Most cell phone users typically sign up for wireless service through major providers such as AT&T, T-Mobile, or Verizon. However, choosing a smaller phone service can save you money on your mobile plan while still getting reliable service. While larger carriers may offer unlimited talk or data plans, smaller providers also have a range of plans with high-speed data or more affordable options for unlimited plans. If you’re considering switching, here are the top prepaid phone plans for May 2023.
There are numerous service providers that offer prepaid services; however, this article concentrates only on a few, such as Boost Mobile, Cricket, Mint, Google Fi Wireless, Tracfone, Metro by T-Mobile, Total by Verizon, Verizon Prepaid, and AT&T Prepaid. These providers offer various prepaid cell phone plans, so the article will underscore the best alternatives for plans under 5GB of data, under 10GB of data, and unlimited plans.
To learn more, check out our comparison of affordable phone plans.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Prepaid Phone Plans
What is a prepaid phone plan?
Phone service can be paid for in two main ways: postpaid, where you settle the bill at the end of a month, and prepaid, where you purchase service before using your phone. The plans and carriers discussed here are all prepaid plans, while the advertisements you see for AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon typically promote postpaid plans.
Instead of using data and access and paying afterwards, prepaid plan providers allow you to purchase them beforehand in different increments such as 30, 60, 90 days, six months, or even a full year. The prices usually differ based on the length of commitment.
In this article, I will be comparing prepaid cell phone plans that are valid for a single year.
Is the cell coverage in your area satisfactory?
As previously mentioned when discussing the top unlimited cell phone plans, having adequate coverage is crucial to maximize your benefits. It is challenging to suggest a specific carrier as the most optimal choice for everyone since T-Mobile’s coverage may be outstanding in New York, but for instance, Verizon could be more dependable in rural Iowa.
It’s worth checking what network a prepaid provider uses before signing up as they typically rely on existing network services from other companies. Although each prepaid provider offers their own version of 5G, it is important to verify the underlying network before making a decision. I have provided a comprehensive breakdown of these networks for your reference.
Currently, Boost Mobile operates on the networks of AT&T and T-Mobile (although it is planning to transition to a blend of AT&T, T-Mobile, and parent company Dish’s own network in the future). Mint employs T-Mobile’s network (and is in the midst of being purchased by T-Mobile). Cricket operates using AT&T’s network, while Google Fi Wireless relies on T-Mobile. Metro’s network is also provided by T-Mobile, while Tracfone functions on Verizon’s network. Verizon Prepaid exclusively operates on Verizon’s network, and Total utilizes Verizon’s network as well. AT&T Prepaid operates on AT&T’s network.
If you have acquaintances or relatives nearby who are using the prepaid carrier that you are planning to subscribe to, it would be helpful to ask them about their experience. Alternatively, you may visit a retail store of a primary carrier to inquire about free trial programs they offer, such as T-Mobile’s Network Pass, Cricket’s trial program, or Verizon’s trial program, before deciding to switch to their service.
Boost Mobile plans to utilize a blend of its own network along with AT&T and T-Mobile’s networks. Periodically, prepaid carriers offer promotions similar to leading carriers. Recently, Boost Mobile released a promotion for new customers who separately wish to avail an unlimited plan for each line at the cost of $25 per month. However, family plans are not applicable for this offer. In the past, the company provided a promo that allowed new customers to get three lines comprising of unlimited talk, text, and data for $90 a month ($30 per line) after the first payment of $100.
Certain prepaid providers may offer discounts on purchasing a new device. However, don’t anticipate receiving the same significant promotions as leading carriers, such as a complimentary new iPhone 14 or Galaxy S23. Typically, these promotions are linked to 24- or 36-month installment plans, which are not offered through prepaid services due to their nature.
Top 2023 prepaid cell phone plans
Boost Mobile now offers the best prepaid phone plan with unlimited talk, text, and data for $25 per month, including taxes and fees. This new plan is not restricted to 12-month increments, unlike Mint Mobile’s previous pick. However, only new Boost customers are eligible for this offer. Sarah Tew/CNET.
