Top 5 AT&T MVNOs: Get AT&T Coverage for $25

AT&T arguably offers the most balanced network in the United States. It doesn't always have the blazing top speeds of T-Mobile, but it often works in rural areas and inside buildings better than the competition.

However, AT&T’s direct postpaid plans can be pricey.

The solution? AT&T MVNOs. These carriers run on the exact same "GSMA" network as AT&T but cut the cost by stripping away the physical stores and expensive marketing. If you have an unlocked phone and want the reliability of the "blue" network without the bill, these are your best options.

Here are the best carriers on the AT&T network ranked for 2025.

1. Cricket Wireless (Best Overall Value)

Cricket is to AT&T what Metro is to T-Mobile. It is wholly owned by AT&T, meaning it isn't just a tenant—it's part of the family. This ensures incredible stability and coverage.

Cricket’s pricing is transparent: what you see is what you pay. Taxes and fees are included in the advertised price. Their top unlimited plan is a fan favorite because it doesn't have a data cap and often includes a subscription to Max (formerly HBO Max) (ad-supported), adding huge value for streamers.

• Best For: Families and heavy data users.
• Key Feature: Taxes included & Max subscription on top plans.
• Network: Direct AT&T Native Network.

Read our deep dive: Cricket Wireless Review: Is the Premium Prepaid Worth It?

2. Boost Mobile (Best for Deal Hunters)

Boost Mobile is currently one of the most interesting carriers in the industry. While they are building their own 5G network, they still rely heavily on AT&T (and T-Mobile) to provide nationwide coverage.

Boost made headlines with their "Infinite Access for iPhone" plan, which gives you a new iPhone every year along with unlimited data. If you just need a SIM, their $25/mo "Forever" plan is one of the best deals in wireless history—locking in that low price for as long as you keep the line.

• Best For: iPhone fans and budget lockers.
• Key Feature: "Infinite Access" new phone upgrades.
• Price: $25/month for unlimited data (Autopay).

Read our deep dive: Boost Mobile Review: Is the "$25 Forever" Plan Legit?

3. AT&T Prepaid (Best for Priority)

Sometimes the best alternative to AT&T... is AT&T. Their prepaid division offers the same network priority as their postpaid starter plans, which is a huge advantage over third-party MVNOs that might get slowed down.

Their 12-month annual plan is a "hidden menu" item that offers outstanding value—essentially giving you 16GB of high-speed data for around $25/month if you pay for the year upfront.

• Best For: Users who want the AT&T brand name.
• Key Feature: Rollover Data (unused data carries over to next month).
• Availability: Online exclusive deals are usually better than in-store.

See the latest offers: AT&T Deals & Best Phones Guide

4. AirVoice Wireless (Best for Talk & Text)

AirVoice Wireless is a veteran in the prepaid space. They are a classic MVNO that runs on the AT&T network. They are less flashy than Boost or Cricket, but they are reliable and offer excellent low-cost plans for light users.

If you have a senior parent or a child who just needs unlimited talk and text with a tiny bit of data for Maps, AirVoice has plans starting at incredibly low price points.

• Best For: Seniors, kids, and emergency phones.
• Key Feature: Simple, no-nonsense pricing.

Read our deep dive: AirVoice Wireless Review: What You Should Know

5. Red Pocket Mobile (Best for Flexibility)

Red Pocket is famous for letting you choose ANY network. Their "GSMA" SIM card puts you directly on the AT&T network.

Like Mint Mobile, Red Pocket offers significant discounts if you buy an annual eBay plan. It is a fantastic option for moderate users who know exactly how much data they need (e.g., 5GB or 10GB) and don't want to pay for an "Unlimited" plan they won't use.

• Best For: Moderate data users (5GB - 10GB range).
• Key Feature: Annual plans offer the lowest monthly effective rate.

Read our deep dive: Red Pocket Mobile Switching Guide

What is an AT&T MVNO?

Most AT&T MVNOs operate on the GSMA standard. If you see a carrier selling a "GSMA SIM," that is code for "Runs on AT&T."

Because AT&T uses GSM technology (like T-Mobile and unlike the old Verizon CDMA), it is incredibly easy to bring your own phone. Almost any unlocked phone in the world will work on these carriers.

The "White List" Warning

One unique thing about AT&T is their strict "device white list." To use Voice over LTE (VoLTE) and 5G, your specific phone model must be approved by AT&T. Most iPhones (iPhone 6 and newer) and major Samsung/Pixel phones are fine. However, if you have an obscure international phone (like a Xiaomi or Huawei), it might not work on AT&T MVNOs.

Verdict: Which should you choose?

• Choose Cricket Wireless if you want a premium experience with taxes included and HBO Max.
• Choose Boost Mobile if you want the absolute cheapest unlimited plan ($25) or a new iPhone.
• Choose AT&T Prepaid if you want priority data and Rollover data.
• Choose AirVoice Wireless for simple, low-data needs.