Best prepaid phone plans

Best prepaid plans

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Prepaid cellphone plans are a type of mobile phone plan you pay for upfront, rather than at the end of the month like postpaid cellphone plans. Users pay in advance for the services they want to use, such as talk, text and data. This provides more flexibility and cost control than postpaid options since you aren’t tied to a long-term commitment and can switch plans or carriers whenever you want.

Prepaid options are also generally cheaper than postpaid plans, but be prepared to sacrifice data and speed. Most prepaid providers are mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) that use a larger carrier’s network, like T-Mobile, AT&T or Verizon, so you can count on great 5G and 4G LTE coverage at an affordable price.

Compare top prepaid plans

Prepaid plans can start as low as $10/mo. with limited data, or you can opt for an unlimited data plan. Mint Mobile and Visible’s Unlimited plans are two of the best prepaid options if you want an unlimited data plan with great value. Metro from T-Mobile offers a solid option if you need multiple lines for the family.

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Top prepaid plans

Prepaid phone plans can help save you money on your monthly bill. Compare some of the best prepaid phone plans by price, data and value. Just keep an eye out for the fine print regarding unlimited prepaid plans. If you exceed a certain data threshold, your speeds will be slowed down significantly.

Best overall prepaid plan – Mint Mobile Unlimited

Mint Mobile’s Unlimited plan is our top pick for best overall prepaid plan. With Mint Mobile Unlimited, you’ll get unlimited talk, text and data for $15/mo. per line or $45 for three months. Mint Mobile uses T-Mobile’s network, so you’ll get 40 GB of high-speed data per month on T-Mobile’s 5G and 4G LTE networks. This plan also includes 10 GB of mobile hotspot data, which can be great on the go. On the downside, Mint Mobile will throttle your speeds if you exceed 40 GB of data per month. Also, your price will increase after the three-month intro period unless you commit to a full year of service.

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Best cheap prepaid plan – Connect from T-Mobile

The cheapest Connect plan by T-Mobile gets you 1 GB of data for $10/mo. If you want a straightforward, cheap plan and don’t need much data, this could be a great choice. If you decide you need more data, T-Mobile also offers three other Connect plans: 3.5 GB for $15/mo., 6.6 GB for $25/mo. and 12 GB for $35/mo.

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Best value prepaid unlimited plan – Visible+ from Visible

Visible+ from Visible is $35/mo. for unlimited 5G data on Verizon’s 5G Ultra Wideband network. It also includes 50 GB of premium high-speed data per month and global talk and text. This plan has great value for the price. You can save $10/mo. on Verizon 5G Home Internet with Visible+ and it includes unlimited hotspot data. Keep in mind that your speeds will be throttled if you exceed 50 GB of data per month and that Visible only offers a single line.

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Best for families – Metro Unlimited from T-Mobile

Metro from T-Mobile offers some great options if you need an affordable prepaid plan for the family. You can choose from three plans, with the highest tier offering five lines for $180/mo. You’ll get unlimited data, access to T-Mobile’s 5G network, 25 GB of hotspot data, unlimited texting to 210+ countries, a 100 GB Google One membership and a one-year subscription to VIX Premium for free. However, watch out for speed throttling if you exceed 35 GB of data per month.

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Who should get a prepaid plan?

Prepaid plans are perfect for those who do not want to be tied to a monthly bill or a long-term commitment. Prepaid plans also tend to be much cheaper than postpaid plans, though you will sacrifice data and other perks. You have the flexibility to change plans or carriers with no penalty and have control over what you pay for your phone plan.

Prepaid plan FAQs