Don’t be fooled. The best carriers aren’t necessarily the most expensive. Here are 2021’s top cell phone companies that offer the higher and best set of cell phone plans.
Every cell phone company is in business and they will do anything to convince you that their cell phone plan is the best you can get. But just because they have a special offer does not mean you should choose them.
You probably see commercials constantly for all of the different providers. It could make it difficult to determine which provider is the best since they all seem to be so popular.
Luckily, Most Companies currently offer a wide range of choices for consumers, from well-known brand names to less known but surprisingly well-established companies. With so much competition from cell phone companies in the last few years, prices of phone plans have definitely fallen, along with plans being offered without contracts.
When we talk about phone companies most of us automatically think of the big four here in the U.S.: AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, and Verizon. But they’re not the only choices when it comes to who you get your service from and the popularity of alternative carriers (MVNOs) is on the rise.
There are a lot of good deals with MVNOs that fit all kinds of needs, whether you need unlimited data plan or just a little for a spare phone. But they allow you to get many of the same perks as the big four, often at a lower price and without a contract.
Compare the MVNOs cell phone plans listed below with any mainstream, Big four plans and you’ll see that these offer much more value for money. That’s just one reason why MVNO plans are becoming so popular.
Picking the best cell phone carrier should be simple. You go with the company that offers the best coverage, the most flexible plans, all at a great price.
Our Top Picks for Best Cell Phone Companies of 2021
Tello Mobile – Most Affordable Carrier
Tello is one of the top cell phone companies in the market, and for good reason. Tello allows you to build your own customized plan based on what you exactly need, which gives you full control of your minutes, texts, and data. You can add more of anything if you find your plan needs adjusting.
Tello offers cheap prepaid phone plans to fit any budget. Starting at just a few bucks a month the plans are infinitely customizable. Customers have the option to purchase additional Pay as You Go plan credits for international calling and texting.
All plans come with unlimited free texting and tethering at no extra cost, and also free calls to Canada, Mexico, and China in addition to the U.S.
Plans and Pricing:
- $8/month: Unlimited talk and texts with free calls to Canada, Mexico, China, and Romania.
- $10/month: Unlimited talk, texts, and 1 GB of 4G data with mobile hotspot access plus free calls to Canada, Mexico, China, and Romania.
- $14/month: Unlimited talk, texts, and 2 GB of 4G data with mobile hotspot access plus free calls to Canada, Mexico, China, and Romania
- $19/month: Unlimited talk, texts, and 4 GB of 4G data with mobile hotspot access plus free calls to Canada, Mexico, China, and Romania
- $24/month: Unlimited talk, texts, and 6 GB of 4G data with mobile hotspot access plus free calls to Canada, Mexico, China, and Romania
- $29/month: Unlimited talk, texts, and 8 GB of 4G data with mobile hotspot access plus free calls to Canada, Mexico, China, and Romania
- $39/month: Unlimited talk, texts, and unlimited 4G data with mobile hotspot access plus free calls to Canada, Mexico, China, and Romania
Boost Mobile – Best Carrier for Families
Boost Mobile markets itself as a phone company with no surprises. Phone plans include taxes and fees, and you won’t get overage charges, so you’ll know exactly how much you’re paying when you sign up.
If you are Ok giving up a few of the extras such as global roaming or a specific streaming service added to the plan for free, Boost cell phone plans comes with unlimited talk, text, and data available for $50/month, the plan includes streaming mobile-optimized HD video up to 480p and 12GB of Mobile Hotspot.
Users can upgrade for an extra $10 per month to raise streaming quality to the 1080p HD, and with Boost Dealz customers can watch a few monthly advertising videos per month to lower the cost of the billing statement.
Plans and Pricing:
- $35/month: Unlimited talk, texts, and 3GB of 4G data with 480p video streaming, and mobile hotspot access plus some sort of Tidal subscription.
- $50/month: Unlimited talk, texts, and unlimited 4G data with 480p video streaming, and 12GB of mobile hotspot plus some sort of Tidal subscription.
- $60/month: Unlimited talk, texts, and unlimited 4G data with 1080p video streaming, and 30GB of mobile hotspot plus some sort of Tidal subscription.
- $80/month: Unlimited talk, texts, and unlimited 4G data with 1080p video streaming, and 50GB of mobile hotspot plus some sort of Tidal subscription.
