Best Cheap Phone Plans & Deals in 2025

You don't have to give up a good phone plan to save money. These days, there's more competition than ever. Affordable carriers are offering great deals that still use the same reliable networks as the major providers. This guide will show you the best options this year so you can get the best bang for your buck.

Why People Go for Cheap Phone Plans

Cheap phone plans are about more than just saving a few dollars. They help you stay on budget with predictable monthly spending and let you pay for only the data you need. Since most plans don't have contracts, you are free to switch carriers anytime and use your own phone, giving you total freedom.

What to Look for in a Cheap Phone Plan

Finding a good cheap phone plan isn't just about price. You also need to consider:

• Network Coverage: A plan is only as good as its network, so check if it has a strong signal where you live and work.
• Data Plan: Choose a plan that matches your habits. If you're often on Wi-Fi, you might not need a lot of data.
• Clear Pricing: Look for plans that include all taxes and fees upfront to avoid surprise costs.
• Flexibility: Many cheap plans don't have contracts and let you bring your own phone, which gives you more freedom.

Best for Low-Data Users: US Mobile Light Plan

For people who mostly use their phones for talking and texting, with just a little data on the side, US Mobile is a great choice. Their low-cost plans let you pick exactly how much data you need, with options starting around $10 a month.

• What we like: You have the freedom to choose from the Verizon, T-Mobile, or AT&T networks, so you can pick the one with the best signal where you are. Plus, the price you see is the price you pay, as they include taxes and fees upfront.
• What to watch out for: Plans with a small data allowance can get expensive if you go over your limit. Also, some users have said that customer support can be a bit inconsistent.

How to Switch to US Mobile

Switching to US Mobile is a simple online process. You'll need your account number and a transfer PIN from your old provider. After you get your new US Mobile plan, you can enter your old account information to start the transfer. It usually only takes a few minutes, and your old service will stop on its own. If you need help, you can contact US Mobile support at (878) 205-0088 or use their online chat.

Best for Simple, Unlimited Data: Visible by Verizon

Visible, a company owned by Verizon, keeps things simple with just two plans that both include unlimited talking, texting, and data. The base plan is a great value for anyone who wants unlimited data on a reliable network without paying a lot.

What we like:

• Unlimited Everything: You get unlimited talk, text, and data, so you never have to worry about using it all up.
• All-Inclusive Price: The price is simple and includes taxes and fees, so there are no surprises on your bill.
• Verizon's Network: Your service runs on Verizon's large network, giving you broad coverage across the country.

What to watch out for:

• Data Speeds: Your data may slow down during busy times when the network is crowded.
• No International Roaming: The basic plan doesn't include international roaming, though you can still call Canada and Mexico.

How to Switch to Visible

Switching to Visible is fast and can be done entirely through their app or website. First, check that your phone works with Visible on their website. Then, get your account number and a PIN for transferring your number from your current carrier. Buy your Visible plan and choose the option to keep your old number.

The app will show you how to enter your account details and turn on your new service with a physical SIM or eSIM. When the number transfer is done, your old service will stop on its own. Visible does not offer phone-based support, so for help, you can use their online chat or reach out on social media.

Best for Paying in Bulk: Mint Mobile

Mint Mobile is a popular choice for its low monthly cost, which you get by paying for a few months of service at once. It uses the T-Mobile network and is a great option if you're okay with paying ahead to save money.

What we like:

• Very Low Monthly Cost: The price per month can be very low, especially with the one-year plan, with some plans starting at around $15 a month.
• T-Mobile Network: You get to use T-Mobile's broad and fast 5G network.
• Data Plan Options: There are many different data plans to choose from, so you can pick one that fits what you use.

What to watch out for:

• Upfront Cost: You have to pay for several months of service in advance to get the best rates, which can be a lot of money at first.
• Data Speeds: Your data speeds may be slower than a regular T-Mobile customer's when the network is crowded.

