Many people have unlimited phone plans from major carriers like AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon. Unfortunately, these plans are expensive, and most Americans overspend on their phone bill by $1,500/year. The good news is that it's easier than you think to find an affordable phone plan that still offers data.
We tested 9 of the cheapest cell phone plans and carriers to find which plans are worth considering. All of the top plans we recommend are just $25/month or less.
Our testing determined that the best cheap plan on the market is US Mobile's 2GB By the Gig plan for $10/month. It offers unlimited minutes, unlimited texts, and 2GB of high-speed data, making it a great option for a basic monthly phone plan that's cheaper than two drinks at Starbucks.
Read on for our full lineup of the least expensive cell service options on the market, and compare their included features. Plus, we'll give you expert tips to save money on your phone bill when picking your next plan.
Why you can trust WhistleOut
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15+
years of mobile industry experience
900+
published wireless guides
35+
firsthand carrier reviews
We've been around since the birth of the iPhone. Along the way, we've learned how to spot the best deals for your wallet (and your sanity). We spend our days researching informative guides and writing insightful reviews on every kind of wireless plan, distinguishing what matters from what doesn't. We played around with these plans before recommending them, ensuring they're worth your hard-earned money.
Want to know more? Check out how we review every cell phone plan we rank.
Our expert picks for the best cheap phone plans
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Best overall plan US Mobile 2GB By the Gig → Basic phone plan on AT&T, T-Mobile & Verizon networks → $10/month |
View at US Mobile |
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Runner up Unlimited Talk, Text and 10GB Plan → 10GB of full-speed 5G on T-Mobile's network → $15/month |
View at Tello |
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Cheapest unlimited Visible → Unlimited 5G data on Verizon's network → $25/month |
View at Visible |
Top 3 cheap phone plans under $25
1. 2GB By the Gig from US Mobile for $10/month
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US Mobile
2GB By the Gig Plan
$10.00/mo
Taxes and fees included
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US Mobile's 2GB By the Gig plan offers excellent value for such a low price, including the ability to switch service between the three major networks whenever you want.
It's a great option for customers like seniors who spend most of their time on Wi-Fi or who are looking for a simple talk-and-text plan. There's no need to pay $60/month or more for a postpaid plan from a major carrier if you don't need unlimited data.
Reasons to buy
- Only $10/month
- Access to Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile networks
- High-speed data allowance
- Hotspot included
- Make it into a family plan for $8/line
Reasons to avoid
- $2 fee per network transfer
Why is US Mobile better than other cheap carriers?
US Mobile's 2GB By the Gig plan is a rare, affordable plan that has a lot of valuable features. For just $10/month, users get unlimited talk, unlimited text, and a 2GB high-speed data allotment on any network they want. If you only need mobile data during emergencies or for things like running your GPS while driving, the 2GB allotment should easily meet your needs.
US Mobile is one of the few carriers with access to all three major networks, including AT&T (Dark Star network), T-Mobile (Light Speed network), and Verizon (Warp network). Changing networks is just $2 per switch with the US Mobile TelePortal feature. Plus, this plan can also be turned into a family plan with extra lines costing $8 each. That means a shared plan for you and your significant other would cost just $18/month.
In our hands-on testing of US Mobile, we found that 4G and 5G speeds were consistently fast in more populated areas, topping out around 350Mbps near a T-Mobile 5G tower and a whopping 488Mbps near an AT&T one. For that reason, we recommend opting for the AT&T "Dark Star" network through US Mobile if you have solid AT&T coverage near you.
Our experience with US Mobile
"Pricing is one of the best features of US Mobile because all of its plans are extremely competitive," Senior Staff Writer Max McCaskill said after spending a month testing the carrier.
Read his full US Mobile review.
What users are saying
Users on the US Mobile subreddit are pleased with the 2GB By the Gig plan because it allows them to only pay for the data they'll use. One user noted, "As a former long-term Consumer Cellular customer, I'm quite satisfied with my 2-line/2GB plan, which costs less than half of what [Consumer Cellular] was charging me. USM's top-off setup is excellent, whereas [Consumer Cellular] bumps your data plan up to the next tier when you run out, then leaves it at that level, unless you reset it."
Why is the 2GB By the Gig plan the best cheap phone plan?
The US Mobile By the Gig plan is the best cheap phone plan because it offers unlimited talk, unlimited text, 2GB of data, and access to all three major networks for just $10/month. That's not an introductory price, and it includes taxes and fees. It's difficult to find a talk and text plan that offers similar features at a lower price.