Xfinity Mobile – Best Network and Coverage
Xfinity Mobile launched in April 2017, and while it’s only available for subscribers of Comcast’s Xfinity home internet and home phone services, it’s a pretty good deal for those that are. Xfinity Mobile operates on Verizon, which means you’ll have good coverage.
All Xfinity plans include unlimited talk and text, along with 18 million Wi-Fi hotspots. With the By the Gig plan, data can be shared across all lines, and users can switch from “By the Gig” to “Unlimited” data during their billing cycle at no additional charge.
Plans and Pricing:
- $12/month: Unlimited talk, texts, and 1GB of 4G data with 18 million Wi-Fi hotspots. ($12 per additional GB)
- $30/month: Unlimited talk, texts, and 3GB of 4G data with 18 million Wi-Fi hotspots. ($12 per additional GB)
- $60/month: Unlimited talk, texts, and 10GB of 4G data with 18 million Wi-Fi hotspots. ($12 per additional GB)
- $45/line/month: Unlimited talk, texts, and unlimited 4G data with 18 million Wi-Fi hotspots. (speeds reduced after 20GB)
Page Plus – Cheap Verizon Coverage
Page Plus is a pretty run-of-the-mill MVNO operating on Verizon’s network. Page Plus is a very basic MVNO that provides monthly plans and pay-as-you-go minutes. It’s best as an option for people still using a feature phone: Pay-as-you-go credit lasts for 120 days and rolls over so long as you renew within that four-month window.
With plans starting out at just $12 a month for 250 minutes, 250 texts, and 10 MB of data per month and going as high as $40 a month for unlimited talk, text, and 3GB of data, this is one provider that offers some of the cheapest cell phone plans you will find.
If you find yourself needing additional data during the month, you can get 1GB for $5 and 2GB for $10. Any unused data carries over to the next month, so you’re never out any money for topping up.
Plans and Pricing:
- $12/month: 500 minutes, 500 Texts, and 100MB 4G data
- $29.95/month: Unlimited talk, texts, and 3GB of 4G data plus $10 free international calling credit.
- $39.95/month: Unlimited talk, texts, and 8GB of 4G data plus $10 free international calling credit.
- $55/month: Unlimited talk, texts, and unlimited 4G data plus $10 free international calling credit.
Republic Wireless – Most Popular Choice
Republic Wireless is one of the best prepaid carriers right now. Republic Wireless has been improving its Hybrid calling system. All phone calls made from a Republic Wireless cell phone are automatically routed over Wi-Fi first, in case no Wi-Fi network is available, it is going to default cellular service which leads to lower bills, and Republic Wireless plans are clearly affordable.
Plans start from as low as $15 and you can add an additional GB of data for $5 each per month. Republic Wireless uses a combination of Sprint and T-Mobile networks, offering more coverage across the U.S.
Plans and Pricing:
- $15/month: Unlimited talk and texts
- $20/month: Unlimited talk, texts, and 1 GB of 4G data
- $25/month: Unlimited talk, texts, and 2 GB of 4G data
- $30/month: Unlimited talk, texts, and 3 GB of 4G data ($5 per additional GB)
List of Other Best Cell Phone Carriers for 2021
Red Pocket – A Solid Verizon’s Network
Red Pocket uses all of the big four carriers. Red is an excellent low-cost service provider for all three sorts of data users: light, medium, and heavy. You can benefit from over 10GB of high-speed data (depending on the type of cell phone you bring to the service).
All plans include unlimited text, free unlimited international voice calls to over 70 countries, retaining your existing phone number, your choice of a Spanish or English customer service agent, and no credit checks, activation fees, a risk-free guarantee, or overage fees.
Plans and Pricing:
- $10/month: 500 minutes, 500 texts, and 500MB of 4G data.
- $15/month: 1000 minutes, unlimited texts, and 1GB of 4G data.
- $19/month: Unlimited talk, texts, and 3GB of 4G data.
- $30/month: Unlimited talk, texts, and 7GB of 4G data.
- $40/month: Unlimited talk, texts, and 15GB of 4G data.
- $60/month: Unlimited talk, texts, and unlimited 4G data.
Cricket Wireless –A Cheap AT&T Network
Cricket Wireless is a well-known no-contract service provider that’s been around for a while. One of the biggest advantages of Cricket’s service is covered. Cricket uses AT&T’s network, so you’ll find more widespread national 4G LTE coverage than plans that use Sprint.
Cricket also has a larger-than-average number of plans to choose from, but its unlimited data plan isn’t as competitively priced as MetroPCS or Boost Mobile. But they do offer good group discounts that can save you up to $100 per month with five lines.
