08.04.25
Best Affordable Unlimited Data Plans 2025, Starting at $0
by Valeria
Our top pick for cheapest phone plan in August 2025 is TextNow's $0 Essential Data plan because it offers 1GB of free data for using apps like email, maps, and rideshare. Plus, TextNow gives you flexible, budget-friendly options to purchase additional data whenever you need it.
We're not just pushing ourselves — we also list other great choices for cheap unlimited data, best cheap plan for families and more.
According to JD Power, as of 2025, the average (single line) cell phone bill is $141/month. That's almost $1,700 a year. Traditional phone companies don't make it easy to reduce that expense, with a lot of fine print or promotional discounts that require a longer commitment such as paying for 3 to 6 months up front. We help you find affordable phone plans that can keep you connected — without the hefty phone bill.
Summary: Best Cheap Phone Plans
| Category | Plan | Provider | Price | Plan Details | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cheapest Phone Plan | Free Essential Data |
|
Starting at $0/month |
| |
| Cheapest Unlimited Data Plan | Visible Unlimited Data Plan |
|
$19/month*
*New customers get $6 off the $25 plan price for 12 months |
| |
| Cheapest Phone Plan for Families | Essentials |
|
$100/month ( 4 lines) *
*With AutoPay discount |
| |
| Cheapest Prepaid Phone Plan | Unlimited |
|
$15/month*
*New customers get $10 off the $25 plan price for 3 months |
| |
| Cheapest Talk & Text Only Plan | Free Essential Data |
|
$0/month |
| |
| Cheapest Phone Plan from AT&T, Verizon, or T-Mobile (the "Big 3") | Prepaid Unlimited + 10GB hotspot data |
|
$25/month when prepaying for 12 months |
|
Best Carrier Promotions for August
With Back-To-School around the corner, carriers are gearing up for a busy fall season with phone deals and service discounts for new customers. Check out the best deals out right now:
| Best Deals | Carrier | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 2 Years of Unlimited Data Plus a New Phone For $30/Month | Mint Mobile | Select a Samsung Galaxy S25 or Google Pixel 9 with the Unlimited Data Plan for 2 years to only pay $30/month (for the phone + service). Other phone models (including iPhone 16 Pro Max) available up to $65/month payment instead. |
| $10/Month on Unlimited Data Plan for First 2 Months ($25/Month After) | Boost Mobile | Boost Mobile has a couple great phone deals right now, but if you're specifically looking for a great phone plan deal, this is a good one to get into, as even the price after the introductory 2-month period is a very affordable price point with a reliable carrier. |
| 50% Off Unlimited Data Plan When Switching from Metro or Cricket | Total Wireless | Total Wireless has great unlimited data plans, albeit a bit more on the expensive side for the higher tier ones, so if you bring your own phone and are currently a Metro or Cricket customer looking to switch, this could be a great way to enjoy Total Wireless' service at a discounted price. |
Best Overall Cheap Phone Plan
TextNow
Price Starting at $0/month
Network Nation's largest 5G network
Phone Plan Free Essential Data
Data Up to 1GB for essential apps like email, maps, and rideshare.
Perks TextNow partners with multiple brands to provide exclusive offers, discounts, and rewards
Our Take It doesn't get cheaper than free. TextNow is one of the only carriers that provides free unlimited texting and calls using one of the biggest networks in the country. Plus, you get 1GB of free data for essential apps like email, maps, and rideshare, with flexible options to buy more data (for an hour, day or month). We keep it free through the ad-supported app, which also allows us to throw in free offers and discounts from the leading brands we work with.
Pros & Cons Pros:
- Number easily accessible on phone, tablet or computer.
- Talk & text plan with access to essential apps (email, maps, and rideshare) for free.
- Roaming in Canada & Mexico.
- Unlimited calling and texting to Canada & Mexico (plus hundreds of other international calling options also starting at $0).
- Exclusive deals and discounts from popular brands.
- Have to add on data passes to access other apps ($0.99/hour, $4.99/day or $39.99/month).
- No eSIM support yet.
STOP! Paying for phone service
With TextNow, you get unlimited talk & text, plus essential data, for $0/month. Stay connected without paying a penny on your phone bill. Get started with the app.
