If you don't want to be tied to a long-term contract or don't use your phone often, an a la carte phone plan may be the ideal option for you. With these plans, you only pay for the minutes, texts and data you actually use. This is a great way to save money if you're not a heavy phone user.
There are a lot of different options when it comes to pay-as-you-go phone plans. Some large carriers like AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon offer their own plans, but there are also many smaller, lesser-known carriers that offer competitive plans.
In this article, we'll review some of the best paid phone plans currently available, so you can make an informed choice about which one is best for you.
Main lessons
- Pay-as-you-go phone plans are a great option if you don't want to be tied to a long-term contract or don't use your phone very often.
- Many carriers offer a la carte phone plans, including large carriers like AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon, as well as smaller, lesser-known carriers.
- Tello, Twigby, and US Mobile are some of the best paid phone plans available today.
Read also: Which phones are compatible with the Assurance Wireless SIM card?
Overview of à la carte phone plans
What is a paid phone plan?
Pay-as-you-go phone plans are prepaid plans that allow you to pay for your phone service in advance. Instead of signing a contract with a mobile service provider, you simply pay for the amount of data, texts and minutes you need. This helps you avoid long-term commitments, credit checks and the risk of overage fees.
Advantages of à la carte phone plans
There are several advantages to choosing an à la carte phone plan. First of all, you benefit from the flexibility of not being tied to a contract. This means you can change carrier or plan at any time without penalty.
Second, a la carte phone plans can be interesting for those who don't use their phone often, because you only pay for what you use.
Third, you can save money with pay-as-you-go phone plans because they are generally more affordable than traditional plans. Finally, pay-as-you-go phone plans are a great option for those who don't want to go through a credit check or commit to a long-term contract.
Disadvantages of à la carte phone plans
Pay-as-you-go phone plans have many advantages, but also some disadvantages. Firstly, you may have to pay more for your phone upfront because you won't get a subsidized phone as part of your plan.
Second, pay-as-you-go phone plans may not offer the same level of national coverage as traditional plans. Third, a la carte phone plans may not offer the same level of customer support as traditional plans.
Finally, if you use your phone frequently, you risk paying more with an à la carte plan than with a traditional contract.
Overall, pay-as-you-go phone plans can be a great option for those looking for flexibility, savings, and no long-term commitment.
Just be sure to choose a plan that offers the amount of data used, nationwide coverage, wireless network coverage, phone selection, and customer support that meets your needs.
Read also: How much does it cost to send SMS abroad?
The best operators for paid phone plans
If you are looking for an à la carte phone plan, you have the choice between many operators. Here are some of the main operators to consider:
Verizon
Verizon offers a pay-as-you-go plan starting at $35 per month. You can choose from a variety of phones, including iPhones and Android devices.
Verizon also offers a senior discount and a family plan that allows you to add up to 10 lines.
Also Read: Is T-Mobile Better Than Verizon?
T-Mobile
T-Mobile offers a pay-as-you-go plan starting at $40 per month. You can choose from a variety of phones, including iPhones and Android devices.
T-Mobile also offers unlimited data and international calling options.
AT&T
AT&T offers a pay-as-you-go plan starting at $45 per month.
You can choose from a variety of phones, including iPhones and Android devices. AT&T also offers a family plan that lets you add up to 10 lines and international calling options.
Cricket Wireless
Cricket Wireless offers a pay-as-you-go plan starting at $30 per month. You can choose from a variety of phones, including iPhones and Android devices.
Cricket Wireless also offers a family plan that allows you to add up to 5 lines.
Metro by T-Mobile
Metro by T-Mobile offers a pay-as-you-go plan starting at $30 per month. You can choose from a variety of phones, including iPhones and Android devices. Metro by T-Mobile also offers unlimited data and international calling options.
Overall, when choosing a paid phone plan, it's important to consider factors like coverage, device choice, and pricing. By doing your research and comparing plans from different operators, you can find the one that best suits your needs and budget.
Table of T-mobile prepaid plans
Plan namePriceDataTalk & TextInternationalHotspotAdditional featuresSimply prepaid$40/month10GB UnlimitedNot includedIncluded (3G speeds)Unlimited musicSimply prepaid Unlimited$50/month UnlimitedNot includedIncluded (3G speeds)Unlimited musicSimply prepaid Unlimited Plus$60/month UnlimitedNot included10GB (4G LTE), then 3 GMusic Unlimited, 100GB Cloud storageConnect$15/month2.5GB (increases by 500MB/year up to 5GB)UnlimitedNot includedNot included-Connect$25/month5.5GB (increases by 500MB/year up to 8GB)UnlimitedNot includedNot included-
Some additional notes:
- Unlimited Music: With this feature, streaming music from certain services is not counted against your data allowance.
- Connect plans are part of T-Mobile's efforts to offer services at lower costs. The data volume of these plans increases by 500 MB each year for five years.
- Hotspot data on the Simply Prepaid Unlimited Plus plan is at 4G LTE speeds for the first 10GB, then 3G speeds.
- 100 GB of cloud storage: With this option, you get 100 GB of cloud storage through T-Mobile's cloud service.
The best pay-as-you-go phone plans
When it comes to finding the best pay-as-you-go phone plan, there are plenty of options to choose from. Here are some of the best paid phone plans to consider, each with their own features and benefits.
MintMobile
Mint Mobile is a great option for those looking for the best value for money. With plans starting at $15 per month, Mint Mobile offers competitive rates and unlimited talk and text on all plans.
Data usage ranges from 3 to 12 GB per month, making it a great option for those who need a moderate amount of data. Mint Mobile also offers nationwide coverage and uses T-Mobile's wireless network, ensuring reliable connectivity.
