Best cell phone plans in 2024: The best options for your monthly phone service

best cell phone plans
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There's a lot of things to consider when searching for the best cell phone plan, from coverage to perks. But when I'm evaluating plans, the question I ultimately ask myself comes down to value — how much data am I getting for my monthly payment?

That's a question, I'm well-equipped to answer. For nearly a decade, I've been reviewing cell phone plans on behalf of Tom's Guide, looking at how much they cost, how much data they provide and any other extras that come included. I'm not only keeping tabs on bigger-name phone carriers — I look at smaller wireless providers as well to see what they're charging.

What I've found out: you can save a lot of money on your cell phone plan just by widening your search beyond the major carriers.

The last three months of the year are a great time to look out for the best cell phone plans, as it syncs up with when top phone makers release their new flagships. If you're considering a new Pixel 9 and the iPhone 16, you might want to consider a new cell phone plan to go with it — especially since many of the best cell phone deals often require you to commit to specific plans to save money on your new device.

My top picks for the best cell phone plan focus on low-cost options from Mint and Visible. But I also highlight the best cell phone plans from Verizon, T-Mobile and AT&T if you prefer a more established wireless provider.

The quick list

Written by
Philip Michaels
Written by
Philip Michaels

I've been working for Tom's Guide since 2015, where I'm now the managing editor for mobile coverage. If it's about phones or cell phone plans, I'm on the case. I've been looking at phones since the debut of the iPhone back in 2007, as my career in technology coverage dates back to 1999. From my Northern California home, I'm constantly checking in on phone carriers to see what they charge for data and how that compares to other options. When I'm not doing that, I'm cooking, traveling, and staring at a phone screen.

The best cell phone plan overall

1. Mint Mobile

The best cell phone plan overall

Specifications

Data amount: 5GB
Monthly cost: $15
Parent network: T-Mobile

Reasons to buy

+
 Very affordable
+
Generous data allotments

Reasons to avoid

-
Requires you to pay for a year in advance for best rate

Mint Mobile is a great option to turn to if you want to keep your monthly cell phone bill low. In addition to the 5GB plan, the best Mint Mobile plans include 15GB, 20GB and unlimited data tiers. The most you'll pay for any plan is $30 per month for unlimited data.

After your three months of service are up, you need to commit to a full year of service to keep the low monthly rate. That means paying up front, which in the case of the 5GB plan is $180. If you can swing that initial cost, Mint provides a great way to lock in a low rate.

New customers currently pay $15/month for the first three months on any plan. That means for $45 upfront you can try out the unlimited data plan for half-off the usual price. At the end of those three months, the price reverts back to its old rate, and you have to commit to a full year to get Mint's lowest pricing.

Mint Mobile | 5GB | $15/month - Best cell phone plan overall

Mint Mobile | 5GB | $15/month - Best cell phone plan overall
Mint's 5GB plan is the best cheap plan for most people, as it provides enough data for social media, internet searches and Maps. You'll pay $15 a month for the first three months, before Mint requires you to pay $180 for a full year of service at the same low monthly rate. Coverage is provided on T-Mobile's network and includes 5G on compatible phones.

The best unlimited data plan

2. Visible

The best unlimited data plan

Specifications

Data amount: Unlimited
Monthly cost: $25
Parent network: Verizon

Reasons to buy

+
Low rate
+
Excellent network performance

Reasons to avoid

-
No discounts on additional lines

Visible offers just two plans, both of which have unlimited data. Either one is a great choice if all you need is one line of data.

The basic plan costs $25/month, giving you coverage on Verizon's nationwide network — Verizon owns Visible — and the ability to make unlimited calls and texts to Canada and Mexico You can use your phone as a mobile hotspot. The biggest downside is that your network can be slowed at any time if Verizon's network gets congested.

The $45 Visible Plus plan guarantees you 50GB of high-speed data (i.e., no data throttling), and you can connect to Verizon's faster 5G Ultra Wideband network where available. You also enjoy calling and texting to more countries, with Visible now including a Global Pass that allows you to use your plan overseas for one day. (Normally, that costs $10/day.) Visible Plus subscribers can also add a smartwatch to their plan at no extra cost. A current promotion cuts the first month rate in half when you sign up using the 'HALFOFF' code.

The carrier now lets customers pay for service annually, which comes with even more savings. For example, its $25/month unlimited plan can be paid in full for $275 for the entire year. Existing Visible customers can now switch to annual pricing as well.

