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Top 4 Best Cheap Cell Phone Plans Under $29 in 2023

These affordable cell phone plans will work with your current phone, provide coverage on the exact same network, and save you a heck of a lot of money per year.
Tello 1GB
1 Line
1 Line
T-Mobile
$
10
/mo.
+tax
tax included
1GB
high-speed, then data stops
high-speed
high-speed, then 64Kbps
Deprioritized
Deprioritized
Included Hotspot
No Hotspot
Add-on Hotspot
No hotspot
4K UHD Streaming
Unlimited Minutes
Unlimited Texts
Mint Mobile 5GB
1 Line
1 Line
T-Mobile
$
15
/mo.
+tax
tax included
5GB
high-speed, then data stops
high-speed
high-speed, then 128Kbps
Deprioritized
Deprioritized
Included Hotspot
No Hotspot
Add-on Hotspot
No hotspot
4K UHD Streaming
Unlimited Minutes
Unlimited Texts
Xfinity Mobile 1GB
1 Line
1 Line
Verizon
$
15
/mo.
+tax
tax included
1GB
high-speed, then data stops
high-speed
high-speed, then None
1GB premium
1GB premium
Included Hotspot
No Hotspot
Add-on Hotspot
No hotspot
720p HD Streaming
Unlimited Minutes
Unlimited Texts
Visible Base
1 Line
1 Line
Verizon
$
25
/mo.
+tax
tax included
Unlimited
high-speed, then data stops
high-speed
high-speed, then None
Deprioritized
Deprioritized
Included Hotspot
5Mbps Hotspot
Add-on Hotspot
5Mbps hotspot
480p SD Streaming
Unlimited Minutes
Unlimited Texts

Best Cheap Cell Phone Plans for a Low Monthly Cell Phone Bill

Cheapest plan: Tello's 1GB plan

Tello is an MVNO, or mobile virtual network operator, that offers low-cost cell phone plans on the T-Mobile network.

What makes Tello great is that their plans are customizable. You choose exactly how many minutes and how much cellular data you want with your plan.

The specific plan we recommend from Tello is their $7 plan. It includes 100 minutes, unlimited texts, and 1GB of high-speed data. This is perfect because of how low-cost it is at just 7 dollars, and it’s an ideal cell phone plan for kids or lighter data users.

If you find you need more data, you can upgrade plans on Tello at any time. For example, you could move to their $14 2GB plan or their $19 4GB plan, both configured with unlimited minutes.

As a nice bonus, all of Tello’s plans also include free calling to over 60 countries. That makes them a great option for staying in touch with family or relatives who live abroad.

Tello also supports important features like VoLTE, Wi-Fi calling, hotspot, 5G access, and HD video streaming.

Tello 1GB
AT&T
Dish
T-Mobile
Verizon
$
10
/mo
+ tax
tax included
1GB
Unlimited
Minutes
Unlimited
Texts
Included Hotspot
Add-on
Hotspot
No
Hotspot
No Hotspot
Deprioritized
Deprioritized
Unlimited slow data (
64Kbps
)
Unlimited
slow data
4K UHD
video streaming
International calling
International calling add-on
International calling
International data
International data add-on
International data
Domestic roaming
Domestic roaming
Visual VM
Visual VM
VoLTE
VoLTE
Wi-Fi calling
Wi-Fi calling
MMS
MMS
5G
5G add-on
5G
eSIM
eSIM
$
10
/mo
+ tax
tax included

Best cheap cell phone plan: Mint Mobile’s 4GB plan

Mint Mobile earns our top pick for the best cheap cell phone plan because of its combination of affordability and features.

$15 gets you unlimited minutes, unlimited texts, and 4GB of high-speed data from Mint Mobile. That’s almost double the data you get from T-Mobile Prepaid, which offers just 2.5GB for $15 with their Connect plan.

Mint Mobile is an MVNO that uses T-Mobile for coverage. That means you’ll get the same speed, coverage, and performance on Mint as you would on T-Mobile.