All cricket cell phone plans include unlimited talk and text nationwide. Cricket also offers a $5 discount per month with auto-pay (prices below don’t reflect discount). Taxes and fees included in pricing.
Plans and Pricing:
- $30/month: Unlimited talk, texts, and 2GB of 4G data
- $40/month: Unlimited talk, texts, and 5GB of 4G data
- $55/month: Unlimited talk, texts, and unlimited 4G data with roaming in Mexico and Canada for calls, texts, and data. (Cricket may slow data speeds when the network is congested)
- $60/month: Unlimited talk, texts, and unlimited 4G data with 15GB of high-speed mobile hotspot plus roaming in Mexico and Canada for calls, texts, and data. (Cricket may slow data speeds when the network is congested)
Twigby – Most Flexible Carrier
Twigby is a relatively new entrant in the prepaid mobile space and is already making big waves. This prepaid MVNO works on Sprint or Verizon networks wherever available, casting a wider network across the U.S.
What makes Twigby one of the best cell phone plans companies is their 25% discount for the first six months of service. Twigby allows phone owners to customize their phone plan around what they need and it has free overage protection along with family phone plan options for everyone in the household.
Plans and Pricing:
- $9.75/month: Unlimited talk and texts.
- $14.25/month: Unlimited talk, texts, and 1GB of 4G data with mobile hotspot access plus international talk and text at no additional charge.
- $17.25/month: Unlimited talk, texts, and 2GB of 4G data with mobile hotspot access plus international talk and text at no additional charge.
- $21.00/month: Unlimited talk, texts, and 3GB of 4G data with mobile hotspot access plus international talk and text at no additional charge.
- $24.75/month: Unlimited talk, texts, and 5GB of 4G data with mobile hotspot access plus international talk and text at no additional charge.
- $32.25/month: Unlimited talk, texts, and 10GB of 4G data with mobile hotspot access plus international talk and text at no additional charge.
Visible – Best Unlimited Plan
Visible is one of the newest carriers to hit the market, and it gets a lot of points thanks to how easy it is to use. A flat fee and lots of coverage make Visible an excellent option for a light user that never wants to think about minutes or gigabytes.
With simplicity as its stated goal, Visible offers only one plan at $40/month. This plan includes unlimited talk, text, and data and no annual contracts. Data will be slowed during times of high congestion but this has become the norm for unlimited plans.
Plans and Pricing:
$40/month: Unlimited talk, texts, and unlimited 4G data with free Wi-Fi calling and mobile hotspot access. (Taxes and fees are included)
Metro by T-Mobile – A Cheap T-Mobile Network
Metro by T-Mobile used to be a regional cell phone company a few years ago and has now branched out nationwide. Metro uses T-Mobile’s HSPA+ and LTE network, as it is owned entirely by the larger carrier. T-Mobile’s network has become one of the strongest networks in populated areas but even with all of the improvements, you should check the coverage map to be sure you’re covered.
Metro offers plans with unlimited calling and texting. The price differences come down to the data packages available at 2GB, 10GB, or unlimited. Plans start at $30 per month, which includes all taxes and extra fees.
Plans and Pricing:
- $40/month: Unlimited talk, texts, and 10GB of 4G data with unlimited music. Save $10 on each additional line.
- $50/month: Unlimited talk, texts, and unlimited 4G data with 5GB of mobile hotspot, along with 100GB of Google One storage. Save $20 on each additional line.
- $60/month: Unlimited talk, texts, and unlimited 4G data with 15GB of mobile hotspot, along with 100GB of Google One storage and a free Amazon Prive subscription. Save $30 on each additional line.
Google Fi – Best Service for Travelers
Google Fi’s simplicity continues to be a sweet spot for the average user. With fast speeds and a hybrid network from three carriers, Google Fi provides an excellent experience. International data is included at the same rate. Google Fi relies on a combination of Wi-Fi hotspots and three networks (Sprint, T-Mobile, and U.S. Cellular) for service.
Google Fi has two plans, including one with unlimited data and one where you only pay for what you use. Even if you’re not on the unlimited plan, you’ll only ever pay for 6GB of data and won’t have your data speeds slowed until after 15GB. You can add more high-speed data and time for $10 per month.
Plans and Pricing:
- $20/month: Unlimited talk and texts. Each additional line is an additional $15 per month and $10 per 1GB of data, but anything over 6GB is free.