Cheapest Plan for Unlimited Data
Visible
Price * $19/month for new customers for 1 year, then $25
Network Verizon
Phone Plan Visible Unlimited
Data Unlimited
Perks None included
Our Take If you're a heavy data user looking for a plan with unlimited mobile hotspot, this is a great deal.
Pros & Cons Pros:
- No other hidden fees (taxes already included).
- Truly unlimited data (no hard caps).
- No roaming included.
- Data is not premium – network speeds may be deprioritized.
Other Unlimited Data Plans Need an affordable unlimited data plan? Check out the full guide to the best unlimited data plans. Or, if you want Verizon's network for coverage, compare the best Verizon phone plans, including prepaid choices.
Cheapest Plan for Families
T-Mobile
Price $100 for 4 lines*
*With AutoPay discount, limited time offer.
*With AutoPay discount, limited time offer.
Network T-Mobile
Phone Plan Essentials
Data 50GB of premium data*
*Data speeds reduced after 50GB
*Data speeds reduced after 50GB
Perks None
Our Take The whole family gets premium data on T-Mobile’s extensive network, and the AutoPay discount makes this one of the cheaper options out there. Four lines for $100 grants all the perks of a postpaid plan at prepaid plan pricing.
Pros & Cons Pros:
- Prioritized data on T-Mobile's network.
- Affordable price for 4 lines.
- Mobile hotspot not included.
- No perks like Netflix, Apple TV+, or roaming included as with T-Mobile's other unlimited plans.
- No price guarantee, unlike other unlimited choices on T-Mobile.
Other Family Phone Plans If you're looking around for a family phone plan specifically as you're gearing up to add your kids' lines to the monthly billing, check out our full list of the best family phone plans in 2025.
Cheapest Prepaid Phone Plan
Tello
Price $15 month*
*New customers get $10 off the $25 price for their first 3 months
*New customers get $10 off the $25 price for their first 3 months
Network T-Mobile
Phone Plan Unlimited
Data Limit 35GB of high-speed data
Unlimited throttled (slower) speeds after
Unlimited throttled (slower) speeds after
Perks N/A
Our Take This earns high marks for an affordable unlimited data plan with its generous 35GB of data before speeds are throttled.
Pros & Cons Pros:
- No upfront payment required for monthly discount.
- Price doesn't require AutoPay enrolment.
- Free international calls to 60+ countries.
- Only comes with 5GB of mobile hotspot data.
Other Prepaid Phone Plans Prepaid phone plans are a great way to manage your monthly budget with a cheaper phone bill and zero commitments. Check out our full list of the best prepaid phone plans of 2025 to find the right one.
Cheapest Phone Plan from the Big 3 (AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon)
AT&T
Price $25/month (when you prepay for 12 months)
Network AT&T
Phone Plan Prepaid Unlimited+ 10GB hotspot data
Data Limit 16GB
Data speeds slowed to 1.5Mbps for rest of billing cycle after limit is reached
Data speeds slowed to 1.5Mbps for rest of billing cycle after limit is reached
Perks None Included
Our Take If you want to get on AT&T's network for its coverage, this prepaid plan is an affordable option. It includes ActiveArmor security to block spam calls and more.
Data speeds slowed after 16GB; if you need more high speed data, you might want to consider another service.
Pros & Cons Pros:
- 10GB hotspot included.
- Unlimited texts to 230+ countries
- Upfront payment of $300 for the year is required to get the lower monthly price.
- Not suitable for heavy data users.
Best Plan for Unlimited Talk & Text
TextNow
Price $0/month
Network Nation's largest 5G network
Phone Plan Free essential data
Data Limit 1GB of data to access essential apps like email, maps, and rideshare
Our Take If you're only in need of a number to stay connected with calls & texts, you can't beat free.
Pros & Cons Pros:
- Number easily accessible on multiple devices (phone, tablet, computer).
- Talk & text plan includes essential apps like email, maps, and rideshare for free.
- No contracts; easy set up through an app that doesn't require in-store activation or further customer support.
- No eSIM support yet.
Other Talk & Text Only Plans If you want talk & text only plans that skip the data, check out our guide to the best no data plans.
