GB of hotspot data. This 5G data will be limited if you burn more than 70GB per month, but you won’t be capped. The plan also benefits from T-Mobile’s 5-year price guarantee that covers calls, texts and data.
In terms of benefits, we chose to highlight this plan for several reasons. It includes Amazon Prime, typically a $15 per month fee, plus a 100GB Google One subscription (a $2 per month value), plus T-Mobile Tuesdays and the company’s Scam Shield service to filter unwanted calls and texts. Aside from Amazon Prime Video, no other streaming services are integrated. If you already have a cellular-enabled smartwatch or tablet, you can add it for $5 per month.
Granted, these benefits are aimed at a narrow slice of customers – T-Mobile, Amazon Prime and Google One coverage – but if it meets your needs, it’s a good deal.
Why we love it
Amazon Prime is a great addition that can save $180 a year, along with benefits like T-Mobile Tuesdays.
Who is it best for?
People living in a strong T-Mobile coverage area who also subscribe to Amazon Prime.
Who shouldn’t have it
If you’re in an area where Verizon or AT&T networks offer better performance, look for a different plan.
Customer Service Options
• Online: Metro assistance
• Telephone: 1-888-8metro8 (863-8768)
• Store: store locator
• Application: Metro application
Benefits
- Works on the Verizon network
- Unlimited hotspot data
- Disney Plus Premium included
- 5 year price guarantee
- Taxes and fees are factored into the sticker price
Disadvantages
- Capped amount of data when roaming internationally
Surprisingly few prepaid plans offer many benefits, likely opting to streamline options in order to achieve the lowest price. If you’re looking for extras like content streaming and live in an area with the strongest Verizon coverage, check out the Total Wireless 5G Plus Unlimited prepaid plan.
This plan is the most expensive of the Total Wireless plans, at $60 per month for a single line or $120 per month for four lines. But it’s cheaper than our other four-line prepaid perk pick, Metro’s $60/month with AutoPay (which becomes “$140/month with AutoPay”), and it includes Disney Plus Premium, a $20 per month value. Taxes and fees are also included in the cost of the plan.
The plan includes unlimited 5G data, which parent company Verizon says won’t slow down after a fixed number of gigabytes used. This 5G data can also be accessed using the faster 5G ultra-wideband if your device supports it. You’ll also get unlimited hotspot data, but at speeds up to 5 Mbps. International calls are free to over 85 destinations and texting is free to over 200 locations as long as you live in the United States, Puerto Rico, or the U.S. Virgin Islands. When visiting Canada, Mexico or 15 other countries, data roaming is possible up to a 10 GB roaming allowance.
Why we love it
It’s cheaper than our Prepaid Benefits runner-up, doesn’t cap data, has unlimited hotspot data, and includes Disney Plus.
Who is it best for?
People who live in areas with strong Verizon coverage and want to bundle Disney Plus.
Who shouldn’t have it
Someone in an area poorly served by Verizon’s network, or if you don’t care about the addition of Disney Plus.
Customer Service Options
• Online: full wireless support
• Telephone: 1-866-663-3633 or SMS to 611611
• Store: store locator
• Application: Total Wireless application
Benefits
- Works on the T-Mobile network
- Free chat and text
Disadvantages
- Need to use TextNow app for calling and texting
- The application contains advertisements
- Minimum cellular data
- No access to services like WhatsApp, iMessage or FaceTime on mobile
- Adding data is expensive
Today’s phones consume so much data that it’s hard to imagine not using any at all. And yet, that’s pretty close to what you’d use with TextNow’s free Flex plan, which only includes 350MB (yes, megabytes) and costs… nothing. Well, there is a $5 fee for purchasing a SIM card, but otherwise the service is free.
The problem is that calls and texts happen in the TextNow app, not in Phone, Messages, WhatsApp, or any other data-using communications app. And since you’re locked into the app, you’re also served ads. TextNow uses T-Mobile’s network for wireless access. If you TO DO If you need data access, TextNow has “passes” you can purchase, such as a $3 per day pass with 2GB of high-speed data and then unlimited 2G data. There’s also a $36 monthly subscription with 10GB of high-speed data and no ads, but if you’re spending that much, it makes sense to go for a cheaper plan from another provider with more options.