- $70/month: Unlimited talk, texts, and unlimited 4G data with free international data and texts while traveling plus free Google One membership. (data speeds might slow down if you exceed 22GB of data before your monthly billing period ends)
Mint Mobile – Bulk Savings
Mint Mobile is an appealing cell phone carrier that ships you a prepaid SIM card to utilize with your cell phone. Mint Mobile’s costs are very unique because you have to pay upfront. For instance, to purchase the $15 a month plan, you pay for 3 months in advance, they name it as “wireless in bulk.”
Their existing deal offers you unlimited talk, text, and 2GB of 4G data for $15, so long as you get 3 months in advance, there is also the choice of customizing the plan in advance for three to one year.
Plans and Pricing:
- $15/month: Unlimited talk, texts, and 3GB of 4G data (cost upfront is $45 for 3 months)
- $20/month: Unlimited talk, texts, and 8GB of 4G data (cost upfront is $60 for 3 months)
- $25/month: Unlimited talk, texts, and 12GB of 4G data (cost upfront is $75 for 3 months)
Straight Talk – Best Value
If you live in a town that has a Walmart, it’s kind of impossible to not hear about Straight Talk Wireless. Straight Talk plans are offered in-store at Walmart and online, and similar to another pick on this list, it runs the service of all big four carriers to cover as many areas as possible.
Plans start at $30/month for 1500 minutes, unlimited texts, and 100MB of data. $45/month gets you 5GB of 4G LTE and unlimited talk and text, as well as unlimited 2G data.
Plans and Pricing:
- $35/month: Unlimited talk, texts, and 3GB of 4G data.
- $45/month: Unlimited talk, texts, and 25GB of 4G data.
- $55/month: Unlimited talk, texts, and unlimited 4G data with 10GB of mobile hotspot.
- $60/month: Unlimited talk, texts, and 25GB of 4G data with international talk and text.
FreedomPop – Best Service for Light Users
Just as the name of the service provider implies, this is the plan that will give its users ultimate freedom. Unlike other cell phone providers, this provider allows its customers to choose a plan that is literally free.
FreedomPop offers a basic plan that is 100% free. Yes, free! You can get truly free monthly cell phone service. But, it’s very limited, with 200 minutes, 500 texts, 500 MB of data each month. They charge $20 to activate your phone and another $10 to transfer your phone number to the carrier.
Plans and Pricing:
- FREE plan: 200 minutes, 500 texts, and 200 MB of 4G data.
- $24.99/month: Unlimited talk, texts, and 2GB of 4G data.
- $29.99/month: Unlimited talk, texts, and 3GB of 4G data.
- $34.99/month: Unlimited talk, texts, and 5GB of 4G data.
- $59.99/month: Unlimited talk, texts, and 10GB of 4G data.
US Mobile – Best Carrier for General Users
US Mobile is an MVNO you might not have actually heard of before, however, it’s one you will certainly want to take a look at. It uses Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile to power its service. It is a no-contract cell phone carrier that offers customers calling plans that are flexible and enable them to decide the amount of talk, text, and data that they need every month.
US Mobile offers nearly any combination of minutes, texts, and data including an unlimited plan at $40 per month. You can upgrade your unlimited plan to high-speed data with hotspot connectivity for $10 more per month.
Plans and Pricing:
- $10/month: Unlimited talk and texts.
- $20/month: Unlimited talk, texts and 1.5GB of 4G data with hotspot access.
- $25/month: Unlimited talk, texts, and 2.5GB of 4G data with hotspot access.
- $30/month: Unlimited talk, texts, and 5GB of 4G data with hotspot access.
- $36/month: Unlimited talk, texts, and 8GB of 4G data with hotspot access.
- $40/month: Unlimited talk, texts, and unlimited 4G data with hotspot access.
As you can see, there are numerous variables that enter into choosing what phone service provider is best for you. If the cost, coverage and also phone choices suit your needs, you really cannot go wrong with any of the carriers on this list.
All cell phone carriers are making efforts to make their plans affordable, efficient, effective, and user-friendly for their customers. Due to growing competition in the wireless industry prices are better than ever, and best of all, these amazing deals come with no commitments.
Frankly, knowing what cell phone carrier to go for is an exercise in patience. Just comparing the prices of various mobile phone plans from each of the top cell phone companies can be quite exhausting. However, the entire thing shouldn’t be that hard if you know exactly what you need from your cell phone plan.