Are there discounts for multiple lines on US Mobile's unlimited plans?
No, US Mobile does not offer multi-line discounts on its unlimited family plans.
Does US Mobile charge any hidden fees?
No, US Mobile doesn't charge hidden fees. It offers transparent pricing with taxes and fees included in the listed price.
Does US Mobile offer any perks?
Yes, the US Mobile Unlimited Premium plan offers 20GB of international data per month. It also offers a streaming perk to family plans with three or more Unlimited Premium lines.
2. Tello Unlimited Talk, Text, and 10GB Plan for $15/month
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Tello
Unlimited Text, Talk, and 10GB Plan
$15.00/mo
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Tello Mobile's Unlimited Talk, Text, and 10GB plan for $15/month is a great option for customers who need a small data plan on T-Mobile's network. The 10GB allowance is a solid option for people who spend most of their time on Wi-Fi, like teenagers or people who work from home.
If you typically find yourself with data premium leftover at the end of the month, it might be worth looking into a cheaper plan with a smaller allotment. T-Mobile's cheapest Essentials plan starts at $60/month, making this a much cheaper option for the same service. Plus, Tello's plans are customizable, so you can alter the plan after switching if you discover you need a bit more data.
Reasons to buy
- Starts at $15/month
- 10GB high-speed data allotment
- Mobile hotspot using data allotment
- Customizable plans
- T-Mobile 5G coverage
Reasons to avoid
- Spotty coverage in rural areas
Why we love it
Tello's Unlimited Talk, Text, and 10GB plan offers extremely cheap access to T-Mobile's 5G network while still offering a decent data allotment. T-Mobile's 5G network is the largest in the nation and offers incredibly fast speeds. You don't need to worry about sacrificing coverage for the lower cost.
This plan is an excellent option for users who don't use much data, but still need more access than a typical talk and text plan.
Our experience with Tello Mobile
"One of Tello’s best features is its low prices," Senior Staff Writer Max McCaskill said after spending a month using Tello Mobile. "With plans starting at just $5/month, it’s among a select group of carriers that offer ultra-low-priced options."
Read his full Tello Mobile review.
What users are saying
Customers on the Tello Mobile subreddit (r/Tello) have noted the carrier's commitment to cheap plans and avoiding surprise price hikes. In response to a question about the potential for price increases, longtime Tello customer r/rolandh954 noted that, "I've been a Tello subscriber since late 2020. For what it's worth, in that time, the price per GB has gone down, not up."
Why switch to Tello's $15 plan?
Tello's Unlimited Talk, Text, and 10GB plan for $15/month is a great option for customers who need a low-cost phone plan with a small data allotment. The ability to customize your plan or use your data with a mobile hotspot are just extra perks included with an already great deal.
How is Tello Mobile's coverage?
Tello uses T-Mobile's 5G network for coverage, is the largest 5G network in the U.S., covering 40% of the country. The network is available in over 7,500 cities, though its mostly confined to those areas. Its 4G LTE network is much larger, covering 62% of the map, and reaches into more suburban and rural areas where 5G is not available.
Does Tello Mobile have good customer service?
Yes, Tello Mobile offers excellent customer service through its online chat and network of phone agents.
Does Tello Mobile have an unlimited plan?
Yes, Tello Mobile has an Unlimited Plan with unlimited talk, text, 35GB of high-speed data, and a 5GB hotspot for just $25/month.
3. Visible plan from Visible for $25/month
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Visible
$25 Visible Plan
$25.00/mo
Taxes & Fees included
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The Visible plan's affordable $25/month price tag, unlimited 5G data, and unlimited mobile hotspot make it the best way to get unlimited data on a budget. It's one of the cheapest unlimited plans on the market that still offers mobile hotspot connectivity.
This is the perfect plan for customers who are sick of Verizon's prices but still love its coverage. You'll get access to the same networks as Verizon's customers, but be paying less than half the cost of its cheapest postpaid plan.
Reasons to buy
- $25/month for unlimited data
- Unlimited mobile hotspot at 5Mbps
- Verizon coverage
Reasons to avoid
- No dedicated high-speed hotspot
- No family plans
Why we love it
The Visible plan offers valuable features like unlimited data and an unlimited mobile hotspot (speeds capped at 5Mbps) for just $25/month. That price includes all taxes and fees. Plus, even at that low of a monthly cost, your data is truly unlimited. While it may briefly slow down during network congestion, there are no data caps or limits on your 5G usage.
