The 8 Best Cell Phone Plans Under $30 — Plus 3 Other Options

When it comes to finding the best cheap cell phone plans, the sheer choice in the market can feel overwhelming, especially if you are looking for a plan that satisfies your budget.

The perfect plan for you may vary depending on how much data you use each month, the time you spend chatting on the phone and whether you are a text message aficionado.

How to Compare Cell Phone Plans

There are a lot of considerations that go into finding cheap cell phone plans.

Whether you are looking for a single plan or a family plan can have a significant impact on the plan price. Family plans or plans with multiple lines often double or triple the cost of cell phone service, though you usually see a decrease in the price per line. Unlimited data can raise your bill even higher — and do you even need it?

According to a recent report from Whistle Out, many Americans pay for unlimited data plans they don’t need. Whistle Out estimates that ditching an unlimited cell phone plan could save about $50 per month.

With those questions in mind, we’ve researched the best options on the market, comparing what cell phone plans would work best for those looking to lower their cell phone bill.

Our picks range in price from $8 to $65 a month and include everything from unlimited data to no data. Our top recommendation, Mint Mobile, is one of several affordable prepaid plans with a monthly cost of $15 for unlimited data for the first three months.

How much you can save comes down to your data usage and which carrier provides the coverage you prefer.

But First, How Are These Plans So Cheap?

Many of the best cheap cell phone plans in our guide are offered by mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs), such as Mint Mobile and Tello Smart.

That means they lease time on a network from one of the major carriers in the United States—T-Mobile, AT&T, or Verizon—but don’t own the network.

Cell phone plans from MVNOs are priced lower since they don’t need to worry about building out and maintaining network infrastructure.

That’s the secret behind cheap cell phone plans and why you’ll pay more for service from a major carrier.

The downside is that customers on the major network always get priority, so your data speeds may be a bit slower than usual during busy times of the day or in congested areas.

For some, the price savings with MVNO cell phone plans are well worth chancing slower speeds. For others who need high-speed 24/7, a plan from an MVNO may not be the best option.

Only you can decide whether an MVNO is the right solution for you, but if saving money is at the top of your list, this may be your best choice.

If you want a cheap cell phone plan without any second thoughts, Mint Mobile is the solid choice for most consumers. Plans start as low as $15 a month for a three-month unlimited data plan

With Mint Mobile’s outstanding unlimited plan, available for only $30 a month for six—and 12-month plans, you can enjoy using your cell phone thanks to the power of the T-Mobile network.

The unlimited plan offers unlimited talk and text, as well as 35GB of high-speed 5G data for browsing the web. After that, your speeds revert to a still-rapid 4G LTE connection.

The benefits of Mint Mobile extend beyond Ryan Reynolds’ charm. You’ll also find the ability to call relatives and friends in Mexico and Canada for no extra charge.

Additionally, Mint Mobile doesn’t regulate how you use your data, so feel free to use your unlimited plan to power a mobile hotspot the next time you are at a cafe with a poor Wi-Fi connection.

While Mint Mobile takes first place for offering the best overall experience and value, not everyone needs unlimited data. Tello takes second place with a capped data plan, also powered by the T-Mobile network.

If you occasionally check emails on the go but don’t intend to stream Netflix and YouTube while you’re out and about, Tello’s Smart plan might be the perfect option.

Tello Smart offers 5GB of data per month, as well as unlimited minutes and text messages so you can chat to your heart’s content.

Determining exactly how much data you need can be tricky if your plan or needs are shifting. To get an idea, check your existing cell phone bill to see how much you’ve been using each month. If you’re on a shared plan, look at usage only for your line.

If you’re really minimal on data, Tello also offers cell phone plans with as little as 500 MB of data for $9 a month, 1GB for $10, and 2GB for $14 with unlimited calling and texting.

You can save even more with extremely limited minutes and data, down to $6 for 100 minutes and 500 MB. Texting remains unlimited.

