In 2024, the ecosystem of mobile phones all over the world is huge and with such a vast market comes the need to power it. And no, we aren’t talking about the battery, we’re talking about the soul - it’s connectivity.
So, today we will be talking about cheap phone plans in USA so that choosing among affordable phone plans becomes easier for you. We’ll be discussing the pricing, features, pros and cons of each of the providers’ plans. And after reading this blog, you’ll have a pretty clear idea of which of these cheap mobile plans is best for you based on your needs, wants, and budget. Let’s get started!
1. Mint Mobile
Plans and Pricing
Firstly with Mint Mobile, this company has made a name for itself with its budget-friendly and flexible cheap phone plans in USA. And the most popular plan among their affordable phone plans offers unlimited talk, text, and 5GB of 5G/4G LTE data for just $15 per month. Also, If you need more data, they have a 15GB plan for $25 per month too with an additional unlimited data plan for $30 per month.
Key Features
- Free calls to Mexico and Canada.
- Uses T-Mobile’s network for wide coverage.
- Multi-month discounts.
Pros
- Highly competitive pricing.
- Excellent coverage.
- No hidden fees.
Cons
- Requires upfront payment for three, six, or twelve months.
- Data speeds may be throttled after using your monthly allotment.
2. Visible
Plans and Pricing
Next up, Visible, powered by Verizon, offers you one of the best cheap phone plans in USA if you’re a budget-conscious user. So, for just $25 per month, you get unlimited talk, text, and data, all of this on Verizon’s extensive network.
Key Features
- Unlimited hotspot data (capped at 5Mbps).
- No annual contracts.
- Free international calling to over 200 countries.
Pros
- Simple, flat-rate pricing.
- Reliable Verizon coverage.
- No data caps or throttling.
Cons
- Customer service is only available online.
- Data speeds may be deprioritised during network congestion.
3. Tello
Plans and Pricing
Furthermore, Tello offers you customisable affordable phone plans, allowing you to build a plan that suits your specific needs. With this company, you can get a plan with unlimited talk and text and 1GB of data for just $10 per month. And their unlimited data plan is priced at $39 per month too.
Key Features
- Flexible plan customisation.
- Free calls to Canada, Mexico, China, and Romania.
- Uses T-Mobile’s network.
Pros
- Highly customizable and affordable.
- No contracts or hidden fees.
- Good international calling options.
Cons
- Data speeds may be slower compared to other carriers.
- Limited perks and extras.
4. Cricket Wireless
Plans and Pricing
The next brand on our list, Cricket Wireless offers you a variety of cheap phone plans in USA, with the cheapest being the 2GB plan for $30 per month. And their unlimited data plan costs $55 per month. Also, this brand is one of the most recognised ones for cheap mobile plans.
Key Features
- Group discounts with the Cricket Core plan.
- Uses AT&T’s network for solid coverage.
- No annual contracts.
Pros
- Good network coverage.
- No overage charges.
- Group discounts make it even more affordable.
Cons
- Data speeds may be throttled on cheaper plans.
- Fewer premium features.
5. Boost Mobile
Plans and Pricing
Now, let’s talk about Boost Mobile. They provide you with competitive cheap phone plans in USA, including a $10 plan with 1GB of data. Furthermore, their unlimited data plan is priced at $50 per month too, making it sort of an all-rounder that ensures your peace of mind.
Key Features
- Uses T-Mobile’s network.
- No contracts.
- Free mobile hotspot on some plans.
Pros
- Budget-friendly pricing.
- Good coverage with T-Mobile’s network.
- No hidden fees.
Cons
- Data deprioritisation during congestion.
- Limited customer service options.
6. Google Fi
Plans and Pricing
Now, Google Fi also offers you a flexible and straightforward pricing model. Their "Flexible" plan costs $20 per month for unlimited talk and text, plus $10 per GB of data used. And the "Unlimited Plus" plan is $70 per month and includes unlimited data, plus extra perks like the Google One membership, making the one of the best cheap phone plans in USA.
Key Features
- Uses multiple networks (T-Mobile, Sprint, and U.S. Cellular) for better coverage.
- International data at no extra cost.
- Free calls and texts to over 50 countries.
Pros
- Flexible billing.
- Excellent international features.
- Strong network coverage.
Cons
- Expensive for heavy data users.
- Requires a compatible phone for network switching.
7. Metro by T-Mobile
Plans and Pricing
Next up, Metro by T-Mobile is a prepaid carrier owned by T-Mobile, and they offer you a variety of cheap phone plans in USA. So, their basic plan with 5GB of high-speed data is $30 per month, while the unlimited data plan is $50 per month.
Key Features
- 100GB Google One membership included with certain plans.
- Access to T-Mobile’s 5G network.
- Family plan discounts.
Pros
- Affordable unlimited data options.
- Good coverage with T-Mobile’s network.
- Extra perks like Google One.
Cons
- Data prioritization during congestion.
- Limited high-speed data on cheaper plans.
8. Republic Wireless
Plans and Pricing
So, if you’re looking to explore more cheap mobile plans, Republic Wireless offers plans that are perfect for you if you’re a light user. Their most affordable plan is $15 per month for unlimited talk and text, with data available at $5 per GB.
Key Features
- Customizable plans.
- Wi-Fi calling and texting.
- No contracts or hidden fees.
Pros
- Very affordable for low-data users.
- Simple and straightforward pricing.
- Good customer service.
Cons
- Limited data options.
- Coverage can be spotty in rural areas.
9. Straight Talk
Plans and Pricing
Talking about the last on our list of cheap phone plans in USA, Straight Talk offers you several plans, including a $35 per month plan with 10GB of high-speed data. And their unlimited plan is priced at $55 per month.
Key Features
- Uses all major networks (AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon).
- No contracts.
- Nationwide coverage.
Pros
- Good network flexibility.
- Affordable plans with decent data allowances.
- No hidden fees.
Cons
- Data speeds may be throttled.
- Customer service can be hit or miss.
So, you see finding the best cheap phone plan in USA depends on your specific needs, including data usage, coverage preferences, and budget. Each of these carriers offers unique advantages to you, whether it’s Mint Mobile’s multi-month discounts, Visible’s simple pricing, or Google Fi’s flexible billing. And by carefully evaluating your priorities and comparing the features and costs of these plans, you can find the perfect plan that greatly complements your phone’s eSIM without breaking the bank.