Why we love it
Aside from the cost of purchasing a SIM card and serving ads, it’s hard to beat free.
Who is it best for?
Someone who rarely needs to use a phone or has a basic phone as a backup or burner.
Who shouldn’t have it
In reality, most people will avoid this plan because so much of the way we use phones these days is data-centric.
Customer Service Options
• Online: TextNow help
• Telephone: n/a
• Store: n/a
• Application: TextNow application
Benefits
- Works on the T-Mobile network
- More data than some comparably priced plans from other prepaid competitors
- Free calls to Canada, Mexico and the United Kingdom
Disadvantages
- The best prices often require a full year commitment or are limited to new customers.
- Hotspot data comes from a monthly allocation
While we think almost everyone can benefit from an unlimited data plan, sometimes it’s too much data and too much expense. When you’re not streaming movies or checking social media frequently (outside of Wi-Fi), a limited amount of data on a plan may be enough.
Mint Mobile’s 15GB plan costs just $20 per month when you pay upfront for a year or take advantage of a new three-month customer deal. For that price, you get unlimited talk and text using T-Mobile’s 5G/4G LTE network and 15GB of high-speed data (and then slower unlimited data if you go over that allowance). It also includes free calls to Canada, Mexico and the UK, plus 10GB of hotspot data (out of 15GB total).
Why we love it
With T-Mobile’s network as its backbone, Mint Mobile’s plan offers many of the same features as the larger carrier, but on a smaller, affordable prepaid scale.
Who is it best for?
People who want the features of most mobile plans but don’t use a lot of data.
Who shouldn’t have it
Someone who is obsessed with data usage or worried about hitting the 15GB limit.
Customer Service Options
• Online: Mint Mobile Help Center
• Telephone: 800-683-7392
• Store: n/a
• App: Mint Mobile
Benefits
- Low price for 2 GB of data
- Works on the Verizon network for “Warp” service, AT&T for its “Dark Star” or T-Mobile for “Light Speed”
- 2 GB of high-speed data
- Taxes and fees are included in the sticker price
Disadvantages
- Limited periods during which you can change networks for free
- International calling is a separate add-on
- Cheapest rate requires annual purchase
It’s easy to get carried away with unlimited data plans and streaming perks, but some people just need a way to connect with friends and family with a little data to get them through the month. If you’re usually connected to Wi-Fi or only need a phone line in an emergency, the US Mobile Light plan is the most affordable option.
The plan includes unlimited calls and texts and 2GB of premium data. If you pay upfront for a year, it costs $96 including taxes and fees, which works out to $8 per month. (You can choose to pay monthly at $10 per month.) Did 2GB prove to be too little data? You can add top-up for $2 per gigabyte.
US Mobile’s approach is to use the infrastructure of the three major carriers and you choose which one is best in your area. They’re given special names – presumably to avoid publicity for the competition – and they break down like this: Dark Star is AT&T, Warp is Verizon, and Light Speed is T-Mobile. If you want to switch to another, you can do so up to two times for free and then with a $2 network transfer fee.
Why we love it
The cost is low and you can access the network of the most powerful operator in your area.
Who is it best for?
Someone looking for a simple phone line and not expecting to use a lot of data.
Who shouldn’t have it
If you’re often away from Wi-Fi, this data can drain quickly. It’s also not a good option if you need consistently high speeds or don’t want the complexity of choosing one of three networks.