Visible offers two plans with unlimited talk, text, data, and hotspot usage on Verizon’s award-winning networks — starting at just $25 a month: the Visible plan is $25 a month, and the Visible+ plan offers faster hotspot speeds and smartwatch service for $45 a month – not to mention one free day of Global Pass per month. Best of all, there are no hidden fees and no contracts required.

Visible carries the latest devices from Apple, Google, Samsung, Motorola, and more. When you switch to a Visible plan, you can use the trade-in value of your phone towards a new one!

For a limited time, get the Visible plan for just $15/mo or check out some of the Visible+ plans’ new benefits for just $35/mo for your first 3 months with code MOOLAH. Switch now to get more out of your wireless for less!

Honorable Mentions

Ultra Mobile 2 GB Plan

Another excellent option running on the T-Mobile network is Ultra Mobile.

While Ultra Mobile doesn’t offer the best deal for unlimited data at $49 a month, it does present a decent offering with its 2GB plan for only $19 a month.

The plan includes 2GB of high-speed data, but you can continue surfing after you reach your limit at reduced speeds. You also get unlimited talk and text and hot spot support with your Ultra Mobile cell phone plan.

US Mobile Talk & Text

If you just need the basics of talk and text to get through your day, you may want to consider the US Mobile Talk & Text plan.

Unlike our other picks, this plan doesn’t include data. It takes you back to the old days with only text messaging and calling — perfect for a cheap feature phone.

At only $8 a line per month (or as low as $6 a line per month with three or more lines), it’s the cheapest recommendation in our roundup.

Google Fi Simply Unlimited

Want the coverage of one of the three major carriers without the cost? Google Fi uses T-Mobile’s network to offer no-frills, affordable unlimited plans.

The best price for Google cell service comes from adding two or more lines with family or friends. In fact, adding up to four lines on Google Fi lowers the monthly cost to $20 per line but you’ll pay $50 for a single line.

Google’s unlimited priority data slows after 35GB per person, but you’ll still get unlimited data, unlimited calls and texts, and no data cap in the U.S., Mexico and Canada. And Unlimited Plus plan customers get an extra 100GB of online cloud storage.

Boost Mobile 5GB

If you don’t need unlimited service or premium data, consider a 5GB data plan from Boost Mobile. Most folks who hang out at home don’t need the constant stream of unlimited high-speed data that other wireless service providers push.

For $15 each billing cycle, you’ll get unlimited calls and texts, 5GB of 5G or 4G data through AT&T’s network, and a mobile hotspot.

Fair warning that Boost Mobile is one of many prepaid carriers and that this bargain rate is for new customers only.

Spectrum Mobile Unlimited

Trying to get cheaper plans by bundling cell phone service with high-speed internet? Spectrum Mobile has your number.

If you already have Spectrum Internet service, you can add a new cell phone plan with unlimited data, text and calls (as well as 5G data speed nationwide) for just $29.99 per month.

Spectrum Mobile Unlimited is also worth checking out for those who have family or friends abroad. You’ll get free international texting in the U.S. and affordable international data roaming in more than 200 countries.

Going with a smaller carrier’s cell phone plan has its benefits, but you’re always subject to possible data slowdowns during busy times or in congested locations. (Remember: Your carrier is leasing time on a network from a major carrier that has its own customers.)

While these may not be the cheapest options, they are the cheapest options available from each major carrier — T-Mobile, AT&T and Verizon.

T-Mobile Essentials

The T-Mobile network has the most expansive high-speed 5G service in the country, making it a great choice for those who love watching TV shows and movies or playing multiplayer video games.

The cheapest option with T-Mobile is the Essentials plan at $60 a month, which includes 50 GB of premium high-speed data, plus unlimited calling and texting.

The price of the Essentials plan drops rapidly when you add lines, down to $24 a month per line for five subscribers — making it ideal for groups.

AT&T Unlimited Starter

If AT&T has the most coverage in your area, the AT&T Unlimited Starter plan might be a good option.

