Choosing a wireless plan can feel overwhelming, especially when you're juggling a tight budget. However, there are plenty of cost-conscious carriers that offer reliable service and fantastic perks. To simplify the process, we’ve rounded up some of the best affordable wireless plans currently available. Whether you’re all about unlimited data, looking for family packages, or just need a basic plan, there’s something here for everyone.

1. Mint Mobile

  • Cost: Starting at $15/month for 4GB of data
  • Why It’s Great: Mint Mobile is a prepaid carrier that offers budget-friendly plans with coverage on T-Mobile’s network. The entry-level plan gives you 4GB of data, unlimited talk and text, and free calls to Mexico and Canada. Need more data? Their 10GB plan costs $20/month, while the 15GB option is $25/month.
  • Extras: Mint Mobile keeps costs low by asking users to pay upfront for three, six, or twelve-month blocks. The more months you prepay, the more you save!
  • Best For: Individuals who want premium coverage at a fraction of traditional carrier costs, and can commit to paying for multiple months in advance.

2. Visible by Verizon

  • Cost: $25/month for the basic plan; $35/month for Visible+
  • Why It’s Great: Visible operates on Verizon’s highly regarded 5G and 4G LTE networks, making it one of the most reliable options in terms of coverage. The base plan includes unlimited data, talk, and text for $25/month. The higher-tier “Visible+” plan offers faster speeds, prioritized data, and free international calling to 30+ countries for $35/month.
  • Extras: Visible doesn’t charge activation fees or require long-term contracts. With no hidden charges, the price you see is the price you pay. Plus, hotspot usage is unlimited on both plans.
  • Best For: Heavy data users who value simplicity, transparency, and nationwide coverage.

3. Tello Mobile

  • Cost: Starting at $10/month for 1GB; up to $29/month for unlimited data
  • Why It’s Great: Tello stands out for its extreme flexibility. You can build a plan that suits your exact needs, ranging from talk-and-text-only options to unlimited data plans. All plans include mobile hotspot tethering and free international calling to over 60 countries.
  • Extras: There are no contracts, and you can adjust your plan each month if your usage changes. Talk about freedom!
  • Best For: Budget-savvy consumers who want to pay only for the services they actually use or need international connection without extra charges.

    • 4. Cricket Wireless

    • Cost: Starting at $30/month for 5GB; $60/month for unlimited with hotspot
    • Why It’s Great: Cricket offers excellent discounted options for families and individuals alike. Their $30/month base plan supplies 5GB of data, while higher-tier unlimited plans include perks like premium data speeds or 15GB of hotspot usage. Cricket operates on AT&T’s network, guaranteeing solid nationwide coverage. You also get access to international texting to 37 countries.
    • Extras: Family plans are Cricket’s specialty. For example, a four-line unlimited plan costs just $100 total, bringing the per-line cost to only $25.
    • Best For: Families who value multi-line discounts and reliable service with global texting options.

    5. US Mobile

    • Cost: $10/month for talk-and-text plans; $18/month for 5GB; $45/month for unlimited
    • Why It’s Great: US Mobile lets you customize your plan completely, from choosing data levels to adding perks. With access to Verizon and T-Mobile networks, their coverage and speed are top-notch. The unlimited plan includes high-speed data, hotspot usage, and a slew of perks like free subscriptions to Netflix, Spotify, or Disney+ when you have multiple lines.
    • Extras: Users get the option to pool data for families or devices, meaning you can share one larger data plan across many lines instead of purchasing separate ones.
    • Best For: Families or tech lovers looking for high speeds and premium perks at competitive rates.

    6. Boost Mobile

    • Cost: $10/month for 2GB; $25/month for 5GB; $50/month for unlimited
    • Why It’s Great: Boost Mobile’s new “Carrier Crusher” plans make it a standout for budget-conscious shoppers. Their $50/month unlimited plan offers a whopping 30GB of high-speed data, 5GB of hotspot data, and free calling to Canada and Mexico. Even their entry-level 2GB plan at $10/month is hard to beat for light users.
    • Extras: Prepaid options make it easy to control monthly costs with no hidden fees or contracts. You can also snag deep discounts on phones if you bundle with a new plan.
    • Best For: Basic users looking for dirt-cheap options or streaming enthusiasts who need a high-speed unlimited plan at competitive rates.

    7. Google Fi Wireless

    • Cost: $20/month for basic talk-and-text; $50/month for unlimited data
    • Why It’s Great: Google Fi Wireless is based on flexible billing and seamless international usage. Their “Flexible” plan charges $10 per GB of data you actually use, capping costs at $80. The unlimited plan includes hotspot usage, international roaming in over 200 countries, and data protection on public Wi-Fi.
    • Extras: If you have a Google Pixel or other compatible phone, Google Fi optimizes network switching between Wi-Fi and cellular to give you the best signal.
    • Best For: Globetrotting professionals and frequent travelers who need hassle-free international coverage.

    8. Republic Wireless by DISH

    • Cost: Starting at $19/month for unlimited talk and text
    • Why It’s Great: Republic Wireless is known for basic, no-frills plans that don’t charge extras for features many people don’t use. Their unlimited talk-and-text package costs $19/month, with data priced at $5/GB on top. All plans come with free Wi-Fi calling and text functionality.
    • Extras: Republic keeps everything straightforward and simple, leaving no room for surprise fees.
    • Best For: Light users who rely on Wi-Fi and want a super-simple plan without extra data costs.

    Choosing Your Best Option

    Switching to an affordable wireless plan isn’t just about trimming costs. It’s about finding a plan that works for your lifestyle while freeing up room in your budget for everything else that matters. With these great options, staying connected doesn’t have to mean breaking the bank.