Best Cell Phone Plans of 2027

What separates the best cell phone plans on this page?

Price is the first split. T-Mobile scores 8.8 at $50 for one line, while Visible and US Mobile both score 8.7 at $25. The gap is not quality — it is what you pay for postpaid priority, stores and phone deals versus a flat monthly rate.

Network matters next. T-Mobile had the highest median speed in our metro tests. Verizon never lost signal on either rural drive. US Mobile is the only carrier where you can move between all three networks, and Mint runs on T-Mobile with the fastest 5G speeds at our metro points.

Then look at what each plan actually includes:

• T-Mobile — four lines of Essentials Saver for $100, but Essentials Saver hotspot is 3G speed.
• Visible — $25 flat with taxes and fees included, unlimited hotspot at 5 Mbps, one line per account.
• US Mobile — annual plan is the cheapest unlimited we tested, with multi-line discounts and a free network trial.
• AT&T Prepaid — $300 a year for unlimited on AT&T, 10 GB hotspot, phone support and stores.
• Google Fi Wireless — data in 200+ destinations at no extra cost on Premium, four lines of Essentials for $25 each.
• Mint Mobile — $15 a month for 5 GB, family plans from two lines, free trial eSIM.
• Verizon — four lines for $120 with autopay, 55+ plan in Florida, myPlan perks add streaming at $10 each.
• Cricket Wireless — four lines for $100, taxes included, thousands of stores for in-person help.

What should you check before buying a phone plan?

Our scoring puts Value at 30 and Coverage & network at 25, so start there. Check the single-line price against the multi-line price: Verizon is $65 for one line but four lines for $120 with autopay, and Cricket is $55 for one line but four lines for $100.

Check deprioritisation. Visible's base plan is always deprioritised and gave us the slowest rush-hour speeds we measured. AT&T Prepaid is deprioritised behind postpaid at busy times. US Mobile's Starter plan is deprioritised at rush hour on Verizon. T-Mobile Experience plans carry postpaid priority.

Check hotspot and support. Cricket's base unlimited has no hotspot, and Verizon's Welcome plan has no hotspot and no premium data. Google Fi Essentials has a 5 GB hotspot cap and no free international data. US Mobile support is chat and email, 14 minutes to a person; AT&T Prepaid and Cricket give you stores and phone support.

Which plan is right for you?

For one line on a budget, Visible at $25 with taxes included, or Mint at $15 a month for 5 GB if you pay a year up front. For a family, Cricket's four lines for $100 or T-Mobile's four lines of Essentials Saver for $100. For travel, Google Fi Wireless. For rural coverage, Verizon. For switching networks without changing SIM, US Mobile.

For a single line on a tight budget, Visible at $25 with taxes included is the straightforward pick, and Mint at $15 a month for 5 GB suits light users who will pay a year up front. Families should look at Cricket's four lines for $100 or T-Mobile's four lines of Essentials Saver for $100. If you travel, Google Fi Wireless; if you drive rural roads, Verizon; if you want to move between networks, US Mobile.