You might expect Mint to compromise on features for such a low cost. Thankfully, that’s not the case. Mint includes features like VoLTE and Wi-Fi calling for clear phone calls, visual voicemail for seeing your messages, mobile hotspot for sharing your data with your tablet or computer, and even 5G access on T-Mobile’s 5G network.

Plus, Mint offers add-ons for making international calls and getting international data if you choose to travel abroad.

So how does Mint offer their plans for such a low cost?

The main reason is that Mint Mobile sells their plans in 3-, 6-, or 12-month packages. Think of Mint like the Costco of mobile carriers. The longer you sign up for, the better price you get on your cell phone plan.

If the 4GB data package isn’t enough, Mint also offers a $25 plan with 15GB of high-speed data; plenty for more moderate to heavy users.

Mint Mobile 5GB
AT&T
Dish
T-Mobile
Verizon
$
15
/mo
+ tax
tax included
5GB
Unlimited
Minutes
Unlimited
Texts
Included Hotspot
Add-on
Hotspot
No
Hotspot
No Hotspot
Deprioritized
Deprioritized
Unlimited slow data (
128Kbps
)
Unlimited
slow data
4K UHD
video streaming
International calling
International calling add-on
International calling
International data
International data add-on
International data
Domestic roaming
Domestic roaming
Visual VM
Visual VM
VoLTE
VoLTE
Wi-Fi calling
Wi-Fi calling
MMS
MMS
5G
5G add-on
5G
eSIM
eSIM
$
15
/mo
+ tax
tax included

Best cheap premium plan: Xfinity Mobile's 1GB plan

Xfinity Mobile is an excellent low-cost option for both individuals and families thanks to their by-the-gig plans.

Single-line users can get the $15 1GB plan, which is perfect for light data usage like browsing the web and getting directions.

Families can opt for the $60 10GB plan. While these plans may appear more expensive at first, they actually end up as super affordable options for families. That’s because you can share your cellular data with up to 10 lines for no extra cost.

A family of 4 sharing the $60 10GB plan would each get about 2.5GB per person and only cost about $15 per person as well.

If you need more data, the Xfinity’s unlimited plan for $45/month is not a bad option, either. The price drops to just $30/line with four lines, which is way cheaper than what the major providers are offering.

Xfinity Mobile sets their plans apart from other providers thanks to their feature support. All Xfinity Mobile plans include VoLTE, Wi-Fi calling, mobile hotspot, and low-cost rates for making international calls or using your cell phone plan when you travel abroad.

Plus, Xfinity is one of two carriers to get access to Verizon’s fast Ultra Wideband 5G network, which boasts speeds of up to 2Gbps.

Additionally, by-the-gig customers get priority data. This means you’ll get faster speeds than prepaid subscribers when the Verizon network is busy, such as at a sports game, concert, airport, or other crowded environment.

Xfinity Mobile also lets you add tablet or smartwatch lines to your plan, which is something most prepaid carriers do not support yet. So it’s really a great option for people looking for a premium experience for a low cost.

Xfinity Mobile 1GB
$
15
per month
Network:
Verizon
Data:
1GB
Priority:
1GB premium
priority data
(data speeds may temporarily slow when the network is busy; speeds resume to full speed when the network is not busy)
Hotspot:
Included
Add-on available
,
No
allowance
Minutes:
Unlimited
Texts:
Unlimited
International Calling:
Add-on available
International Data Roaming:
Add-on available
Cost:
$
15
per month
Cost for 4 Lines:
$
4
per line

Best cheap unlimited data plan: Visible

Visible has become known in the wireless space as providing one of the best-value unlimited data plans in the industry.

They offer truly unlimited data for $40 per month, and the Party Pay group discount drops the price down to just $25 per month. All taxes and fees are included, so what you see is what you pay. It’s the best low-cost unlimited plan out there.

You may expect compromises with such an affordable plan, but Visible still includes the same features as more premium plans.

You get VoLTE, Wi-Fi calling, visual voicemail, and unlimited hotspot data at 5Mbps.

Visible recently added new features to their plan, too, making it even better. You now get international calls to Canada, Mexico, the US Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico, and there is a new referral program that can drop your monthly cost to as low as $5.