Customer Service Options
• Online: mobile in the United States
• Telephone: 878-205-0088
• Store: n/a
• Application: iOS mobile in the United States, Android
Comparison of the best prepaid plans
| Plan | Cost 1 line (AutoPay) | Cost 4 lines (AutoPay) | High speed data | Hotspot data limit | Price Guarantee | Maximum number of lines | Broadcast resolution | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mobile in the United States | Unlimited flexibility | $17.50 | n / A | 10 GB | 5 GB | n / A | Unlimited | 480p (SD) |
| Visible | Visible | $19 | n / A | Unlimited | 15 GB | n / A | n / A | 480p (SD) |
| Google Fi Wireless | Unlimited standard | $50 | $100 | 50 GB | 25 GB | n / A | 6 | 480p (SD) |
| Metro | $60/month with AutoPay | $60 | $140 | Unlimited | 25 GB | 5 a ns | 4 | 1080p (HD) |
| Completely wireless | 5G Plus unlimited | $60 | $120 | Unlimited | Unlimited | 5 years | 5 | 480p (SD) |
| Text now | Essential data | Free | n / A | 350 MB | n / A | n / A | n / A | n / A |
| Mint Mobile | 15 GB | $20 | n / A | 15 GB | 10 GB | n / A | n / A | 480p (SD) |
| Mobile in the United States | Light Plan | $8 | n / A | 2 GB | n / A | n / A | 1 | 480p (SD) |
Visible is offering special deals on its regular Visible plan, so we’ve included the latest offer code. However, the company frequently changes its offers, so be sure to check the latest one.
Metro has changed the names of its plans. Instead of the marketing title “Metro Flex Unlimited Plus”, the plan is now the more descriptive “Metro $60/month with AutoPay” – maybe not as interesting, but simpler.
We used to recommend Metro’s Heritage plan, which was a bit cheaper in terms of benefits, but that option is now gone.
The Total Wireless 5G Plus Unlimited plan is a new addition to this list.
US Mobile changed the network priority level of its Warp Tier (Verizon) effective August 18, 2025 to QCI 9 instead of the higher priority QCI 8. However, anyone on Warp before this date retains the QCI 8 designation.
A wireless carrier saying it offers 5G is like saying I have a car. Good for me, but what brand and model is it? Does it work reliably? Can it actually reach the maximum speed indicated on the speedometer or will it sputter when I try to merge onto the highway? And could I have gotten the same performance if I had paid less for a model without extras like heated seats and TruCoat sealant?
When evaluating carriers, keep the following things in mind.
Know your region
Wireless coverage can make or break a plan. If you don’t get fast, reliable connections, or if calls often drop or go unanswered, then you could be paying more than you get. Fortunately, most areas of the United States are covered by some type of cellular coverage, so there aren’t as many dead spots as there used to be. (And now satellite service is starting to fill those gaps.) Big companies are also spending a lot of money and effort expanding their coverage.
On the other hand, even in a dense area, one carrier’s network may be stronger than another’s, or signals may be reduced due to interference. So the best approach is to ask your friends or family members what services they use and if the quality is acceptable. You can also test the services to see how your devices work in your region. (See the FAQ below to learn more about coverage map reliability.)
Know your offers and discounts
Another thing to keep in mind: discounts. All carriers offer additional discounts that you may qualify for, depending on your employer, military status, student status or age. Usually these apply to postpaid plans, not prepaid plans, but it’s worth checking.
First responders, military members, veterans, nurses and teachers can receive discounts on all major carriers. Verizon has discounts for students, while T-Mobile’s Work benefit could reduce the monthly price of an Experience More or Experience Beyond plan by 15%, with AT&T offering a similar program for its Unlimited Premium PL plan. AT&T also has a promotion for teachers that offers 25% off its latest unlimited plans.
If you are 55 or older, you may also be eligible for a discounted package: T-Mobile offers discounted plans nationwide for as little as $55 per month for two lines, and Verizon And AT&T offer similar options, but only for Florida residents.
It’s also worth noting that on their websites some carriers sometimes advertise different rates for switches, for example if you bring your own phone (no trading in and financing a new one on an installment plan). Our recommendations reflect the actual price outside of these very specific promotions.
Choosing a wireless plan and carrier is a very individualized process. What suits you and your family’s needs may be very different from what your friends or neighbors are looking for. Even geographically, some areas get better AT&T coverage while others work better on Verizon or T-Mobile. The choices we make are based on more than a decade of coverage and evaluation of wireless carriers, their offerings and their overall performance.
Specifically, we consider coverage, price/value, and benefits.
Blanket
Since the top three providers cover most of the country with good 4G LTE or 5G, this is largely a macro-level choice. That’s why we recommend a variety of eSIM options to determine what’s best for you in your particular location, so you can better decide what’s best for you. Looking at the coverage maps on each provider’s website will likely show that you have good coverage even if your experience isn’t all about full bars or the fastest speeds.