Visible | Visible Unlimited | $25/month - Best cheap unlimited data

Visible | Visible Unlimited | $25/month - Best cheap unlimited data
Even though Visible's $45 Plus plan has the better perks, Visible's $25 unlimited offering is our pick if you want the cheapest unlimited data with no strings attached. It helps that Visible uses Verizon's network for coverage, including 5G coverage.

The best tiered data plan

3. Verizon

Best tiered data plan

Specifications

Data amount: 15GB
Monthly cost: $35
Parent network: Verizon

Reasons to buy

+
 Lots of data
+
Great coverage and speeds
+
Nationwide 5G coverage

Reasons to avoid

-
Not the cheapest prepaid option
-
Doesn't use Verizon's faster Ultra Wideband 5G

You'll find three prepaid options at Verizon — one that gives you 15GB of data each month, and the other two promising unlimited data. The more expensive of Verizon's prepaid unlimited plans has the most perks, with access to Verizon's fastest 5G coverage. (Verizon's other prepaid plans can connect to the slower nationwide 5G.) You also get more hotspot data and 180 minutes of talk time with a country of your choosing.

Whichever prepaid plan you get at Verizon, be sure to enroll in autopay as it lowers your rate significantly. We recommend the 15GB option as the best prepaid phone plan at Verizon — it normally costs $45/month, but the price drops to $35 with autopay enrollment.

Verizon | 15GB prepaid | $35/month - Best prepaid plan

Verizon | 15GB prepaid | $35/month - Best prepaid plan
Verizon's prepaid plan offers the right mix of price and data. That 15GB per month is more than enough for most users, and autopay discounts bring your monthly rate down to $35. (If you don't enroll in autopay, loyalty discounts eventually drop the rate to $35 if you stick with Verizon for nine months.) Perks are minimal with this plan, but you do get 5G coverage and the ability to use your phone as a mobile hotspot.

The best family plan overall

4. T-Mobile

Best cell phone plan for families

Specifications

Data amount: Unlimited
Monthly cost: $200 (4 lines)
Parent network: T-Mobile

Reasons to buy

+
Free Netflix
+
5G available
+
Data speeds aren't slowed unless you use 100GB

Reasons to avoid

-
Can't mix-and-match T-Mobile unlimited data options

Make no mistake — T-Mobile has some great unlimited plans for individuals, even if the best unlimited data plan at Visible is a lot cheaper. Where T-Mobile really shines is with the best family cell phone plans, since it discounts additional lines as you add them, lowering your overall cost per line with each person.

Even better, a frequent promotion at T-Mobile has the carrier waiving the cost of a third line of data, so families of four can get that fourth line for free. Factor in discounts for enrolling in autopay, and you can save quite a bit of money.

Among the many unlimited options at T-Mobile, I've found the Go5G plan has the best mix of price and perks. The cost of a Netflix standard plan comes included, and you also get six months of Apple TV Plus. The Go5GPlus costs a little bit extra — $30 more than Go5G when T-Mobile's waiving the cost of a third line — but you get additional perks for streaming and travel.

T-Mobile Go5G | 4-line family plan | $200/month - Best family plan

T-Mobile Go5G | 4-line family plan | $200/month - Best family plan
Go5G also offers families attractive perks, with 15GB of hotspot data and the ability to use more of your data for free when you travel in Canada and Mexico. The perks are even grander with Go5G Plus, but Go5G is the more affordable option — and when T-Mobile waives the cost of a third line, a four-line plan drops to $155/month, instead of the usual $200. Even if that promotion isn't in place, you can save $20 total by enrolling in autopay.

The best pay-in-advance plan

5. AT&T

Best value for paying in advance

Specifications

Data amount: Unlimited data
Monthly cost: $25
Parent network: AT&T

Reasons to buy

+
Lots of data
+
Low monthly cost

Reasons to avoid

-
Requires big upfront payment
-
Speeds slowed after 16GB of data are used

AT&T's main prepaid plans provide 5GB of data for $30/month or unlimited data at $50. (That unlimited price reflects a $15 discount for enrolling in autopay.) We'd steer you toward AT&T's bulk plan, though, as it promises unlimited data for as low as $25/month if you pay for a full year upfront. Only 16GB of the data in that plans is high-speed data — hit that amount in a given month, and your speeds slow down to 1.5Mbps for the rest of the billing cycle — but 16GB is more than enough for most people.

As noted, you'll have to pay the full year up front. But if you can swing the $300 upfront cost, this AT&T prepaid plan is a great way to lock in a low rate ahead of time.

