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Generally speaking, the best cell phone plans are split into two types.

you might also check out our page on thebest phonesif you’re looking for a handset too.

Red, white, and black SIM cards on yellow background

It offers a great balance between price, premium features, coverage, and completely unthrottled 5G data.

It’s not cheap, but it’s surprisingly good value amongst the big carrier options right now.

Just note that the data passes can quickly add up in cost.

Verizon branded SIM card in yellow

Amendments to Boost Mobile and US Mobile.

If you’re willing to pay for your plan upfront, however, then it’s a superb choice.

Check out ourTello promo codespage for more ways to save.

Visible Wireless sim card

As prepaid plans, all the following choices don’t include contracts or credit checks.

However, for best bang for the buck we’d recommend the 15GB data plan.

See our main page on thebest prepaid plansfor more excellent options.

Tello branded Sim card

These include Disney+ subscriptions, Walmart+ memberships, more hotspot data, and international travel passes.

The new “Go5G” plan is still a fantastic choice for most people, however.

For more unlimited data plan options, check out our guide to thebest unlimited data plansin the US.

best cell phone plan for seniors US Mobile

As a rule of thumb, however, more lines equals cheaper rates per line on average.

Don’t want data?

Since there are no contracts and you pay each month, it’s easy to make any amendments.

TextNow branded SIM card

We’d recommend this one for heavy users only.

That means you don’t even need to pay for a pass to access everyday essentials!

We’d recommend the introduction 5GB / $15/mo plan as a good option for most kids.

Good value for most users: Mint Mobile | $15pm | 5GB | T-Mobile network

Tello runs off of the Sprint / T-Mobile web connection and is compatible with GSM devices.

Best cell phone plan: FAQ

How does TechRadar choose the best cell phone plans?

How to get the best cell phone plan for you

1.

Best super-cheap plan: Tello Economy | $9pm | 1GB | T-Mobile network

As always, it’s no use paying a ton of money for data you don’t even use!

Determining exact data requirements can be tricky but there are tools you could use to help out.

Secondly, we’ve included a quick reference table of estimated data usage of popular apps just below.

Cheap Verizon alternative: US Mobile | $8pm | 1GB | Verizon & T-Mobile network

Check your coverage

Next, it’s worth checking how good provider coverage is in your area.

Firstly, monitor your data usage and check that you’re not spending more than you oughta.

Secondly, don’t hesitate to shop around and check out other carriers that may fit your needs better.

Cheap AT&T alternative: Red Pocket| $13pm | 5GB | AT&T network

Thirdly, our final tip for saving cash is to shop around for relevant discounts at the carriers.

As of writing,Verizon,AT&T, andT-Mobileall have discounts you could apply for.

Best value unlimited data plan: Visible | $25 - $45pm | Verizon network

Best AT&T: AT&T | $25pm | Unlimited data | 12-month prepaid

Best coverage and flexibility: Verizon Unlimited Plus | $65pm

Best cheap unlimited plan: Visible | $25-$45pm | Verizon network

Best T-Mobile plan: T-Mobile Go5G| $75pm

Cheap T-Mobile alternative: Boost Infinite| $25pm | T-Mobile network

Best AT&T: AT&T Unlimited Extra | $75pm

Best high-end family plan: T-Mobile Go5G| $155pm (4 lines)

Best big carrier value: Verizon Welcome Unlimited | $100pm (4 lines)

Best for budget setups: Mint Mobile | $30 - $60pm (2 lines) | T-Mobile network

Best AT&T: Cricket Unlimited plan | $100pm (4 lines) | AT&T network

Best pay as you go: Ultra Mobile | $3pm | T-Mobile network

Best for flexibility: Tello | $9 - $25pm | T-Mobile network

Best for unlimited: T-Mobile Essentials Unlimited 55 | $55pm (2 lines)

Best no data plan: TextNow| free | T-Mobile network

Value pick: Mint Mobile | 5GB | $15 pm | T-Mobile network

Also great value: Twigby Mobile | $20pm | 5GB | Verizon network

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