Best Cell Phone Plans — every ranking, by use case and budget
We paid for every plan here and used it for a month on the same phone. Scores are locked before any affiliate link is added.
Visible
Very Good
8.7
US Mobile
Very Good
8.7
By use case indexed
By price page 1 indexedpage 2+ noindex
In-depth cell phone plans reviews
T-Mobile
The fastest network in our metro tests, direct from the carrier, with the best phone deals and perks on the higher plans
Read T-Mobile ReviewVisible
Verizon's own $25 unlimited with taxes included and unlimited hotspot — no throttling of the price when you add lines because there are no lines to add
Read Visible ReviewUS Mobile
Pick your network — Verizon, T-Mobile or AT&T — and switch between them, with unlimited from $17.50 a month paid annually
Read US Mobile ReviewAT&T Prepaid
AT&T's network for $25 a month on the annual prepaid plan, with stores and phone support the MVNOs lack
Read AT&T Prepaid ReviewGoogle Fi Wireless
The plan for people who leave the country: data in 200+ destinations at no extra cost on Premium, on T-Mobile's network at home
Read Google Fi Wireless ReviewMint Mobile
Buy a year up front and pay $15–$30 a month on T-Mobile's network; now owned by T-Mobile itself
Read Mint Mobile ReviewVerizon
The most consistent rural coverage on our drives, and the priciest single line here — the four-line price is where it makes sense
Read Verizon ReviewCricket Wireless
AT&T-owned prepaid with 5,000 stores, taxes included and four lines of unlimited for $100
Read Cricket Wireless ReviewBoost Mobile
The fourth carrier: its own 5G network plus AT&T and T-Mobile as backup, and a $25 unlimited price it promises never to raise
Read Boost Mobile ReviewGuides that send readers to these rankings
Which Network Is Your Cheap Carrier Actually On? (MVNO Map)
Every carrier in our ranking mapped to the tower it uses, and what that means for coverage and rush-hour speed.
How Much Phone Data Do You Actually Need?
Real usage numbers, the plans that fit each band, and when unlimited is a waste of money.