AT&T | Unlimited 12-month prepaid | $25/month - Great value on AT&T

AT&T | Unlimited 12-month prepaid | $25/month - Great value on AT&T
The main carriers rarely offer the best value prepaid plans and these tend to be more common from MVNOs. However, AT&T can be slightly more affordable and flexible than the likes of Sprint or Verizon. While you can pay for one month at a time, the best price is going to come from investing in a 12-month prepaid plan with AT&T by paying $300 upfront. That gives you unlimited data, though speeds will slow down should you use more than 16GB in a month. If you prefer monthly payments, you can get 5GB of data from AT&T for $30 per month.

The best cell phone plan for travel

6. Google Fi

Best cell phone plan for travel

Specifications

Data amount: Unlimited
Monthly cost: $65
Parent network: T-Mobile

Reasons to buy

+
Good for international travel
+
Optimized for Pixel phones

Reasons to avoid

-
There are cheaper options elsewhere

With new Pixel phones now available, it's a good time to consider Google Fi. Service is optimized for Pixel phones — not to mention select models from Samsung and Motorola — but anyone can use the service, even iPhone owners.

You have a choice of three plans. The Flexible plans charges $20 for unlimited talk and text plus $10 for every gigabyte of data you use. There are two unlimited plans — one for $50 per month and the other for $65. The $65 Unlimited Plus plan includes travel benefits that let you use your data for no cost when overseas. Other Unlimited Plus perks include a year of YouTube Premium along with 100GB of Google One cloud storage

Google Fi | Unlimited Plus plan | $65/month - Best unlimited plan for travel

Google Fi | Unlimited Plus plan | $65/month - Best unlimited plan for travel
Google Fi's Unlimited Plus plan costs $65/month, with discounts available on additional lines. More importantly, you can use your Google Fi Unlimited Plus plan when you travel to more than 200 other countries with no disruption in service or extra charges; that makes Google Fi Unlimited Plus one of the best international phone plans. Unlimited Plus customers now get a year of YouTube Premium, too.

The best low-cost option

7. Tello

Best selection of low-cost plans

Specifications

Data amount: 1GB
Monthly cost: $9
Parent network: T-Mobile

Reasons to buy

+
Cheapest cell phone plan
+
Unlimited calls and texts

Reasons to avoid

-
Very limited data at this price

If you want to spend the least amount on data every month, consider Tello, an MVNO that uses T-Mobile's network to provide its coverage. Tello offers six different data plans, which are all priced competitively when compared to other services.

We're highlighting the 1GB plan, which costs $9 a month. But as you can see in our Tello guide, there are also 2GB ($10), 5GB ($14), 10GB ($19), 15GB ($24) and unlimited data ($25) options. Those prices assume unlimited talk and text — you can further reduce your monthly bill by reducing the number of talk minutes you need.

As of this writing, Tello has a promotion that cuts the price of its 5GB plan to $10 for the first month of service for new customers; after that, the rate returns to $14.

Tello Economy | 1GB | $9/month - Lowest priced cell phone plan

Tello Economy | 1GB | $9/month - Lowest priced cell phone plan
Tello has added more data to its pricier plans, but the Economy Plan is still the way to go if you want the cheapest possible service. With Tello, you can get a monthly price of $9. You will find yourself limited at 1GB of data in this plan. While you do get unlimited calls and texts, some will find that data cap quite limited so this really is just for those after the lowest monthly cost. Fortunately, jumping up to Tello's 2GB plan costs just $1 more.

The best perks for a prepaid cell phone plan

8. Cricket Wireless

Best prepaid plan perks

Specifications

Data amount: Unlimited
Monthly cost: $60
Parent network: AT&T

Reasons to buy

+
Perks include Max (with ads), cloud storage and 15GB of hotspot data
+
Uses AT&T's network

Reasons to avoid

-
Pricey compared to other unlimited options

AT&T-owned Cricket Wireless has long since stopped capping data speeds on its service, so if you haven't considered Cricket in a while, it's worth a second look. It's an especially attractive option if you prefer AT&T's network, but want a cheaper plan than what AT&T might offer.

Cricket gives you four different options, ranging in price from $30 a month for 5GB of data to a $60 unlimited data plan that includes hotspot data and a subscription to the ad-supported version of the Max streaming service. If $60 is too much to spend, the 10GB plan ($40/month before an autopay discount) is worth considering, too.