Surprisingly, Visible even includes access to Verizon’s 5G network, with speeds up to 200Mbps.

Visible’s affordable price and premium features make it an excellent option for those looking for an unlimited plan on a budget. Read more about Visible in our Visible review.

Visible Base
$
25
per month
Network:
Verizon
Data:
Unlimited
Priority:
Deprioritized
priority data
(data speeds may temporarily slow when the network is busy; speeds resume to full speed when the network is not busy)
Hotspot:
Included
Add-on available
,
5Mbps
allowance
Minutes:
Unlimited
Texts:
Unlimited
International Calling:
Included
International Data Roaming:
Not supported
Cost:
$
25
per month
Cost for 4 Lines:
$
30
per line
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Tello 1GB

Plan

Tello's 1GB plan is $10 per month.

It includes unlimited minutes, unlimited texts and 1GB of data per month. After you reach your high-speed data allotment, you get unlimited data at slow speeds (64Kbps). You can use up to up to your entire high-speed data allowance as hotspot data.

Tello uses the T-Mobile networks to provide coverage.

This plan is also deprioritized.

A deprioritized plan means you may notice temporarily slightly slower data speeds during times when the network is busy. This can include being at a sports game, stadium, concert, airport, or other crowded area where a lot of people are on their phones. When the network is no longer busy, you’ll resume getting the fastest speeds available.

Video streams at Full Speed on this plan.

That's fast enough for watching videos at about 4K UHD resolution.

Tello's 1GB plan also supports:

  • VoLTE
  • Wi-Fi calling
  • Visual voicemail
  • Group and picture messaging
  • eSIM
  • 5G access

You cannot add a smartwatch or tablet line to this plan.

Overall, I recommend Tello's 1GB plan. I think it is a great overall value in terms of its price, its features, and how much high-speed data is included.

Tello 1GB
AT&T
Dish
T-Mobile
Verizon
$
10
/mo
+ tax
tax included
1GB
Unlimited
Minutes
Unlimited
Texts
Included Hotspot
Add-on
Hotspot
No
Hotspot
No Hotspot
Deprioritized
Deprioritized
Unlimited slow data (
64Kbps
)
Unlimited
slow data
4K UHD
video streaming
International calling
International calling add-on
International calling
International data
International data add-on
International data
Domestic roaming
Domestic roaming
Visual VM
Visual VM
VoLTE
VoLTE
Wi-Fi calling
Wi-Fi calling
MMS
MMS
5G
5G add-on
5G
eSIM
eSIM
$
10
/mo
+ tax
tax included

Mint Mobile 5GB

Plan

Mint Mobile's 5GB plan is $15 per month.

It includes unlimited minutes, unlimited texts and 5GB of data per month. After you reach your high-speed data allotment, you get unlimited data at slow speeds (128Kbps). You can use up to up to your entire high-speed data allowance as hotspot data.

Mint Mobile uses the T-Mobile networks to provide coverage.

This plan is also deprioritized.

A deprioritized plan means you may notice temporarily slightly slower data speeds during times when the network is busy. This can include being at a sports game, stadium, concert, airport, or other crowded area where a lot of people are on their phones. When the network is no longer busy, you’ll resume getting the fastest speeds available.

Video streams at Full Speed on this plan.

That's fast enough for watching videos at about 4K UHD resolution.

Mint Mobile's 5GB plan also supports:

  • VoLTE
  • Wi-Fi calling
  • Visual voicemail
  • Group and picture messaging
  • eSIM
  • 5G access
  • Device financing

You cannot add a smartwatch or tablet line to this plan.

Overall, I recommend Mint Mobile's 5GB plan. I think it is a great overall value in terms of its price, its features, and how much high-speed data is included.

Mint Mobile 5GB
AT&T
Dish
T-Mobile
Verizon
$
15
/mo
+ tax
tax included
5GB
Unlimited
Minutes
Unlimited
Texts
Included Hotspot
Add-on
Hotspot
No
Hotspot
No Hotspot
Deprioritized
Deprioritized
Unlimited slow data (
128Kbps
)
Unlimited
slow data
4K UHD
video streaming
International calling
International calling add-on
International calling
International data
International data add-on
International data
Domestic roaming
Domestic roaming
Visual VM
Visual VM
VoLTE
VoLTE
Wi-Fi calling
Wi-Fi calling
MMS
MMS
5G
5G add-on
5G
eSIM
eSIM
$
15
/mo
+ tax
tax included

Xfinity Mobile 1GB

Plan

Xfinity Mobile's 1GB plan is $15 per month.

