Best Mobile Plans for Budget-Conscious Users: A Comparison
Mint Mobile
Network: T-Mobile
Plans and Pricing:
- 4GB for $15/month (3, 6, or 12-month plans)
- 10GB for $20/month
- 15GB for $25/month
- Unlimited for $30/month
- Free calls to Mexico and Canada
- 5G and 4G LTE access
- Mobile hotspot included (limited to plan data)
Strengths: Competitive pricing with discounts for longer-term commitments; fast T-Mobile network support, 5G access.
Visible
Network: Verizon
Plans and Pricing:
- Unlimited data, talk, and text for $25/month (Visible Standard)
- $45/month for Visible+ with access to Verizon's 5G Ultra-Wideband
- Unlimited mobile hotspot at 5Mbps
- No annual contracts, data throttling only during heavy congestion
- Multi-line discount
Strengths: Simple, no-throttle unlimited data plans; budget-friendly for single lines; access to Verizon’s extensive coverage.
Tello
Network: T-Mobile
Plans and Pricing:
- 500MB for $5/month
- 2GB for $14/month
- 5GB for $19/month
- Unlimited for $29/month
- Free hotspot included
- No contracts, no extra fees
- Unlimited calls to Canada, Mexico, China, and Romania
Strengths: Flexible pricing and plan customization; excellent for international calls.
Cricket Wireless
Network: AT&T
Plans and Pricing:
- 2GB for $30/month
- 10GB for $40/month
- Unlimited for $55/month
- Unlimited + 15GB Mobile Hotspot for $60/month
- No overage charges
- 5G access
- Hotspot option with unlimited data plans
Strengths: Reliable AT&T network coverage; flexible in-store support options.
Boost Mobile
Network: T-Mobile
Plans and Pricing:
- 5GB for $15/month
- 10GB for $35/month
- Unlimited for $50/month
- Unlimited + 30GB Mobile Hotspot for $60/month
- No contracts
- Mobile hotspot on all plans
- 5G access
Strengths: Flexible prepaid options; access to the T-Mobile network.
Metro by T-Mobile
Network: T-Mobile
Plans and Pricing:
- 5GB for $30/month
- 10GB for $40/month
- Unlimited for $50/month (5GB hotspot)
- Unlimited + Amazon Prime for $60/month (15GB hotspot)
- Amazon Prime included with $60 plan
- 5G access
- Hotspot data included on unlimited plans
Strengths: Amazon Prime benefit, solid T-Mobile network, great for heavy data users.
Brand | Network | Main Plans | Unique Features | Website |
---|---|---|---|---|
Mint Mobile | T-Mobile | 4GB for $15, 10GB for $20, 15GB for $25, Unlimited for $30 | Free calls to Mexico and Canada, 5G included, discounts for longer-term plans | mintmobile.com |
Tello | T-Mobile | 500MB for $5, 2GB for $14, 5GB for $19, Unlimited for $29 | Free hotspot, customizable plans, international calls to select countries | tello.com |
Visible | Verizon | Visible: $25 for unlimited, Visible+ for $35 with premium network access | Unlimited data, talk, text, and hotspot included, simple plan options | visible.com |
Cricket Wireless | AT&T | 2GB for $30, 10GB for $40, Unlimited for $55 | 5G access, no overage charges, family plan discounts | cricketwireless.com |
Boost Mobile | T-Mobile | 5GB for $15, 10GB for $35, Unlimited for $50 | No contracts, mobile hotspot on all plans, 5G included | boostmobile.com |
Metro by T-Mobile | T-Mobile | 5GB for $30, 10GB for $40, Unlimited for $50 | Amazon Prime included with $60 plan, 5G access, hotspot data on unlimited plans | metrobyt-mobile.com |
Mint Mobile
Mint Mobile, using T-Mobile’s extensive network, stands out by offering low-cost plans that require upfront payments for three, six, or twelve months, allowing customers to save more with longer-term commitments. Known for its innovative business model, Mint attracts budget-conscious users who are willing to prepay for up to a year in exchange for significantly reduced monthly rates. The plans range from 4GB for $15 per month to an unlimited data plan for $30 per month. Every plan includes 5G and 4G LTE access where available, ensuring high-speed connectivity. Mint Mobile also includes free calls to Mexico and Canada, making it appealing to users with friends and family in North America. Additionally, Mint Mobile provides hotspot usage included in each plan’s data allotment. Its flexibility, low-cost model, and generous coverage make it ideal for those seeking a full-featured wireless service at a fraction of traditional costs.