Methodology
When looking at affordable phone plan alternatives, it's easy to focus on the price alone. But there should be value attached to that price tag that ensures the plan you're paying for isn't just affordable, but also sustainable, providing you with quality service.
When we look at cheap phone plans, then, we not only consider price, but also:
Network coverage. While most carriers will use one of the three major networks available, we ensure there aren't reports of sub-par real-life coverage.
Value (what's included in the price). We look for plans that are priced fairly for what's included, and if possible, come with other benefits than just the listed services.
Real user reviews. What's written on paper is all good and fine, but we look through Reddit threads and Trustpilot scores to ensure the actual experience matches what's promised.
Each of these factors are considered with their own weight, leading to a score that helps us determine the best picks.
Beginner’s guide to cell phone plan
Cell phone plans are a big part of our daily lives. The right phone plan could enable you to save hundreds of dollars each month and manage your finances better.
What is a cell phone plan?
A cell phone plan is a service agreement between a customer and a mobile carrier that provides access to cellular networks for calls, texts, and (optional) data. These plans determine how much you pay and what services you get.
Types of cell phone plans
There are two types of phone plans: Contract (or Postpaid) and Prepaid.
Contract phone plan: Customer signs a long-term contract with the mobile carrier to use its network. The market has various types of plans, such as free text and call, limited and unlimited data plans, and free roaming.
Prepaid phone plan: Customer pays the phone plan in advance without signing a long-term contract, which also means they can get the phone plan without a credit check.
Both postpaid and prepaid phone plans will also offer different plans based on the features or benefits that you're looking for:
Unlimited data. Unlimited data plans will provide, you guessed it – unlimited data – if you're someone who streams a lot on-the-go, or may not have reliable internet connection at home to use.
Limited data. On the flip side, if you don't need to pay for unlimited when you only use 2-5GBs a month, you can find a plan that fits your specific data needs instead.
Talk & text only. If you don't need data at all, and are just looking for a plan that will keep you connected with calls and texts, a talk & text (or no data) plan will be your best option.
Senior phone plans. If you're looking for a senior discount or a special plan that accommodates your needs as a senior, you can find one offered by many phone providers.
Family phone plans. If you need to get multiple lines activated, you can look for a family plan, which will often be discounted the more lines you add on. Or, you might want to shop for phone plans for kids and teens that cater to their needs.
Types of phone carriers: Why MVNOs are cheaper
The type of phone carrier also plays a big role in your phone plan's cost. In the U.S, there are two main types of carriers:
1. MNOs
MNOs, or Mobile Network Operators, are the major carriers that own and operate their own networks. That includes the towers, spectrum, and core infrastructure. In the U.S, they're also known as the "Big 3," as there are currently only 3 of them: AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon.
These carriers more commonly offer postpaid plans, which include more premium (prioritized) data, but at a much higher cost.
2. MVNOs
MVNOs, on the other hand, are the more affordable option, as these are Mobile Virtual Network Operators — they don't own or maintain their own network, they simply lease access from the Big 3 and resell it under their own plans. These carriers typically offer prepaid plans that are more affordable (because they don't have to pay for building or maintening the network) and flexible, although their data is often deprioritized in times of congestion in comparison to postpaid customers.
Mobile Network Operators (MNOs)
Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) using the network include:
AT&T
- Boost Mobile*
- Cricket Wireless
- Consumer Cellular
- Gen Mobile**
- H20 Unlimited
- RedPocket**
- US Mobile**
T-Mobile
- Boost Mobile*
- Gen Mobile**
- Google Fi
- Lyca Mobile
- Metro by T-Mobile
- Mint Mobile
- RedPocket**
- Tello
- Ting Mobile***
- US Mobile
Verizon
- Gen Mobile**
- RedPocket**
- Simple Mobile
- Straight Talk Wireless
- Ting Mobile***
- Total Wireless
- TracFone
- Twigby
- Ultra Mobile
- US Mobile
- Visible
* Boost Mobile lets users choose between AT&T and T-Mobile networks.