The Unlimited Starter plan comes in at $65 a month for a single line and provides you with unlimited data, text and talk on AT&T’s 5G network. With up to five lines, the price per line drops as low as $30 a month.

AT&T does offer a cheaper plan at $50 a month, which we don’t recommend as it deprioritizes your data and is limited to a single person. In that case, you might as well select one of our top cheap cell phone plan recommendations.

Verizon Unlimited Welcome

Verizon offers an unlimited plan at $60 a month for a single line — quite a nice deal for the network with the most U.S. coverage. That price drops to $25 a line if you have four lines.

You’ll get unlimited talk and text, 5G or 4G LTE, international texting and Mexico and Canada talk, text and data. You can also mix and match between Verizon’s two unlimited plans on a family plan. One person can have the more expensive Unlimited Plus while someone else can go for the cheaper Unlimited Welcome.

How We Picked the Best Cheap Phone Plans

To make our picks, we gathered data and looked at the most affordable plans, analyzing pricing, the amount of data included and whether unlimited nationwide talk and text were offered.

We also considered how each plan’s pricing changed when additional lines were added or customers opted for a contract.

Finding the best cell phone plan to fit your budget is important. Here’s what you should keep in mind when comparing cell phone plans.

Price

Bottom line, how much will you pay and what will you get for that price? The top cell phone plans offer premium packages with perks many don’t need, such as mobile hot spot capabilities.

Data

Most plans offer unlimited nationwide talk and text, so focusing on the amount of data is critical. You can figure out how much data you need by looking at your current phone bills, considering how much video streaming you do on the go, and how much data other people on your plan might need.

Discounts

Does the price drop with more lines, auto pay or a contract? And what are the costs for bringing your own phone to the plan versus purchasing a new one? Some carriers also offer senior, student, teacher, health care and military discounts.

Coverage

Lastly, check each provider’s website to ensure adequate coverage in your area. While cell phone service providers seem to offer comparable plans, a super cheap plan isn’t much good without service. Just ask T-mobile customers in a dead zone versus Verizon customers’ capabilities from coast to coast.

7 Reasons the Best Cell Phone Plan for You Might Not Be the Cheapest

1.You’re Still in a Contract

You might see some incentives from providers insisting they’ll buy you out of your current contract, but you pull out the calculator and add up the costs to see if it’s worth it.

2. You Need a New Phone

One of the ways to get a new phone on the cheap is to switch carriers. You might be able to get a promotion for a new phone and roll the cost of the upgraded device into your monthly payments.

3. You Pay for Streaming Services

Take a closer look at deals where cell phone carriers are offering discounts for bundles with streaming services. For instance, T-Mobile’s Go 5G Plus (formerly T-Mobile Magenta Max), includes a subscription to Netflix. Verizon also offers a subscription to Google Play Pass with unlimited plans.

4. You Live in an Area With Spotty Coverage

Real talk, but any cell phone plan is only as good as its coverage. And while some smaller carriers may be cheaper, that comes at the cost of dropped calls, spotty coverage and slower speeds during peak hours.

5. You Prefer to Avoid Prepaid Cell Phone Plans

Assessing prepaid and postpaid plans produces a clear winner. It’s always less expensive to pay for cell phone service upfront. But if you’re reluctant to do that for various reasons, some cheaper cell phone plans won’t be an option.

6. You’re Eligible for a Student, Military or Senior Discount

Make sure to take into account the other discounts you might be eligible for. Some major carriers offer up to 20% off the monthly cost to students, seniors, teachers, health care workers or service members.

7. You Make a Lot of International Calls

Going with a cheaper cell phone carrier can come back to bite you when you call or text abroad. Before signing on, verify your new provider has the coverage you need stateside and worldwide.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Kaz Weida is a senior staff writer at The Penny Hoarder covering saving money and budgeting. As a journalist, she has written about a wide array of topics including finance, health, politics, education and technology for the last decade.

Michael Archambault is a former senior writer at The Penny Hoarder. Senior writer Mike Brassfield also contributed.