Since it's owned by Verizon, you'll get excellent coverage on Verizon's 4G LTE and 5G networks. Our testers consistently saw speeds around 150Mbps on a 4G LTE connection, which was fast enough for us to stream video and audio, play smartphone games, and quickly download files. One thing to note is that you will need to buy one of Visible's more expensive plans if you want access to Verizon's fastest 5G speeds on its Ultra Wideband network.
Our experience with Visible
"Visible’s base plan offers excellent value at $25/month," UX Analyst Angelo Ilumba said after testing the Visible plan for a month. "The plan's simplicity and lack of hidden fees (it really is just $25/month) make it an attractive option for budget-conscious consumers."
Read his full Visible review.
What users are saying about Visible's service
Users on the Visible subreddit are fans of the Visible plan and noted its low prices. u/CriticalMass-Freedom noted that, "After a year-and-a-half, I’ve had zero issues with Visible. I’m on the same $25-a-month plan since day one. I was paying $81 per month with AT&T, and I truly feel like I am getting better coverage with Visible."
Is Visible the best affordable single-line phone plan?
The Visible plan is the best option if you're looking for a cheap single-line unlimited plan. There are not many plans offering an unlimited allotment of data and an unlimited mobile hotspot for just $25/month.
Is the Visible plan's unlimited 5G data the same as premium data?
No, only the Visible+ and Visible+ Pro include premium data. The Visible plan's data is unlimited and has access to Verizon's 5G network, but it is also subject to deprioritization during times of network congestion.
Is Visible as good as Verizon?
In many categories, Visible is as good as Verizon. For example, both carriers share the same network, meaning their coverage is identical. Verizon does offer some better features and optional perks, but Visible's plans are cheaper.
Does Visible have contracts?
No, Visible is a no-contract carrier. You can leave Visible and switch to another carrier whenever you want with no penalty.
All cheap data plans we reviewed in 2026
Our top three picks aren't the only cheap plans we evaluated for this list. Below are some of the other plans we considered, all under $40/month, that didn't quite make the cut. That doesn't mean they're bad plans; in fact, some of them are quite good... they're just not the best. Some of them, though, are bad, and we're calling them out here so you can avoid the headaches of dealing with a high payment for subpar service.
Other top cheap plans we recommend
3-month 5GB Plan from Mint Mobile
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Mint Mobile
5GB Data Plan
$10.00/mo
$30.00 upfront payment for 3 months (equals to $10.00/month). Intro pricing for new customers only.
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With a starting price of just $15/month, Mint's 5G Plan is a great option for cheap service on T-Mobile's network. That said, there are some important caveats to this plan. You must pay for the three months of service upfront, so the overall price is $45. Plus, that $15/month cost is an introductory price. After three months, the price jumps to $25/month unless you resubscribe with a 12-month plan or family plan. That said, the overall savings are so big that we still recommend it as a cheap plan, especially because we're big fans of Mint's service.
Twigby Mobile 10GB Plan
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Twigby Mobile
Unlimited Talk, Text and 10GB Data
$15.00/mo
for the first 3 months then $25.00/month
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Twigby Mobile's 10GB Plan is a great cheap limited data plan on Verizon's network. You’ll only pay $15/month during the first three months of service. After the introductory period, the price jumps to $25/month, which is why it's not one of our top picks.
Cheap plans worth considering (with reservations)
3-Month Unlimited plan from Cricket Wireless
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Cricket
3-Month Unlimited Plan
$15.00/mo
$45 advance payment for 3 months (equals to $15/month)<br>regular rate for 3 months is $120 (equals to $40/month)
+ $9.99 Upfront
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We like the low introductory rate and autopay discount for this unlimited plan from Cricket, which operates on the AT&T network. And $15/month for a three-month unlimited plan is a great deal. That said, we don't love the fact that adding a 10GB mobile hotspot will cost you an extra $10/month, and that the price increases to $40/month after the introductory period ends.
3GB Essentials Plan from Red Pocket
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Red Pocket
Essentials Monthly Plan (CDMA)
$10.00/mo
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For just $10/month, Red Pocket's 3GB Essentials Plan is incredibly cheap. It's the same price as US Mobile's 2GB By the Gig plan, but it only offers half as much data, so it's really not the best talk and text plan.