** Gen Mobile, RedPocket and US Mobile lets users choose from any of the Big 3 networks.
*** Ting Mobile primarly uses T-Mobile but users can also choose Verizon.
** Gen Mobile, RedPocket and US Mobile lets users choose from any of the Big 3 networks.
*** Ting Mobile primarly uses T-Mobile but users can also choose Verizon.
If you’re wondering what the difference is between, say, a plan from Verizon versus one from Visible when they’re using the same network, it mostly comes down to:
Fewer perks (e.g. no free streaming subscriptions included).
More-limited customer service access.
Network speeds (typically, the big 3 network postpaid customers are prioritized first, followed by their prepaid customers, with MVNO customers in third place).
Are there any free phone plans?
Yes, you can get a free cell phone plan. You can opt to work with government programs or use TextNow for free phone service without any further qualifications or fine print.
Qualifying programs like Lifeline can reduce the recurring monthly charge by $9.25 ($34.25 for those on tribal lands), which can bring a phone plan close to or actually $0 on select plans, but they can be hard to qualify for. They also work with TruConnect to get further qualifying households (based on income) free government phone plans.
The problem with these programs is that there is a lot of paperwork to deal with, and it can be difficult to qualify for. Alternatively, you can sign up for a TextNow account with just an email and get a free local phone number to use immediately for unlimited calls and texts over Wi-Fi. If you need nationwide coverage, you will have to spend $4.99 on a SIM card, but once it's connected, you're able to use your phone with your TextNow number on the nation's largest 5G network for free. Plus, you'll have free access to essential apps like email, maps, and rideshare (Uber and Lyft) for no additional cost.
How to select the best phone plan
If you type “cheapest phone plan” into a search engine, you’re going to see a mix of articles like this one, but more importantly, you’re going to see a lot of claims: “easy,” “affordable,” “best,” “what you deserve.” Finding what actually works for you, especially if you're just venturing out on your own for the first time after leaving your parents' phone plan can feel overwhelming. So let’s break down what to look for when selecting the best phone plan for you:
Data: These days, having some access to data is basically a need, not just a want. It’s important that you first determine how much data you need. It may be that your school/work situation means you're connected to Wi-Fi most of the time anyway and so only need very little data. Or it may be that you’re spending a lot of your time outside of Wi-Fi zones and need steady access to apps, not just to texts & calls. Figuring that out first will help you narrow down your search (unlimited data vs. a talk & text only plan). If you're looking for unlimited data plans specifically, you can easily compare to find the best unlimited data plan for your needs, even if you're looking for something specific, like a senior phone plan.
Network: This goes for any phone plan search, but coverage is key. The big three networks (AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon) do a pretty good job of covering the continental United States. If you don’t already know whether your area has issues with coverage from one or more of those carriers, do your research first. That might narrow down your choices, such as wanting to consider the best Verizon phone plans, for example.
Speed: As mentioned before, reseller networks tend to be deprioritized in comparison to the big networks. This just means that in times of congestion (especially if you live in a metropolitan area), you may experience slower speeds than someone who is on an AT&T plan.
This will mostly be felt if you’re someone who spends a lot of time on their phone streaming (YouTube, Netflix, etc.) and/or uploading content over data (Instagram stories or reels, TikToks). So be sure to look into the speeds offered by each provider before deciding on that plan.
TextNow Tip: You can use the "broadband fact sheets" available under every data plan (as mandated by the FCC) to find the exact download and upload speeds offered by that provider.
Price: And finally, the factor that probably matters the most to you: price. It’s important that you set a realistic budget before making a choice.
You may just be looking for a cheap phone plan that lets you save elsewhere, so you put savings toward a new car, a vacation, or rent. Understanding how much you can spend on a phone plan based on your monthly budget is key when you start shopping, so you can filter by price. It's important to avoid stretching your budget too much, because failing to pay a phone bill can affect your credit.
Another tip to remember is to look into "introductory prices" versus the regular ones. Phone carriers love to throw promotions around, and while some may very well be worthwhile, others, like Mint Mobile's for example, are not more affordable in the long run.Postpaid or prepaid: After figuring out your data, network, speed, and price choices, you should ask yourself whether you want to sign a long-term contract to pay monthly or would rather pay upfront without a binding contract. Prepaid plans are typically cheaper, while postpaid plans tend to come with perks and priority data.
Got questions or comments? Send us a note at [email protected]!
MVNOS VS OTHER CARRIERS