Cricket Wireless | Unlimited data | $60/month - Best prepaid perks

Cricket Wireless | Unlimited data | $60/month - Best prepaid perks
Prepaid plans don't usually come with lots of perks, but Cricket's unlimited plan may be the exception. You get access to the ad-supported version of the Max streaming service along with 150GB of cloud storage and 15GB of monthly hotspot data. The best perk of all may be AT&T's network, as AT&T owns and operates Cricket.

Best cell phone plan price guarantee

9. Boost Mobile

Lifetime price guarantee

Specifications

Data amount: Unlimited
Monthly cost: $25
Parent network: Dish

Reasons to buy

+
Low price, guaranteed forever
+
Extensive networkd coverage

Reasons to avoid

-
Few perks

Boost Mobile has a number of unlimited data plan options, with the pricier plans like hotspot data, taxes and fees baked into the rate and discounts on future device purchases. Still, we'd steer you toward the carrier's $25/month unlimited data option. Not only is it the cheapest cell phone plan at Boost, but it also comes with cost certainty.

Enroll in autopay with Boost, and that $25 monthly rate stays locked in so long as you keep Boost as your wireless carrier. That means you're always going to know what your monthly cell phone bill will be, give or take fluctuations in taxes. Even better, right now Boost is running a promotion that cuts that $25 price in half for your first month of service.

You're able to use 30GB of data under this plan before your data speeds are subject to slow-downs, and Boost includes 5G coverage on its nationwide network, with AT&T and T-Mobile towers providing additional coverage for subscribers. You won't find many other perks on this particular plan, but the locked-in price may be reward enough for some customers.

Boost Mobile | Unlimited data | $25/month — The same price forever

Boost Mobile | Unlimited data | $25/month — The same price forever
If you want to know what you'll be paying for cell phone coverge for the foreseeable future, turn to the cheapest unlimited plan option at Boost. You won't get many perks apart from unlimited data, but you will get a locked-in rate for however long you keep your service at Boost and stay enrolled in autopay.

Best cell phone plan for Comcast customers

10. Xfinity Mobile

The best cell phone plan from Comcast

Specifications

Data amount: Unlimited
Monthly cost: $40
Parent network: Verizon

Reasons to buy

+
Good discounts for multiple lines
+
Uses Verizon's extensive network
+
Can switch to per-gig pricing

Reasons to avoid

-
Requires Xfinity internet

Xfinity internet customers should consider bundling their mobile phone service with Xfinity Mobile. The Comcast-backed carrier charges $40 for a single line of unlimited data, which isn't as cheap as what Mint, Visible or Tello charge. However, additional lines of unlimited data are just $20 each, so a family of four would pay $100/month or $25 per line. That's a very attractive price.

The Xfinity unlimited plan lets you use 30GB of data each month before your speeds slow down and you get unlimited hotspot data at 3G speeds. For 15GB of faster hotspot data, plus HD video streaming, you can pay $50/month for Unlimited Plus at Xfinity. (Extra lines cost $30 each.) That plan gives you 50GB of data before your speeds are slowed down.

There's also per-gig pricing (1GB costs $20), and you can switch between different plans as your needs change month to month. Whatever plan you use, your coverage is provided by Verizon, which has extensive reach.

Xfinity Mobile | Unlimited data | $40/month - Phone coverage for Comcast subscribers

Xfinity Mobile | Unlimited data | $40/month - Phone coverage for Comcast subscribers
Xfinity Mobile isn't the cheapest unlimited data plan out there, but it does become attractive if you add extra lines. After paying $40 for one line of unlimited data, extra lines are just $20 each. You get coverage via Verizon's wireless network, and perks include hotspot data.

Best cell phone plans compared

Swipe to scroll horizontally
PlanData amountMonthly price
Mint Mobile 5GB plan5GB$15 (requires upfront annaul payment)
Visible Wireless Visible planUnlimited data$25
Verizon Prepaid 15GB plan15GB$35 (after autopay discount)
T-Mobile Go5G Family planUnlimited data$155 (four lines with autopay discount)
AT&T Prepaid Unlimited planUnlimited data$25 (requires upfront annual payment)
Google Fi Unlimited Plus planUnlimited data$65
Tello 5GB plan5GB$14
Cricket Wireless Unlimited + 15GB Mobile Hotspot planUnlimited data$60
Boost Mobile Unlimited planUnlimited data$25
Xfinity Mobile Unlimited planUnlimited data$60 (two lines)

How we pick the best cell phone plans

Picking the best cell phone plans requires extensive research on exactly what each carrier offers. That means we're checking the plans available at each of the three major carriers, as you would expect. We also extend that search to lesser know MVNOs, who often offer lower-priced plans.