The plan comprises of 5G connectivity and an allocation of 30GB high-speed data every month (post which the speed will reduce until the start of your next billing cycle). The plan also includes hotspot facility that utilizes your high-speed data. It is important to note that in order to avail of the $25 monthly rate, you must set up automatic payments.
Check it out at Boost Mobile.
Sarah Tew/CNET
Mint Mobile’s 12-month plan
Second best option for a prepaid phone plan with unlimited benefits
Despite the eccentric advertising, Ryan Reynolds’ enterprise provides one of the most competitive deals for unlimited data. For a year, one can enjoy unlimited talk time, text messages, and data for $30 per month. They leverage T-Mobile’s networks and you can surf the web at a high speed of 5G and 4G LTE with 40GB per month. Although if you happen to finish all your 40GB before the cycle resets after 30 days, your data speed will decline to “3G speeds.”
Additionally, there is a allocation of 10GB of high-velocity data for hotspot usage along with provision for complimentary international calls to Mexico and Canada. Visit the Mint Mobile website to learn more.
Sarah Tew/CNET
Google Fi Wireless Simply Unlimited
Best plan for multiple lines
Google Fi has recently revised its unlimited plans for cell phone services, which not only reduce the monthly cost but also cater to some beneficial features. Although the pricing for a single line is substantially high as compared to Mint’s, for those who require three lines or more, this plan can offer some savings.
The plan known as Simply Unlimited costs about $27 per line every month when three lines are included, but the cost drops to $20 per month if you have four or more lines (in both scenarios, the total monthly cost is $80). The plan has been updated to offer 35GB of high-speed data along with talk, text, and data in both Canada and Mexico. Additionally, the plan now provides 5GB of hotspot data, but once this limit is reached, the hotspot feature is disabled as opposed to the data speed slowing down.
Recently, Google has included support for 5G on iPhones and the option to add Samsung or Google watches to your subscription at no extra cost.?
There are other alternatives as well: Metro and Cricket have a comparable option for $30 per line when you have three lines, but if you’re using four or five lines, the price per line decreases to $25 per month ($100 per month for four lines, $125 for five lines). Nonetheless, both are more expensive than Fi Wireless’ offer and do not have mobile hotspot data included in their plans.
According to Cricket, data speeds might experience temporary slowdown in a busy network, whereas Google will slow down the speed if usage exceeds 35GB within a month. Metro users will also face speed reduction upon crossing the 35GB limit in a month, while T-Mobile will give priority to its users before those on Metro plans.
Tracfone does not provide a conventional plan that offers unlimited data. Verizon and AT&T have prepaid options that begin at $50 per month with automatic payments ($65 without).
Note: The article was updated on January 30th with information that Google Fi experienced a data breach, which exposed details such as the date of account activation, plan specifics, SIM card serial number, and the account status. The number of individuals affected was not disclosed.
Check out Google Fi
Sarah Tew/CNET
Metro’s Heritage Plan offers unlimited data at $60 per month for one line and $120 per month for four lines.
Top unlimited plans with benefits
This plan is slightly intricate.
Cricket and Metro both provide benefits with their high-end unlimited plans. Cricket includes a subscription to HBO Max with ads, whereas Metro’s top two unlimited plans offer one year of ViX Plus and 100GB of Google One storage. Though Metro used to be more affordable, it has since become more expensive and removed Amazon Prime from its main plan.
Metro still has these plans available, but they are hidden under the “Heritage Plans” section of their website. To access them, you must call customer support. Although this offer is only available for a limited time, it is the best option if you are interested. A single line plan costs $60 per month, while a plan for three or four lines costs $120 per month.
The stated price encompasses taxes and fees, in addition to 15GB hotspot data, 100GB Google One storage, and a membership to Amazon Prime. To avail this plan, it is imperative to reach out to Metro’s Customer Care team at 888-863-8768. For further information, kindly refer to this link.
Alternative choices: In terms of the latest primary plans, the middle plan of Metro for either one or two lines is still comparatively more cost-effective than that of Cricket. A monthly fee of $50 is applied to a single line with Metro, while two lines cost $80 per month. This option is marginally less expensive than Cricket’s, which charges $55 per month for a single line with AutoPay, or $90 for two lines.