Boost Mobile
Boost Mobile is another interesting option for those looking for an a la carte phone plan. With plans starting at $10 per month, Boost Mobile offers affordable pricing and unlimited talk and text on all plans.
Data usage ranges from 1GB to 35GB per month, making it a great option for those who need a lot of data. Boost Mobile also offers nationwide coverage and uses Sprint's wireless network, ensuring reliable connectivity.
Tello
Tello is a great option for those looking for a cheap pay-as-you-go phone plan. With plans starting at $5 per month, Tello offers some of the most affordable pricing on the market.
Data usage ranges from 500MB to 25GB per month, making it a great option for those who need a moderate amount of data. Tello also offers nationwide coverage and uses Sprint's wireless network, ensuring reliable connectivity.
US Mobile
US Mobile is a great option for those looking for a customizable, a la carte phone plan. With plans starting at $3 per month, US Mobile lets you create your own plan based on your specific needs.
Data usage ranges from 100MB to unlimited per month, making it a great option for those who need a lot of data. US Mobile also offers nationwide coverage and uses Verizon's wireless network, ensuring reliable connectivity.
Visible
Visible is a great option for those looking for an a la carte unlimited phone plan. With plans starting at $40 per month,
Visible offers unlimited talk, text, and data on all plans. Visible also offers mobile hotspot connectivity, making it a great option for those who need to connect multiple devices on the go. Visible uses Verizon's wireless network, which ensures reliable connectivity.
Overall, when it comes to finding the best paid phone plan, it's important to consider factors like data usage, national coverage, and wireless network connectivity.
By doing your research and comparing plans, you can find a paid phone plan that meets your specific needs and saves you money in the long run.
Phone plan comparison table
This prepaid cell phone plan comparison table highlights some of our best plans. Let us know which one you find most useful.
OperatorPlan namePriceDataTalk & TextInternationalHotspotPrepaid planAT&TP $130/mo5GBNot unlimitedIncludedPrepaid planAT&TP2$40/mo15GBNot unlimitedIncluded Verizon prepaid plan$135/mo6GBNot unlimitedIncluded Verizon prepaid plan$245/mo16GBNot unlimitedIncluded T-Mobile prepaid planPrepaid $140/mo10GB limitedNot includedT-MobilePrepaid $250/month UnlimitedNot includedMint MobilePrepaid 1$15/month3GB UnlimitedNot includedMint MobilePrepaid 2$25/month10GB UnlimitedNot includedMetro by T-MobilePrepaid 1$30/month2GB UnlimitedNot includedMetro by T-MobilePrepaid 1$30/month2GB UnlimitedNot includedMetro by T-MobilePrepaid 2$45/month16GB UnlimitedNot includedT-MobileMobilePrepaid 2$40/ month10GB UnlimitedNo includedBoost MobilePrepaid $135/month3GB UnlimitedNot includedBoost MobilePrepaid $250/month35GB UnlimitedIncludedCricket WirelessPrepaid $130/month2GB UnlimitedNot includedCricket WirelessPrepaid $130/month2GB UnlimitedNot includedCricket WirelessPrepaid $130/month2GB UnlimitedNot includedCricket WirelessPrepaid $13 0/month2GB UnlimitedNot included Cricket Wireless Prepaid Plan $240/ month10GB UnlimitedIncludedGoogle FiFlexible Plan$20/month base + $10/GBPay per GB UnlimitedIncludedVisiblePrepaid Plan$40/month UnlimitedNot IncludedStraight TalkPrepaid Plan 1$35/month5GB UnlimitedNot includedStraight TalkPrepaid Plan 2$45/month25GB UnlimitedIncludedTracfonePrepaid Plan 1$20/month1GB UnlimitedNot includedTracfone Prepaid Plan 2$25/month2GB UnlimitedNot includedTracfonePrepaid Plan 2$25/month2GB UnlimitedNot includedUS Mobile IncludedNot includedUS MobilePersonalized planVariablesVariablesNot includedVariablesRepublic WirelessPrepaid plan$120/mo1GBUnlimitedNot includedRepublic WirelessPrepaid plan$225/mo2GBUnlimitedNot includedNot included
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best pay-as-you-go phone plans?
The best pay-as-you-go phone plans are those that offer the most flexibility and value for your money. Some of the most popular plans include Mint Mobile, Verizon, Visible, and Cricket Wireless. These plans offer plenty of features, including unlimited calls and texts, data, and international calling options.
What prepaid plans offer unlimited data?
Several prepaid plans offer unlimited data, including Mint Mobile, Visible and Boost Mobile. These plans are ideal for heavy data users who need unlimited access to streaming services, social media, and other data-intensive apps.
What is the cheapest phone plan?
The cheapest paid phone plan varies depending on your needs and usage. Some of the most affordable paid phone plans include Tello, Red Pocket Mobile, and H2O Wireless. These plans offer inexpensive options for those who need basic text and communication services.
What are the advantages of a prepaid phone plan?
Prepaid phone plans offer several benefits, including no contracts, no credit checks, and no hidden fees. They also allow you to control your spending and avoid overage fees. Additionally, prepaid plans offer the ability to change carrier or plan at any time.
Which prepaid telephone operators offer the best coverage?
The prepaid phone carriers that offer the best coverage are Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile. These carriers have extensive networks that cover most parts of the United States. Other carriers, such as Cricket Wireless and Metro by T-Mobile, offer more limited coverage, but may be a good option if you live in an area with good coverage.
How do prepaid plans compare to traditional plans?
Prepaid cell phone plans offer several advantages over traditional plans, including lower costs, no contracts and greater flexibility.
However, they may not offer the same level of coverage or features as traditional plans. It's important to compare the costs and features of both types of plans to determine which one is best for you.
Also read: Can I send text messages abroad with T-Mobile?