How to Switch to Mint Mobile

Switching to Mint Mobile is a quick digital process. First, check your phone’s compatibility and coverage on their website. After you buy a plan, you'll receive either a physical SIM card or an eSIM. Then, you can use the Mint Mobile app to activate your new service and transfer your number, a process that usually only takes a few minutes. For help, you can contact Mint Mobile customer care by calling (800) 683-7392 or using their online chat.

Best for Two Lines: Mint Mobile Family Plan

For couples or two people living together, a shared plan can save you a lot of money. Mint Mobile’s Family Plan is a great choice for two lines. You get to manage both lines from a single account, and you get the same bulk-rate savings as a single user.

What we like:

• Inexpensive per Line: When you pay for a year, the price per line stays very low, which is a good choice for two people on a budget.
• Each Person Gets Their Own Data: Each person gets their own data plan, so there's no fighting over a shared data pool. You can even mix and match plans to fit each person's usage.
• Easy to Manage: You can manage both lines, pay the bill, and see usage all in one place through the Mint Mobile app.

What to watch out for:

• Upfront Cost: You still need to pay for 3, 6, or 12 months of service at once to get the best price.
• Data Speeds: Speeds can slow down during busy network times.

Current Deals for Budget Phone Plans

Many cheap carriers have deals for new customers. Here are some to look for:

• Visible by Verizon: Visible has a promotion for new members to get their Visible plan for $19 per month for a full year with the promo code 6OFF12. They also offer a free 15-day trial and discounts on new phones.
• Mint Mobile: Mint Mobile's most common deal is its introductory pricing. New customers can get any of their plans for a discounted rate for the first three months, including the Unlimited plan for just $15 per month.
• Metro by T-Mobile: Metro often has promotions for free phones. Right now, you can get a free Samsung Galaxy A16 5G or a free moto g 5G when you switch and activate a new line on an eligible plan. This deal is typically available in-store.
• Tello Mobile: Tello has a "Back-to-School" deal that gives new customers a 5 GB data plan with unlimited talk and text for just $10 for the first month. They also offer discounts on a variety of phones.

Best Phones if You Want to Save Money

Picking a phone that fits your plan is a smart move. Here are some of the best phones to think about, whether you're looking for a great value or a very low-cost option.

Best for Great Value: Google Pixel 9a

The Google Pixel 'a' series always gives you a high-end feel at a mid-range price. The Pixel 9a has a fantastic camera, the newest version of Android, and a powerful chip, all without the flagship price tag. It's a great choice for a user who wants a great phone without a high monthly payment.

Best for Savers: Motorola Moto G Stylus - 2025

For those who want a low monthly bill and a cheap phone to match, the Motorola Moto G Stylus is a great option. It has a large screen, a long-lasting battery, and even a built-in stylus for a very low price. Many carriers offer this phone for free or for a big discount when you start a new line.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Are these cheap plans as good as plans from major carriers?

A: For many people, yes. Most budget carriers (MVNOs) use the exact same cell towers as the major carriers (Verizon, T-Mobile, and AT&T). The main difference is that your data may be slowed down, meaning your speeds could drop during busy network times. For most users, this isn't a problem they'll notice.

Q: Will I lose my phone number if I switch to a new carrier?

A: No. As long as you don't cancel your old service and you give the new carrier your account number and a PIN for transferring your number, your new carrier will "port" or move your number over for you. This process is fast and simple.

Q: Do I need to buy a new phone to switch to a cheap plan?

A: Not always. Most modern, unlocked smartphones work with any major network. You can check if your phone will work with a new carrier on their website using its IMEI number. If your phone is still locked to your old carrier, you may need to pay it off and ask them to unlock it.

Q: Are there any hidden fees with these cheap plans?

A: It depends on the carrier. With providers like Mint Mobile and Visible, the price they advertise usually includes taxes and fees, which makes billing simple. Other carriers may add these fees on later. Always check the fine print or use an online bill calculator to get a more accurate guess.