Unlimited data can raise your bill even higher and do you even need it?
According to a recent report fromWhistle Out, many Americans pay for unlimited data plans they dont need.
Whistle Out estimates that ditching an unlimited cell phone plan could save about $50 per month.
Not sure which family cell phone plans will meet your needs? Check out our tips to lower costs and find the rightcell phone plan.
No Interest Til Almost 2027?
The Best Cheap Cell Phone Plans
But First, How Are These Plans So Cheap?
Did you know?
Thats the secret behind cheap cell phone plans and why youll pay more for service from a major carrier.
For some, the price savings with MVNO cell phone plans are well worth chancing slower speeds.
For others who need high-speed 24/7, a plan from an MVNO may not be the best option.
After that, your speeds revert to a still-rapid 4G LTE connection.
The benefits ofMint Mobileextend beyond Ryan Reynolds charm.
Youll also find the ability to call relatives and friends in Mexico and Canada for no extra charge.
Determining exactly how much data you need can be tricky if your plan or needs are shifting.
If youre on a shared plan, look at usage only for your line.
Best of all, there are no hidden fees and no contracts required.
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Switch now to get more out of your wireless for less!
You also get unlimited talk and text and hot spot support with your Ultra Mobile cell phone plan.
Unlike our other picks, this plan doesnt include data.
The best price for Google cell service comes from adding two or more lines with family or friends.
And Unlimited Plus plan customers get an extra 100GB of online cloud storage.
Spectrum Mobile Unlimited is also worth checking out for those who have family or friends abroad.
Youll getfree international textingin the U.S. and affordable international data roaming in more than 200 countries.
With up to five lines, the price per line drops as low as $30 a month.
In that case, you might as well select one of our top cheap cell phone plan recommendations.
That price drops to $25 a line if you have four lines.
you could also mix and match between Verizons two unlimited plans on a family plan.
One person can have the more expensive Unlimited Plus while someone else can go for the cheaper Unlimited Welcome.
We also considered how each plans pricing changed when additional lines were added or customers opted for a contract.
Finding the best cell phone plan to fit your budget is important.
Heres what you should keep in mind when comparing cell phone plans.
Price
Bottom line, how much will you pay and what will you get for that price?
Discounts
Does the price drop with more lines, auto pay or a contract?
And what are the costs for bringing your own phone to the plan versus purchasing a new one?
Some carriers also offer senior, student, teacher, health care and military discounts.
Coverage
Lastly, check each providers website to ensure adequate coverage in your area.
Just ask T-mobile customers in a dead zone versus Verizon customers capabilities from coast to coast.
For instance,T-Mobiles Go 5G Plus(formerly T-Mobile Magenta Max), includes a subscription to Netflix.
Verizon also offers a subscription to Google Play Pass withunlimited plans.
You Prefer to Avoid Prepaid Cell Phone Plans
Assessing prepaid and postpaid plans produces a clear winner.
Its always less expensive to pay for cell phone service upfront.
Before signing on, verify your new provider has the coverage you need stateside and worldwide.
In our roundup,Tellooffers the cheapest rates for cellular phone service.
VerizonandT-Mobileare the best major networks.
Verizon offers the best overall nationwide coverage, while T-Mobile offers the best 5G coverage.
Both carriers offer competitive phone plans.
Kaz Weida is a senior staff writer at The Penny Hoarder covering saving money and budgeting.
Michael Archambault is a former senior writer at The Penny Hoarder.
Senior writer Mike Brassfield also contributed.
