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Most Affordable Cell Phone Plans of the Year

Most Affordable Cell Phone Plans of the Year

The best low-cost cell phone plans prove that you don’t have to spend a lot of money to get sufficient data each month. We’ve found plans that can provide you with a lot of data thereby stretching your dollar — potentially costing less than your current phone plan. 

  1. T-Mobile

The best low-cost cell phone plan available right now 

Best Plan: 2GB | Monthly Rate: $15 | Parent Network: T-Mobile 

Pros: Reliable network. Low monthly rate. The plan grows by 500MB annually. 

Cons: Data usage is strictly limited. If the network is congested, speeds may be slowed. 

  1. Metro by T-Mobile

Overall, the best discount carrier 

Best Plan: 10GB | Monthly Rate: $40 | Parent Network: T-Mobile 

Pros: Lots of data for $40. Uses T-Mobile’s network. Taxes and fees included in the price of the plan. 

Cons: When T-network Mobile’s is congested, traffic is slowed. There is no mobile hotspot data available. 

  1. Republic Wireless

The most flexible low-cost cell phone plans 

Best Plan: 2GB | Monthly Rate: $25 | Parent Network: Sprint, T-Mobile 

Pros: Uses Sprint and T-Mobile networks. Rates correspond to data usage. 

Cons: Does not support the iPhone. 

  1. Visible

Offers lots of data for $40 per month. 

Best Plan: Unlimited | Monthly Rate: $40 | Parent Network: Verizon 

Pros: Uses Verizon’s network 5G service added for select phones. Discount is offered for multiple lines. 

Cons: If the network is overloaded, speeds can be throttled. There is only one data plan. 

  1. Mint Mobile

Offers the best rates if you buy in bulk. 

Best Plan: Unlimited data | Monthly Rate: $30 | Parent Network: T-Mobile 

Pros: Lots of data for a low monthly rate, including a new unlimited plan. Uses T-Mobile’s network. 

Cons: For the best discounts, you must sign up for an annual plan. 

  1. AT&T

The best AT&T plan at $40 or less 

Best Plan: 15GB | Monthly Rate: $40 | Parent Network: AT&T 

Pros: Rollover data. More data than other $40 plans. 

Cons: There is no 5G coverage. 

  1. Google Fi

The best inexpensive cell phone plans for travelers. 

Best Plan: 2GB | Monthly Rate: $40 | Parent Network: Sprint, T-Mobile, US Cellular 

Pros: Allows you to text and use data when traveling abroad. Offers expanded support for non-Pixel phones. Includes the Pixel 4a and Pixel 5. 

Cons: Only a few phones are compatible with the network. Unlimited data is costly.