Tello
Tello is another T-Mobile network provider that differentiates itself with its highly customizable plans, making it ideal for customers with unique data and call requirements. Users can mix and match talk, text, and data options to build a plan that best fits their usage, ranging from a minimal 500MB plan for occasional users to an unlimited plan for more demanding needs. All Tello plans come with unlimited texting and the option for free mobile hotspot usage, giving users more flexibility. Tello also includes international calling options to select countries, which is especially beneficial for users who regularly connect with family and friends abroad. Tello’s pricing starts as low as $5 per month, and there are no contracts or hidden fees. This flexibility, combined with affordable prices and a straightforward billing system, makes Tello an attractive choice for those seeking a customized plan without overpaying for unused features.
Visible
Visible is a unique carrier owned by Verizon, known for its all-inclusive unlimited plans and simplicity. Visible’s plans start at $25 per month for unlimited data, talk, and text, with a second option, Visible+, at $35 per month, adding premium high-speed data access and increased coverage in roaming areas. Visible’s approach is straightforward: it only offers unlimited data plans, which include mobile hotspot use (limited to 5 Mbps), making it an attractive choice for those who need extensive data without complications. Visible’s hotspot feature is particularly helpful for users who want to connect other devices without paying extra. With Verizon’s robust network backing it, Visible boasts reliable coverage, especially in rural and suburban areas. Visible’s streamlined service, lack of contracts, and commitment to no hidden fees or throttling under typical usage make it an ideal choice for those seeking dependable coverage and simplicity at a low cost.
Cricket Wireless
Cricket Wireless is AT&T’s prepaid carrier that appeals to users looking for consistent coverage without contracts. Cricket offers several plans: 2GB for $30, 10GB for $40, and two unlimited plans at $55 and $60, with the latter offering added features like 15GB of mobile hotspot data. All Cricket plans include unlimited talk and text, and there are no hidden fees or overage charges. Additionally, the company offers family plan discounts, with substantial savings for households looking to bundle multiple lines. Cricket has a reputation for quality customer service and provides a reliable, widespread network, making it a favorite among families and individuals in need of dependable coverage at a predictable price. Cricket’s family discounts, multi-line savings, and optional add-ons such as international calling make it a versatile choice for those seeking simplicity, reliability, and cost efficiency.
Boost Mobile
Boost Mobile, now operating on T-Mobile’s network, is known for its budget-friendly prepaid plans and freedom from long-term contracts. Boost’s offerings begin with a 5GB plan for $15 per month and extend to an unlimited data plan for $50 per month, all of which include mobile hotspot access. The plans also provide 5G coverage at no additional cost, with the capability to tether other devices using mobile data. For users who want a bit more flexibility, Boost also offers several promotional deals, such as “Boost Perks” for discounts on non-wireless products and services, as well as “Shrinking Payments” plans, where bills can decrease with consistent on-time payments. Boost’s straightforward plan options, coupled with no overage fees and access to a large nationwide network, make it an appealing choice for users who prefer prepaid simplicity and are looking for high-quality service without the commitment of a contract.
Metro by T-Mobile
Metro by T-Mobile, also running on T-Mobile’s network, combines affordable prepaid plans with added perks, making it an attractive option for users who want extras without a contract. Its plans start at $30 for 5GB of data and go up to an unlimited data option for $50, with a premium unlimited plan at $60 that includes Amazon Prime membership at no extra cost. Metro’s plans come with 5G access and hotspot data on higher-tier plans, catering to users who prioritize mobile connectivity. The service also offers family discounts and bundled savings, which are popular among users seeking cost-effective solutions for multiple lines. Metro’s extensive 5G availability, consistent service quality, and perks such as music streaming and Amazon Prime access with premium plans make it particularly appealing to users who value both connectivity and entertainment options without needing a contract.