Once we've gathered all the data on available smartphone plans, we single out the lowest cost options. But because a best cell phone plan isn't a one-size-fits-all choice, we look at the best options from the most popular carriers, as well as compelling values from discount carriers, giving you a wide variety of options to choose the best plan for you. (More on making that decision in a moment.)

Because phone carriers are often changing up their plans, we make it a habit to periodically review what's available. As a result, these rankings get updated at least once a month so that our picks reflect any changes to pricing or perks. When possible, we try to call out promotions that can save you additional money on a new cell phone plan.

How to choose the best cell phone plan for you

Price is a big consideration when looking for the best cell phone plans, especially if you’re getting more than one line for other members of your family. Most carriers offer escalating discounts as you add lines, so you’ll want to compare the total cost of your plan based on the number of lines that require service.

Cell phone plans are about more than just the amount on your bill each month, though. You also need to consider who offers the best coverage in your area and whether they support the phone you’ll want to use. Our guide to the best phone carriers can answer many of those questions, but you’ll also want to ask friends, neighbors and co-workers about how a specific carrier’s coverage is at your home and office if you’re looking to switch wireless providers.

Speaking of switching carriers, the major carriers are all willing to pick up some of the cost to get you to switch. These promotions can vary over time, so we'd suggest keeping an eye on any new carrier deals when you're mulling a switch, as you could find extra ways to save money.

Wireless carriers have spent the past several years building out their 5G coverage, and if you’ve got the right 5G phone, you can benefit from faster speeds if a carrier offers 5G service in your area. T-Mobile includes 5G coverage with all its plans, and that coverage extends to carriers like Metro By-T-Mobile, Mint Mobile and others that use T-Mobile's towers for coverage. AT&T now includes 5G with all its plans, including prepaid options. Verizon does, too, though only some plans include access to that carrier's faster 5G Ultra Wideband network.

What kind of cell phone plan do I need?

eSIM

(Image credit: AndreyPopov)

As you would expect, there is no simple answer to this and the question is more about what is the best plan for you. This will obviously depend on a wide variety of factors.

For those on a budget and looking for some flexibility, a prepaid cell phone plan will be an excellent way to go. These are often the cheapest options and the lack of contracts is going to be a massive bonus, especially if you like to change up carriers frequently.

If you frequently stream Netflix on the go, like to play games on your phone or just generally drain your data at impressive speeds, an unlimited plan is an excellent way to go — especially as 5G becomes more common.

For more on picking a plan, check out our guide on how much data you need in your cell phone plan.

Family cell phone plans are an excellent way to save money on each phone line, since many carriers drop the per-line cost for each additional line. Some carriers, such as Verizon and AT&T, let you mix and match plans, so parents can get an unlimited line with greater perks, while giving kids a cheaper line of data to save money overall.

If you are simply after the lowest price possible, carriers including Mint Mobile and Tello can offer you really low costs if you don't mind settling for smaller data caps. In some cases, you can also get a lower rate by paying for a full year of service ahead of time, as is the case at Mint Mobile.

MVNOs vs other carriers

MVNOs are a slightly strange concept but they do offer an excellent way to get a cell phone plan on a budget. So what are they and how do they differ from the main carriers.

Firstly, it's important to note the main carriers. These are: AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile, which absorbed Sprint in 2020. Boost Mobile is trying to establish itself as another nationwide network, using its own tower for service.

MVNOs (Mobile Virtual Network Operators), on the other hand, don't own and operate their own technology and instead piggyback off of the services of one of the above brands. This allows them to be far cheaper than the main carriers but does mean they are the first to be restricted during peak usage periods and don't get access to as many additional benefits.

We explain more about this in our MVNO guide, but the main players are:

  • Mint Mobile runs on T-Mobile
  • Metro by T-Mobile: runs on T-Mobile
  • Cricket Wireless runs on AT&T
  • Visible runs on Verizon
  • Xfinity Mobile runs on Verizon

Cell phone plans comparison

Philip Michaels

Philip Michaels is a Managing Editor at Tom's Guide. He's been covering personal technology since 1999 and was in the building when Steve Jobs showed off the iPhone for the first time. He's been evaluating smartphones since that first iPhone debuted in 2007, and he's been following phone carriers and smartphone plans since 2015. He has strong opinions about Apple, the Oakland Athletics, old movies and proper butchery techniques. Follow him at @PhilipMichaels.

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