Best Cell Phone Services to Try Before You Buy

Picking the right cell phone service can feel like a big commitment. You want reliable coverage, fast data speeds, and a plan that fits your budget. Luckily, many carriers offer free trial periods that let you test their service before you fully commit. Here's a list of the ones that do!

Why We Love Trial Periods

Trial periods are the smartest way to choose a new phone carrier without any risk. It’s also the one of the easiest ways to find the perfect carrier. Trying a service lets you test the network's speed and reliability exactly where you live and work. You can check if the signal is good for everything you do—from calls to streaming—and guarantees you won't be stuck in a bad contract.

Major Carrier with Trial Periods

Verizon

Verizon offers a 30-day Free Trial via eSIM for compatible devices. This trial gives you unlimited talk, text, and data to test out their network. You can keep your current phone number and carrier service during the trial, as it operates on a separate eSIM with a temporary number.

T-Mobile

With T-Mobile Trial (formerly Network Pass), eligible users with an unlocked, eSIM-compatible phone can try their network for up to 30 days for free. This includes unlimited data, talk, and text so you can truly test their coverage and speed before making a switch.

AT&T

AT&T also offers a 30-day free trial for new wireless customers. The trial is delivered as an eSIM, allowing you to get 100GB of data, unlimited talk, and text to test their network's performance without impacting your current service.

MVNO & Other Carrier Trial Periods

Boost Mobile

Boost Mobile offers a 14-day free trial with unlimited talk, text, and data. You must download their app to sign up for the trial, which is delivered via eSIM. A key detail is that this trial is only for new customers and you cannot have been a Boost or T-Mobile customer within the last 180 days.

Cricket Wireless

Cricket, an AT&T-owned brand, offers a 14-day free trial. The trial is done through the tryCricket app and includes unlimited talk, text, and 3GB of high-speed data on their 5G network.

US Mobile

US Mobile offers a generous 30-day free trial for new customers who port in their existing phone number. The trial includes unlimited talk, text, and 30GB of premium data. They offer service on multiple networks, so you can choose which one works best for you.

Red Pocket Mobile

Red Pocket Mobile has a 7-day free eSIM trial that allows you to test their network. Red Pocket is unique in that it offers service on all three major networks (Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile), giving you the flexibility to choose the best coverage for your location.

Mint Mobile

Mint Mobile, which runs on T-Mobile's network, offers a low-cost 7-Day Trial Kit. This kit, available for a small fee, includes a limited amount of talk, text, and data, so you can test their network in your area before committing to a plan.

Visible

Visible, which is owned by Verizon, offers a 15-day Free Trial for new users with eSIM-compatible devices. This trial gives you a temporary number and unlimited data to test their service, allowing you to see if their unlimited plans are the right fit.

Google Fi Wireless

Google Fi Wireless, which uses both T-Mobile and US Cellular's networks, offers a 7-day free trial. The trial provides unlimited data and US-based calls and texts, giving you a chance to experience their service with no upfront costs.

Consumer Cellular

Consumer Cellular offers a 30-day risk-free guarantee for new customers. While not a traditional free trial, it functions similarly, allowing you to return your phone and cancel your service within 30 days if you're not satisfied.

Xfinity Mobile

Xfinity Mobile, which requires you to be an Xfinity Internet customer, offers a 14-day money-back guarantee. If you're not happy with the service or a new device, you can cancel and return it within two weeks for a refund.

Spectrum Mobile

Similar to Xfinity, Spectrum Mobile, which uses Verizon's network, provides a 30-day money-back guarantee. This is for both their mobile devices and services, giving you a month to ensure the service is right for you.

AirVoice Wireless

AirVoice Wireless, which operates on the AT&T network, has a 30-day free trial with 10GB of high-speed data, unlimited talk and text, and international calling to over 200 countries.

Appalachian Wireless

Appalachian Wireless, a regional carrier, also provides a 30-day eSIM trial with no commitments.

Quick Comparison Chart

Here's a quick reference to help you compare the different trial options at a glance.

Final Thoughts: Win-Win

Choosing a new phone carrier is easy when you can try them for free. A trial period lets you test for the best 5G speeds or strong coverage at home, so you can make a smart choice without any risk. Don't settle for bad service—find the perfect fit for you.