Both plans cost $110 per month for three lines, but Cricket offers more benefits like HBO Max and increased hotspot data (15GB compared to 5GB in Metro’s middle plan), thus making it the winner in this scenario. As for four or more lines, Cricket’s plans are $10 less expensive than Metro’s, making it the better choice once again.
Verizon’s Total by Verizon plan offers Disney Plus’ Premium no-ads option on their highest-tier plan. However, with a cost of $60 per month for a single line and $165 per month for four lines, it may not be the most cost-effective choice.
If the cost is your primary concern, consider Google Fi’s Simply Unlimited plan mentioned earlier. For those who require fewer than four lines, Cricket, Total, or Metro are significantly more expensive than Mint. A single phone line with Mint’s premium unlimited plan costs $60 each month, two lines cost $90 monthly, and three lines cost $120 monthly.
Many of the service providers, namely AT&T, Cricket, Metro, T-Mobile, Verizon, and Boost, collaborate with the government’s Affordable Connectivity Program. It should be noted that Metro’s unlimited plan worth $40 per month can be obtained for only $10 per month (and the plan with additional benefits can be availed for $30 per month instead of its usual price of $60 monthly) if you are eligible for the aforementioned program.
View at Cricket WirelessView at Metro by T-Mobile
The Mint Mobile 15GB Plan, offered by Sarah Tew/CNET, is the top choice for those who require less than 15GB of data, provided T-Mobile’s network has good coverage in their region.
New subscribers who purchase in 12-month increments can obtain 15GB of 4G LTE/5G monthly data for $20 per month through Mint. Three additional months can be purchased for $35 per month ($105 total), six months for $25 per month ($150 total), or another year for $20 per month ($240 total) after the initial subscription period.
Previously, it was a 10GB plan, but in April, Mint increased the data allowance while maintaining the same price. On the other hand, Boost Mobile also offers a 15GB monthly plan for $20, but it mandates a full year of prepayment and doesn’t provide options for shorter durations.
Alternative choices: Google Fi offers a “bill protection” feature that reimburses unused data, but it has a cap of $80 per month for one line, 6GB of data, and limitless talk/text. I recommend exploring other options rather than having to track your data usage.
AT&T has an online deal that offers 16GB per month at a cost of $25 monthly, if you pay the full $300 for a year in advance.
Tracfone does not offer a specific 10GB plan, but does have two alternative options. The first is an 8GB-per-month plan for $35 a month with automatic refilling enabled, or $40 per month without it. Alternatively, Tracfone offers a 24GB plan for a one-year time period, priced at $199, which includes the total data allowance for the entire year.
Check out Mint Mobile.
Boost Mobile offers appealing plans for customers who use 5GB or less data, especially if you’re new to the service. The carrier provides a plan of $14 per month that grants 5GB of high-speed data, which can be used as mobile hotspot data as well. To obtain this offer, a 12-month service prepayment is mandatory, which costs $168. This deal is more cost-effective than Mint Mobile’s $15 per month plan, which provides 4GB of data to new customers who prepay for a year. (Mint Mobile plan will soon have a 5GB option this month).
Metro, Total by Verizon, and Cricket all offer a 5GB data plan for $30 per month. Tracfone’s 4GB data plan costs $25 when on autorefill ($30 without).
On the other hand, Boost provides a $100 deal for new customers, giving them 1GB of data per month for a whole year. This translates to $8.33 per month. If you’re not a Boost customer, mainly use Wi-Fi, and prioritize cost, this is the ideal choice when searching for a new service.
T-Mobile is offering several T-Mobile Connect plans. One of them costs $25 per month and includes unlimited talk/text and 6.5GB of data (with an additional 500MB of data added to your plan annually). The carrier also has a $10-per-month Connect plan which provides 1,000 domestic minutes for talk, 1,000 domestic texts, and 1GB of data.
As mentioned earlier, the ideal offer is the one that suits your needs the most.
Check out the offers at Boost Mobile.
Read more: Things to Consider Before Purchasing a New iPhone or Android.