Price/value
The value takes into account the total experience you might get, like how much high-speed data you get and what’s included in the sticker price. We also take into account whether a plan includes typical taxes and fees, or whether these are billed separately, thereby increasing your monthly bill.
Benefits
Benefits are additions beyond the basic components of wireless service (talk, text, and data). This could range from bundling or discounts on streaming services to additional hotspot data or the ability to use your phone internationally.
How to choose between a prepaid and postpaid plan
When choosing a phone plan, there are usually two main options: a postpaid carrier like AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile (plus cable options like Spectrum Mobile and Xfinity Mobile) and prepaid providers like Mint Mobile, Metro by T-Mobile, Google Fi Wireless, and Cricket.
The difference comes down to this: with postpaid, you pay for your plan after using your service, while prepaid allows you to purchase that allowance in advance.
Prepaid providers are generally cheaper than postpaid options, although they are also often (but not always) more limited when offering additional streaming benefits, hotspot data, or device discounts. To get several hundred dollars’ worth of trade-in credit for a new iPhone, Pixel, or Galaxy, you’ll often need to commit to a postpaid plan with one of the big three carriers and be willing to stay with that provider for 24 to 36 months.
The three major wireless carriers also offer various discounts on plan prices based on age, employment, military or veteran status, or whether you or someone on your family plan is a nurse, teacher, or first responder. You can find details here for AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon.
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What you need to know about 5G
“5G” is an umbrella term that encompasses current fifth-generation wireless cellular network technologies. All major carriers and phones support 5G connections, which can offer faster data speeds than older technologies like 4G LTE or 3G.
There are essentially three types of 5G: Millimeter wave (mmWave), which can be fast but has limited range; low band 5G, which has slower speeds but works over a wider range; And middle bandwhich is a balance between the two that is faster than low band but also covers a wider range than millimeter waves. Midband also integrates Band Ca batch of spectrum auctioned off by the Federal Communications Commission in 2021.
Your phone’s 5G connection depends on the type of connection that covers the area you are in, as well as other factors, such as population density and infrastructure. For example, mmWave is blazing fast, but its signals can be thwarted by buildings – or glass, or leaves – or if you’re inside a structure.
When your device is connected to a 5G network, it may appear in several variants such as 5G, 5G Plus, 5G UW or others, depending on the carrier. Here’s a list of icons you see at the top of your phone for major services:
AT&T: 5GE (which is not actually 5G, but rather a sneaky marketing name for 4G LTE), 5G (low band), 5G Plus (mmWave, midband)
Verizon: 5G (low band, also called “Nationwide 5G”), 5G UW/5G UWB (midband and mmWave, also called “5G Ultra Wideband”)
T-Mobile: 5G (low band), 5G unified communications (mid-band and mmWave, also known as “Ultra Capacity 5G”)
There is also reduced capacity 5G (5G RedCap), which is a lower-power, smaller-capacity branch of 5G used by devices such as smartwatches and wearable health devices; the Apple Watch Ultra 3, for example, connects via 5G RedCap.
5G Advanced is just around the corner, promising much faster speeds through carrier aggregation or combining multiple spectrums.
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How reliable are coverage maps?
The three major US companies – AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon – offer services directly and have robust national networks offering 4G LTE (fast) and 5G (even faster) data. They all promise coverage covering most of the United States and are actively trying to build out 5G coverage wherever they can.
But cards are one thing; experience is another. This is why it is impossible to say that one carrier is objectively better than another. For example, T-Mobile’s service in New York may be great, but Verizon is more reliable in rural Iowa. Or you may have basic 5G coverage but not millimeter wave 5G you’re faster.
If possible, ask your neighbors, friends, or family members near you which carriers they use and how fast or reliable the wireless service is. And don’t forget to consider not only where you live, but also the places you frequent: your home may have a clear connection, but your workplace could be in a cellular black hole.
You may also be able to test a network: go to a carrier’s store and ask if there are any free ways to try the company’s service. T-Mobile offers a free three-month Network Pass, Verizon offers a 30-day “trial” program, and AT&T offers its own free 30-day eSIM trial program.
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