It includes unlimited minutes, unlimited texts and 1GB of data per month. The data is shut off after you reach your high-speed allotment. You can use up to up to your entire high-speed data allowance as hotspot data.

Xfinity Mobile uses the Verizon networks to provide coverage.

This plan has premium data.

Premium data gives you slightly faster data speeds during times when the network is busy. This includes being at sports games, stadiums, concerts, airports, or other crowded areas where a lot of people are on their phones. Keep in mind that a lot of people using the network at the same time will still slow down data speeds for everyone, regardless if you have premium data or not.

Video streams at 4Mbps, full speed on 5G UW on this plan.

That's fast enough for watching videos at about 720p HD resolution.

Xfinity Mobile's 1GB plan also supports:

  • VoLTE
  • Wi-Fi calling
  • Visual voicemail
  • Group and picture messaging
  • Domestic roaming
  • eSIM
  • 5G access
  • Device financing

You can add a smartwatch to this plan for $10 per month.

You can add a tablet line to this plan for $10 per month.

Overall, I recommend Xfinity Mobile's 1GB plan. I think it is a great overall value in terms of its price, its features, and how much high-speed data is included.

Xfinity Mobile 1GB
AT&T
Dish
T-Mobile
Verizon
$
15
/mo
+ tax
tax included
1GB
Unlimited
Minutes
Unlimited
Texts
Included Hotspot
Add-on
Hotspot
No
Hotspot
No Hotspot
1GB premium
1GB premium
Unlimited slow data (
None
)
Unlimited
slow data
720p HD
video streaming
International calling
International calling add-on
International calling
International data
International data add-on
International data
Domestic roaming
Domestic roaming
Visual VM
Visual VM
VoLTE
VoLTE
Wi-Fi calling
Wi-Fi calling
MMS
MMS
5G
5G add-on
5G
eSIM
eSIM
$
15
/mo
+ tax
tax included

Visible Base

Plan

Visible's Unlimited plan is $25 per month.

It includes unlimited minutes, unlimited texts and unlimited of data per month. You also get unlimited hotspot data at speeds of 5Mbps.

Visible uses the Verizon networks to provide coverage.

This plan is also deprioritized.

A deprioritized plan means you may notice temporarily slightly slower data speeds during times when the network is busy. This can include being at a sports game, stadium, concert, airport, or other crowded area where a lot of people are on their phones. When the network is no longer busy, you’ll resume getting the fastest speeds available.

Video streams at 2Mbps on this plan.

That's fast enough for watching videos at about 480p SD resolution.

Visible's Unlimited plan also supports:

  • VoLTE
  • Wi-Fi calling
  • Visual voicemail
  • Group and picture messaging
  • Domestic roaming
  • eSIM
  • 5G access
  • Device financing

You can add a smartwatch to this plan for $5 per month.

Overall, I recommend Visible's Unlimited plan. I think it is a great overall value in terms of its price, its features, and how much high-speed data is included.

Visible Base
AT&T
Dish
T-Mobile
Verizon
$
25
/mo
+ tax
tax included
Unlimited
Unlimited
Minutes
Unlimited
Texts
Included Hotspot
Add-on
Hotspot
5Mbps
Hotspot
No Hotspot
Deprioritized
Deprioritized
Unlimited slow data (
None
)
Unlimited
slow data
480p SD
video streaming
International calling
International calling add-on
International calling
International data
International data add-on
International data
Domestic roaming
Domestic roaming
Visual VM
Visual VM
VoLTE
VoLTE
Wi-Fi calling
Wi-Fi calling
MMS
MMS
5G
5G add-on
5G
eSIM
eSIM
$
25
/mo
+ tax
tax included
Table of Contents

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