Cheap plans we don’t recommend
Free Phone Plan from TextNow
TextNow does offer a truly free phone plan (if you buy the $4.99 SIM card). However, TextNow forces users to use its app to make calls and send texts, which is a poor experience for most customers. Additionally, if you need mobile data, purchasing a data pass rapidly becomes expensive. The Monthly Unlimited Pass offers a measly 20GB of full-speed data for a whopping $35.99/month, which is incredibly overpriced.
MobileX Unlimited
MobileX offers the Unlimited 30 Plan for $24.88/month. It includes unlimited data on Verizon's network that is subject to deprioritization after 30GB of high-speed data and a 10GB hotspot. Additionally, for an extra $5/month, you can add MobileX's Gold Network Priority Access that gives you priority data during times of network congestion. If you don't need Gold Network access throughout the entire month, you can purchase Priority Access data on demand as you need it for $2.10/GB.
While that's a solid price for a cheap unlimited plan with interesting perks, we had considerable problems with coverage and the carrier's customer service during our MobileX testing. We think most customers are better served getting the similarly priced Visible plan instead.
How to choose the best cheap plan
Not all cheap phone plans are the same. Extremely cheap talk and text plans are great if they actually meet your needs. However, you want to make sure you aren't stuck paying for expensive data top-ups every month because you picked the wrong plan. Here's what to seek out (and what to avoid) when shopping for the best unlimited plan for you.
What to look for
- Will the plan meet my needs?
We think the US Mobile By the Gig 2GB plan is the best cheap plan, but its data allotment won't meet the needs of most people. The average user needs around 10–15GB of data per month. That said, users with a consistent Wi-Fi connection during the day may get away with using less. If you're unsure how much data you need, read our mobile data usage guide to help determine the most practical plan for you. - Will the low price will stay low?
Many carriers offer low introductory pricing on their plans but raise the prices after a few months. That doesn't mean introductory pricing is a red flag. After all, we love Mint Mobile's plans, which include a low rate for the first three months of service. But introductory pricing does require you to be sure you know what you're activating so you aren't caught off guard by a price hike.
What to avoid
- Unlimited data for the sake of unlimited data.
Is it worth getting unlimited data? No, most people don't need unlimited data, especially if they have access to reliable high-speed Wi-Fi. The average American only uses around 10-15GB of data per month, an amount that's far below the premium data threshold of most unlimited plans. Limited data plans from prepaid carriers offer more modest plans at more modest prices. - Fancy perks
The cheapest phone plans are barebones. You generally won't find things like streaming subscriptions, international data, or massive mobile hotspots on a cheap plan. That said, carriers lure in unsuspecting customers with extra perks that make their plans more expensive. Unfortunately, many people don't use these perks enough to justify the higher prices, so make sure you need a specific perk before choosing a plan that includes it.
How we evaluate all cell phone plans
Each of our plan picks is underpinned by an extensive first-hand test and review of its features and performance. Our team evaluates phone plans based on the following criteria:
- Price & value: Not all cheap plans are “bad,” and not all expensive plans are worth it. We look at everything a plan includes and compare it both to other plans from the same carrier, as well as similar plans from competitors in the market, to determine whether the value is consistent with the price.
- High-speed data: Also called “premium” data, this is how much data you get at full 4G/5G speeds before they can or will slow down. The more guaranteed high-speed data the plan includes, the better experience you’ll generally have—but there’s also usually a limit to how much you actually need, and we ensure that you’re not overpaying for data that will go unused.
- Coverage & network reliability: The breadth of each carrier’s 4G LTE and 5G networks determines your reception and service. Particularly in the case of 5G, some carriers offer far more robust coverage than others, which affects how their phone plans perform in different parts of the country.
- Plan extras & perks: In addition to the basics—talk, text, and data—some plans throw in freebies like hotspot allowances, cloud storage, entertainment subscriptions, or service discounts.
Our mobile experts spent at least one month using each of the plans we've recommended to you. In addition to running speed tests, tethering to the hotspot, and analyzing coverage reliability, we also leveraged proprietary data and real-world customer feedback to evaluate plan options, cost, and inclusions. We considered plan-specific elements, including perks, premium data allowances, and mobile hotspot allocations. After our hands-on testing and extensive research, we picked the best plans we feel meet the needs of most people.
Visit our guide to choosing a phone plan to dive deeper into how we evaluate plans and carriers, and how to pick the right plan for yourself or your family.
Max McCaskill
Sr. Staff Writer
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